If the State of Florida allows Seminole Gaming to continue its expansion plans throughout the region, it could result in more jobs in Florida.

The Seminoles recently had an agreement with the state, but that was voided last summer by the state Supreme Court. However, it has not been withdrawn from the federal government, which is the only legal authority with jurisdiction over Seminole land. The Florida House of Representatives recently heard from James Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming, who said that if the state chooses to work with the tribe, it could result in 45,000 new jobs, according to an article by Online Casino Sphere.

The Seminoles are looking to continue expansion of existing tribe casinos and hotels, such as the hotel planned for the Coconut Creek casino location, which will be larger than the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood. Those projects could inject $4.5 billion into the Florida economy. The Seminoles also have put $288 million in trust as their contribution under the agreement. That cash would become immediately available to the state if the existing compact reached approval by legislators.

However, if the compact is not honored, it could result in a loss of 8,000 Florida jobs. But some officials think the two parties could come up with a better agreement.

“A bird in the hand is worth two, or maybe three, if the legislature gets too involved,” Robert Fisk, a Florida gambling expert, said in the article. “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.”

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 5th, 2009 at 2:38 pm and is filed under Casino, Jobs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.