Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Terry RoenSeptember 6, 2017

Hard Rock International is moving its corporate headquarters from Orlando to Hollywood in 2018. The casino, hotel and restaurant conglomerate made the announcement on its website. It will bring staffers together by joining with its ownership, The Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Seminole Gaming organization. Hard Rock has been based in Orlando since the […]

Jim RosicaAugust 28, 2017

Ed. Note — Story was updated Tuesday with comment from Pensacola track spokeswoman. State gambling regulators have filed administrative complaints against two racetracks in recent weeks, alleging that they’ve been offering illegal card games. One complaint was lodged Aug. 17 against Pensacola Greyhound Track & Poker Room, and another was filed last Thursday against the Sarasota Kennel […]

Jim RosicaAugust 21, 2017

An appellate court was on the verge of rejecting an appeal of a lower court’s decision that entertainment devices known as “pre-reveal” games are in fact illegal slot machines. Dockets at the 1st District Court of Appeal show that Gator Coin II—the Jacksonville company that distributes the games—was ordered to show “why this appeal should not […]

Jim RosicaAugust 7, 2017

A month after ending a long-running blackjack dispute, Gov. Rick Scott met with representatives of the Seminole Tribe of Florida on Monday in what was called a “social visit.” A luncheon, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the Governor’s Mansion, was posted on Scott’s daily schedule. A governor’s spokesman said those in attendance included Tribal Council chair Marcellus […]

Jim RosicaAugust 3, 2017

State gambling regulators this week shot down a request by a South Florida gambling permitholder who wanted sell the permit and allow the next operator to build on a new location in Broward County. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Monday said both sales of permits and any relocation of gambling—both time-consuming processes—have to be OK’d […]

Jim RosicaJuly 12, 2017

As expected, a Tallahassee judge has entered a written order following his decision last month that he had gotten it “wrong the first time” and said games known as “pre-reveal” are in fact illegal slot machines. Circuit Judge John Cooper this week filed a “final declaratory judgment,” which allows Gator Coin II—the Jacksonville company that distributes the games—to now appeal to […]

Staff ReportsJune 21, 2017

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Hard Rock International, controlled by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Wednesday announced three new top executives. Jon Lucas will be the company’s new chief operating officer and “will oversee key company departments, in addition to brand operations,” according to a press release. He will report directly to Chairman and CEO Jim Allen. He was previously executive vice president of hotel […]

Jim RosicaJune 19, 2017

Lawyers for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and companies behind what are known as “pre-reveal” games—a name they apparently disdain—will appear Monday afternoon in a Tallahassee courtroom. Circuit Judge John Cooper agreed to hear argument on why he should reconsider his previous ruling that the stand-alone consoles aren’t illegal slot machines. The devices in question use a specific software known as “Version 67.” The […]

Staff ReportsJune 13, 2017

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Seminole Tribe of Florida-controlled Hard Rock International says it’s opening a fourth location in Florida later this year with the addition of the 200-room Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. “Catering to the unique needs of business and leisure travelers,” the new property “will provide 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, including bright meeting […]

Jim RosicaJune 12, 2017

The companies behind what are known as “pre-reveal” games say they’re “losing money every day” even after a Tallahassee judge ruled the stand-alone consoles aren’t illegal slot machines. Gator Coin II and Blue Sky Games are asking Circuit Judge John Cooper to lift an automatic stay of his March decision. Cooper, however, already has agreed to reconsider the ruling, setting […]

Tag: Seminole Tribe of Florida

Hard Rock International to move Orlando headquarters

State files illegal card game complaints in Pensacola, Sarasota

Court asks why it shouldn’t dismiss ‘pre-reveal’ appeal

Over salmon, Rick Scott thanks Seminole Tribe representatives

Dania casino shut out in gambling permit case

Judge files order after ruling ‘pre-reveal’ games are illegal slots

Hard Rock names four new top executives

Lawyers to face off in hearing over ‘pre-reveal’ games

Hard Rock coming to Daytona Beach

Pre-reveal game makers bemoan state’s ‘heavy-handed tactics’