Seminoles Look To Make Tampa Casino One Of The Largest In The US

The Seminole Indians pushed hard for years to create a gambling compact with the state of Florida, and when it finally occurred, the tribe were prepared to take full advantage. The Seminoles have started expanding their current casinos in Florida, and it has resulted in major revenue for the tribe.

Former Governor Charlie Crist attempted several times to formulate a compact with the Seminoles. At the time, Representative Marco Rubio thrashed the idea, and the anti-gambling lawmaker ensured that Crist failed in his attempts. Eventually, a deal was completed last year with the Seminoles.

The tribe was permitted to offer blackjack and baccarat, along with no-limit poker. The addition of the table games and the no-limit poker has dramatically increased business at several of the Seminoles largest facilities in Florida. The Seminole Hard Rock Casino's in Hollywood and Tampa have flourished the most, with both experiencing expansion.

The gaming floor in Tampa is expected to be expanded by over 32,000 feet. What exactly the expansion will entail is not yet known, as the Seminoles have kept the expansion under wraps. From what has already been revealed, analysts are predicting something grand for the expansion.

If the numbers are correct, the expansion would make Tampa one of the largest casinos in the country. On average, the casinos recognized as the largest are all over 200,000 square-feet. The Seminole Hard Rock would be 220,000 after the expansion.

The Seminole Tribe is expected to make the announcement regarding the expansion later this year. The tribe also has other plans in the Sunshine State. The Coconut Creek Casino in West Broward County has undergone radical changes, with hundreds of slot machines and dozens of table games installed in the past year.

Part of the expansion for the Tampa facility is going to revolve around table games and slots. The Seminoles outlined that much in a letter sent to the state back in April.

August 4, 2011
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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