Seminoles Put Power Play On Florida Lawmakers For Casino Compact

So how would you feel if you lived in the state of Florida and recently lost your job? Then, you found out that lawmakers are playing hard ball with the Seminole Indians over a disputed casino compact that could bring 40,000 jobs in to the state.

That is the situation many Floridians are facing. Seminole officials spoke before state lawmakers on Monday and upped their ante in regards to their promises if a casino compact is signed. They explained how their expansion could mean over 40,000 jobs to a state that is struggling financially.

The Seminoles laid out a plan that would pump more than $4 billion through the state economy. Those are numbers that no industry is able to match in these tough times. Still, lawmakers have been slow to give in to the Seminole advances.

The Seminoles were speaking in front of a committee on Monday that will ultimately deliver a recommendation to legislators on whether or not to pass the gambling compact in the upcoming legislative session.

The Seminoles already have installed blackjack and baccarat tables at their Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Currently, the state is receiving revenue money from those games, but they have not yet used the money. It is being held until the issue is resolved.

The Seminoles have stated how if they had to remove the table games from their casino, that 8,000 people would end up losing their jobs. It was not a threat, but a concern among the Seminoles who are trying to create jobs in the state, not eliminate them.

The Seminoles have many expansion plans on hold until the compact situation is worked out. One of the expansion projects involves a new Hollywood hotel.

February 2, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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