A new deadline has been set - November 15th, 2007.

Mark your calendars.  Lets see if there is an agreement this time between Florida and the Seminole Tribe regarding the expanded gaming compact.  The two sides have been trying to agree for about 9 months now and hopefully we will all know the outcome soon.

The Seminoles argue that their casinos should be allowed to have the same type of gaming that is permitted elsewhere in the state.  [State voters passed an amendment in 2005 to allow Broward and Miami-Dade the right to decide if they wanted Class III (Vegas Style) slot machines at current race track/frontons.  Broward passed the law and now has 3 such Racinos. ] The Seminoles say they should be allowed to change their machines from the Class II Bingo machines (that look like real slots) to the Vegas Style slots.  They have threatened to go to the Federal Government for help and Gov. Charlie Christ is hoping to reach an agreement with the tribe.

The Seminoles are saying that if they are allowed Class III slots, along with exclusive rights to a few table games (Blackjack for example) they will agree to a 'tax' payment to the state.  However, if no agreement is reached, the Feds will step in and the Seminoles could end up getting the Class III machines...with no payback to the state.  

I personally have some mixed feelings.  I think the state should entertain the option to allowing full casinos in South Florida.  Done right...you could get a few of the big hitters (MGM/Mirage or Wynn) to build some great mega-resort/casinos.  This could bring in many more tourists and also offset some of the property tax crisis the state is having.  Florida needs to compete with...well just about everyone else.  I mean, even Detroit has casinos now.

Giving the Seminoles table games would make for a great move for now...however, if it places a cap on allowing other facilities from ever getting the games...I'm not so sure.  One big egg (Seminole Hard Rock) is good...but you should have a dozen or so just in case.