Florida State and Seminoles Reach Deal

The state of Florida has finally reached a deal with the Seminole Indian tribe in regards to their being allowed slot machines in the state. The tribe has been trying to get them for years, but to no avail. Then after Broward County legalized slot machines the state was required to allow them to have the machines as well, but instead Governor Jeb Bush fought them until he was no longer in office.

Originally, Bush would have only needed to allow them to have slot machines at their gaming locations, and the state could have received a portion of the proceeds. However, once Broward County legalized the slot machines the state could have easily been cut out of the deal as it was now illegal for the state not to allow them to bring them in.

Instead, current Governor Charlie Crist had to up the ante to keep the tribe happy, and in addition to slot machines needed to offer table games to get a portion of the proceeds from the state. The deal that Crist signed with the tribe will give them Class III slot machines and table games such as blackjack and baccarat.

The tribe will not be allowed to offer craps or roulette though, under the terms of the deal. In return, the state will get a minimum of $100 million a year, which could increase depending on how much money the slot machines and tables actually end up bringing in. That number is based on a lower amount of revenue, and if the revenue exceeds those amounts, then the tribe will have to pay more to the state.

The tribe has exclusive rights to operate the casino games, for somewhere around 25 years. They will be permitted to have the slot machines and table games at their Hard Rock casinos in both Broward County and Tampa, as well as any other sites in the state.
 

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