Free Republic

Two Florida pari-mutuels filed a new motion in federal district court in Washington late Tuesday, asking a judge to block implementation of online sports betting under the Florida tribal gaming compact which is scheduled to begin later this year. The motion, filed by Magic City Casino and Bonita Springs Poker Room against U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, asks a court to enjoin the sports-betting portion of the state’s compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The compact gives the tribe a monopoly over sports betting in the state by allowing wagers to go through an internet server on...

There was never any doubt where the Seminole Tribe of Florida stood on Florida State University's nickname. The tribe helped university boosters create the costume for the Chief Osceola mascot, approving the face paint, flaming spear and Appaloosa horse that have no connection to Seminole history. Yesterday, the National Collegiate Athletic Association agreed with the 3,100-member tribe and the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, which had also endorsed the nickname. The N.C.A.A. removed Florida State from the list of universities banned from using what it called "hostile and abusive" mascots and nicknames during postseason play. "The N.C.A.A. executive committee continues to...

Under an oak tree where its elders incorporated as a tribe, the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Monday ceremonially set in motion the construction of its latest venture: a $315 million Hard Rock hotel and resort project. The tribe recently secured the 30-year bond money to pay for the two facilities: one on the tribe's Tampa reservation and the other in Hollywood, a block away from the Council Oak Tree and just north of the tribe's current casino at U.S. 441 and Stirling Road.The new Hollywood resort will replace the current casino and feature 250 hotel rooms (with space to...