Seminole Tribe of Florida v. Florida

OPINION ON THE MERITS

Robert L. Hinkle, United States District Judge

The Seminole Tribe of Florida operates casinos under a Compact entered into with the State of Florida under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, 25 U.S.C. §§ 2701-2721 (“IGRA”). The Compact became effective in 2010 and has a 20-year term. The Compact authorizes the Tribe to conduct banked card games—blackjack, for example—only during the first five years. That period has now ended. But there is an exception to the five-year limitation. The limitation does not apply—the Tribe may continue to conduct banked card games for the…