Florida's Seminole Tribe Takes the Game Up with More Gambling Options

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has made a significant announcement, revealing plans to introduce expanded gaming options, including sports betting, at all six of its casinos starting next month.

A Rollout Schedule

In a press release, the tribe specified that the new games would debut on December 7th at their South Florida locations, followed by a gradual expansion to other Florida venues. The initial launch will include craps, roulette, and sports betting at Seminole Casinos in South Florida. The rollout will continue with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa on December 8, and Seminole Casino Immokalee and Seminole Brighton Casino on December 11.

A Key Milestone

The decision to expand betting options at Seminole gaming sites follows the recent rejection of an emergency bid to block a multibillion-dollar agreement between the Seminole Tribe and the state of Florida for online sports betting by the U.S. Supreme Court. This agreement, known as the "compact," was endorsed by Governor Ron DeSantis and approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior. It is expected to generate a substantial $2.5 billion in new revenue over the next five years, with projections of up to $6 billion by 2030, according to CNN.

Governor DeSantis' Perspective

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed his support for the Seminole Tribe's initiative, emphasizing the positive impact it would have on the state. "The Seminole Tribe of Florida's new initiative will create jobs, increase tourism, and provide billions in added revenue for our state," DeSantis stated. He also reflected on the collaboration that led to the historic Gaming Compact, highlighting his anticipation for its full implementation.

Jim Allen's Vision

Jim Allen, the CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International, discussed the expansion's implications, citing the creation of over 1,000 new jobs made possible by the Compact. He termed it a historic milestone that would position Florida among the world's top gaming destinations. This ambitious endeavor is set to transform Florida's gambling landscape, ushering in a new era of opportunities and growth.