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Online Blackjack News - Florida Legislature Approves Gambling
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An attorney for the tribe said that's not necessarily the case. Unless there is a provision within the compact that would require legislative approval, such as designating gambling money for education, the negotiations are a matter between the tribe, the governor and the federal government, lawyer Barry Richard said.
"It would be inappropriate for the governor to submit it to them and inappropriate for the Legislature to participate in the process," Richard said.
Crist didn't fully commit to only going ahead with an agreement if the Legislature approves it. "There's sort of a mixed view of whether or not that's absolutely essential, but our preference is to work in partnership with the Legislature," Crist said.
House Speaker Marco Rubio and the chamber's Republican leadership said in a letter to Crist that they are opposed to any deal that allows the tribe to offer gambling beyond what's already allowed in the state. That would allow Las Vegas-style slot machines, but not other games such as blackjack or craps. "We believe that the pursuit of increaseyd revenue for the state should be of secondary importance in Florida's negotiations with the Tribe," the letter said. "Rather, we believe the aim of the negotiations should be to agree to the bare minimum amount of gambling to which the Tribe is entitled under the law. Instead of maximizing revenue, we want to minimize the inevitable social harm associated with expanded tribal gambling."
Because the state allowed Vegas-style slot machines at Broward County jai-alai frontons and dog and horse tracks, the Seminole Indians believe they should be able to expand gambling at their casinos in South Florida, the Everglades and near Tampa. The tribe argued that because the slot machines are considered Class III gaming, they should be allowed any Class III games, such as blackjack, roulette and craps. Attorney General Bill McCollum issued an opinion Thursday that said those games don't have to be part of the negotiations.
At a minimum, the tribe would be allowed to install Las Vegas style slots. Right now, it has Class II slots _ bingo-based video slot machines with which players compete against each other for payouts.
The tribe has agreed not to seek craps and roulette, but still wants blackjack and other card games, Richard said. He said the tribe and governor's office have agreed on all major terms of the deal and are simply working out language. The compact could be finalized as early as next week, he said.
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| Source:
Blackjack2002 News Staff
| Friday, 14 September 2007 |
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