Both Parties Come Together to Stop Gambling Expansion in Florida

Florida, a state of USA, is in an odd situation when it comes to expanded gambling involving the Seminole Indians as well as their casinos. For that, a compact needs to be completed, but legislators, both of the Democrat and Republican, are showing special interests in front of the good of Florida. Governor Charlie Crist is inciting several of his fellow Republicans by crossing party lines. He is lobbying for the completion of the Seminole Indians casino compact that Crist originally signed back in 2007. However, the conservative Republicans do not want any type of expanded gambling in Florida.

Democrats are saying thanks, but no thanks, to Charlie Crist. They are supportive of expanded casino gambling in Florida. But they cannot go with the compact as most of the Democrats in power in the state have ties to South Florida’s pari-mutuel tracks. That has made the business of completing the compact with the Seminoles just about impossible task. If the compact, as written, was put in place, the Seminoles would have had blackjack and baccarat totally to themselves. On the other hand, Democrats will be lobbying to facilitate if a compact with the Seminoles is signed, that the individuality part should be taken out. If that is achieved, then they can start to lobby for pari-mutuels to be allowed the Las Vegas table games as well.

Republicans do not like any of these outcomes. They are fighting to get no compact and no expanded gambling laws. That would leave them searching to put back the millions of dollars that would be lost from extra gambling revenue. It is first time, Democrats and Republicans have team up for a common cause in a long time in the state history.