Deal and Win!

Slots and Gambling Laws

Under federal law, the governor is compelled to negotiate a compact ''in good faith'' with the Indians to spell out the rules that will apply to slot machine operations. Before 1988, federal courts allowed tribes to operate gaming on their reservations free from state regulation if the state's public policy was to regulate, rather than prohibit, those games. Congress enacted the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in October 1988 and gave the states a part in regulating tribal operations of Class III games, as long as the state authorizes Class III machines.

Bush began dense talks with the Seminoles three months after Broward County voters certified slot machines at parimutuels last March. But the discussions were mired in hesitation as both parties waited for the Florida Legislature to make a decision how many machines it would authorize and what tax rate it would charge the Broward racetracks.

Last week, after signing the statement that regulates slot operations at Broward racetracks and its jai alai fronton, Bush said he will resume dense talks with the Seminoles and start in on talks with Miccosukee tribal Chairman Billy Cypress by the end of the month.