Ok, so I haven’t been around for awhile. I would like to thank everyone for there support and the questions (ribbing, harassing) that I get at work about when I’m going to write again. Those of you that work at Tampa know that OMD and I have been going through some tough times but I believe we have things worked out at this point. That’s not an excuse, I just know that many of you have wondered if everything is OK with me and I want to keep you updated. The simple truth is, I sleep too much. I’m trying to make an effort to get more motivated both in writing and in life. So, hopefully there will be more posts to come and I can get this blog going again.
What actually inspired me to write today (besides Red Bull) is a comment made by one of my readers about the pending opening of other Hard Rock casinos. He is referencing this article came out today. If you would like to read the article yourself you can follow the link but I’m going to give you the basics here.
As many of you know the big sticking point in the compact negotiations is the exclusivity that the Tribe wants. The Tribe wants 25 years and the state doesn’t want to lock itself into an agreement for that long. I understand the argument from both sides and don’t see a problem with their stance. Before someone thinks I’m being simple, I know there is more then one reason but this is the reason this article addresses. Furthermore, it would seem that we have gotten past the moral objections to gambling and are moving towards making gambling work in this state.
Basically, the proposal that they are working on now would allow the Tribe to continue as is with a pseudo exclusivity of only 5 years. Obviously there isn’t an actual bill pending so I can’t read all the fine print but the article does say the state can get out of the agreement at anytime. As I’ve stated before I’m fundamentally against any exclusive agreement. I believe that competition is good for everyone and would love to see different casino operators in the state.
Also, just for clarification, the article does not mention anything about expansion plans for the Tribe. It doesn’t say we can’t open the other casinos but it doesn’t say that we can either. The article is silent on the issue. The commenter is speculating that with a signed compact the Tribe would be able to open CC and Classic. I bring this up because the state has been against that expansion and for all I (or anyone) knows, part of the compact my limit the Tribe to what they have open at this time.
As many of you know I’m also hoping there will be an expansion of the poker laws in this state. There is a bill that will be brought to the House in the upcoming session that will separate the issue of the pari-mutuels from the compact. Some of you may remember that the tax on revenue was going to go from 50% to 35% and they were going to allow no limit poker. However, that provision was tied to the compact. When the compact wasn’t signed that also fell through. The issue of the tax rate is mentioned in the article but not the no limit poker. I only mention that because I would love to get back into dealing poker and this is my article and I get to mention whatever I want.
That’s it for now. Here’s hoping I can get back into the groove. As always…
Peace, love and good happiness stuff.
Matt
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