Deal reached over compact for Seminole Tribe

Thursday, May 7, 2009  

Florida lawmakers reached a last-minute deal for a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe.

The deal allows the tribe to keep slot machines, blackjack and other card games at four of its casinos. The tribe would be restricted to slots at three other casinos.

In exchange, the tribe would share at least $150 million a year with the state for the next 15 years. The payments will drop if blackjack or other Class III games are legalized in the state and if the tribe's net win drops below $1.37 billion.

Lawmakers agreed to reopen an old racetrack, lower tax rates for non-Indian tracks and pave the way for Class II electronic machines at the tracks.

The deal still requires the tribe's approval.

Get the Story:
Lawmakers strike deal on gambling (The Orlando Sentinel 5/7)
State reaches compromise on Seminole gambling revenues; tribe must vote (The Miami Herald 5/7)
Details of the gambling accord (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 4/6)
Legislators agree on plan to expand Seminole casino gambling (AP 5/6)