Florida Casino Gambling Deal Holding $162 Million for State
The stalemate between the state of Florida and the Seminole tribe over a gaming compact has resulted in millions in potential payments to the state sitting in a bank account, collecting interest. The Seminoles have continued to make payments per their original agreement with Governor Charlie Crist, resulting in a current figure of $162 million in casino gambling revenue waiting to be claimed.
Crist's deal with Seminole Gaming was struck down by the state Supreme Court after lawmakers complained the governor didn't have the authority to unilaterally make a gambling arrangement. The Seminoles have continued to operate under the terms of that deal while seeking a new agreement with the state legislature, meaning payments are still being made, but to an escrow account rather than state coffers.
The bill passed by the legislature demands $150 million as the starting payment annually by Seminole casinos, a significant increase over Crist's $100 million figure and one of the sticking points on the negotiation of a new compact. But reaching a new deal would get the state instant access to the money piling up from the payments over the last year or more.
The bill passed by the legislature must be worked into an acceptable form for both sides by next week, or else the state's offer is rescinded, and state Attorney General Bill McCollum is expected to ask the federal government to force tribal casinos to pull blackjack and other table games made available in the Crist deal.
If the decision reverts to federal agencies, the question of what games the tribe can offer will be settled by the National Indian Gaming Commission, but payments will be returned to the tribe, leaving the state receiving nothing from Seminole casinos.
