As the fight over expanded gaming in Florida heats up the state Attorney General has written to federal prosecutors asking for criminal charges to be brought against the Seminole tribe. Bill McCollum has proved to be powerless to stop the introduction of banked card games such as blackjack and baccarat at the tribal casinos even though the games are illegal in Florida.

"I am deeply concerned that the tribe continues to defiantly ignore the decision of the Florida Supreme Court," McCollum wrote to U.S. Attorney A. Brian Albritton. "I urge you to initiate a criminal prosecution to put an end to the calculated illegal expansion of class III gaming by the tribe." The Supreme Court threw out the gaming compact between the Seminoles and Governor Charlie Crist, ruling that the governor had exceeded his authority in signing the agreement without legislative approval.

However, the Seminole lawyers maintain that there is no basis for criminal action. The federal authorities approved the compact and the tribe is now trying to work out an agreement which would see Florida getting the money for the operation of card games. The tribe has paid around US$70 million already but the money is held in reserve until a compact is validated by the Florida legislature.

Religious conservatives, the staunchly anti-gambling Florida House and the pari-mutuel operators are all keen to limit gambling at the seven Seminole casinos. The tribe bargained for years with no success to get Class III machines and had to wait for Broward County voters to approve Las Vegas style slot machines at four pari-mutuels. These operators have been unable to compete with the popular Seminole casinos and also must pay the high Florida gaming tax. (E-12.19.08)

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