Florida Governor Crist To Reopen Slot Talks with Seminoles

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – As reported by the Miami Herald: "Gov. Charlie Crist has offered to re-open stalled and bitter negotiations with the Seminole Tribe of Florida over its longtime push
Seminole Hard Rock Casino & Hotel  to operate Las Vegas-style slot machines across the state.

"Following Crist's Jan. 8 offer, the tribe Tuesday headed to federal court: In a motion, the tribe accused the government of unreasonable delay and asked a judge to force the U.S. Department of Interior to approve the gambling machines.

"The tribe says it needs the new slot machines more than ever because gambling provides its 3,200 members with vital government services, which would be 'threatened' now that gamblers could drop their money at the new 6,000 Vegas-style slots coming on line at four Broward County casinos.

"…The tribe now has what are called Class II slots, which pit gamblers against each other. The kind it wants, known as Class III or Vegas-style slots, are the ones the racetracks in Broward are getting. They pit gamblers against the house and allow for bigger payouts…"