As reported by: The Associated Press
Seminole Indian President Moses Osceola said his tribe's new Hard Rock casinos will signal a new era of prosperity for the Seminole people and surrounding communities.

The casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, which opened this year, have helped put about 8,000 employees on the Seminole Tribe of Florida's payroll of more than $100 million. The majority come from outside the tribe, which has about 3,000 members.

"Before casinos in 1978, our people lived in near poverty," Osceola said in a rare public appearance before business leaders at a Boca Roundtable luncheon.

He said the casinos have not only helped the Seminole people live independently of state and federal grants but also enjoy a higher standard of living.

Each Seminole, including children, receives $42,000 a year plus free health care and college tuition because of gambling income.

"We're very thankful gaming has allowed us to become self-sufficient," Osceola said. "The tribe has been able to give back and share and we're very proud of that."

Last year, gamblers wagered $15 billion in Indian casinos nationwide - more than in Las Vegas and Atlantic City combined, said Hard Rock casino CEO Jim Allen.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casinos are expected to bring in an estimated $1 billion in annual revenue.

The Seminoles opened the first facility in Tampa in March, and was followed last month with a splashy opening of a sister facility in Hollywood.

Existing Seminole operations in Hollywood, Coconut Creek and elsewhere already bring in more than $300 million in profit each year.

Allen said the facilities were designed to allow families to enjoy a vacation with or without gaming. The Hollywood facility boasts a 5-acre tropical pool complex with a 182-foot water slide.

A 300,000-square-foot retail facility with a historical museum and alligator wrestling is expected to open in October, helping to tie in some of the Tribe's traditions with the modern Hard Rock theme.

The hotel in Hollywood has 500 rooms, 4,000 video gaming machines, poker tables and several restaurants. The casino does not offer blackjack or table games such as craps or roulette, which are illegal under state law.

"The casino is basically a small city," said Allen, adding that the new facility is quickly meeting expectations. "The good news is you literally can't move in the place."

The tribe has had its share of legal troubles over the years, including the downfall of the leader who built the Seminoles' gaming empire - James Billie. He and other leaders admitted in a federal embezzlement trial that they went on multimillion-dollar spending sprees, but argued that the expenditures were approved. They were acquitted, and only Billie was ousted by the tribe from leadership.