The Seminole Tribe of Florida and Governor Rick Scott are pushing together for the state Legislature to approve a gambling agreement that, among other things, would allow for a $1.8-billion expansion. If approved, the plan is expected to generate thousands of temporary and permanent jobs at tribal casinos in South Florida and Tampa.
In December 2015, the Florida Governor and tribal Chairman James Billie penned a seven-year deal after months of negotiating its terms and what would be the best for both tribal member and the state. However, the compact failed to make any progress in the annual legislative session.
Gov. Scott, Mr. Billie, and other representatives for the tribe gathered together at a Monday meeting, thus renewing their attempts to gain the necessary approval by the Florida Legislature. The governor described his deal with the Seminoles as the biggest one of that kind ever inked in the USA, one that is good both for the state, and the Seminole Tribe.
Among other things, the compact contains provision for the future expansion of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood and Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. Under the proposed plan, an 800-room, electric-guitar-shaped hotel would be added at the existing Hollywood complex. In addition, new food and beverage and other exciting options, including “a music memorabilia experience” would also be featured at the expanded venue.
As for Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, another 500-room hotel tower is to be constructed and new bars, restaurants, and an enlarged banquet hall would be added at the site. The Seminoles have repeatedly pointed out that the proposed expansion at the two casinos would generate almost 5,000 permanent full-time jobs and over 14,500 temporary construction ones.
James Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming, said at the Monday meeting that the tribe has done what it has been expected to do under the terms of its former compact with Florida, which was signed back in 2010. One of the provisions in that compact required the Seminoles to pay more than $1 billion in gaming revenue to the state.
Under the new deal, the tribe will contribute $3 billion over a period of seven years in exchange for the exclusive right to be the sole provider of blackjack in the state and to operate roulette, craps, and other table games at its seven gambling venues around Florida. Furthermore, the compact authorizes the addition of slots at Palm Beach Kennel Club, leaves open the possibility for the establishment of a casino in Miami-Dade County, and allows for tracks at the county as well as ones in Broward County to add blackjack to their current offering.
The agreement between Gov. Scott and the Seminole Tribe has not been approved neither by Florida Houses, nor by Senate Committees.
