It was announced on June 8th, 2008 that the Seminole Indian Tribe are charging ahead with their plans to expand their gambling offerings in their casino facilities in Southern Florida even if they are still facing legal battles from groups that believe that the Seminole Tribe should not proceed with their plans to offer card games and class III slot machines in their gambling facilities.
The Seminole Tribe started offering blackjack at their Hollywood Hard Rock Casino facility on June 22nd, 2008. Some of the legal battles that the Seminole Tribe is facing are the lawsuit filed by the Isle of Capri casino at Pompano Park. The Isle casino is claiming that what the Seminole Tribe is doing is unlawful under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act or IGRA. But the Seminole Tribe is pursuing their plans, saying that the gambling compact that was signed between them and Governor Charlie Crist on November 2007 was approved by the Department of Interior.
The Seminole Hard Rock casino will be starting with 72 casino gaming tables. James Allen, the Chief Executive Officer of Seminole Gaming commented that they are hoping that by offering these casino table games, Florida residents will not need to travel to Las Vegas or Atlantic City.
Tim Arnell,
Wednesday, June 25 , 2008