Indian Gaming > Republican lawmaker hopeful for Seminole gaming deal

Republican lawmaker hopeful for Seminole gaming deal

Thursday, March 4, 2010
Filed Under: Compacts

A Florida lawmaker said he remains hopeful of a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe.

Rep. Bill Galvano (R) is serving as lead negotiator with the tribe. He said lawmakers are working on a deal to present to Gov. Charlie Crist (R).

The tribe and Crist have negotiated two compacts. The first was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs but the Florida Supreme Court in July 2008 said the governor overstepped his authority.

The second compact failed in the Florida Legislature after Galvano and other Republicans said the tribe should not be allowed to operate card games at all of its casinos. They also called for a bigger share of gaming revenues.

This time around, lawmakers are apparently negotiating directly with the tribe. The Miami Herald said the tribe agreed to share $430 million in revenues this year under a short-term deal.

Get the Story:
Bradenton's Rep. Galvano and Crist discuss gambling compact (The Bradenton Herald 3/4)

An Opinion:
Editorial: Gambling accord shows ‘reasonable balance’ (The Bradenton Herald 3/4)