The Seminole Tribe of Florida began operating 104 new blackjack and
baccarat tables at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Tampa on Thursday. And the expansion has the state’s Attorney General crying “Foul.”

The Florida Supreme Court ruled in July that the Seminole Tribe’s deal
with the state, allowing the tribe to operate slots and card games, was
invalid. Gaming in South Florida has continued under Federal authority,
but the expansion into Tampa has state officials fuming.

Sandi Copes is the Attorney General’s spokesperson.

“There’s really no other way to look at it other than the tribe is
engaging in illegal activities. The state cannot stop it right now
because of sovereign immunity issues.”

The Tribe continues to pay the state. So far 70 million is being held in
reserve. Attorney Barry Richard says the Tampa expansion has been in the works and could not be stopped, but no other sites will be opened until the Tribe’s deal to share the wealth with the state is clarified.

“It’s ultimately a federal decision and I believe that the tribe will
have authorization for class-3 gaming, whether or not the legislature
approves the compact.”

When it ruled against the deal in July, the state’s high court said
lawmakers must have a say. Sending the compact back here to the legislature is complicating the decision, because now more people want to be included.

State Representative Ron Saunders of Key West says existing dog tracks and other gambling interests complicate any future deal.

“I think the Seminoles want some certainty that they have approval from
the state. The compact will give that. But the other parimutuels are
suffering financially and they want some part of that package also.”

In the end, the state may not be able to stop the Indian gaming. And the
best it may hope for is to share some of the proceeds. The Attorney General is expected to step up pressure against the increased gaming with a new flurry of protest letters next week.