The Seminole Tribe of Florida has contested a recent Circuit Court Judge’s ruling that the installation of certain slot machine-like devices at poker rooms, bars, and other venues around the state should not be interpreted as illegal gambling expansion.
Tribal officials sent last week a letter to Florida Gov. Rick Scott and other top lawmakers arguing that Judge John Cooper’s decision violated a 2010 gaming compact, under which the Seminoles were the sole operator of slot machines outside South Florida.
The controversial Blue Sky Version 67 machines were found at different facilities across Florida after a Department of Business and Professional Regulation probe. The DBPR quickly declared the devices an attempt for illegal gambling expansion. The machines’ manufacturer brought the matter to court. Several weeks ago, Judge Cooper ruled in favor of the latter party.
The Blue Sky Version 67 devices feature “pre-reveal” games that require players to press a preview button before being able to actually play. Thus, they are revealed the outcome of the game. According to Judge Cooper, no skill or chance is required in order for people to play and they cannot change the outcome in any way possible.
The Seminoles argued that the devices were very much like slot machines and that the recent court ruling breached the 2010 gaming compact and their exclusivity, in particular. They also noted that the installation of the gaming machines should be seen as gambling expansion. Tribal officials called for the state’s immediate and fair action.
The tribe annually pays a certain portion of its gaming revenue to the state in exchange for the exclusive right to operate different casino games. Tribal officials warned that those payments could stop, if no action is taken against the distribution and installation of the “pre-reveal” gaming machines.
Under the state’s gambling regulations, any move that encompasses gambling expansion should first be approved by the Legislature.
The Seminoles’ exclusivity over slot machines and blackjack is an essential point of discussion in two gambling bills currently being considered by state lawmakers. The tribe has been locked in a legal conflict with the state for almost two years now over its exclusive right to operate blackjack tables.
The gambling compact secured the Seminoles with blackjack exclusivity over the first five years of its duration. However, the tribe argued that the state breached the compact by allowing pari-mutuels to offer designated table games.
The two new gambling bills – one considered in the House, the other in the Senate – feature provisions that would affect the tribe’s future exclusivity over casino games. This is why, both legislative proposals have not been welcomed by tribal officials. The House bill passed a committee vote last week and the Senate bill will be considered by the full floor this week.
