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The federal government has told Governor Charlie Crist that he and the Seminole Tribe have until November 15th to negotiate a gambling compact.  If that deadline passes without an agreement, the U.S. Department of the Interior says it will take steps to allow Las Vegas style slot machines at Indian casinos.  The state would get no money if the feds step in.  Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum says he’s prepared to sue if that happens.

 “Because Indian gaming laws say that the governor of a state has a strict responsibility to negotiate compacts with Indians,” McCollum said.  “It doesn’t say that the Department of Interior has that responsibility.  It says if there is a situation like we have here in Florida, it’s up to the governor of the state to negotiate that compact.”

The lawyer representing the tribe says the major points of a compact have already been worked out.  In addition to slots, tt would grant the Seminoles limited table games, but not roulette or craps.