Governor Charlie Crist has been working to broker the deal for more three years. It was first rejected by the Florida Supreme Court in 2007 and then again by the House Committee in August of 2009.

 The agreement is currently awaiting House, Senate and Tribal Council approval but if it should pass it is expected to provide a substantial boost to the Florida economy providing up to $705 million in expected revenue over the next year.

The Seminole’s attorney, Mr. Barry Richard, is optimistic the deal will go through but he isn’t ready to consider it finalized just yet since approval still needs to be made first. He does say that this is the closest they’ve ever come to making something final however.

Gov. Crist has said the deal will provide some much needed funds for things like education within the state and could have a lasting positive impact on Florida’s economy “this really bodes well for the future of Florida” Gov. Crist said. “The point is the children of Florida and education in our state. It will provide hundreds of millions of dollars for education.”

The deal would also benefit the Seminole Tribe who once approval has been reached will be able to legally offer table games in South Florida and slot machines outside the Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Although casino players will not notice a huge change since table games have been offered for several years now they will hopefully be able to turn those cards without fear that they are playing in a grey area of the law.

More details as they become available.