Dec 20, 2007 1:55 pm US/Eastern
AG Suing Federal Government To Stop Gambling Deal
TALLAHASSEE (AP) ―
Attorney General Bill McCollum is suing to stop the federal government from approving an agreement between Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminole Tribe that will allow expanded gambling at Indian casinos.
The U.S. Interior Department is reviewing the compact Crist and the tribe signed in November that will allow Las Vegas style slots and card games like blackjack and baccarat at the Seminole's seven casinos.
McCollum believes the department shouldn't approve the agreement until the state Supreme Court has a chance to determine whether the Legislature also has to approve the compact. House Speaker Marco Rubio and Senate President Ken Pruitt are challenging Crist's authority to enter into the agreement on his own.
The Interior Department has until December 29th to approve the
compact. The Supreme Court will hold arguments on the case January
30th.
Under the agreement, the state would get $50 million immediately and $100 million guaranteed in the first year. In the second year, the state is guaranteed $125 million and at least $150 million in the third year. Following that, the amount depends on revenues, but everyone involved in the negotiations said it will quickly add up to billions.
The tribe would have at least been able to install Las Vegas style slots without paying any money to the state because the Florida approved slots at Broward County jai-alai frontons and horse and dog tracks.
(© 2009 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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