Sports enthusiasts across Florida have been eagerly anticipating the opportunity to engage in sports betting within the state. Although Florida initiated legislation for sports betting, the journey has been a rollercoaster ride with services starting and abruptly halting. The legal sports betting industry in the United States is thriving, and Floridian fans are eager to bet on their favorite teams. However, the prospect of live betting in Florida remains uncertain due to an ongoing lawsuit that has cast a shadow of doubt on its availability for the for the current MLS season.
At the heart of the issue is a lawsuit challenging the gaming compact inked between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe. This compact granted the tribe exclusive rights to control both in-person and online sports betting operations. Initially signed in 2021, the Seminole Tribe swiftly launched its sportsbook through Hard Rock. However, the celebration was short-lived, as federal courts ordered the cessation of these services after just a month of operation.
The plaintiff in this case is West Flagler Associates, contending that the compact violates federal gaming laws, as it permits mobile sports betting outside of reservation lands. While a federal district court judge initially upheld the compact, a panel of three judges in the Washington DC Circuit Court of Appeals reversed this decision. Early in August, casino operators submitted a petition for a rehearing within an appellate court, and the tribe had until August 31 to respond. The final ruling is expected by September 7, but it may not be issued until the end of the month, coinciding with the Supreme Court’s deadline for a decision on the case.
Until the rehearing concludes, the Seminole Tribe is unable to relaunch its sports betting operations. This legal limbo has effectively frozen any further developments, and even if the tribe secures a favorable outcome, the petition with the Supreme Court is poised to further delay the launch of sports betting services.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA – AUGUST 11: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts prior to the Leagues Cup 2023 quarterfinals match between Charlotte FC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Navigating this complex legal landscape, the Seminole Tribe faces a delicate decision. While they could potentially relaunch their operations before the Appeals Court ruling, such a move might upset the judges and compromise customer retention if services were halted once again. Therefore, the tribe’s best course of action appears to be awaiting the Circuit Court’s decision. If denied, it’s possible that we will witness the resumption of operations.
However, it’s worth noting that in-person wagering seems more likely to continue without disruption for the tribe, while the future of online operations remains uncertain. Should West Flagler Associates prevail in the lawsuit, it could lead to the removal of the online component from the compact, leaving the tribe with an agreement solely for in-person betting, which takes place on tribal lands. If the entire compact is invalidated, both the state and the tribe will need to renegotiate, potentially resulting in an agreement that focuses exclusively on land-based betting options.
As the legal saga unfolds, the coming month will provide insight into the decisions reached by the courts and how they will impact the Seminole Tribe, for better or worse. Meanwhile, sports betting enthusiasts in Florida eagerly await the opportunity to not only bet on their favorite teams but potentially explore intriguing possibilities like wagering on the iconic Leo Messi with Miami FC, should the legal hurdles be overcome.