Seminole Tribe continues to offer card games

Monday, July 21, 2008  

It's business as usual at the casinos owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida despite a court ruling that said card games were illegal in the state.

The tribe plans to continue offering the games unless told otherwise. So far, the National Indian Gaming Commission and the Department of Justice haven't weighed in on the dispute.

The tribe signed a Class III gaming compact for slot machines and card games like blackjack and baccarat. In a July 3 decision, Florida Supreme Court said Gov. Charlie Crist (R) by authorizing the card games.

The court said card games are illegal in the state. Since Florida falls under Public Law 280, the tribe must follow state law, the court said.

Options include an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court or ratification of the compact by state lawmakers. The high court is in recess until October and the Florida Legislature won't reconvene until March 2009.

Get the Story:
Casinos' Disputed Games Play On (The Tampa Tribune 7/21)
Card games continue at Seminole casino, despite ruling (The Miami Herald 7/20)