The Seminole Tribe of Florida has begun airing television spots in Orlando and around the state promoting the gambling deal it recently signed with Florida Governor Charlie Crist. But the Crist-Seminole compact is already drawing fierce criticism, both from Florida’s existing pari-mutuel industry, which says it would devastate their own business, and from anti-gambling lawmakers in the Florida Legislature, who call it an unprecedented gambling expansion.

Governor Charlie Crist is expected to announce a deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida allowing Las Vegas-style slot machines and card games at its Hard Rock casino in Hollywood and six other sites, in exchange for USD 100 million or more in annual cash. Under the pact, revenue sharing by the Seminoles with the state would grow each year, depending on the success of the games.

Tallahassee - The federal government told Gov. Charlie Crist that it will take steps to allow expanded gambling in Seminole Indian casinos if he doesn't reach an agreement with the tribe by Nov. 15. In a letter sent to Crist's office Monday, the U.S. Interior Department's assistant secretary of Indian Affairs told Crist that the tribe is at a disadvantage because Las Vegas style slots -- or Class III machines -- are allowed at some dog and horse tracks and jai alai frontons, but not in Indian casinos.

Tallahassee, Florida (AP) - Republican Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminole Indians are close to a deal allowing the tribe's casinos to offer Las Vegas-style slot machines -- possibly even card games -- with the potential to generate more than USD100 million a year for the state. Crist, who took office in January, has made progress in negotiations with the tribe, unlike his predecessor, Gov. Jeb Bush. Bush adamantly opposed gambling and was at an impasse in talks when he left office.

Tallahassee -- Gov. Charlie Crist's goal to seal a gambling deal soon with the Seminole Tribe of Florida has hit a major snag: the Legislature. House Speaker Marco Rubio laid down the gauntlet in a letter to Crist Monday, demanding that lawmakers be allowed to approve or reject the proposed agreement between the governor and the tribe and warning that if the compact allows games now outlawed in Florida, GOP leaders "won't support it."

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has offered the state USD 50 million up front and at least USD 100 million a year in exchange for the right to have Las Vegas-style slot machines, blackjack and baccarat, the tribes' attorneys said Friday. Under the proposal, the state would receive a percentage of the seven tribal casinos' revenue with the Seminoles guaranteeing a minimum annual payment of USD 100 million.

Hollywood, Florida -- PRNewswire -- As the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe enter the final days of their closely watched compact negotiations, the 3rd annual Florida Gaming Summit is preparing to spotlight Indian gaming with special presentations on October 8-9 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Hotel & Casino. James F. Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming, will kick off the conference with a keynote address at the conference Welcome Reception.

A deal to allow Las Vegas-style gambling on tribal lands in Florida could face a major obstacle: the state Legislature. Governor Charlie Crist said he would likely submit any agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida to lawmakers for approval, although there are “mixed interpretations” about whether he must.