Yesterday was a monumental day in Florida's gambling landscape, for new laws have gone into effect in which tribal casinos and poker rooms are now permitted to host all-in poker games and more slot machines. The loosening of table limits could very well make Florida the next poker hot spot, not to mention the fact that Florida  Governor, Charlie Crist, is not putting up the gambling roadblocks that former Governor Jeb Bush was so "popularly" known for.

Two of Florida's largest tribal casinos - Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood and Seminole Coconut Creek in Broward County - already experienced a night-and-day positive response from local poker players. It was as if they were coming out of the wood work, which in itself, could be a telling sign that home poker tournaments are more common than we think. The fact that all-in games ups the potential size of no-limit jackpots, it shouldn't be surprising this was the case.

The waiting list was so large at Seminole Hard Rock Casino (in excess of two-hundred people), that casino management had to shut down some tournaments to accommodate waiting players. The story was no different at Seminole Coconut Creek Casino, where there were not enough tables to accommodate all the standby players wanting to get in on the all-in action.

As for Governor Crist, his move to allow no-limit poker tables, was part of a deal that also permits Florida's tribal casinos to house a total of 2,000 slot machines (a 500 machine increase) and stay open for eighteen hours a day. Considering the mandate that Governor Crist was given to negotiate a deal with the Florida tribes, his decision to offer leeway in the regulatory realm appears to be well thought out. There has been intense pressure from Florida Indian tribes since the State passed laws allowing racing tracks to house Vegas style casino slots.

From the outside, it looked as if the situation could easily become a court battle if Crist wasn't up to negotiating. And negotiating he has certainly been. There is even some speculation that negotiations are still in the works to permit tribes to offer casino table games like blackjack, roulette and craps.