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Column: Politicians play hardball with Seminole Tribe's compact

It's becoming increasingly obvious to many on the sidelines that with the keen interest of major casino operators and integrated resort developers, Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature might be warming up to play a game of hardball with the tribe.

According to the provisions of the 2010 agreement, the Seminoles have an exclusive right to offer three card games at five of their casinos -- blackjack, chemin de fer and baccarat. In return, they have to share a portion of their revenue with the state -- an estimated $116 million a year -- to be in compliance with state and federal law.

Scott came close to renewing the compact last May but ran out of time when the 2014 legislative session ended. Bad luck for the tribe. Now, with the election over and the economy rebounding, legislators are far more cavalier about the renewal deadline -- some questioning whether the state needs the Seminoles' money at all, others wanting to look at options like destination resort casinos.

Right now the governor is waiting for the 2015 Legislature to give some indication of what lawmakers want. Do they want to renew the gaming compact and nothing else? Dismiss all gambling expansion? Expand gaming to include pari-mutuels and perhaps two “destination resort” casinos? Scott has the sole authority to negotiate the compact, but he can't renew or revise it without legislative approval.