Gambling on Indian Reservations

[aphex]

http://ap.google.com/article/A..._soY4JYVBvENQD91MF3001

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) ? The Florida Supreme Court is overturning the agreement Gov. Charlie Crist signed with the Seminole Tribe to expand gambling at its casinos.

The court ruled Thursday that Crist doesn't have the constitutional authority to enter into the agreement that allows Las Vegas-style slot machines, black jack and other card games at facilities such as the Hard Rock Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood.

House Speaker Marco Rubio challenged the agreement after Crist signed it in November. The tribe has already given the state $50 million as part of the deal that was expected to generate at least $100 million a year for the state.

The state house has fought hard to keep 'vegas style' gambling (real slots and table games) out of the Florida Indian Reservation Casinos and for now, it appears they have won.

What I fail to understand though, is how can they be so opposed to something which would be such an excellent revenue source for the state. 100 million or more per year is nothing to sneeze at, especially considering the drastic budget cuts our state made to the educational system and other areas following the new property tax amendment (homestead exemption and portability) passed earlier this year.

If that weren't enough, the Department of Interior already approved the deal in January and the casinos have already begun offering 'vegas style' gambling, so its possible that even though the state has rejected the agreement between Gov. Crist and the Seminole Tribe, the casinos may be able to keep the new style gaming without having to give any money to the state as was required under the agreement.

I do recognize the argument that 'vegas style' gambling brings with it the possibility for more crime, but with so few casinos across the state (5 total I believe), does the potential increase in crime really outweigh the benefits?

I dunno, I just find this frustrating.

 

[Craig234]

Originally posted by: aphex

What I fail to understand though, is how can they be so opposed to something which would be such an excellent revenue source for the state. 100 million or more per year is nothing to sneeze at, especially considering the drastic budget cuts our state made to the educational system and other areas following the new property tax amendment (homestead exemption and portability) passed earlier this year.

Good for them. If you need $100 million, raise it through the progressive income tax, not the regressive taxation that happens with big casino money.

Note my comment is about the tax issue, and not the Native Americans' rights to have such a casino.
[/quote]

 

[jackschmittusa]

I've never understood the anti-casino stance at all. Yes, I've heard all of the arguments, but none of them make a lot of sense to me.

Here in Ohio, they've beat down every attempt to have casinos. So, everyone just goes to Michigan, Indiana, W. Virginia, or Canada to play.

 

[aphex]

Originally posted by: Craig234

Originally posted by: aphex

What I fail to understand though, is how can they be so opposed to something which would be such an excellent revenue source for the state. 100 million or more per year is nothing to sneeze at, especially considering the drastic budget cuts our state made to the educational system and other areas following the new property tax amendment (homestead exemption and portability) passed earlier this year.

Good for them. If you need $100 million, raise it through the progressive income tax, not the regressive taxation that happens with big casino money.

Note my comment is about the tax issue, and not the Native Americans' rights to have such a casino.

[/quote]
Florida doesn't have a state income tax, and I don't think starting one now would go over well at all.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Part may be the influence of the offshore boats. Reduce the competition.

 

[Moonbeam]

Suppose there was some chemical that made you feel good and it was cheep and you didn't have to deserve to be happy to be happy after you take it. Would it be the government's job to save you from such a chemical?

 

[Craig234]

Originally posted by: aphex

Originally posted by: Craig234

Originally posted by: aphex

What I fail to understand though, is how can they be so opposed to something which would be such an excellent revenue source for the state. 100 million or more per year is nothing to sneeze at, especially considering the drastic budget cuts our state made to the educational system and other areas following the new property tax amendment (homestead exemption and portability) passed earlier this year.

Good for them. If you need $100 million, raise it through the progressive income tax, not the regressive taxation that happens with big casino money.

Note my comment is about the tax issue, and not the Native Americans' rights to have such a casino.

Florida doesn't have a state income tax, and I don't think starting one now would go over well at all.

Thaanks for informing me, I agree it's not worth starting one for this. But there must be some sensible tax plan available better than this.

 

[brandonbull]

The only thing that moron, House Speaker Marco Rubio, did was to stop the state from getting $100M+ /year from the casinos. The Indians have the federal government's approval for the slot machines. I hope that moron is going to forfeit his paycheck in order to help with the budget problem in FL.

 

[dahunan]

Would it also reduce the welfare checks sent to the reservations?

 

[piasabird]

I thought Indian land was federal land and not subject to state laws. Look out for the real Supreme Court. Last time a Florica decision was found baseless by the supreme court. Maybe the judges in the state of Florida are all corrupt.

My personal opinion is all casinos should be declared illegal, but obviously people like having someone take their money or they would not go to a casino. Casino's should have a sign up in front that says "Stupid people wanting to lose their money are free to enter!" I guess there are lots of ways to spend your money. However, you should receive something for your money of value.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: piasabird
...
However, you should receive something for your money of value.

Entertainment?

Some places - free drinks.

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: Common Courtesy

Originally posted by: piasabird
...
However, you should receive something for your money of value.

Entertainment?

Some places - free drinks.

Not sure what they're trying to 'prevent' when we've already got casinos in FL. There's a Hard Rock over in Tampa and they do NOT give out free drinks ala Vegas. I've been there a few times and it's not my thing but to each their own.

 

[EagleKeeper]

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: Common Courtesy

Originally posted by: piasabird
...
However, you should receive something for your money of value.

Entertainment?

Some places - free drinks.

Not sure what they're trying to 'prevent' when we've already got casinos in FL. There's a Hard Rock over in Tampa and they do NOT give out free drinks ala Vegas. I've been there a few times and it's not my thing but to each their own.

Some Indian Casinos in the country do not offer liquor (free or paid).