Jul 3, 2008 10:32 pm US/Eastern
Florida Supreme Court Overturns Indian Gaming Deal
The Tribe Has Already Given The State $50-Million As Part Of Earlier Negotiations
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ―
The Florida Supreme Court on Thursday has overturned an agreement Gov. Charlie Crist signed with the
Seminole Tribe to expand gambling at its casinos. The court ruled that the governor doesn't have the
constitutional authority to enter into the agreement that allows Las Vegas-style slot machines, black jack and other card games at facilities like the Hard Rock Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood.
Attorney's for the Florida House of Representatives made their case before the Supreme Court earlier this year, arguing against a gambling compact made between Gov. Crist and the Seminole Tribe of Indians.
House Speaker Marc Rubio' released a statement over the ruling:
"The court's decision is a victory for our constitutional system of checks and balances. I look forward to an open and deliberative process that results in a new compact that doesn't unnecessarily expand gambling in our state and that's fair to our taxpayers. In the meantime, I trust that Governor Crist and the Seminole Tribe will abide by the court's decision and act in accordance with the law."
In court arguments, an attorney for the Florida House, Jon Mills, argued that Crist violated the Florida Constitution when he agreed with the tribe to expand gambling in the state.
But attorneys for the governor and the tribe argued that Crist was only acting on existing state and federal law.
Mills also argued that any agreement made by the governor should be approved by the legislature. But the attorney for Crist said the governor was under a federal order to negotiate with the tribe.
The deal between the tribe and the state allows Vegas-style slots machines, and various types of card games available to gamblers in Seminole casinos stretched across Florida. In return, 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.
Tax dollars from gambling would be funneled into a state education fund.
In court arguments, an attorney for the Florida House, Jon Mills, argued that Crist violated the Florida Constitution when he agreed with the tribe to expand gambling in the state. But attorneys for the governor and the tribe argued that Crist was only acting on existing state and federal law. Mills also argued that any agreement made by the governor should be approved by the legislature. But the attorney for Crist said the governor was under a federal order to negotiate with the tribe. The deal between the tribe and the state allows Vegas-style slots machines, and various types of card games available to gamblers in Seminole casinos stretched across Florida. In return, 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. Tax dollars from gambling would be funneled into a state education fund.
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