Seminole Tribe back in court to recover $1.2M gaming debt

Tuesday, November 15, 2011  

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is trying to recover $1.2 million from a high roller who admits he lost the money on the gaming floor.

But Jason Starkman, the owner of Epicure Gourmet Market and Jerry's Famous Deli, says he doesn't have to repay the money because the tribe's Class III gaming compact wasn't valid at the time. A judge sided with Starkman so the tribe has taken the case to the state's Fourth District Court of Appeals.

Starkman said he lost the money in 2008 -- prior to a ruling from the Florida Supreme Court that said the tribe's original compact was invalid. The tribe negotiated a new deal.

Get the Story:
Jason Starkman, Epicure Owner, Taken To Court Over $1.2 Million Gambling Debt (The Miami New-Times 11/14)