The Seminole Tribe of Florida is hosting a special event to debut craps, roulette and retail sports betting at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and other Seminole casinos.
Stars of music, film and sports will join Seminole Tribe leaders at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood on December 7 to celebrate the expansion of casino gaming in the Sunshine State, which is being dubbed as a ‘new era’ in Florida gaming.
Seminole Tribe of Florida Chair Marcellus Osceola Jr commented: “The Seminole Tribe of Florida is proud to point to a new era in Florida gaming with the unveiling of our new casino games.
“With the addition of craps, roulette and sports betting, we now offer a full complement of casino games and we join the ranks of leading casinos around the world.”
It comes despite an ongoing, lengthy legal battle in the state, with the Seminole Tribe of Florida being dragged into the courts with competitor gaming operator West Flagler over sports betting and the definition of casino gambling.
While West Flagler is seeking an extension to file a writ of certiorari with the Supreme Court of the United States, action in the Florida Supreme Court could have an influence at federal level.
The state of Florida has filed a response to West Flagler’s action against Gov. Ron DeSantis, taking aim at the length of time that it took for West Flagler to file at state level, emphasising that the group lacked standing to bring the case to the state Supreme Court.
As the Seminole Tribe continues with its expansion later this week, the argument is not solely limited to sports betting, going into a detailed discussion of what meets the definition of ‘casino gambling’.
The state suggests that, at the time the compact was signed, sports betting was not “typically found in casinos” and did not meet the definition of gaming outlined in the state constitution. Therefore, it suggests it did not violate the Florida constitution by not taking the compact to the voters for approval.
Whilst the dispute won’t halt the progression of the Seminole Tribe in Florida for now, West Flagler has until Dec. 21 to file a response brief. In the meantime, the SCOTUS has granted West Flagler an extension to file a writ of certiorari until Feb. 8 to give time for the state case to reach a conclusion.
Commenting on the tribe’s upcoming event, Seminole Gaming CEO and Hard Rock International CEO, Jim Allen, underlined the positive impact that this celebration can have in Florida, stating: “The entertainment, travel and tourism industries, and many more, will see the positive economic impact caused by the new casino games.
“They will increase tourism to Florida and boost employment not only at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood but also at businesses in the areas surrounding this casino complex and others operated by Seminole Gaming throughout Florida.”
