The Seminole Tribe of Florida said in a Monday statement that it had filed a lawsuit against Florida over a protracted dispute between the two parties regarding the tribe’s exclusive right to provide blackjack and other banked table games at most of its gambling venues within the state’s borders.
The said lawsuit had been filed in a Tallahassee federal court. The announcement about what could turn into an extremely long legal battle came at a time when the Seminoles revealed for the first time that certain progress has been made in their negotiations with Florida Gov. Rick Scott’s administration towards a new deal between the tribe and the state.
Back in 2010, the Seminoles signed a 20-year gambling compact with Florida, which authorized them to feature slot machines and table games at their casinos. The agreement included a provision, under which the tribe was granted the exclusive right to operate banked card games at most of its gambling venues for a period of five years. In exchange, it was expected to contribute no less than $1 billion to the state.
That part of the Seminoles’ agreement expired in July. However, the tribe was granted 90 more days to shut the banked card games. The 90-day extension is due to expire on Thursday, October 29. The Seminoles have previously pointed out that they do not intend to stop providing the games even after the deadline expires.
Barry Richard, an attorney for the tribe, said that they will continue offering those games but considered it appropriate to bring the matter to court. The Seminoles argued in their lawsuit that Florida officials have not been acting in good faith while negotiating the terms of a potential new compact.
The tribe also noted that the state has been trying to increase the payments it is to receive from the tribal casinos offering banked card games. Under the current negotiations, the Seminoles would be expected to pay no less than $3 billion to Florida over a seven-year period. In exchange, the tribe would be granted the exclusive right to offer craps and roulette at its casinos.
Commenting on the lawsuit, the Seminole Tribe said in a Monday statement that it had to bring the matter to court in order to protect the interests of the 3,100 people employed at its casinos as well as those of their families. The tribe also said that it hopes for a positive outcome and a legislative resolution that would be in the best interest of all involved parties.
Gov. Scott and his office did not comment on the lawsuit and the Seminoles’ intention to continue providing blackjack after October 29.
Experts pointed out that even if the two parties reach an agreement on the terms of another gambling compact, it will need to be approved by the state Legislature.
