Seminole Tribe breaks ground on new Brighton casino

The Seminole Tribe of Florida have broken ground to begin the construction of the Seminole Casino Hotel in Brighton, west of Lake Okeechobee. The new property will replace the current Seminole Casino and is expected to be completed close to the end of 2024.

The Seminole Tribe have been operating a casino about three miles away from the new development since 1980, after winning a lawsuit against the government preventing them from operating a games of chance venue and paving the way for tribal gaming in the US. The Seminole Tribe started with a high-stakes bingo hall, followed by a hardware store and a beauty parlor till what the Brighton facility is till now.

The new property asides having a casino will also include a hotel– the first of its kind on the reservation– with 100 rooms. Asides that, there will be a fitness centre, a 1,500 square-ft pool with a 12,500 square-ft pool deck, and an eight-lane bowling alley for the convenience of guests. The hotel will also house a 900-seat indoor event space, plus an outdoor stage for concerts and comedy shows that will accommodate an audience of 3,000.

Meanwhile for the 38,000 square feet gaming floor, guests will have access to 623 slot machines, 18 tables for blackjack and baccarat games, and varied dining options.

“Breaking ground for the new Seminole Casino Hotel Brighton represents a major economic step forward for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the entire Lake Okeechobee region,” said Seminole Tribe Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. in a statement.

The Seminole Tribe are one of the most successful tribal casino owners and currently own six casino complexes.