The era of casino table games (well, some table games) finally arrived in Florida on June 22nd when the first hand of blackjack was dealt at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

A group of semi-famous entertainers, led by Carmen Electra and a couple of actors from the Sopranos, joined tribal council members in traditional Indian clothing at packed blackjack tables that saw some gaming enthusiasts wait hours for a chance to play.

The 71 tables installed in the casino, as part of an agreement between the Seminoles and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist that will net Florida at least $100 million annully, initially saw 55 tables offering blackjack, six offering Three Card poker, three Pai Gow poker, three Let It Ride, two baccarat and two mini-baccarat.

The agreement, which still awaits the outcome of a challenge that has been pending since the first of the year before the Florida Supreme Court, makes no provision for the Indians to offer such other popular casino games as craps or roulette.

The blackjack tables on the opening night had $25 minimums and $5,000 maximums, though casino officials said the minimums were likely to be at least somewhat lower after the opening rush.

The Seminoles expected to bring table games to the Hard Rock Casino in Tampa and the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino later this summer.

They still are rolling out Class III slots -- which have been available at the Hard Rock in Hollywood since March -- at their smaller casinos, and are hoping to have both Class III slots and table games at all seven casinos by the end of the year.