The Seminole Tribe of Florida has officially greenlit the expansion of casino games in accordance with the Gaming Compact, a landmark agreement signed and endorsed by both the Tribe and the State of Florida in 2021. This development gained further traction as, on Wednesday, October 25, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a challenge seeking to obstruct the Compact’s implementation.
The Seminole Tribe, in collaboration with Seminole Hard Rock, is gearing up for a grand celebration, marking the dawn of a “New Era in Florida Gaming.” This festive occasion, slated for December, will herald the introduction of craps, roulette, and sports betting across all six Seminole Casinos.
Marcellus Osceola Jr., Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, expressed gratitude towards the State of Florida, the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the U.S. Department of Justice for their unwavering support in defending the Compact. He described the collective efforts as a historic legal triumph.
Governor Ron DeSantis also lauded the initiative, emphasizing its potential to foster job creation, bolster tourism, and inject billions of dollars into the state’s revenue. He praised the collaborative work that culminated in the historic Gaming Compact.
The eagerly awaited launch of craps, roulette, and sports betting is set for Thursday, December 7, across three Seminole Casinos in South Florida: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood, and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. On Friday, December 8, these new games will make their debut at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, followed by the launch at Seminole Casino Immokalee near Naples and Seminole Brighton Casino on the northwest side of Lake Okeechobee on Monday, December 11. Further details about the exciting weekend festivities will be unveiled shortly.
Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International, highlighted the economic impact of this expansion, revealing the creation of over 1,000 new jobs, all made possible by the Compact. He described this milestone as a historic achievement that positions Florida among the world’s premier gaming destinations.
Seminole Gaming manages six casino complexes in Florida on behalf of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, including Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Florida. The organization is renowned for its innovative contributions to the gaming industry, with the Seminole Tribe of Florida having notably established the first unlimited stakes bingo hall in North America back in 1979, a pivotal moment in the development of Indian gaming.