Feds may have to settle casino spat

TALLAHASSEE - Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul says Seminole Indian gaming talks are at an impasse and he has asked a federal agency to intervene.

The Ocala Republican sent a letter Wednesday to the chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission.

Cretul says the Seminole Tribe has failed to comply with federal law and a Florida Supreme Court ruling because it has expanded banked card games before obtaining a valid compact with the state.

The deal requires legislative approval. A proposal negotiated by Gov. Charlie Crist would expand those games to a greater extent than outlined in legislation passed earlier this year.

The tribe said Wednesday the original compact is still in effect, because the state Supreme Court didn't rule on its status, only on the governor's authority.