Follow Up: Florida Senate makes offer to give up fight for full blown casinos.

As reported in an earlier post, there is a possiblity that the Florida budget session may close without a gambling deal. However, that does not mean state lawmakers are throwing in the towel. As reported on tampabay.com, the Senate made a "beefy offer" to the House late last night; essentially backing off a deal allowing for full casinos for the Seminole Tribe. Here is some of what was offered:

"* No more craps and roulette for the Seminole Tribe, as had been the offer in its original bill.

* Only limited gambling for Brighton, Immokalee and Big Cypress facilities -- with a definition as to what that means to come.

* $500 million in upfront cash for the first year; with the revenue declining to $400 million minimum in the second year and $250 million minimum for the remaining 23 years.

* Broward and Miami-Dade parimutuels could seek a voter referendum to get black jack at their cardrooms and pay $25 million to operate the games.

* Parimutuels outside of Miami-Dade and Broward could get slot machines if they get a county referendum and pay a $3 million license fee. If they don't seek slot machines, they can obtain a historic racing games.

* Gambling age is raised to 21."

Both sides view this as a good faith start to continued negotiations. You can read the full story on tampabay.com.

Check back for updates.

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