Legislature Close to Gambling Deal with Seminoles
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
By: Tom Parkinson

State legislative negotiators have reached a tentative agreement with the Seminole Tribe that would allow expanded gaming at the tribe's Florida casinos.

The agreement will require the tribe to pay an estimated $1.5 billion dollars to the state over the next five years.
Republican State Senator Dennis Jones of Seminole, chairman of the Regulated Industries Committee, says the pact makes financial sense for Florida.
“With the budget the way it is and more and more of the public leaving the state for gaming, I mean we’ve already identified over 3 million people that leave the state in planes, trains and buses just for gaming.  If they feel they’d like to keep that revenue in the state, then we’re giving them an opportunity to do that.” Jones says.
The deal will allow the Seminole tribe to operate black jack tables at its casinos in Immokalee, Tampa and Broward County. All seven Seminole casinos will be allowed to continue operating Las Vegas-style slot machines.
The House and Senate are expected to continue discussing the issue today. Gov. Crist has said that he is in favor of the deal.
If approved by the legislature, it would also require approval by the Seminole Tribal Council. 

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