Casino Asks Judge To Halt Seminole Games

Tallahassee, Florida – A South Florida casino wants a federal judge to stop blackjack and other games at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Lawyers for Isle Casino of Pompano Beach cited last week’s Florida Supreme Court ruling that declared unconstitutional the tribe’s recent gambling agreement with the state. The filing Monday is part of an ongoing lawsuit filed in federal court in Tallahassee challenging that agreement.

Seminole lawyers say final authority on the games rests with the U.S. Interior Department, not the state courts. Blackjack and other Las Vegas-style card games began June 22. They have continued at the Hard Rock despite the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminoles signed the gambling compact in November.