Florida state governor Charlie Crist is in a bit of a bind. Back in 2007, he signed an agreement with local Seminole tribe leaders allowing them to offer blackjack games in their casinos. Crist’s legal power to negotiate this agreement came under question in October of last year, when House Speaker Larry Cretul started a campaign to close down Seminole casinos, insisting that they were offering blackjack illegally.

This debate continues today. Crist is now initiating his third round of negations with the Seminole tribe, trying to strike a gambling deal that the Legislature will pass. Crist is bound and determined to get blackjack back in Seminole casinos, and for a good reason – he already earmarked $433 in blackjack gambling revenue in his education budget.

“We want to do whatever we can to get that money for Florida’s children,” says Crist.

The problem is that the state fears that by giving Seminole casinos sole rights over blackjack in Florida, they will be taking revenue away from the state’s pari-mutuel gambling businesses. Crist is now working hard to figure out a deal that is beneficial to all parties involved.

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