Competitors watch hungrily as Seminole Tribe's blackjack deal in Florida may be near an end

As Florida lawmakers appear ready to allow key portions of the state's high-stakes gambling deal with the Seminole to expire, other gambling interests are watching keenly for openings in the multi-billion dollar industry if the tribe and Gov. Rick Scott can't negotiate something new.

However, it's not clear if those openings will emerge.

In 2010, the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida signed a 20-year compact giving the tribe the right to operate slot machines at all its casinos in return for revenue sharing of at least $1 billion over five years.

The deal also gave the tribe exclusivity for certain card games. That right expires July 31 unless lawmakers approve its renewal or any revision.

Legislative leaders say they aren't counting on Seminole gambling revenues next year.