The Seminoles are moving forward with their expansion into table games. They are currently searching for 3,650 dealers for blackjack, baccarat and Pai Gow poker to work in the tribe's casinos across Florida. They are looking for so many...they are doing a nation-wide search. They are planning a job fair in Atlantic City and also around New England Indian casino 'hot spot' (CT). I haven't heard of any job fairs in our area...but I'm sure they are talking to the 'casino' schools and if you contact them directly...you can get an interview. There was no mention of a pay rate, but the dealers usually rely on tips for most of their wages.

They are hoping to have the tables ready for June in the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood with the rest of the state soon to follow. The Hard Rock already has the Vegas Style slots and a few weeks ago, the Coconut Creek Casino unveiled 700 as well. The Seminoles are hoping to also add a hotel to the Coconut Creek Casino in the near future that might make it the biggest hotel complex in the state to offer gaming.

This is all due to the gaming compact signed by Gov. Christ a few months ago that allows Vegas Style Slots and limited table games. In exchange the Seminoles will begin to make payments to the state on a 'sliding scale' which will bring millions to Florida. The down side is the impact the expansion might have on the existing 'racinos' around Broward. They are tied to 50% tax rates and only slots. This makes it hard to re-invest and improve facilities and keep up with the Seminoles. There is currently a bill under review that would drop the tax rate and also allow 'Type II' slots at all race tracks in the state.  The bill actually passed the FL state Senate...but still has to be approved by the House.

This will be another interesting year for Florida's gaming industry.