Nov 6, 2007 10:54 am US/Eastern
Seminoles A Step Closer To Expanded Gambling
Feds Set Nov. 15th Deadline For Gov. To Reach Agreement
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ―
The Seminole Indians are a step closer to expanded gambling at their Florida casinos.
The federal government told Gov. Charlie Crist that it will take steps to allow expanded gambling in Seminole Indian casinos if he doesn't reach an agreement with the tribe by November 15th.
In a letter sent to Crist's office Monday, the U.S. Interior Department's assistant secretary of Indian Affairs told Crist that the tribe is at a disadvantage because Las Vegas style slots, or Class III machines, are allowed at some dog and horse tracks and jai alai frontons, but not in Indian casinos.
"The Department has a responsibility to the Tribe," wrote Carl Artman, who referred to the 2004 constitutional amendment that allowed slots at Broward County pari-mutuels. "This leaves the Tribe on an unfair playing field if it is allowed only Class II games."
The tribe has been negotiating with Crist since he took office in January. It is also seeking games like blackjack and baccarat as part of the negotiations. Both sides say they are close to a deal that could bring the state more than $100 million a year.
Crist was in Brazil on a trade mission and not immediately available for comment.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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