Jim Billie: Seminole Tribe gaming enterprise clear and free

Thursday, December 15, 2011  

"We are more than a little surprised at a recent news story about Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi and her comments regarding “money laundering” at the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Casino in Tampa.

In an article published around the world by the Associated Press (AP), Dec. 11, Bondi voiced her opposition to the “destination resort” casino bills now before the state legislature by tying gaming to criminal activity. The article said Attorney General Bondi “contended that recent drug trafficking convictions in Hillsborough County showed that drug money wound up being routed through the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa.”

I am very disappointed to hear one of our top Florida government leaders come forward with such a statement that is so damaging to the reputation of the Seminole Tribe of Florida. I am disappointed the AP would publish this statement without checking its accuracy or even contacting us for our comments. Unfortunately, because of the fact it came from the Attorney General and was published by AP, untold numbers of persons who see this will believe it is true."

Get the Story:
Jim Billie: Seminole Gaming: clean since 1979 (The Seminole Tribune 12/14)

Related Stories:
Top Republicans against efforts to expand gaming in Florida (12/9)
Malaysian company with ties to tribes eyes a casino in Florida (11/29)
Editorial: Expansion of non-Indian gaming won't help Florida (11/21)
Opinion: Supporters of expanded gaming trying to play Florida (11/28)
Editorial: Expansion of non-Indian gaming won't help Florida (11/21)
Bill extends exclusivity for Seminole Tribe's gaming operation (11/16)
Editorial: Reject expansion of non-Indian gaming in Florida (11/14)
Seminole chairman slams comments about gaming compact (11/11)