Florida Sports Betting: In a new development, a U.S. appeals court in Tampa has ruled favor of the Seminole Tribe in the legal fight over sports betting in Florida.
Magic City Casino and Bonita Springs Poker Room requested a rehearing in court. The court denied their request. The key argument was that the compact, which legalized sports betting, violated federal law.
Gary Bitner, speaking for the Seminole Tribe, was pleased with the court’s decision to reject the en banc review request. Bitner didn’t mention if this change would prompt the Seminole Tribe to resume sports betting.
In Oct 2021, sports betting was legalized in Florida. This was a big deal made possible by a gaming compact. In April, Governor Ron DeSantis and Marcellus Osceola Jr., the Seminole Tribe leader, signed this agreement. After that, it was approved by lawmakers in May 2021.
The betting compact grants the Seminole Tribe exclusive authority over bets made in Florida via mobile app or electronic device. These bets are sent through tribal land computer servers.
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Under the 30-year agreement, the Seminole Tribe will give Florida $2.5 billion over five years. Pari-mutuel facilities promised 60% of marketing revenue.
The court fight began when the Magic City Casino and the Bonita Springs Poker Room sued the U.S. Department of the Interior for disapproval of the gaming compact. Their main argument was that this agreement would harm their businesses and violate federal law.
A federal judge halted sports betting in the state due to a legal challenge, stating that the compact violated federal law. In a surprising twist, an appeals court reversed this decision in June, saying that the original decision was fundamentally incorrect.
The recent U.S. appeals court decision is pivotal for sports betting in Florida. It strengthens the Seminole Tribe’s compact and enhances its role in the state’s sports betting industry.
Our Reader’s Queries
Can you bet in Florida now?
In Florida, sports betting is now legal for those who are 21 years old and above. Although there were some setbacks in 2021 due to legal challenges, online sports betting resumed on November 7, 2023. This means that sports enthusiasts in Florida can now enjoy the thrill of betting on their favorite teams and players.
Does Florida have DraftKings sportsbook?
Unfortunately, Draftkings Sportsbook is not currently legal in Florida. Despite the growing popularity of online gambling, Florida state law has yet to catch up and make it legal. Only a small portion of the state has legalized it thus far.
Can I use FanDuel in Florida?
In Florida, online sports betting is perfectly legal. However, the FanDuel Sportsbook app is not currently available due to an exclusive agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe, which grants sole access to the Hard Rock Bet app.
Can you use sports betting apps in Florida?
Looking to place bets on your favorite sports in Florida? You’re in luck! Bovada, BetOnline, and MyBookie are all great options for bettors in the Sunshine State. While there are currently no licensed betting apps available in the US, these offshore sportsbooks are open to anyone looking to get in on the action. So why wait? Start placing your bets today and see if you can come out on top!