Indian Gaming

Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) is worried that gaming expansion talks might affect compact negotiations with the Seminole Tribe.

Scott asked the state Senate to put a hold on bills to expand non-Indian gaming, The Miami Herald reported. Sen. Garrett Richter (R), the chairman of the Senate Gaming Committee, canceled a meeting on Monday in response to the request, the paper said.

“The governor’s office called me and asked if we would slow down the process until we know what the terms of a potential deal with the tribe is,’’ Richter told the paper.

Scott opened formal talks with the tribe, whose compact expires in 2015. A deal could be announced by the end of the year.

Meanwhile, a House committee advanced a bill to create a new state gaming commission and to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot this November. If the amendment passes, any future expansions of non-Indian gaming would require voter approval.

Get the Story:
House advances bill to create new gaming agency (The Miami Herald 3/20)
House Gambling Overhaul, With Sweeteners, on a Roll (Sunshine State News 3/20)
House panel calls for state amendment to expand gambling (The Naples Daily News 3/20)

Related Stories:
Column: Seminole Tribe a powerful player in gaming debate (3/18)