The Seminole Tribe of Florida opened the first gaming hall in Indian Country on December 14, 1979. The rest, they say, is history.

The bingo hall was the work of then-chairman Howard Tommie. But he planned on keeping all the profits for himself and his partners. It wasn't until the federal government stepped in that he agreed to share with the rest of the tribe.

The facility opened over the objections of local officials but the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the tribe. The ruling spawned gaming halls, mostly offering bingo, throughout Indian Country.

The Seminoles have moved onto bigger casinos, drawing in at least $320 million annually from several facilities. Nationally, Indian gaming is a $16 billion industry.

Get the Story:
First Indian gaming room marks 25 years (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 12/15)
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Seminoles plans major makeover for Coconut Creek casino (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 12/15)