Seminole Tribe confirms retail sports betting launch with online return up in the air
Hard Rock International owners laud “historic legal victory” despite ongoing challenges to tribal gaming compact in Florida and US Supreme Court
The Seminole Tribe of Florida has confirmed plans to push ahead with a retail sports betting launch at its six Hard Rock casino properties in the Sunshine State this December, despite a looming legal battle over online sports betting.
Building on the US Supreme Court’s rejection of attempts to block implementation of the controversial 30-year tribal gaming compact agreed between the tribe and the state in May 2021, the Seminole Tribe has said it will launch retail sports betting and expanded casino gaming including craps and roulette.
Coining the launch as “A New Era in Florida Gaming”, the Seminoles have confirmed a program of celebratory events occurring at its six retail properties throughout December.
The launches will be staggered throughout December 7 and December 11. However, no reference has been made by the tribe to any potential online sports betting launch, which is the subject of a dispute at both state and federal level.
At present, the petition by Florida parimutuel operator West Flagler Associates to have the US Supreme Court review a prior DC Court of Appeals decision to allow the Seminole Tribe to operate online sports betting is currently being prepared and is expected to be filed in December.
In addition, West Flagler and the Bonita Fort Myers Corporation, another parimutuel operator, have launched a separate petition to the Florida Supreme Court to have the 30-year tribal gaming compact reviewed on the grounds that its passage was unconstitutional.
“The Seminole Tribe thanks the State of Florida, the US Department of the Interior and the US Department of Justice for defending our compact. By working together, the Tribe, the State and the federal government achieved a historic legal victory,” Seminole Tribe of Florida chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. said.
Osceola Jr.’s sentiments were echoed by Hard Rock International chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen, who added: “With the expansion of the new scope, we are creating over 1,000 new jobs made possible by the compact.
“This is a historic milestone that immediately puts Florida in the same league with the world’s great gaming destinations.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is currently listed as a respondent in the West Flagler Associates petition to the Florida Supreme Court, also welcomed the launch.
“The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s new initiative will create jobs, increase tourism, and provide billions in added revenue for our state,” said Governor DeSantis. “I was proud to work with the Tribe on our historic Gaming Compact and I look forward to its full implementation.”