Florida Democrats vow to block Seminole Tribe gaming compact

Friday, March 28, 2014  

Democrats in Florida say they will block a Class III gaming compact for the Seminole Tribe unless non-Indian facilities get to expand.

The tribe is negotiating a new compact with Gov. Rick Scott (R). Legislative approval is required so opposition from House Democrats could derail a deal.

"The fate of the compact is in serious jeopardy if we do not have some bipartisan support. It's a basic principle of math," Rep. Rob Schenck (R), the chairman of the House Select Committee on Gaming, told The News-Service of Florida.

Scott has urged lawmakers to hold back on expanding non-Indian gaming until he finalizes a compact. The tribe's existing compact ties revenue sharing to regional exclusivity.

Get the Story:
House Democrats to block deal with Seminoles (The News-Service of Florida 3/28)

An Opinion:
The Sun Sentinel's Take: Long odds for clear road map on gambling (The South Florida Sun Sentinel 3/28)

Lawmakers wait on gaming compact talks with Seminole Tribe (3/21)