The Seminole Tribe of Florida is defending its Class III games amid a new attack by a key lawmaker.
The tribe offers slot machines and table games at its seven Hard Rock casinos. The games were authorized by a gaming compact that the Bureau of Indian Affairs approved. "Since the federal approval of the tribe's 2007 compact has not been reversed by any judicial or administrative decision, the compact remains in effect as a matter of federal law," the tribe said in a statement. "The tribe's gaming facilities continue to operate in full compliance with the 2007 compact." But Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul says the games are illegal because the compact was struck down in state court. He is asking the National Indian Gaming Commission to fine the tribe for the Class III games or order the tribe to stop offering them. The tribe negotiated a new deal after the court decision but Cretul and other key lawmakers have refused to call a special session to review the compact. Get the Story: