Editorial: Class III gaming rules case helps Florida

Thursday, September 27, 2007  

"As Gov. Charlie Crist quietly negotiates with the Seminole Tribe on a deal that could open Las Vegas-style gaming at seven tribal casinos, Florida's horse and dog tracks are champing at the bit.

If the governor allows Las Vegas-style slots at tribal reservations, the pressure will mount for that and more at the tracks, which have purchased plenty of political IOUs through campaign contributions in Tallahassee.

Appearing to take the high road, track operators are calling on Crist to send any tribal "compact" to the Legislature for a thorough public review. Crist says that's his "preference," but he's not committing.

While Crist and the Seminoles bargain behind closed doors, a recent U.S. appellate court ruling gives the governor an ace in the hole.

In a Texas case, the Fifth Circuit Court ruled that gaming decisions are to be determined by the people of the state — not the federal government. That opinion, subsequently supported by Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum, says that tribes cannot use the Department of the Interior or any other federal agency to force states to accept an expansion of gambling."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Pressure builds for Fla. casinos (The TC Palm 9/27)