Florida Gov Approves Deal With Indian Casinos

Seminole casino operators rejoiced Monday as they are officially recognized and allowed to operate in the state.

This transpired as Florida Governor Charlie Crist finally signed a legislative bill that would allow expanded gambling in the state. The bill was reached as a compromise between the senate, which goes for added gambling, and the house, which runs the other way.

The proposal requires Seminole operated casinos to pay $150 million annually to the state plus additional fees based on the profits they gain. In return, they get exclusive rights to operate blackjack and other table games.

The decision, however, was not without hitch. An earlier agreement between Crist and Seminole representatives was dismissed by the state's Supreme Court, who said that Crist has overstepped his powers when inking the deal. Seminole casinos, however, still operated under the pact until officials came with the alternative solution.

Crist is yet to put the deal under negotiations with the tribe. He has until August to complete the talks and send the completed agreement back to the legislature for final approval.

However, the talks may take a lot of time as Seminole lawyers have expressed doubt that the deal may be acceptable. According to them, the original proposal has a significantly lower annual payment of $100 million. Tribe representatives have also said that the new agreement contains many loopholes that the state may use to go around the exclusive game rights without violating the contract. The Seminoles have the last say before the deal is finalized.

However, Crist expressed that it is very important to come up with a sound agreement because being unable to might lead to government to grant gaming rights to the tribal casinos without getting any payment, which he sees as very problematic.