Big Cypress Slot Machines

As many already know, negotiations between the Seminole Indians and the Governor of the State of Florida broke down in May without the signing of a slot machine compact. The compact would give the Seminoles the right to run Class III slot machines and give them more revenue than the bingo machines they currently run give them. It would also give the state of Florida slot machine revenue, which they are currently not receiving. 

However, since talks have broken down, each side is playing the blame game and nothing is getting done. The tribe says that they are willing to work with the state to sign the compact, but have opened a slot machine casino by the name of Big Cypress on a part of their land that threatens the lives of the Florida Panther and the environmental balance of the Everglades. They refuse to close it, and say they are not planning on an expansion, but will not rule it out. 

The State of Florida says that the tribe wants to bring in unlimited slot machines, and refuses to shut down the casino at Big Cypress. Governor Bush says this is “non-negotiable” and will not sign a compact with the tribe unless it is shut down. He is arguing that the environmental concerns outweigh the tribe’s right to the slot machine income. “We believe that it is not in the best interests of the state of Florida, the national parks that are in that area, or anyone else for there to be casino operations [there],” said a spokesperson for their camp.  

In the meantime, the tribe has gone to the Department of the Interior demanding that they step in and resolve it, which they have agreed to do. However, if they step in the state will not receive any slot machine revenue, and they will not be able to say whether or not Big Cypress stays open or not. Governor Bush has already pledged to fight the government and to keep that from happening.
 

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