Florida nears deadline for compact
7 November 2007
FLORIDA -- As reported by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel: "The state has nine days to complete a deal bringing blackjack and Las Vegas-style slot machines to Seminole Indian land or risk losing out on at least $100 million in annual payments from the tribe.

"The U.S. Department of Interior said if an agreement isn't reached by Nov. 15, it will impose 'procedures.' That's a legal process in which the federal government could approve expanded Seminole gambling without guaranteeing any money for the state, lawyers and gaming analysts said Tuesday. Whether the order would survive a court battle is unclear, according to lawyers and a recent appeals court ruling, but the federal government issued a stern warning anyway.

"In a letter Monday to Gov. Charlie Crist, the assistant secretary for Indian affairs, Carl J. Artman, said it would be 'preferable' if the sides reach a deal, but he left no doubt the government would issue an order favorable to the Seminoles if they don't.

"...The Seminoles now offer only poker rooms and Class II machines, which are based on bingo odds and aren't as lucrative for the player or the casino.

"...The issue raised in the letter may soon become moot because both the governor and the tribe think a deal will be struck in time. A draft proposal, which both sides say is almost identical to the final version, calls for the Seminoles to give the state $50 million up front and at least $100 million a year thereafter.

"The agreement would allow blackjack and baccarat, a similar card game, but not traditional casino games such as roulette or craps, according to the draft..."

Also reported

Florida AG threatens to sue Feds
8 November 2007

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- As reported by the Miami Herald: "State Attorney General Bill McCollum said Wednesday he will sue the federal government if it follows through with threats to give the Seminole Tribe Vegas-style slot machines if Gov. Charlie Crist doesn't complete negotiations on a gambling agreement next week.

"The U.S. Department of Interior sent a letter to the governor Monday ordering the state to complete a compact with the tribe by Nov. 15 or it would issue 'Class III gaming procedures' to give the tribe the same kind of slot machines now operating at Broward County's casinos.

"But McCollum said that he believes the federal government 'has no legal authority' to force the state to legalize gambling over the state's objection.

"Federal law says that American Indian tribes must be allowed to operate the same kind of gambling options on their reservations allowed by state law, but only after they negotiate an agreement with the governor..."