- Details
- By Levi Rickert
HOLLYWOOD, Fla. — Citing the primary focus on the health and safety of guests, team members and the public in the midst of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Seminole Gaming on Friday decided to voluntarily close all six Seminole and Hard Rock Casinos.
“This decision was not taken lightly as Seminole Gaming employs nearly 14,000 Seminole Gaming team members in the state. The goal has been to protect their livelihood without jeopardizing public safety. We have now reached a point where we do not feel comfortable taking that risk,” tribal officials said in a press release.
All Seminole casinos closed on Friday at 6 p.m.
This affects the following casinos:
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
- Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
- Seminole Casino Brighton
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
- Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
- Seminole Classic Casino (Hollywood)
The Seminole Casinos joins dozens of other Indian gaming casinos that are shuttered due to the deadly virus. All of the casinos are closed voluntarily because Indian casinos are on trust land are governed by sovereign tribal nations.
“The safety and security of its guests and team members are of the highest priority to the Seminole Tribe, which is especially proud of its team’s response during this difficult time,” tribal officials further said in press release.
Editor’s Note: Native News Online is dedicated to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information about the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on Indian Country.
More Stories Like This
Rep. Tom Cole and Rep. Sharice Davids Meet to Discuss Priorities for Congressional Native American CaucusNative News Weekly (6/20/21): D.C. Political Briefs
Navajo Police Dept. is Asking Public Assistance to Locate 62-Year-Old Ella Mae Begay
Class Action Settlement Brings $59 Million to Descendents of the Pembina Band of Chippewa Indians
The Remains of 10 Children at the Carlisle Indian Boarding School Are Returning Home
While you're here...
We launched Native News Online with the belief that everyone in Indian Country deserves equal access to news and commentary pertaining to them, their relatives and their communities. That's why the story you’ve just finished was free — and we want to keep it that way, for all readers. We hope it inspires you to make a gift to Native News Online so that we can continue publishing more stories that make a difference to Native people, whether they live on or off the reservation. Your donation will help us keep producing quality journalism and elevating Indigenous voices. Typically, readers donate $20, but any contribution of any amount — big or small — gives us a better, stronger future and allows us to remain a force for change. Donate to Native News Online today and support independent Indigenous journalism. Thank you.
