It is said that people get the politicians they deserve but perhaps the true situation was never adequately explained to Florida’s citizens. The intractability of ex Governor Jeb Bush in dealings with the Seminole tribe on the issue of gambling has cost Florida dear, and is continuing to do so. As the Miami Herald commented: the state frittered away two decades of opportunity. By not negotiating compacts with the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes Florida has already lost millions of dollars.

Once Broward County legalised Class III gambling last year, by allowing slot machines at four pari-mutuel facilities, under federal law the tribal casinos can upgrade from their present Class II slot machines. The Department of the Interior told Governor Crist on 22 June that he has 60 days to negotiate a compact with the Seminoles, or the Secretary of Interior would establish the regulations for them, and Florida would get nothing from the deal. Unfortunately for Florida, the Seminoles will see little advantage in agreeing a compact that would give the state some of their gambling revenue unless they are offered something more, such as table games which fall under Class III gaming.

It is not only the long term loss of tribal gambling revenue that is costing Florida. The Broward County slots operations are not doing as well as expected. People are used to visiting the Indian casinos and like what they offer, even now when the slot machines are not the Las Vegas type found at the pari-mutuels. The Seminole, who do not pay the 50% gaming tax, are able to offer better promotions, better entertainment and better restaurants. Tax revenue from Broward County’s slot machines is now forecast to be around US$45 million less than anticipated – a loss for education in the state.

Again it looks like the politicians got it wrong. The pari-mutuels are blaming the 50% tax for being unable to upgrade their operations and pay for marketing campaigns that would draw the slots players. They are also not allowed to open for 24 hours a day. It seems likely that a new referendum will bring more slot machines to pari-mutuels in Miami-Dade, where ex Governor Jeb Bush lobbied so hard to get the proposal turned down in 2005. Many will be wishing he had spent his energy better, in negotiating solid tribal compacts that over the years would make Florida billions of dollars better off. (E-08.01.07)

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