Seminoles may call state's hand on blackjack in Tampa

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What's the deal with blackjack at Tampa's Seminole Hard Rock Casino? Or maybe the better question is: When does the dealing begin?

Fifty-six card tables, mostly in groups of 12 with a center podium, stood empty Friday amid flashing, beeping slot machines on the main gaming floor. Workers set up more behind a black curtain in a corner of the casino near the Whammy Bar.

The buzz among gambling professionals was that hundreds of dealers received work schedules this week and the card games — blackjack, baccarat and variations of poker — will kick off this month.

"They plan to open Nov. 17," said Dave Czarnecki, general manager of Horizon's Edge Casino Cruise in Treasure Island. "It's full-ahead go."

The Seminole Tribe of Florida issued a terse statement Friday saying it didn't have any information about the tables.

"We have no information about table games at the Seminole Hard Rock in Tampa," tribe spokesman Gary Bitner said in response to questions from the Times.

The tribe won the right to offer house-banked card games and Las Vegas-style slots under a gambling agreement, called a compact, signed with Gov. Charlie Crist last November.

On June 22, Florida's first legal games of blackjack began at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood. Eleven days later, the Florida Supreme Court upheld a challenge to the compact by legislative leaders. Justices ruled Crist overstepped his authority by allowing the card games.

The new games continued. As a sovereign nation, the Seminoles are not under the state's authority. Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum asked the National Indian Gaming Commission to stop gambling he considers illegal without a valid compact.

Besides being illegal, he said, it would be a political blunder for the Seminoles to "stick it in the eye of the state" while seeking to negotiate a new compact with leaders in the Legislature next session.

Three weeks ago, Bitner said there was no date or timetable for starting blackjack and the other games in Tampa. But Tim Neal, a Hard Rock regular from Dunnellon, figured something was up Monday when he saw workers moving out slot machines and bringing in new boxes.

"What I really enjoy about blackjack is your money lasts longer," said Neal, who also makes several trips to Las Vegas each year.

Card games a go?

Last November: Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminoles sign a compact that permits operation of Las Vegas-style slots and casino card games.

June: Florida's first legal games of blackjack begin at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood.

July: The Florida Supreme Court rules Crist overstepped his constitutional authority. The games continue, as the Seminoles are not under the state's authority.

Nov. 17: Date card games could begin at Tampa's Hard Rock Casino.

Comments on this article

by Steve	Nov 12, 2008 8:32 PM
Tampa Hard Rock removed all but 4 of their video roulette machines. People were lined up waiting to play the 4 machines. How inconvenient!! I hope this is only a temporary situation. If not, they will lose a customer.

by Mom	Nov 12, 2008 5:15 PM
They are a nation that takes no responsibility for their actions. You would think they would get tired of playing the victim role by now. Start walking the walk instead of talking the talk.

by troc	Nov 12, 2008 4:39 PM
let the games begin, and i don't mean just the seminoles, open up florida to full class 3 gaming for all casino companys to get the revenue for the state. Florida would have a boost to the ecomomy you would not believe.

by Joe C	Nov 11, 2008 6:40 PM
Diplomatic Imunity!!!!!! They are their own Nation and basically need our blessing for squat! Florida needs to open up real Casino's in Subject Locations and Blow their Casino's away. BTW, my entertainment money wouldnt go to NV,Miss or theBahama's

by bob	Nov 10, 2008 8:49 PM
At the time Gov. Crist negotiated this compact he was doing so in good faith. At that time there was no law that said he could not negotiate this compact. Every other state the Gov has the power to negotiate for the state but not here?

by Mom	Nov 10, 2008 1:12 PM
I wouldn't say it was a great deal at all. Only an ILLEGAL one. No, the indians don't need the states blessing but they do need a valid compact. I can't believe you people. The indians are not above the law!!! Shut them down McCollum!!

by Mom	Nov 10, 2008 1:11 PM
Too bad Nancy! The tribe and the 3000 people that decided to work for them knew that the compact was ruled invalid and nothing was set in stone. So it's no one fault but their own if they lose their illegal jobs at Hard Rock.

by FLORIDIAN	Nov 10, 2008 12:59 PM
NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW!! THE STATE SUPREME COURT MADE A DECISION AGAINST GOV. CRIST CORRUPT COMPACT.IT IS THE ATTORNY GENERAL'S (BILL McCOLLUM) DUTY TO THE STATE TO ENFORCE THE DECISION.WHY DO WE VOTE? WHY DO WE HAVE LAWS? GOV.CRIST BROKE THE LAW!!

by nancy	Nov 9, 2008 11:57 AM
how can anyone stop this now, there are more than 3000 people who would be out jobs if the casinos dont continue with openings. What is more imortant your morals or not adding to the already backed up unemployment system????

by Ron	Nov 9, 2008 11:57 AM
I guess the state doesent need the extra bucks.

by joe	Nov 9, 2008 11:57 AM
rubio is a moron for trying to stop them. Charlie crist had a great deal worked out for the people of Florida. Now the games will still be played but the people of Florida will get nothing. Good job rubio.

by Joe	Nov 9, 2008 11:57 AM
Stupid legislative leaders...shame on you for ever bringing the challenge. The skins dont need your blessing. Gonna send in the Mah-zame to shake em down..Ha Ha you dont stand a chance.. there will be 49ing in the card room come the 17th weeeeeee

by Andy	Nov 9, 2008 11:57 AM
The Seminoles have been trying for years to play nice with the State, but at every turn they are impeded. They are a sovereign nation and whatever "beef" there is between the court and Crist is they're problem. I don't gamble, what's right is right.

by Jason A.	Nov 9, 2008 11:57 AM
Thank you Bill McCollum for taking HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of dollars away from the State of Florida! Perhaps FEMA can find better use for you. The Tribe will get card games and not owe Fl. a dime thanks to you!

by Dan	Nov 9, 2008 11:57 AM
Start the tables, Seminoles. The NIGC is silent. File suit, General McCollum. You'll lose it. Florida legislative leaders, you are squandering your opportunity to generate capital. Wake up, folks!