Agreement with Seminoles would ensure that blackjack games stay at Hard Rock casinos in Hollywood and Tampa, in exchange for at least $2.2 billion over 15 years for Florida schools.

The Florida Legislature overwhelmingly approved a gambling deal with the Seminole tribe today that would ensure that blackjack games stay at Hard Rock casinos in Hollywood and Tampa, in exchange for at least $2.2 billion over 15 years for Florida schools.

The gambling deal won bipartisan approval, although a smattering of anti-gambling conservatives in both houses opposed it. The Senate approved the casino gambling deal, 31-9. Shortly after, the conservative House supported it by a strong majority, 82-35.

The deal would give the tribe blackjack, baccarat and other table games at four of its seven casinos. The Legislature also lifted poker betting limits at pari-mutuel dog and horse tracks and jai alai frontons.

“This is a mistake,” said Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico. “It is a mistake to fund our budget with gambling. What we’re doing is spreading it throughout our communities and, yeah, even encouraging it — so we can subsidize our budget.”
But supporters noted Florida already has numerous forms of gambling, from an expansive Lottery now with PowerBall to dog and horse tracks to cruises to nowhere.

“This is not about expanding gaming in Florida,” said Sen. Dennis Jones, R-Seminole.

With legislative approval, Gov. Charlie Crist and the tribe have until Aug. 31 to finalize the details. The Seminole tribal council also must ratify the deal.

The tribe said it will conduct a “thorough review” of the gambling bill, according to a statement released to the media after the vote.

“Today, we move closer to reaching an agreement that will support education, put unemployed Floridians back to work and bring economic relief to our state,” the statement read. “It is a day that has been 19 years in the making and we commend the Florida Legislature for taking this critical step.”

The Indian gambling agreement would add $300 million to Florida’s new budget, which begins July 1. That counts money the tribe already has paid in escrow from the since-voided 2007 gambling deal the Seminoles signed with the governor.

The tribe would pay the state $150 million a year over 15 years, plus a portion of gambling profits. The money would be put into the state’s Lottery trust fund, which pays for Bright Futures scholarships, school construction and other education programs.

House Rep. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, who negotiated the deal, called it a good compromise.

“It is a way for the state of Florida to share revenues — $300 million in the first year,” he said. “It is also a way to create parity in the pari-mutuel community, without a full-on expansion of gambling.”

Indeed, South Florida pari-mutuels won a key concession: a lower tax rate on voter-approved slot machines. The tax will be lowered to 35 percent, from 50 percent.

In addition, the owners of the Palm Beach Kennel Club will be allowed to open a second greyhound track in Palm Beach County.