After a stalemate of several months, Florida Senate Regulated Industries Chairman Rob Bradley said he and House Regulatory Affairs Chairman Jose Felix Diaz recently met with Tim Cerio, Governor Rick Scott’s top lawyer, and officials of the Seminole Tribe regarding compact negotiations. The state and the tribe have been at odds over the issue of banked card games, which the tribe offers exclusively at five of its seven Florida casinos, in return for giving the state billion over five years. That portion of the 2010 agreement expired July 31 but it gave the Seminoles 90 days to phase out the games.
“We are now actively engaged in discussions back and forth with the tribe. There is a lot of activity and we’re moving forward. I’m hopeful that we can reach a point where we have something to offer to the membership to consider and debate,” Bradley said.
Apparently both sides want to finalize a new pact before that time period runs out on October 1. “The closer we get to the deadline, the more pressure is put upon the parties to find a resolution. Deadlines are very useful in that way. I would anticipate that if a deal is to be had, it would be done within the deadlines contained in the agreements,” Bradley said.
Last month the tribe requested mediation to resolve the dispute. In addition, Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Ken Lawson told the tribe “to discuss your plan and proposed timeline for the closure of banked card games at your tribal facilities.” Tribal officials claimed they did not have to shut down the card games because the state broke the compact by allowing electronic versions of the card games at racinos.
Though details of the negotiations have not been revealed, previously the Seminoles have expressed an interest in expanding the number of casinos where the banked card games can be offered, and adding roulette and craps. The tribe again would demand some sort of exclusivity. In exchange, the state would want to raise the $250 million minimum annual payment it now receives from the tribe. The federal government would have to approve any new compact.
“The tribe obviously wants to have as much exclusivity as possible. But you also have the political realities of finding a majority of votes in both houses and you have to get the governor satisfied,” Bradley said.
