The Seminole Tribe of Florida signed yet another gaming compact but it looks like third time's a charm for this deal. The tribe's first agreement was invalidated by the state courts. The second one was rejected by Republican lawmakers. This time, lawmakers took a bigger role in negotiating the compact. It authorizes slot machines at seven tribal facilities and card games at four. In exchange, the tribe will share $150 million per year for the first two years of the deal, $233 million for the third and fourth and $234 million for the final year. Additionally, the tribe will make a one-time $287 million payment to the state. After five years, lawmakers plan to take a broader look at the statewide gaming industry. Get the Story:
State, Seminoles hit $1 billion gambling deal (The Sarasota Herald-Tribune 4/10)
Fla., Seminoles reach gaming pact (The Gainesville Sun 4/7)
Seminole Deal OK'd, Most Pari-Mutuels Miffed (Sunshine State News 4/7)
Gaming compact deal nears (The Tampa Tribune 4/7)
Florida Gov. Crist, Seminole Indians reach gaming deal (The Tallahassee News-Press 4/7)
Seminole Tribe, Crist expected to sign gambling compact (The Miami Herald 4/6)