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The state’s deal to allow black jack, poker and other card games with the Seminole Tribe runs out in July. Efforts to renew the deal may be stymied by new leaders in the state Legislature.

The Seminole Tribe pays the state 12 and a half million dollars a month plus a percentage of the profits. The tribe hit its billion dollar guarantee last month…nearly eight months early.

But trouble could be on the horizon. The deal for card games runs out in July. Now, Andy Gardiner, the new Senate President is raising questions about the deals future.

“It’s important for everyone to understand that if the state decides to go in a different direction than that compact would allow, then we gonna let the members figure that out.”

Any new deal must be approved by the US Department of Interior.  Barry Richard, the tribes lawyer thinks jeopardizing the deal is bad business., “The only question this year is whether the provision for the card games, like blackjack will be extended. It just doesn’t make any sense not to extend it. It’s creating a lot of money for both the state and the tribe.”

Rick Scott floated a renewal deal last May that didn’t materialize. For now, the Governor’s not tipping his hand.

“I’m going to take the right amount of time to make sure I get the right transaction for the state of Florida” says Scott. We asked if he thinks the state will get a better deal thhan what it has now?

“I’m going to take the right amount of time to do the best job for the state” responded Scott.

While the card compact runs out in July, the slots deal is good for thirty years.

But all of the money from the Seminole Tribe would go away if the state authorizes big time resort casinos being pushed for South Florida.

Getting a better deal from the Tribe could prove elusive. The state would have to grant greater exclusivity, which has value, or expanded locations to new tribal lands, otherwise the same deal for greater payments to the state would likely not pass Federal muster.