Judge won't halt blackjack at Seminole casinos

Thursday, July 10, 2008  

A federal judge said he can't rule on a lawsuit that seeks to stop the Seminole Tribe of Florida from offering blackjack at its casinos.

Judge Stephan P. Mickle said a lawsuit filed by a non-Indian slot machine facility can't proceed without the tribe's participation. But since the tribe enjoys sovereign immunity, it can't be joined in the case without its consent, the judge said.

The Pompano Park Isle Casino sought an injunction against the Seminoles, citing a July 3 ruling by the Florida Supreme Court that invalidated the tribe's Class III gaming compact. Gov. Charlie Crist (R) overstepped his bounds by allowing blackjack and other card games at the casino, the court said.

Despite the ruling, the tribe has no plans to stop offering blackjack. The compact has been approved by the Interior Department.

Get the Story:
Judge says he can't stop Seminoles' blackjack (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 7/10)
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Blackjack still on at Hard Rock, for now (The Miami Herald 7/10)