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Florida Residents Like Gambling Compact

For the most part, Florida residents are happy with the bill that Governor Charlie Crist signed with the Seminole Indians. Many say that had this happened sooner they wouldn’t have had to give up as much as they ultimately had to do. They say that if Bush had just given the tribe their slots, they would have been happy with just that.

However, many don’t like the deal as they feel that the state gave up too much to get it. They say that the state is now limited in what it can offer at its tracks – and therefore don’t want the compact signed. Still others say that this way they are getting some of the revenue from the slots – otherwise the tribe would not have to give them anything.

A little more than 60% of the state’s residents are behind the deal, with those that aren’t in the minority. They say that the $100 million that the state stands to get from the slots and games in the casinos makes it a good deal overall.

Some say that they would have preferred that the state not get any revenue and limit the tribe to the slots than give them the option of adding more. They say that the state could have gotten more money from allowing slots across the state in addition to legalizing table games. They say that what is a potential billion dollar industry is no longer an option once the compact is signed.

Crist’s camp is pleased with the deal. Sources say that they believe that they could not have done better for the state of Florida, and that the $100 million that is coming in is much better than nothing at all. They are not for expanded gambling across the state, so this enables them to add a little slots and table gambling, without it getting out of hand.

Back to December 2007 Archive.