Casinos in Florida - Gambling in the Sunshine State

Our dear Governor quietly signed another gambling agreement with his friends at the Seminole Tribe. The last time he signed a deal, it was a big media event, and the deal was eventually invalidated by the Florida Supreme Court. But that doesn't stop our well tanned Governor from trying again with a deal that will keep slots and blackjack at Seminole casinos, while turning over $150 million a year to the State.

A few of the concerns that Governor Charlie failed to press negotiations on include the ability of the tribe to operate card games at all seven casinos, instead of the three the Legislature had agreed upon. Oh? You didn't even know we have seven casinos in Florida? We do.

Another glitch is what department will be the oversight. Such a silly matter as oversight shouldn't hold things up. Just take your lead from what the Feds do with the Bansters.

There is also the issue of what happens if the State decided to allow horse and dog tracks to cross the tribal line of slot machines. That's a biggie.

Here's another glitch. The tribe wants a monopoly on Florida gambling. The Legislature suggested a monopoly within a 100 mile radius of the seven casinos . . . which covers most of the state. But the tribe said no to this. They want it all.

This is truly a convoluted situation where the Seminole leaders obviously have the edge in negotiating skills, money, power and support from an army of top notch attorneys and former political big shots.

Who wins? The Seminoles?

Who loses? The suckers that throw their money away in the casinos.

It would be nice if he State of Florida could get their act together when it comes to gambling. Just think about a row of high style casinos in Miami or on the Gulf Coast or in some of the areas that the home builders have devastated with homes that no one wants to live in. In any event, the Seminoles are up the creek with all the paddles.

Great Time to Buy Real Estate? - Yes, No, Maybe. I suggest you read this piece I wrote about how to find a Great Buy and what traps to avoid - Click Here