By Scott Powers
Florida’s new Gaming Compact between Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida has been approved by the federal government — ushering in what should become the broadest gambling expansion in Florida in decades.
Notice of the approval, offered in letters from Bryan Newland, principal deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior for Indian Affairs, authorizes the massive new deal between the Seminoles and Florida, negotiated by Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ administration and approved in a Special Session of the Legislature in May.
“The final approval of this historic gaming compact is a big deal for the State of Florida,” DeSantis said in a statement. “This mutually-beneficial agreement will grow our economy, expand tourism and recreation and provide billions in new revenue to benefit Floridians. I again want to thank Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr., Senate President Wilton Simpson and House Speaker Chris Sprowls for their part in getting this done for our great state.”
Sports gambling will be legalized both through casinos and online, run by the Seminole Tribe. The legal status of daily fantasy sports gaming will be confirmed. New casinos can be built and opened, both on and off tribal lands. Other casinos can be expanded or moved. Roulette and craps tables will be added.
The Seminole Tribe would assure and increase its payments to the state, starting with $2.5 billion over the first five years.
“After thorough review under IGRA, we have taken no action to approve or disapprove the Compact before August 5, 2021, the 45th day,” Newland wrote in letters dated Friday to DeSantis and to Osceola Jr. “As a result, the Compact is considered to have been approved by operation of law to the extent that it complies with IGRA and existing Federal law. The Compact will become effective upon the publication of noticed in the Federal Register.”
Osceola called it a “great day.”
“Today is a great day for the people of Florida, who will benefit not only from a $2.5 billion revenue sharing guarantee over five years, but also from statewide sports betting and new casino games that will roll out this fall and mean more jobs for Floridians and more money invested in this state,” Osceola said in the release.
Simpson added, “I thank Governor DeSantis, House Speaker Chris Sprowls and the Seminole Tribe for their hard work and leadership to provide new opportunities for Florida’s legacy pari-mutuel industry, ensure oversight and accountability in gaming and secure billions of dollars in new revenue to invest in Florida’s future.”
“We are deeply disappointed that the Department of Interior took no action on the compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida,” No Casinos President John Sowinski said in a written statement.
His organization intends to sue to stop the Compact, charging that it is a violation of the constitutional amendment that Florida voters approved in 2018.
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