The new president of the Florida Senate, Andy Gardiner, recently said the state has a budget surplus, so he and other legislators do not feel pressured to renew the Seminole compact, which expires in July and grants the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to offer blackjack, poker and other card games in return for paying the state .5 million a month plus a percentage of profits—a total of billion over five years, a milestone the tribe reached last month, eight months ahead of schedule.
“It’s important for everyone to understand that if the state decides to go in a different direction than that compact would allow, then we’re going to let the members figure that out,” Gardiner said.
To get a better deal from the tribe, the state would have to grant greater exclusivity or expand locations to new tribal lands. Otherwise requiring higher payments for the same arrangement likely would not be approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Seminole Attorney Barry Richard noted, “The only question this year is whether the provision for the card games, like blackjack, will be extended. It just doesn’t make any sense not to extend it. It’s creating a lot of money for both the state and the tribe.”
Gardiner also said he and his colleagues do not see a need for a state gaming commission, which is in place in 36 other states.
Governor Rick Scott nearly came to an agreement with the tribe in May but ran out of time. “I’m going to take the right amount of time to make sure I get the right transaction for the state of Florida,” he said.
Only the compact regarding card games will expire in July; the slots agreement is good for another 30 years. However, all of the revenue from the Seminoles would end if the state authorizes destination resorts in South Florida.
John Sowinski, president of No Casinos Inc., a group opposed to gambling in Florida, said pro-casino interests who argue Florida is the fourth-ranked gambling state are mistaken. “First of all, we’re number four in population, so we’re also probably the number four state for shoe sales. But this shows why companies want to expand gambling here. It’s an under-served market.”
