Seminoles Sweeten the Pot.
It's reported that the Seminoles have offered the state of Florida $50 Million up front and another $100 Million a year if they are allowed to expand their gaming options at their casinos. The games covered in this offer are 'Vegas-style' slots (like those in Broward), Blackjack and Baccarat.
Under this new agreement the tribe would receive a percentage of the revenue....with a guarantee of $100 Million a year. The tribe currently thinks that the state would make more than the $100 Million easily.
The few drafts that have 'leaked' show that 95 % of the tax would go to education and 5% would go to the casinos surrounding neighborhoods/cities. 3 of the 7 Seminole Casinos are in Broward County. The agreement drafts also call for a reducing of payments to the state if gaming expands outside of tribal land.
Some of the reports state that Christ is supporting the possibility of expanded card games (like Blackjack and Baccarat), but is against Roulette and Craps. It's noted that Gov. Christ isn't happy about the expanding gambling in Florida, but really doesn't have much choice. If they fail to reach an agreement and the Federal Government steps in, Florida will probably lose the opportunity for a tax on any of the changes in the slots (from Class II to Class III).
It's a good step, but I don't see the benefit to just allow the Seminole's to benefit. The existing Broward Casino's would do well if they are allowed to have the same games. They also should have their high tax rate revisited if this Seminole agreement goes forward. With the taxes on the slots so high, it's hard for them to compete. The Hard Rock has some great entertainment options and the pari-mutuals don't have the capital to take a chance to compete on that level. Then maybe the Broward Casinos can afford to have more 'lower' denomination games, since those appeal more to the local gambler.
I also don't understand what the fear over craps and roulette is. Doesn't the government realize how much money this could bring into the state? We do need regulations...maybe only allow a certain number of casinos in each county. It's time to get with the times or Florida will be stuck trying to catch up. While the state has made a few minor changes to the existing Broward casinos (longer hours of operation, ATM's on property), they need to move ahead on Progressive Jackpots.
I can't wait to see what the Seminoles will do with the Hard Rock Casino here in Hollywood once this passes. They are going to have to expand it. They recently did a major expansion at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa and they put a lot of money into the place. They are even trying to make it more of a 'destination' resort like Vegas properties.
September 11th is the deadline. Lets see if there is an agreement tomorrow.
Under this new agreement the tribe would receive a percentage of the revenue....with a guarantee of $100 Million a year. The tribe currently thinks that the state would make more than the $100 Million easily.
The few drafts that have 'leaked' show that 95 % of the tax would go to education and 5% would go to the casinos surrounding neighborhoods/cities. 3 of the 7 Seminole Casinos are in Broward County. The agreement drafts also call for a reducing of payments to the state if gaming expands outside of tribal land.
Some of the reports state that Christ is supporting the possibility of expanded card games (like Blackjack and Baccarat), but is against Roulette and Craps. It's noted that Gov. Christ isn't happy about the expanding gambling in Florida, but really doesn't have much choice. If they fail to reach an agreement and the Federal Government steps in, Florida will probably lose the opportunity for a tax on any of the changes in the slots (from Class II to Class III).
It's a good step, but I don't see the benefit to just allow the Seminole's to benefit. The existing Broward Casino's would do well if they are allowed to have the same games. They also should have their high tax rate revisited if this Seminole agreement goes forward. With the taxes on the slots so high, it's hard for them to compete. The Hard Rock has some great entertainment options and the pari-mutuals don't have the capital to take a chance to compete on that level. Then maybe the Broward Casinos can afford to have more 'lower' denomination games, since those appeal more to the local gambler.
I also don't understand what the fear over craps and roulette is. Doesn't the government realize how much money this could bring into the state? We do need regulations...maybe only allow a certain number of casinos in each county. It's time to get with the times or Florida will be stuck trying to catch up. While the state has made a few minor changes to the existing Broward casinos (longer hours of operation, ATM's on property), they need to move ahead on Progressive Jackpots.
I can't wait to see what the Seminoles will do with the Hard Rock Casino here in Hollywood once this passes. They are going to have to expand it. They recently did a major expansion at the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa and they put a lot of money into the place. They are even trying to make it more of a 'destination' resort like Vegas properties.
September 11th is the deadline. Lets see if there is an agreement tomorrow.
The governor may think he's all-powerful, but (for God's sake) let's not play into it by making Governor Crist into Christ. Thanks!
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