Gaming News

Court questions Florida pact

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- As reported by the Miami Herald: "The high-stakes pact struck between Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminole Tribe of Florida to let the Indians expand their gambling operations appeared to be on shaky ground Wednesday, after the state's highest court questioned the validity of the deal.

"Attorneys for Crist and House Speaker Marco Rubio went before the Florida Supreme Court to argue over whether the governor single-handedly had the authority to sign a deal with the Seminoles last year. The compact allows the tribe to get Las Vegas-style slot machines and card games such as blackjack and baccarat. Rubio is challenging the governor's authority to make the deal without involving the Legislature.

"In the spirited session, justices peppered both sides with questions on whether the deal is constitutional and about what would happen if the court fails to act. The legal showdown came two days after the tribe installed 800 slot machines at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino near Hollywood.

"Both sides agreed that Florida law is murky on what role the governor and Legislature should play in reaching a deal with the tribe. But justices sounded troubled that the compact authorized the Seminoles to offer card games that are currently illegal in the state..."

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