Crist approves Gambling Bill, Awaits Seminoles

June 17, 2009 - Written by Glen

Governor Crist of Florida signed the bill that would expand casino gambling in the state of Florida. Casinos are operated statewide by the Seminole Indian tribe, but they do not approve of the bill in its current form. Not yet, at least.

The House and the Senate both agreed on the Bill, after several compromises were had. With Crist's approval, the the gambling deal is almost ready to be enacted. The Seminole Indian tribe still has the final say on the issue, leaving lawmakers to await their decision. They have thus far had a propensity against this new deal and are pushing for negotiations and alterations.

The Senate wanted full blown gambling, while the House wanted to reduce the expansion this Bill would bring. Crist met them at a middle ground and the compromise prepared what is actually going to take affect - assuming the Tribe goes along with it.

Blackjack was the item in debate. Some members of Florida's legislature wanted it removed, others wanted it retained and indeed brought to an additional casino in the state. The Seminoles want blackjack in all of their casinos around the peninsular state.

The debate will continue, but the fence sitters will have to make additional compromises, as will those planted on either side. The Seminoles need to way in before the possibility of Federal intervention becomes a reality.