Seminole Tribe of Florida emblem/photo by J. Albert Diaz/ALM Seminole Tribe of Florida emblem/photo by J. Albert Diaz/ALM

Lawmakers drew closer to approving a proposed 30-year gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida after leaders agreed to strip a controversial provision that could have opened the state to online gaming under the control of the tribe.

The online gambling provision was included in an agreement, known as a "compact," reached by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. late last month. Under the proposed compact, the Seminoles would  pay the state at least $2.5 billion over five years in exchange for being able to operate sports betting in the state, along with getting perks such as offering roulette and craps at tribal casinos.