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Florida Governor, Seminole Tribe in Casino Talks

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – As reported by the Miami Herald: "For the third time in 15 years, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has begun talks with the governor over expanding gambling on its reservations.

"The first two attempts, with then-Gov. Lawton Chiles, ended in stalemate and lawsuits. Tribal leaders hope the third time round, which began Thursday, will be the charm.

"But if the early comments are any signal, the goal of tribal leaders to offer Las Vegas-style slot machines could clash head-on with the Gov. Jeb Bush's goal of limiting gambling in Florida.

"…Tribal leaders believe Broward County voters -- who in March approved allowing slots at the county's racetracks and jai-alai fronton -- have opened the door to Las Vegas-style slot machines, in which people play against the house. But for the tribes to offer such slot machines, federal law requires them to negotiate a pact with the state that allows the state some influence over their operation and some revenue from the games.

"The governor said last week that he considered the push to expand gambling 'a very dangerous trend' and his `hope and objective would be to limit the expansion of gambling in our state.'

"…Under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, if a state allows any form of gambling, the tribes within the state may engage in that gambling, free of state control. The exception is for Class III gambling, defined as casino-style gaming such as blackjack, roulette, craps and Las Vegas-style slot machines.

"To offer Class III gaming, tribes must enter into an agreement with the state. While the state can't tax the tribes, it can give them an exclusive benefit in exchange for a share of the revenue.

"…Those close to Bush say his goal is not to extract revenue from tribal casinos, but to use the negotiations instead to limit gambling beyond South Florida and to ensure that the tribal casinos are perceived by the public as fair.

"…Bush made it clear what he doesn't want from the compact: to enrich the tribes…"

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