Dec 20, 2007 6:58 pm US/Eastern
Florida AG Sues To Stop Gambling Compact
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ―
Attorney General Bill McCollum is suing to stop the federal government from approving an agreement that will allow expanded gambling at Indian casinos.
The U.S. Interior Department is reviewing the compact Governor Charlie Crist and the Seminole Tribe signed last month. It 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.
"I look forward to the court's ruling," said Crist on Thursday. "I think we're going to be fine, and I understand his desire to make sure things are very clear. I think after the court rules things will be crystal clear.
McCollum says he sued to avoid having the tribe install games and then possibly have the Supreme Court rule Crist didn't have authority to make the agreement on his own. He says it's not an attempt to permanently stop the compact from being enacted.
The Interior Department has until December 29th to approve the compact. The Supreme Court will hold arguments on the case January 30th.
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