State senate quickly ratifies gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe

TALLAHASSEE — With a swift 29-9 vote and little debate, the Senate Thursday approved gambling legislation that ratifies an agreement between Florida and the Seminole Tribe, sending the bill to the House for a vote next week.

The bill is expected to become law in time for the state to bank $435 million for its budget.

Gov. Charlie Crist and the tribe signed the agreement a week ago, after nearly three years of negotiations, two failed previous attempts at a gambling compact and a month of back room negotiations.

The measure gives the tribe slot machines at seven casinos on its reservations, and blackjack and two other card games in Broward, Tampa and Immokalee. The agreement bars roulette and craps at the tribe's casinos.

In exchange, the tribe agrees to guarantee the state at least $1 billion in revenues over the next five years and share its revenues from slot machines for 20 years.

"This is a good bill. We've had gaming in this state for 85 years," said Sen. Dennis Jones, a Seminole Republican, who led the Senate negotiations with the tribe. He called the tribe "good partners who are willing to pay the state $1 billion."

Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Tampa, disagreed. She warned that the bill will destroy families, increase crime and lead to more gambling addiction. She unsuccessfully attempted to amend the bill to require that 1 percent of the state revenues go into treatment for compulsive gamblers.

Jones said the measure wasn't needed since the Seminoles and other gambling entities already contribute $3 million a year for compulsive and addicted gamblers. The Senate rejected the idea on a voice vote.

"This is a sad day in the state of Florida when the Florida Legislature won't even fund treatment," Storms said.

The legislation will also reduce the tax rate on casinos at horse and dog tracks and jai alai frontons in Miami-Dade and Broward in an effort to make it easier for them to compete with the growing Seminole gambling presence.

Tracks elsewhere in the state will also get expanded hours and higher betting limits for the card rooms and, if future legislatures agree, add 350 bingo-style machines and historic racing machines to each facility.

The tribe has sought a gambling agreement with the state for more than 20 years and Jones said this "basically puts this issue to rest."

The House is expected to take up the bill on Monday and send it to the governor for his signature.