[NY60]

One other development which we should also note is the current negotiations between the Seminoles and Governor Crist. Remember the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act allows the Indians to have any gambling that is legalized by State Statute. Since Broward County is allowed to have "Class III" slot machines the Federal Law dictates that the Indians can have the same.

Under the Federal law the Indians have to negotiate with the State Governor to allow the State of Florida to tax the new "Class II' "Vegas Style" machines at the Indian casinos. If they cannot reach a deal the Indians are allowed to petition the Federal Secretary of the Interior to create the regulations should the State of Florida not negotiate in good faith. The former Governor Bush refused to negotiate and the Indians of course went to the Feds for help.

If the Feds create the regulations the State of Florida GETS ZIP- ZIPPO- NADA - NOTHING as far as tax dollars. When Crist took office he asked the Feds to hold off on creating the new Regulation so that he could have a chance to grab some tax dollars. Well he took too long and the Indians filed suit in Federal Court in Miami asking a Federal Judge to compel the Federal Secretary of the Interior to create the new regulations.

This of course was done as a negotiating tactic to put pressure on the Governor to come to the table which he apparently has and talks have been ongoing.

REMEMBER any deal made does not need the approval of the State Legislature SO THERE MAY BE HOPE YET if the Indians can offset some of the taxes they will have to pay on their Class III slot revenues by increasing the poker rake revenues through an expansion of their poker base. This is the best way to get around existing stupid State law max $2 bet!!!

SOUND REASONABLE????