Florida Tribal Casino Gambling Pact Deadline Brings Worries
The staredown between the state of Florida and the Seminole tribe over the legislature's casino gambling measure is continuing toward an August 31st deadline, at which point the legislature plans on withdrawing the offer. Possibilities of reaching that point are growing, causing gaming observers and Florida residents to speculate what may happen without a compact.
Federal law allows the Seminoles to keep their Class III slots, because they are legal elsewhere in the state. The Seminoles would also have no tax burden to the state, effectively costing Florida the $150 million or more that is due them in the proposal.
Depending on federal ruling, Seminole casinos may or may not have to forfeit their blackjack tables. Indian gaming law says that the state has to negotiate in good faith, and Florida lawmakers have been quoted basically telling the tribe take it or leave it.
That could lead to a federal decision that the state forfeited its rights and allow unilateral control of the blackjack decision to the tribe. But, more likely, a US judge would order blackjack closed at the tribal casinos, although the tribe could fight against such an order for a long time in court appeals.
One insider to the negotiations said, "It's like both sides are playing chicken. But the big losers will be the people of the state, because there won't be a penny coming from tribal gambling without a compact."
