Florida Legislature Preview: Seminole Gambling Pact Likely to Pass

Rep. Betty Reed

A gambling pact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida could help lawmakers fill what’s reported to be a $3 billion gap in the state’s budget for next year. The Legislature convened Tuesday for the annual lawmaking session, and the budget is at the top of the agenda.

One of the ways Gov. Charlie Crist has outlined to help close the hole in the budget, and provide more money for education, is that gambling compact with the Seminoles.

Tampa Representative Betty Reed told WUSF’s Florida Matters she expects lawmakers to approve the agreement with the tribe during the 60-day session. She said she favors the deal, but is also worried about its implications.

"I worry about the people who are doing the gambling,” Reed said. “The majority of them are the people who can't afford it. And once you get hooked into [gambling], what kind of services do these people get who have gotten themselves addicted?"

Crist struck a deal with the Seminole Tribe last year giving them exclusive rights to some card games in their casinos in exchange for a cut of their revenues for the state. Lawmakers agreed on the framework for those negotiations, but the deal Crist and the Seminoles came up with is slightly different, allowing card games at all seven of the tribe’s casinos.

The legislature has not signed off on the new deal yet.