State Understands Concerns Over Slot Machines

The Seminole Indians have been trying for some time now to sign a compact with the state of Florida to bring in slot machines. Now that south Florida has already brought in Class III slot machines, according to U.S. law, they now have the right to offer the same type of slot machines. However, talks between Governor Bush and the tribe have stalled, and no slot machine compact has been signed. The tribe has now gone to the Department of the Interior, as they will step in and assist the tribe if they feel the state is acting in “bad faith” towards contract negotiations. They have written a letter to the state letting them know that if they do not come to an agreement with the tribe, the interior will allow the tribe to bring in the slot machines that they want, and the state will not see any of the revenue.

This has the state concerned, especially Hollywood Mayor Mara Giulianti. She says her city will be the most impacted by the slot machines that are coming in, and if a compact is not signed they will not see any of the revenue that should be forthcoming. She has asked the governor to reopen talks with the tribe so that her town will see some of the benefits of the slot machines coming in, as opposed to just the negative impact that it will have on their roads, police, etc. – all of which will have to be funded by the town itself.

The Governor’s office responded to the Mayor, telling her that they have tried to negotiate with the tribe, but the tribe is the one holding things up. They said that the tribe is demanding an unlimited number of slot machines as well as addition of a casino at the “environmentally sensitive” Big Cypress Reservation. They say that by the government promising the tribe their slot machines they have taken away the incentive to negotiate with the state. His office also said that since the deadline is due to expire in a few days that they will be fighting any federal effort to bypass the state and keep any slot machine revenue from them.

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