Column: Class III not a sure thing in Florida

Monday, November 12, 2007

"Don't bet on playing Vegas-style slots at a Seminole casino any time soon.

The only sure thing – whether or not Gov. Charlie Crist and the tribe reach a gambling agreement before the latest empty federal deadline Thursday – is that there'll be more Class III action in courtrooms than tribal casinos for the foreseeable future.

That's good news for lawyers, bad news for frustrated gamblers, who are itching to see Class III slots and table games like blackjack at the Seminoles' seven casinos.

And it's bad news for state coffers. Each day the status quo holds, it means no money to the state from the Seminole casinos. The Seminoles made about $1.5 billion from Class II bingo-style slots last year, in which gamblers play against each other. In Class III, gamblers play against the house.

The U.S. Department of Interior has issued a Thursday deadline for the state and the tribe to reach a gambling agreement, or compact.

If no compact is reached, the feds say they will impose "procedures" allowing the Seminoles the same Vegas-style slots found at three Broward pari-mutuel casinos."

Get the Story:
Future bets: More options no sure thing at Seminole casino (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 11/11)
pwday