Crist, Seminoles Ask For Reconsideration Of Gambling Compact

Governor Charlie Crist is not about to end his fight to try and get his gambling compact with the Seminole Indians reinstated. Crist and the Seminoles have asked the state Supreme Court to reconsider their ruling that voided the compact.

The odds of Crist and the Seminoles actually winning the right to a rehearing are slim. It is not often that rehearings are granted. The chances in this case are even less than usual thanks to the unanimous vote by the justices.

The governor and the Seminoles signed a deal at the end of last year that would allow the Seminoles to offer Vegas style slot machines. The deal also allowed the Seminoles blackjack and baccarat at their casinos in the state.

In return for the rights to the expanded gambling, the Seminoles agreed to pay a lofty sum of money to the state up front. They also would have to pay a share of their revenue to the state.

House Speaker Marco Rubio fought hard against the compact. He was offended that he and his fellow legislators were not involved in the decision making process, so they launched a legal battle.

They received a small reprieve when the state Supreme Court voided the compact. In the long run, however, Rubio and other opponents of expanded gambling in the state will come out on the losing end. The Seminoles are now seeking federal help to allow them the same games that were afforded from the compact.

Once they receive the blessing federally, they will once again be operating the various games legally. The only difference will be the state of Florida will then get shut out of the revenue being generated.



2008-07-18