Compacts

Seminole Tribe accuses state of violating Class III casino deal

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Blackjack tables at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Florida. Photo from Facebook

The Seminole Tribe accused the state of Florida of violating the Class III gaming compact but will continue to make revenue sharing payments, Chairman James Billie said.

The 2010 deal promised regional exclusivity for banked table games. The tribe argues that the state broke the deal by allowing non-Indian facilities to offer the same types of games.

As a result, Billie argued in a letter to Gov. Rick Scott (R) that the tribe can continue to offer the games even though certain provisions of the compact expire next month. But as a "gesture of good faith," he said revenue sharing payments will continue until the issue is resolved.

The tribe previously claimed Scott was not negotiating in good faith as required by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. He has refused to come to the table because he believes lawmakers won't accept a deal he might reach with the tribe.

Since 2010, the tribe has shared more than $1 billion with the state in exchange for regional exclusivity.

Get the Story:
Seminole Tribe says state voided gambling agreement (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 6/25)
Seminoles up the ante in gambling negotiations (The News Service of Florida 6/25)
Seminole Tribe starts clock on 30-day dispute resolution process over card games (The Miami Herald 6/24)
Seminoles seek mediation in stalemate over blackjack (The Tampa Bay Tribune 6/24)
Seminole Tribe begins dispute resolution process in card game conflict (Local10 6/24)