Tenants take Seminole Tribe to court over casino dealings

Friday, June 3, 2011  

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is being sued in federal court by current and former tenants at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood.

The list of plaintiffs includes the KnightTime Billiards, which is still operating at the casino, and two former tenants -- Contour Day Spa and 88’s Dueling Pianos. All say the tribe has gone violated contracts with their businesses.

“They are a law unto themselves, answerable to no one other than themselves, in their view,” attorney Kenneth Whitman, who represents KnightTime, told The Miami Herald.

Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen disputed the allegations raised by KnightTime about use of patio space at the casino. KnightTime’s chief operating officer has been banned from the casino due to “numerous complaints filed by our guests based upon inappropriate conduct and behavior by him," Allen told the paper.

Allen said the piano bar undertook construction without the tribe's consent. The business was evicted from the casino.

Get the Story:
Tenants say Seminoles aren’t playing by their own rules (The Miami Herald 6/3)