Florida Legislature May Continue Blackjack at Seminole Casinos
The two widely diverse plans for Florida gaming from the state House and Senate are undergoing negotiations to reach a single compromise, and an early return is the acceptance of blackjack at at least some of the Seminole casinos. House officials moved off their proposed rollback of permitted gambling to suggest they could approve retaining blackjack at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Casino and the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino.
The Senate plan went beyond Governor Charlie Crist's would-be compact with the tribe, bringing blackjack and expanded poker throughout the state and giving exclusives on craps and roulette to the Seminoles. But the House measure was far more conservative, withdrawing blackjack even at Seminole casinos where it has been played for over a year.
The new proposal would allow the tribe exclusive blackjack in Broward County, where racinos compete with tribal Class III slot machines. Blackjack would be forbidden elsewhere, but the Class III slots would be allowed only to Seminole casinos outside Broward, giving the tribe a major exclusive everywhere it operates.In return, the Seminoles would pay $200 million annually.
Crist solved a gaming crisis about to explode when he took office, but legislators successfully sued to block the compact because they weren't consulted. Now the governor reminds lawmakers of the severe budget deficit the state faces.
"If it (a gambling agreement) doesn’t happen, you know, I may have to cut things out of this budget that are put in there," said Crist. "There are important things they (legislators) want to do around the state. In some ways the Seminole compact money gives us the opportunity to do those things."
Asked if his words were meant as a threat to state officials, Crist replied, "Please don’t characterize it that way. It’s not. It’s just reality."
Recent Comments
| Posted by: Richard | When: 05/03/2009 09:12:39 PM EST |
| It is quite obvious the FL Legislature is intent on fulfilling former house speaker Bense's short sighted wish for the racinos to go bankrupt. The racinos, in the name of fairness should have the same products the Seminoles offer. If the Seminoles have Blackjack and the Racinos do not, clearly the handwriting is on the wall for the Racinos. It does make one wonder why they are not even considering giving the racinos a fair shake even if it is just to save jobs. The house is blind to the fact that healthy competition between the racinos and the Seminoles would bring more income to the state via a reasonable tax on the racinos and provide the public with more than just slot barns. They would rather beg for money from the Seminoles than earn it in taxes from the racinos. I remind you this is the same governing body that has no problem with $30.00 lottery scratch off tickets. This legislature has found a way to take hypocrisy to new and dizzying heights. | |
| Posted by: Richard | When: 05/03/2009 09:13:06 PM EST |
| It is quite obvious the FL Legislature is intent on fulfilling former house speaker Bense's short sighted wish for the racinos to go bankrupt. The racinos, in the name of fairness should have the same products the Seminoles offer. If the Seminoles have Blackjack and the Racinos do not, clearly the handwriting is on the wall for the Racinos. It does make one wonder why they are not even considering giving the racinos a fair shake even if it is just to save jobs. The house is blind to the fact that healthy competition between the racinos and the Seminoles would bring more income to the state via a reasonable tax on the racinos and provide the public with more than just slot barns. They would rather beg for money from the Seminoles than earn it in taxes from the racinos. I remind you this is the same governing body that has no problem with $30.00 lottery scratch off tickets. This legislature has found a way to take hypocrisy to new and dizzying heights. | |
| Posted by: Native Floridian | When: 05/04/2009 12:52:28 PM EST |
| I like your thoughts Richard. Why are the lawmakers (The House) not putting the pari-mutuels on the front burner like the Seminoles. It's the pari-mutuel industry that has provided us jobs and state revenue for over a half of century. Way before the Seminoles even had their little cigarette stores and stinky bingo halls. I know the state should try to get tax money from them but the real money would come from all the tracks. And provide way more jobs and they know it. They are just too proud to come out in favor publicly. Pride over policy is the cancer that grows in politics isn't it? My hopes go out to the lawmakers that they finally realize the importance of such an historic industry that is a large benefactor to the state's tourism dollars, entertainment markets, employment rates, and ultimatetly a huge tax revenue source. | |
