The Poarch Band of Creek
Indians remained optimistic after an appeals court reversed course and barred the tribe from offering slot machines at its commercial racetrack in Florida.
A ruling from the 1st District Court of Appeal in May would have allowed slots at the Gretna Racing track in Gretna. But after the state petitioned for a rehearing, the justices changed their mind and urged the Florida Supreme Court to resolve the dispute.
"We are disappointed with this reversal, and we look forward to a review from the Florida Supreme Court where we feel this issue will be resolved in our favor," James Dorris, president and CEO of PCI Gaming, told the Associated Press.
The Seminole Tribe also raised concerns about the earlier ruling. The tribe's Class III gaming compact promises regional exclusivity although key provisions expired at the end of July and a new agreement hasn't been announced.
The Poarch Creeks are also hoping to negotiate a gaming compact. The tribe owns a trust parcel in Nokomis that could be used for a casino.
Get the Story:
Florida court reverses itself on slots
(AP 10/2)
$P Florida 1st District Court of Appeal Decision:
Gretna
Racing v. Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of
Pari-Mutuel Wagering (October 2, 2015)
Related Stories:
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:
Don't turn Poarch Creek racetrack into a full casino (6/2)
Editorial:
Extend Class III gaming compact with Seminole Tribe (6/1)
Poarch Creeks
win ruling for slot machines at Florida racetrack (6/1)