Crist signs Seminole gaming deal

A deal that would bring $1 billion to the state by granting a five-year monopoly on gaming to the Seminole Tribe is a reality. Governor Charlie Crist signed the law yesterday, giving the tribe five years of exclusive rights for table card games like blackjack. It also makes any such card games at Florida’s pari-mutuels outside of Broward and Miami-Dade counties unlawful. The deal’s impact on proposals for casino resorts in southeast Florida is not clear, although according to its terms, the Seminoles would still have to pay the state even if it brokers an agreement with one of the casino resort companies. [Palm Beach Post]