TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Legislature is returning to Tallahassee Monday for a weeklong special session on the state’s gambling compact.
The legislature will consider a new 30-year gaming compact between the state and the Seminole Tribe that would expand gambling and legalize sports betting in Florida.
What You Need To Know
- Florida Legislature back in Tallahassee today for special session on state's gambling comapct
- Expansion of gambling would allow for sports betting in Florida
- PREVIOUS STORY: Florida's agreement with Seminole Tribe would permit sports betting
But the fate of the new compact is uncertain because of opposition from some business groups and legislative conservatives who object to expanding gambling.
The deal would give the state at least $2.5 billion over the first five years and at least $6 billion from the Tribe by 2030. State officials say the pact would create 2,200 new jobs.
If the legislature ratifies the agreement reached last month by the Tribe and Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Seminoles would be allowed to offer sports gambling at their casinos in Tampa and South Florida.
The tribe will also be allowed to introduce craps and roulette at its seven casinos, including the popular Hard Rock near Fort Lauderdale. And it would allow the tribe to add three additional facilities within its Hollywood Reservation.
The gaming industry has been a boon for the Seminoles. It has used its profits to pays its 4,100 members more than $100,000 annually and owns the Hard Rock brand for casinos worldwide.
The legislature has set aside a week to consider the compact, but hopes to complete its work as soon as Wednesday. It also must be approved by the Seminole tribal council and the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees tribal gambling operations.
The Seminoles, invoking their sovereignty as a tribal nation, began their gambling operations with a high-stakes bingo parlor in 1979 and have been expanding ever since, adding slot machines, poker, blackjack and other card games.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.