NIGC investigates Seminole use of gaming funds

Tuesday, November 27, 2007  

The National Indian Gaming Commission has an ongoing investigation into the use of gaming revenues by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

The agency has known for several years of lavish spending by tribal officials. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel has been running a series about the millions of dollars controlled and distributed by council members for houses, cars, trips and other gifts.

Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribal gaming revenues can be used for government operations or programs, for general welfare programs, for tribal economic development, for charitable organizations and for local government agencies [NIGC Bulletin].

'This is an ongoing process,'' NIGC Chairman Phil Hogen told The Miami Herald. "Great progress has been made, but I don't know that we're there yet.''

Get the Story:
Federal probe won't affect Seminole deal (The Miami Herald 11/27)
Tribal leaders David and Mitchell Cypress live in lavish homes (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 11/27)
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Longtime tribal leader Max Osceola Jr. collects a big salary but owes a fortune to the IRS and even to his tribe (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 11/27)