U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings Applauds Seminole Tribe-State of Florida Gaming Compact

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U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings Applauds Seminole Tribe-State of Florida Gaming Compact

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) today applauded the announcement of the signing of a gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the State of Florida. The Compact will allow the Tribe to operate Class III slot machines and banked table card games at its seven existing facilities on tribal lands, including three in Broward County.

"This Compact reaffirms the Seminole's sole authority to determine what happens on their land. It also ensures that that the State, too, will benefit from this historic agreement. It is my sincere hope that Governor Crist and the State Legislature will use the added revenue to fund the priorities of our state, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure," said Representative Hastings. "I applaud the Tribe and Governor Crist for their hard work in signing this Compact. I know that it was not easy and appreciate the time and effort on both sides to reach a final solution."

Representative Hastings was an early supporter of the Compact and has been a lifetime supporter of the Seminole's inherent right to self-determination. He has been encouraging Governor Crist for months to do everything in his power to reach an agreement with the Seminoles before the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs approved the Seminole's Class III gaming application, essentially blocking the State from benefiting from the new gaming rules.

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