© 2026 All Rights reserved WUSF
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Our daily newsletter, delivered first thing weekdays, keeps you connected to your community with news, culture, national NPR headlines, and more.

Despite Growing Optimism For Deal, Seminole Tribe Files Gambling Lawsuit

Sen. Bradley wants to renew a gambling contract with the state and Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Sen. Bradley wants to renew a gambling contract with the state and Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Sen. Bradley wants to renew a gambling contract with the state and Seminole Tribe of Florida.

The Seminole tribe of Florida says it’s making progress in negotiations to extend part of a gambling agreement with the state. But the tribe is also moving forward with a lawsuit.

--

The Seminole Tribe is asking a federal judge to let it keep card games, like blackjack at its casinos. Part of the gambling agreement with the state that authorized such games expired earlier this year. The legislature failed to renew it or reach a new deal with the tribe in time, and the card games are supposed to go away at the end of the week.

The tribe alleges the card games can continue because the state violated the Seminole Gaming compact when it authorized electronic gaming at race tracks.

In a statement, the tribe’s chairman says there’s been significant progress made with the state on allowing the card games to continue, but the lawsuit was filed to protect the tribe’s interest. Orange Park Republican Senator Rob Bradley is handling negotiations for lawmakers. He said last week negotiations were gaining traction. The legislature has final say on any deal.

Copyright 2020 WFSU. To see more, visit .

Lynn Hatter is a Florida A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lynn has served as reporter/producer for WFSU since 2007 with education and health care issues as her key coverage areas. She is an award-winning member of the Capital Press Corps and has participated in the NPR Kaiser Health News Reporting Partnership and NPR Education Initiative. When she’s not working, Lynn spends her time watching sci-fi and action movies, writing her own books, going on long walks through the woods, traveling and exploring antique stores. Follow Lynn Hatter on Twitter: @HatterLynn.
Thanks to you, WUSF is here — delivering fact-based news and stories that reflect our community.⁠ Your support powers everything we do.