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Seminoles Sue State To Keep Blackjack In Casinos

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TALLAHASSEE (CBSmiami/AP) — As the state negotiates terms of a new gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the tribe has filed a federal lawsuit against them in order to keep blackjack at its casinos across the state.

Florida and the tribe signed a deal in 2010 but the provision that allows blackjack and other banked card games expired earlier this year. The tribe is supposed to remove its blackjack tables by the end of this week.

"The Tribe has no option but to file in order to protect its interests and those of the 3,100 employees and their families whose jobs are in jeopardy. It is following the procedure set forth in the Compact for dispute resolution and is seeking a declaratory opinion from the court with respect to the proper interpretation of the Compact and the law."

In their suit, filed Monday, the tribe argued that their casinos should be able to keep the games in place because Florida regulators violated the compact by allowing South Florida race tracks to offer electronic versions of card games.

Chairman James Billie pointed out that while there has been "significant progress" made between state officials and the Seminoles to extend the current deal the lawsuit was filed to protect the tribe's interests.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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