The compact negotiations between the Seminole tribe and the Florida government ebb and flow like the tide along the beaches. It appears that Governor Charlie Crist could come to a satisfactory agreement with tribal leaders before the federal authorities step in to impose one, but there remains a legal question over whether any compact must be ratified by the legislature.

Today federal officials are due to hear a report on how the compact negotiations are going. The tribal casinos can now, under federal law, have Class III slot machines because four Broward County pari-mutuels have been granted licences to operate the Las Vegas style machines. Some Florida legislators are insisting that the Seminoles should be given the minimum extra gambling allowed and that the compact must be approved by the Legislature.

The ongoing negotiations involve the inclusion of table games such as blackjack and baccarat in return for around US$100 million or more annually paid to the state. The budget deficit in Florida is US$1 billion and Governor Crist has indicated that legislative approval for any deal may not be necessary. A 35-page document presented by the Seminoles is the basis for hammering out a deal.

However, there is no certainty that Florida will benefit from a compact with the Seminoles if Crist decides against expanded gambling in the state. There are plenty of loud voices in the legislature determined to forgo the opportunity for a share of gaming revenue, no matter what local opinion says. (E-09.11.07)

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