Pact approved: Seminole Tribe, Department of Interior come to expanded gambling agreement.(Roundup)(Brief article)

A 25-year tribal-state agreement allowing expanded gambling at casinos operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida was approved in January by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

The agreement, negotiated by Gov. Charlie Crist and tribal officials and published in the Federal Register, will allow Class III, casino-style slot machines and table games at the tribe's seven casinos.

In exchange for exclusivity on the games, the tribe agreed to share casino revenue with the state. The first $50 million was transferred to the state in early January. The state is slated to receive annual minimum payments of $100 million.

"[The] transfer of $50 million to the …