HB 7037 - Gaming Summary

• Authorizes Governor to execute a new gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida providing tribal exclusivity to operate covered games (slot machines, banked card games, raffles) at seven specified facilities through 2037.

• Establishes a $3 billion guaranteed minimum payment to the state over seven years (July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2024), with revenue sharing percentages between 13-25% of net win after the guarantee period ends.

• Requires state oversight through random inspections (capped at 1,200 hours annually per facility), annual independent audits, and dispute resolution procedures; grants Tribe limited sovereign immunity waiver for patron tort claims.

• Restricts gaming expansion by prohibiting new pari-mutuel slot machines after January 1, 2017, prohibiting banked card games at specific tribal facilities, and prohibiting new cardroom licenses and banking games except designated poker at licensed facilities.

• Allocates tribal payments to state with 3% to local governments and remaining 97% split equally among K-12 teacher bonuses, persistently failing schools, and higher education faculty recruitment; terminates after 20 years unless renewed by Legislature.