Negotiations on Florida’s gambling compact with the Seminole nation are once again making news. The Senate’s position over the last few days has ranged from allowing full tribal casinos to limiting the Seminoles to Class III slot machines and blackjack at four reservations outside Hillsborough and Broward counties. Yesterday it appeared to return to the former position of allowing all seven Seminole casinos to operate Class III gaming machines, blackjack and other banked card games.

However, following a late session yesterday House and Senate leaders finally reached a compromise that must now be approved by the Seminoles. If approved, the plan would bring Florida a minimum of US$150 million in annual revenue sharing and allow the state access to another US$150 million in an escrow account set up by the tribe when its previous gambling compact with Governor Charlie Crist was deemed invalid by the state’s Supreme Court.

It is thought that the outlined terms may be acceptable to the Seminoles and that the vote by legislators, probably tomorrow, will be favourable. The Hard Rock casinos would get exclusive rights to operate blackjack, chemin de fer and baccarat at the casinos in Broward and Hillsborough counties but not at the other casinos. No-limit poker and Class III slot machines would be allowed at all seven casinos.

Under the new plan the tribe cannot reduce its annual minimum US$150 million payments for 15 years to the state, even if competitors outside Miami-Dade and Broward win legislative approval after a local referendum for additional games. Payments to the state could be reduced only if blackjack and other Class III games are authorized in the state and tribal net win drops below US$1.37 billion.

The gambling agreement reached by chief negotiators also holds some good news for the pari-mutuel operators. The gaming tax rate would be reduced from 50% to 35%. Also Hialeah Park race track would reopen with card rooms and following two years of live racing be allowed to offer slot machines. The minimum age to play at casinos is to remain at 21. Governor Crist has until 31 August to negotiate a deal with the Seminoles. (E-05.07.09)

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