Indian Gaming Celebrates 25th Anniversary

By Iretta Tiger

HOLLYWOOD — Dec. 14, 1979 is one of the most auspicious days in Seminole history. The date marks the beginning of self-reliance, not only for the Seminole Tribe, but for most native tribes in the U.S. Before there was a Foxwoods or Mohegan Sun, there was a bingo hall on the Seminole Hollywood reservation in Florida that started it all.

On Dec. 14, 2004, Seminole tribal citizens, tribal leaders and casino employees gathered at the Council Oak to commemorate this milestone. Chairman Mitchell Cypress recognized the leaders who helped to pave the way for the progress of the Seminole tribe.

President Moses Osceola reminisced about the reservation and its landmarks before the casino was built. Osceola also had a personal message for the tribe.

“You folks have a lot to be proud of,” said Osceola “Those of you who pray, pray for your Council. We’re not always perfect. Don’t give up on your leadership.”

Also at the celebration was National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr. Hollywood Council Representative Max Osceola Jr. presented Stevens with a Seminole jacket.

Stevens recognized the Tribe for its ingeniousness and fortitude, and cited numerous facts on what Indian gaming has accomplished. From the creation of thousands of jobs, to the charities who benefit from donations from the tribes; Indian gaming has become a prestigious enterprise.

Seminole casino employees who have been with the Tribe for the entire 25 years received special recognition and a gift of gratitude from the Tribe.

Seminole Gaming Operations CEO Jim Allen unveiled his own personal tribute to the Tribe; the beautification of the Council Oak. Before the beautification, the oak had nothing to indicate its significance to the Seminole Tribe. Now, thanks to Allen, there are benches, shrubs, and a plaque; and the health of the oak was also maintained.

Interns of the Tribal Career Development Program presented the Council with a painting by Guy LuBree. The painting is of the Council Oak and the spirits of those who were there for the signing of the organization of the Tribe.

Allen then exhibited the Seminole Pride slot machine, a Class 2 gaming machine specially created for the Seminole Tribe. The machine is designed with the chickee and fire logo; it is not known if the slot machine symbols will be alligators, fry bread or chickees. The music for the machine is John Anderson’s country music hit “Seminole Wind.”

There is also another machine being developed named Seminole Warrior.

As the Tribe prospers and develops, it’s easy to forget how things were. Take the time to think about all we’ve accomplished and give thanks to those who came before us. Thank them for their will to survive and ingenuity. Thank them for passing along those traits, the survival of the Tribe is now up to us.