Bill extends exclusivity for Seminole Tribe's gaming operation

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is open to a bill that would extend its Class III gaming compact in exchange for more revenues, a lobbyist said.

The bill by state Rep. Joe Abruzzo (D) would extend the compact by 15 years. In exchange, the tribe would pay another $750 million to the state.

“If they want to discuss bringing the state more revenue or changing the terms of the agreement, we look forward to the discussion,’’ tribal lobbyist Dave Ramba told The Miami Herald. “If it’s about money, let’s talk money.”

The tribe's existing deal provides $250 million a year to the state. But the revenue sharing will end if the state expands non-Indian casinos under a bill that's being considered by lawmakers.

Get the Story:
Bill would replace resort casinos with more money from Seminoles (The Miami Herald 11/16)
Can South Florida support three destination casinos? (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 11/16)
Gambling with the numbers (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 11/16)
Gambling scramble: Palm Beach County considers slots vote; Fla. senator wants casino agency to run Lottery (The Palm Beach Post 11/16)
Casino Bill May Expand Gaming Commission Over Florida Lottery (Sunshine State News 11/16)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Reject expansion of non-Indian gaming in Florida (11/14)
Seminole chairman slams comments about gaming compact (11/11)
Opinion: Time to strengthen regulation of gaming in Florida (11/10)
Seminole Tribe's lawyer suggests expansion of Indian gaming (11/8)
Seminole Tribe aims to kill bill to expand non-Indian gaming (11/7)
Seminole Tribe pays twice as much as non-Indian facilities (11/4)
Column: Casino expansion must address Seminole compact (11/3)
License awarded for non-Indian gaming facility in Florida (11/1)
Bill to authorize non-Indian gaming breaks Seminole deal (10/27)