The Seminoles are moving forward in efforts to solidify a gaming compact with the state of Florida.  Currently, the tribe offers full Vegas style slots at it's casinos and now has Blackjack and other table card games at it's Hard Rock Casinos (in Tampa and Hollywood).  Gov. Charlie Christ signed an agreement with the Seminoles last year to open the 'Vegas' gaming for the Seminoles in exchange for some of the revenue for the state.  The Seminoles also wanted exclusive rights to Blackjack.  According to the deal...if the state allows other table games in the state...the Seminoles would stop it's payments to the state.

The problem with the agreement is that the Florida legislature is fighting it.  They claim that Crist had no authority to make such an agreement on his own.  While the fight is moving on...the Seminoles are placing the money owed to the state in escrow.  Along with the escrow deposits...they are keeping the table games running.  The popularity of the Hard Rock Casinos are now threatening the pari-mutuals since they only are allowed to offer slots.

In the next chapter of the right...the Seminoles came to the state with an expansion plan.  They say if the agreement is 'finalized'...the escrow money will be released.  They also stated that they will move forward with major expansion plans that will add 12,000 more jobs...1,000 more hotel rooms at their casino in Hollywood and Tampa, along with more retail and convention space.  While they admit financing is not in place...they are sure that even in these tough times...it won't be an issue.  The Seminoles have a tight financial ship and investors will line up.

We might get a resolution to this soon.  If Florida officials don't want to let full casinos in...why not let the Seminoles expand?   They are limited to the land they have for the most part and really know how to run some top notch facilities.  It would create jobs and bring more tourists.  Florida has always been so scared of the casino.  It's already here so why not embrace it and get  some badly needed money?  Florida is a tourist mecca and you need to give the tourists what they want or they will stop visiting....and aren't we kind of tired of all this back and forth over this issue.