Florida Tribal Gaming Growing Despite Lack Of Compact

The Seminole Indians have attempted to negotiate a gambling compact for their casinos in the state of Florida. Those attempts have been unsuccessful, but it has not stopped tribal gaming in Florida from being one of the top growing states in the country.

Tribal gaming has become a popular source of casino gambling throughout the country, but not many states have experienced the type of growth that Florida can claim. The Seminoles have added blackjack and baccarat at their casinos, and it has led to a major jump in revenue.

For 2008, casino revenue jumped almost twenty percent. That coincided with the beginning of blackjack at several of the Seminole tribes bigger casinos. The blackjack is technically not approved by the state, but that fact is being challenged by the Seminoles.

If a compact is approved, revenue figures would jump even more. The Seminoles still have not added blackjack at another of their main locations, the Coconut Creek Casino. Once a compact is completed, the Seminoles will begin their expansion at Creek and other casinos.

The compact is no sure thing. State legislators have balked at the idea of giving the Seminoles exclusivity. If the state decides to go another route and expand casino gambling at their pari-mutuel facilities, revenue at the Seminole casinos could be compromised by the increased competition.

As lawmakers moved along in the process of agreeing to a gambling compact with the Seminoles, they became more aware of the revenue that could be generated from blackjack and other table games. That awareness has hurt the Seminoles push for a compact.

December 10, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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