Last week the subject of Big Cypress Casino in the Everglades came up in an article on gambling compact negotiations between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe. The Big Cypress Casino, basically a tent in a remote area, has hosted slot machine gambling in a somewhat desultory manner in recent years. The 63 Class II gaming machines would appear to be a bargaining chip in the process of gaining Class III machines for the Tribe’s other more lucrative casinos.

Since Broward County gave the go-ahead for Class III gambling at its four pari-mutuel venues, the Indian casinos in Florida are entitled to upgrade their existing Class II machines. Negotiations with Governor Jeb Bush failed to reach an agreement and, with no compact in place, it is likely that federal law will allow the US Department of the Interior to impose rules and the state will not receive any share in profits.

As Michael Mayo writing in Florida’s Sun-Sentinel points out, Governor Jeb Bush is about to be succeeded by Charlie Crist, a man with a reputation for being a pragmatist. “…Crist finds himself facing two choices: The Seminoles and Miccosukees will be allowed to upgrade to Vegas-style slot machines and pay the state nothing; or the Seminoles and Miccosukees will get Class III slot machines and table games and agree to give the state a share of the profits and oversight authority.”

He continues: “Even if you're opposed to gambling, you'd have to be brain dead to prefer Option A. It's just bad public policy.” As the Big Cypress Casino is in the middle of an environmentally sensitive area, its closure could be claimed as a victory in negotiations that might conclude with table games and Las Vegas Style machines for the tribes but a slice of the profits for the state. Compact or no compact, law suits or not, whichever way the dice fall the Seminoles look to be the winners. (E-11.27.06)

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