Seminole Tribe to settle Florida casino agreement

Discussions over the potential to bring so-called destination resorts to Florida left officials unsure whether they should enter a new agreement. After paying more that $1bn to state coffers since entering the agreement in 2010, the tribe paid for a television ad explaining the benefits and financed a statewide poll, which showed most voters support the compact. Florida officials finally agreed to renew talks on the five-year agreement that expired on July 31.

Mediation was formally requested last month by the tribe after negotiations were stalled. The state has now started proceedings and both parties have “mutually agreed” on New York lawyer Loretta Gastwirth, whose past clients include Mick Jagger and Leona Helmsly, informed Department of Business and Professional Regulation chief attorney Jason Maine.

Since the compact was agreed by the Crist administration in 2010, the Seminoles have had exclusive rights to operate card games at their Hard Rock casinos in the state. Under terms of the compact, which expired on July 31, the tribe has 90 days to continue operating card games and both parties hopes the issue can be resolved before the time period expires.

Governor Rick Scott negotiated a compact with the tribe last April that was rejected by Legislative leaders. The governor caused further delays but telling tribal leaders they need to continue dealing with the Legislature, which has to authorise any agreement.

The US Department of the Interior, which oversees gambling on tribal lands, will give final approval.