SEARCH NEWS:

 

Florida Governor Open to Expanded Gambling Negotiations

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – As reported by the Miami Herald: "Gov. Jeb Bush agreed Tuesday to open negotiations with the Seminole Tribe of Florida aimed at allowing them to expand their gaming offerings on their reservations.

"The governor, a vigorous gambling opponent, said in a statement that the decision to open talks with the Indians was inevitable in the wake of voter approval of slot machines at Broward parimutuels when `Florida's voters signaled a change in the state's policy toward gambling.'

"But Bush, who resisted the Indians' request for negotiations for more than seven months, was silent as to how much he is willing to give the Indians before his term expires in 2006.

"…The Seminoles, who operate the Hard Rock Hotel & Casinos in Hollywood and Tampa, asked the governor to open the talks after voters approved the constitutional amendment allowing for slot machines at South Florida parimutuels in November. The amendment left the decision up to voters in Miami-Dade, which rejected slots, and in Broward, which approved them.

"…[Bush spokesman Russell Schweiss] said Florida's second tribe, the Miccosukee, which operates the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center in western Miami-Dade County, is also expected to enter into talks soon.

"The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 allows a tribe to offer the same kinds of gambling as its state but requires it to secure a written agreement with the state -- called a compact -- before offering casino-style games, such as slots.

"…The tribes believe that Florida's constitutional amendment now entitles them to Las Vegas-style slot machines, a faster and more engaging game than the bingo-style slot machines they currently operate at their existing casinos…"

< Gaming News