Column: NIGC to take a 'look' at Seminole gaming

Thursday, October 22, 2009  

"If the state and the Seminoles fail to hammer out a compromise on a gambling compact, what will federal authorities do?

That was the multi-million dollar question hanging over the annual Florida Gaming Summit on Tuesday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood.

The question gained urgency on Wednesday, when Florida House speaker Larry Cretul upped the ante by declaring "an impasse" in the talks.

Cretul, a Republican from Ocala, asked federal regulators to shut down disputed table games, like blackjack, and slot machines at the Seminoles' seven casinos until a final compact is ratified by the Legislature.

"The tribe's ability to profit from these illegal games creates a disincentive to enter into a compact, and places the state at a significant disadvantage," Cretul wrote in a letter to the National Indian Gaming Commission.

But don't bet on the National Indian Gaming Commission acting swiftly, or decisively.

"I certainly intend to take a look at the issue," Acting Commission Chairman George Skibine said on Tuesday. "One big issue is who has the authority to decide if a compact is valid or not.""

Get the Story:
Michael Mayo: No end in sight to South Florida gambling confusion (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 10/22)

Earlier Story:
NIGC urged to take action against Seminole Tribe (10/21)