Compacts

Seminole Tribe still hopeful for new Class III gaming compact

Friday, February 13, 2015

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

The Seminole Tribe of Florida remains optimistic on a new Class III gaming compact despite a lack of interest from lawmakers in the state.

Under the current agreement, the tribe shares revenues with the state in exchange for regional exclusivity to offer certain Class III games. Over the last five years, the tribe has contributed more than $1 billion.

Gov. Rick Scott (R) has been negotiating an extension to the deal but key lawmakers haven't been receptive and some are even suggesting an expansion of non-Indian gaming. If that happens, the tribe would no longer be required to share revenues.

"The Seminole Tribe is optimistic that it will reach an agreement that is good for both the state of Florida and the tribe,” a tribal spokesperson told The Tampa Tribune.

The revenue sharing provisions of the agreement expire in mid-July. But the legislative session ends on May 1 so it appears a deal would have to be submitted before that deadline.

Get the Story:
Lawmakers: Keeping tribe’s gambling pact not sure bet (The Tampa Tribune 2/13)
Showdown looming over Seminole gambling agreement (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 2/7)

An Opinion:
Nick Sortal: The Nick-pact: A gambling compromise for Florida (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 2/11)