Florida Supreme Court Hears Case Over Seminole Slots Compact

Crist came into office with the clock on the deadline already ticking, due to former Governor Jeb Bush's intransigence.

Two days after the Seminole Tribe began a de facto policy of running Las Vegas-style Class III slot machines at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida, arguments were heard before the State Supreme Court as to the legality of the compact which permits certain forms of Class III gaming at Seminole casinos.

Attorneys representing the state legislature are attempting to make a case that Governor Charlie Crist went beyond his authority in agreeing to allow the Seminoles freedom to install the new slots, as well as permit blackjack and baccarat, in exchange for payments starting at $150 million annually and potentially rising much higher as casino revenues increase.

Lawyers for Crist and the tribe defended the compact's validity, pointing out that Crist was under a rapidly approaching deadline set by a federal mandate; if the deadline were not met, the tribe would be free to install the new slots without any payment whatsoever to the state. Crist came into office with the clock on the deadline already ticking, due to former Governor Jeb Bush's intransigence and refusal to negotiate with the Seminoles in good faith.

The state justices questioned both sides in detail, inquiring as to the deliniation of gambling types, the constitutional laws regarding separation of power, and the nature of the fedral order requiring negotiation by the state. No timetable was set for a decision, and several justices hinted they would prefer the legislature render the matter moot by ratifying or altering the compact in the upcoming March session.

Class III slots allow the player to compete with the house, as opposed to Class II, in which players compete with each other, a la bingo. Class III play is already available at racetracks and jai-alai frontons in Broward County, and voters Tuesday extended those privileges to Dade County as well. Federal law provides for the availability of any gaming allowed within a state to Indian casinos of that state.

Certainly the legislature has hurt feelings and egos over not being fully brought into the process, but hardheadedness over the compact may result in a loss of billions to the state, while the Seminoles are more than likely to  receive most of what they seek, regardless of the decision.