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Seminoles Say Casino Gambling Compact Will Create Florida Jobs
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA --
James Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming, told the Florida House of Representatives this week that legislative approval of the contested compact between the tribe and Governor Charlie Crist would result in 45,000 new jobs in the state.
Allen said the Seminoles plan to continue expansion of existing tribe casinos and hotels, such as the hotel planned for the Coconut Creek casino location, which will be evenlarger than the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood. The gaming boss says estimate show the projects adding $4.5 billion to the Florida economy.
Plus, Allen says the Seminoles have put $288 million in trust as their contribution under the compact, which was voided last summer by the state Supreme Court but has not been withdrawn by the federal government, the only legal authority with jurisdiction on Seminole land. That cash would become immediately available to the state if the existing compact reached approval by legislators.
But Allen warns the 12,000 direct jobs and 34,000 indirect jobs created by expanded Seminole gaming would become 8,000 layoffs if the agreement were reversed. Still, some lawmakers think the state can make a better deal.
Florida gambling expert Robert Fisk says, "A bird in the hand is worth two, or maybe three, if the legislature gets too involved. Any expected showing of additional revenues from racinos if gaming were not exclusive has to take into account the severe decline in the take at these operations. Also, the Indians go back to paying no taxes at all."
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Recent Comments
| Posted by doris shaw on 04/06/2009 09:17:36 AM EST |
| Pease allow the seminoles to continue in fla.-nothing more important than our childrens education/worked well in con. for years |
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