Seminoles Expand Table Gambling to Tampa Casino
Governor Charlie Crist of Florida struck a deal earlier this year with the Seminole Tribe. In exchange for allowing the tribe to install Class III slot machines, and giving the tribal casinos exclusive rights to blackjack and other table games, the Seminoles would pay the state $100 million or more annually, and drop its attempt to act unilaterally.
But some state legislators were upset that there was no review by them, and contested Crist's right to negotiate such a contract without legislative approval. The courts held that the contract was invalid, but the Seminoles had already acted to install the new games at Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Seminole lawyers said the tribe did not recognize the state's jurisdiction, and that, as the federal government had published the contract, they would continue to provide the expanded gaming until told otherwise by Washington.
So it was that the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa quietly began table play today. One hundred and four tables were set up, and the tables quickly filled, despite the lack of any advertising push.
It made a mighty contrast with the opening of blackjack in South Florida. At that time, the state Supreme Court had not ruled against the compact, and the first hands of blackjack were presented as a massive celebration. Carmen Electra was on hand to be dealt the official first hand, and hundreds lined up, celebrity-spotting as they waited to find an open spot at a table.
Now, in Tampa, the tables came in at five a.m., snuck in with no fanfare. The Seminoles are intent on keeping the games, but apparently don't want any more of a public display of their conflict with the state than necessary. Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen said he expected all involved parties to work to a solution.
In the meantime, table games are filtering in to more locations. The Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek is rumored to be next, with word that tables will be in place before New Year's Day.
