Some win, some lose

FLORIDA: The State of Florida has until Nov. 15th to complete a deal that would bring blackjack and Las Vegas-style slot machines to Seminole Indian land or risk losing out on at least $100 million in annual payments from the tribe. The U.S. Dept. of the Interior has said that if an agreement isn't reached by next week's deadline, it will impose procedures that would approve the expanded gaming without guaranteeing any money for the state. Either way, gaming fans in Florida win. Slots players will be especially glad that Florida's land-based Indian casinos will get REAL slot machines. We will all do a cheer when Florida's casinos finally dump the bingo-based gaming devices...they are a poor excuse for slots and video poker.

MARYLAND: The Maryland Senate last week approved a referendum on slot machine gambling by a vote of 31-15. The vote moves the legislature closer to a question on the ballot next November to ask voters whether to allow up to 15,000 slots throughout the state. At the same time, a poll taken in the Greater Baltimore area shows that the majority of voters favor allowing slots in the city, but not at the Inner Harbor.

MAINE: Voters in Maine this past week rejected a proposal by the Passanaquoddy Indian Tribe to build a harness racetrack and casino in Calais, near the border of Canada.

MASSACHUSETTS: In Massachusetts a state representative plans to file a bill that would allow installation of slot machines at each of the four racetracks while the state ponders the possibility of licensing casinos. A similar bill filed last year was turned down.