Governor Charlie Crist earlier on Wednesday, put his signature on the $1 billion Seminole Gaming Compact bill, concluding the final step in a process that spanned several years.
In a statement released from the Governor’s office, Crist said that, “Today’s bill signing is the last step in a historic effort that benefits both the Seminole Tribe and the entire state of Florida.” The statement added, “Following three years of healthy debate and deliberation, the children and families of Florida are now the beneficiaries of much-needed money that will be used to fund critical needs such as education.”
With the bill’s signing, Florida can access immediately $250 million and over the course of five years, will realize revenues of 1.2 billion. In exchange, the new gaming bill allows the Seminole Tribe to operate Vegas-style slot machines beyond South Florida, along with games such as blackjack in several of its casinos.
Crist said that the approval of the gaming compact is “an example of elevating problem-solving over ideology.”
