Seminole Tribe pays twice as much as non-Indian facilities

Friday, November 4, 2011  

The Seminole Tribe shares $250 million a year with the state of Florida -- twice as much as five non-Indian facilities.

The five racinos in south Florida pay 35 percent of slot machine revenues to the state. Despite the seemingly high tax rate, their contribution only amounts to $125 million a year, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports.

Combined with the tribe's contribution and $12.5 million from other non-Indian gaming facilities, the state takes in about $388 million a year from gaming, the paper said. But the tribe's share will end if the state expands non-Indian gaming under a bill that's been introduced in the Legislature.

The bill calls for three new casinos to be taxed at a rate of 10 percent. Supporters say they will be able to make up for the loss of tribal revenue.

Get the Story:
South Florida destination casinos: How much revenue would they generate? (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 11/4)
Lawmakers: Legislation Adding Resort Casinos Would Reduce Overall Gambling in Florida (First Coast News 11/4)

Related Stories:
Column: Casino expansion must address Seminole compact (11/3)
License awarded for non-Indian gaming facility in Florida (11/1)
Bill to authorize non-Indian gaming breaks Seminole deal (10/27)