The five-year-old compact allowing the Seminole Tribe the exclusive right to run Las Vegas-style card games at its Florida casinos is set to expire Friday at midnight, though tribal leaders say they don't intend to end the games.
State regulatory officials have notified the tribe that the games, including blackjack and baccarat, must cease within 90 days, in keeping with the terms of the compact, which Florida's Republican-controlled Legislature approved in 2010 but has so far declined to renew.
Tribal leaders are pressing lawmakers for renewal and plan to continue sending the state shared revenue checks, which totaled a $.25 billion in 2014.
"It has a direct impact on the classroom, has a direct impact on hospitals, roads and bridges. And so, if we're going to talk about revitalizing or changing the compact, let's make sure it's good for Floridians," said Sen. Dwight Bullard (D-Miami), who like many lawmakers is interested in enhanced revenue opportunities that could result from non-renewal.
International gaming executives have for years been advocating for the construction of multi-billion dollar resort casinos in Florida, a proposition that would depend on legislative approval and the end of tribal exclusivity over the card games.
Estimates vary, but the rosiest peg the state's share of the revenue at roughly double what its currently collecting from the tribe.
"It spreads the cake all over the place and the people will come there, spills out the economy," Colin Au of Genting Resorts World told a Florida Senate panel in 2011.
In a sign of already strained relations between the Seminoles and legislative leaders, the tribe is seeking legal mediation, alleging the state has violated the compact by allowing electronic blackjack and three-card poker at parimutuels.
Because those games will continue, the tribe says it shouldn't be forced to shut down its games.