The Seminole Compact. Image from Made in Florida / The Victory Group / Vimeo
The Seminole Tribe is reminding residents of its impact on Florida amid renewed debate over the expansion of gaming. Under the Class III gaming compact, the tribe has shared $1 billion with the state and has supported more than 20,000 jobs. A new television ad describes the deal as a "partnership that works for Florida." A key lawmaker, however, doesn't appear to agree with that sentiment. State Rep. Dana Young (R), the point person on gaming in the Florida House, introduced legislation that expands non-Indian operations in the state. The bill authorizes two facilities in the southern part of the state, where the tribe's casinos are located. That means the tribe would lose its regional exclusivity and would no longer have to share revenues with the state.
Vimeo: Made In Florida
According to The South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the non-Indian facilities would pay $350 million a year to the state under the bill. That's more than the $250 million the tribe shares. The tribe has been in talks with Gov. Rick Scott (R) to renew the compact. But a final agreement hasn't been reached amid resistance from state lawmakers. Get the Story:
Tribe launches television push to protect the compact (The Tampa Bay Tribune 3/2)
House to open door to destination resorts, gaming in Palm Beach and dog racing reforms (The Miami Herald 3/2)
Lawmaker renews push to bring mega casinos to Florida (AP 3/2)
Sweeping house gambling bill could turn Naples/Ft. Myers dog track into “racino” (The News Service of Florida 3/3)
House to consider 2 destination casinos, new oversight (The South Florida Sun-Sentinel 3/3)
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lawmaker not waiting on Seminole Tribe casino compact (02/17)
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