After several years of intense arguing and negotiating, a gambling agreement reached in August between Governor Charlie Crist and representatives of the Seminole Tribe appeared like the tip of the gaming debates for some time. But, although the deal was in accordance with a legislative package that had passed a vote, key figures within the state House are acting as though lawmakers have already voted down the package.House Speaker Larry Cretul, a few of the leaders of the arch-conservative version of the plan that will shrink existing gambling, wrote a letter to the National Indian Gaming Council this week claiming negotiations are at "an impasse." Cretul wants the government to force Seminole tribal casinos to withdraw from offering table games and sophistication III slots, as per the terms of arrangements previous to the primary Crist deal.
But Indian lawyers say that the Crist deal of 2008 was approved by the federal government, and the state Supreme Court saying that Crist had overstepped his authority didn't negate federal recognition. The tribe is willing to work at the new deal, but retains its rights to function under the controversial package until a brand new compact is signed.
"One big issue is who has the authority to determine if a compact is valid or not," said NIGC Chairman George Skibine. Historically, tribal compacts are registered with the federal government, not states.
Even if Cretul wins within the short run, the state is needed by law to barter in good faith, and stalled talks could lead on to federal granting of the appropriate to transport unilaterally to the Seminoles, leaving them with the entire gaming and not one of the taxes they have got offered to pay, starting at $150 million a year. The sport of chicken could lead to a gambling disaster for Florida.
Published on October 21, 2009 by EdBradley
Read More... [Source: Native Indian Gambling News]
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