The Seminole Tribe shared $50 million with the state of Florida on Monday, the day its Class III gaming compact was published in the Federal Register.

The tribe will pay another $50 million to the state later this year. The tribe expects to share $100 million every year for the duration of the 25-year compact.

The compact was "deemed approved" by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. That means the BIA considers the agreement legal to the extent that it doesn't violate federal law.

Florida's attorney general filed suit to stop approval of the compact. But a federal judge refused to halt the process, clearing the way for publication in the Federal Register.

Meanwhile, the Florida Supreme Court will hear oral arguments January 30 in a case that challenges the legality of the agreement. Republican lawmakers say Gov. Charlie Crist (R) exceeded his authority by allowing the tribe to operate Class III games.

Get the Story:
Seminoles pay state $50 million in casino deal (The Miami Herald 1/8)
Casino Pact Takes Effect (The Tampa Tribune 1/8)
Fla. Indian Gambling Deal Takes Effect (AP 1/7)
Seminole gaming compact gets federal OK (The South Florida Business Journal 1/7)

Federal Register Notice:
Indian Gaming (January 7, 2008)