When Gov. Rick Scott says Florida "is open for business," does he mean casinos? The gaming industry is taking that proposition bet.

In the end, Charlie Crist was too clever for his own good.

Lawmakers Thursday came closer to approving a deal that that would give the Seminole Tribe of Florida exclusive rights to blackjack and other Vegas-style card games at five casinos.

The Senate and House discussed but did not reach a final vote on the 20-year compact that would bring the state at least $1 billion in its first five years. The House Select Committee on Seminole Indian Compact Review moved the bill to its next stage in the morning, while the Senate concluded a second reading on the chamber floor.

With Florida’s pot expected to be light about $6 billion next year, backers of online gaming say the state could have an ace in the hole that would bring in hundreds of millions of dollars if the state has the guts to play it.

A Senate committee has scaled back its attempt to tie the governor’s hands in negotiating a compact that would expand the gaming rights of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

On Wednesday, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee passed SB 622, a bill that requires the Legislature ratify the governor’s compact to give the tribe exclusive rights to blackjack and other casino-style card games. It would also lower taxes and license fees for some gambling activities at a number of pari-mutuel facilities. And, it would void the governor’s compact from last year.