Hard Rock Casino debuts blackjack (I-poll)

Thursday, November 13, 2008

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The Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa has launched seven new card games. Watch the story Watch Video

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- The Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa has launched seven new card games, including black jack, mini baccarat, and variations of poker.

Harriet Levi was just one of too many to count who made their way to the casino. She was looking for a seat.

"I've been waiting for tables," she said. "I love blackjack."

But this isn't just about entertainment, according to CEO of Seminole Gaming Jim Allen.

"In today's economy, which is absolutely amazing, you can't pick up a newspaper, you can't watch a TV station, or look on the Internet and not see something negative," Allen said. "Here in this facility alone we've hired over 1,000 people."

He describes it as a win-win situation.

"I think this is a legendary day for the Seminole tribe of Florida," Allen said. "And also for the state of Florida."

I-Poll Question

Are you more likely to go to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino now that there's Vegas-style table games available? Vote here

The card games employ 1,000 new workers, bringing the number of casino employees to 2,800.

The casino opened 104 tables at 5 a.m. Thursday, despite questions over whether such games are even legal in the state of Florida.

The Indian tribe's casino in Hollywood also is running the card games.

The state Supreme Court ruled in July that Florida Gov. Charlie Crist did not have the authority to agree to the pact that led the table games and Las Vegas-style slot machines becoming legal.

But the Seminole Tribe says the state has no authority on sovereign American Indian land and now is powerless to make them stop.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.