The Seminole tribe of Florida says it’s making progress in negotiations to extend part of a gambling agreement with the state. But the tribe is also moving forward with a lawsuit.
--
The Seminole Tribe is asking a federal judge to let it keep card games, like blackjack at its casinos. Part of the gambling agreement with the state that authorized such games expired earlier this year. The legislature failed to renew it or reach a new deal with the tribe in time, and the card games are supposed to go away at the end of the week.
The tribe alleges the card games can continue because the state violated the Seminole Gaming compact when it authorized electronic gaming at race tracks.
In a statement, the tribe’s chairman says there’s been significant progress made with the state on allowing the card games to continue, but the lawsuit was filed to protect the tribe’s interest. Orange Park Republican Senator Rob Bradley is handling negotiations for lawmakers. He said last week negotiations were gaining traction. The legislature has final say on any deal.
