Following our report last month regarding the State of Florida's decision to unknowingly opt out of $400 million in public program funding (see Casino News), Jeb Bush's successor to the Governor's mansion, Charlie Crist, has embraced talks with the Seminole Tribe to allow Class III gambling at Seminole casinos. According to inside sources within Governor Crist's administration, amidst closed-door talks, Crist has offered the Seminole tribe an opportunity to bring casino style slots and card games to their casino floors.

Knowing just how much the State of Florida is missing out on always needed tax revenues for public spending, Governor Crist has stated that he intends to get as much money from the Seminoles as is possible, while still making the offer worthwhile for the tribe, who as a sovereign nation, does not pay any taxes to the State. Past resistence to make compacts with the Seminole's from Florida governor's like Jeb Bush have kept Class III Gaming out of Florida and the Florida Lottery very happy, but have also kept billions of dollars from going toward funding public programs.

If legislation is ratified on the matter, the State could start off getting $50 million the first year of a compact, and increasing beyond $100 million by the end of the third year. Additionally, the tribe would pay a percentage of taxes based on casino revenue growth. Considering the Seminole's already operate several popular casinos in Florida, including their Hollywood Hard Rock and Tampa Hard Rock Casinos, the tax money will certainly be there. The Seminole's have already amassed a mini Florida gambling Mecca now worth at least $1 billion.

Opponents to such a ratification say that doing so could trigger heightened demand for more casino style games in other areas of the State. Ironically, proponents cite the very same thing as a good reason to embrace Class III Gaming. Florida has several pari-mutuel dog and horseracing tracks - all of which will likely seek the same gambling entitlements that the Seminole's are likely to soon receive. Furthermore, Florida already has several riverboat/cruise casinos which dock in its waters and make multiple trips into international waters throughout the day and evenings. In other words, Class III casino gaming is not a far cry from what Florida residents already have at their disposal.