Florida

Seminoles, Scott Push $1.8B Expansion Plan to Win Gaming Compact

Gov. Rick Scott and the Seminole Tribe of Florida are seeking to increase pressure on state lawmakers to approve a new gaming compact by unveiling a proposed $1.8 billion expansion plan at two tribe casinos.

Scott and Seminole Chairman James Billie signed the seven-year compact in December. So far, it has languished in the state Legislature's annual session. They met Monday at the tribe's Hollywood headquarters to make a renewed push for approval.

The Seminoles say the expansion plan at its Hollywood and Tampa locations would create more than 4,800 permanent full-time jobs and over 14,500 construction jobs. The tribe wants the compact's certainty to move the plan forward.

The compact would provide Florida $3 billion over seven years in exchange for limits on the tribe's competition and other guarantees.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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