Compacts

Lawmakers don't appear interested in Seminole Tribe compact

Friday, January 9, 2015

A view of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Tampa, Florida. Photo from Facebook

Key Florida lawmakers don't appear to be interested in the fate of a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe.

Revenue-sharing provisions of the compact expire this year. But lawmakers reacted coolly when Gov. Rick Scott (R) tried to extend the deal last year.

The situation is looking the same this year. Senate President Andy Gardiner (R) said he doesn't care if the compact is renewed and Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli (R) said he won't be upset if talks don't go anywhere.

“And truth be told, there may be nothing that comes about from it. We may just go on and nothing changes," Crisafulli told SaintPetersBlog.

Over the last five years, the tribe has shared more than $1 billion with the state in exchange for regional exclusivity for slot machines and certain table games.

Get the Story:
Speaker Steve Crisafulli playing Seminole Compact cards close to the vest (SaintPetersBlog 1/9)

An Opinion:
Nick Sortal: I left my money at Seminole Hard Rock (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 1/8)