Seminole To Offer Las Vegas Style Slot Machines in Florida

On January 25th, 2008, the Seminole Tribe from the state of Florida is putting up 1,000 brand new Las Vegas style slot machines in their Hard Rock Casino in Florida and it will start on Monday, January 28th, 2008. This is an astounding development because on Tuesday, January 29th, 2008, a court will hear the case filed by the state legislature against the gambling compact. The state legislature is saying that Gov. Crist should have consulted them regarding the gambling compact.

If the court sides with the legislature, the tribe may be forced to abandon their plans for the new machines and just use their old bingo style slot machines. The Seminoles said that not only did Gov. Crist give them permission, the Department of the Interior also approved of the whole deal. The tribe has already paid Florida the first $50 million that are a part of the $375 million three year agreement.

The profit that will be made for the first 3 years may be bigger and it is possible that the tribe will pay the state at least $100 million yearly. Tribe spokesperson Gary Bitner said that this is only the first part of their gaming expansion. The Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood is the only one of the seven casino facilities that offers the Las Vegas style slot machines.

Bill McCollum, the attorney general of Florida said that this news is not surprising. The lawyer for the Seminole Tribe, Barry Richards commented that the tribe has the right to proceed and that they should move faster regarding the whole thing because everyday that they do not take action, the state and the tribe loses valuable earnings and time.

Sunday, 03 February 2008
Caroline Mitchell