Column: Seminole Tribe poised for continued growth in gaming

Meanwhile, the Washington Times reports that Florida's eight Indian casinos again increased nongambling revenue by 25 percent in 2012, far and above the 2.7 percent increase among Indian facilities nationwide.

It was the second consecutive year of a double-digit nongambling increase, driven by the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s two Hard Rock hotels and casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, said Alan Meister, an economist with Nathan Associates, which tracks Indian gaming.

Nongambling revenue includes food and entertainment, a proven industry boon led by the larger casinos in Las Vegas.

“The Seminole Tribe has been developing this project, this brand, and over time it has been able to leverage it and add more shows and restaurants,” said Meister, who is the author of the newly released "Indian Gaming Industry Report" by Casino City, which tracks the performance of Indian casinos in the U.S.

When the election is over, I admit, I hope the Legislature returns to destination resort casinos and revamping the state's gaming rules. There's just no good reason for a state at the top of the hospitality chain to close the door to such an obvious advantage.