![The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa, Florida](https://www.indianz.com/IndianGaming/2014/09/30/seminolehardrocktampa.jpg)
A view of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa, Florida. Photo from Facebook
Florida newspaper explains why Gov. Rick Scott (R) should agree to a new Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe:
In plain terms, Seminole Chief James Billie let the governor and legislative leaders know last week that the tribe is prepared to stop its payments to the state and sue in federal court. The Tribe believes the state violated the deal’s terms by allowing electronic blackjack games and player-banked poker games to be played in card rooms at horse and dog tracks in Florida. The state can dispute that claim, but there is a reasonable argument to be made. Either way, by refusing to cut a new deal ahead of the deadline, the state risks losing $200 million this year and millions more that might be negotiated in future years. It also throws open the door to renewed legislation next year to allow the massive casinos in Florida, a move that would tarnish the state’s reputation as a tourism mecca for families. An extension of the deal would allow the Tribe to move forward with $1.6 billion in capital improvements it plans in Florida, including a substantial hotel expansion at its Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino along Interstate 4 west of Tampa, one of seven casinos the Tribe owns in the state. We would rather see no more money invested in a predatory enterprise, but better it be on the tribal lands where gambling already exists than in new locations.Get the Story:
Editorial: Seminole gambling deal the best option for Florida (The Tampa Tribune 6/30)
Related Stories
Seminole
Tribe accuses state of violating Class III casino deal (6/25) Seminole Tribe seeks to join case affecting Poarch Creek track (06/18)
Column: So much for a Class III casino deal with Seminole Tribe (6/11)
Column: Seminole Tribe can thank Poarch Creeks for casino ruling (06/04)
Editorial: Extend Class III gaming compact with Seminole Tribe (06/01)
Column: Seminole Tribe won't give up easily in gaming flap (05/11)
Seminole Tribe might not stop blackjack after compact ends (5/8)
Seminole Tribe renews bid to negotiate Class III casino compact (5/4)
Seminole Tribe talks with lawmakers about Class III casino deal (04/23)
Editorial: Racinos seek a level playing field with Seminole Tribe (04/07)
Seminole Tribe could gain one-year extension for gaming pact (4/6)
Editorial: Renew Class III gaming compact with Seminole Tribe (03/24)
Seminole Tribe reveals details of Class III gaming negotiations (3/19)
Interview: Seminole Tribe executive discusses gaming compact (3/17)
Join the Conversation