The State of Florida finds itself in a controversial legal battle, as the State Government and Seminole Tribe are set to make revenue through online sports betting.
Florida Online Sports Betting Controversy
Controversy has raised in Florida, as wagers through mobile phones and computers are being legally made in the state and commercial brands could be missing out.
Online sports betting has been a shady area in Florida, as Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe, allowing exclusive rights for sports betting operators and casino gambling to occur in the state.
Both Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe have competition in the field, as West Flagler Associates and Bonita-Fort Myers Corporation control the poker rooms and race tracks in Florida.
They believe that the current ongoings go against the current state laws in relation to gaming off tribal lands – sparking this legal battle.
The US Supreme court are now dealing with the issue, as West Flagler Associates and Bonita-Fort Myers Corporation look for an outcome that would invalidate such a compact.
This outcome would mean that the current agreement would be upheld and should make a clearer ruling for avoiding state regulations on gambling expansion.
A huge factor in this battle is the large amount of money that is at risk, as the Seminole Tribe’s online sports betting business has made around $120 million in revenue during 2024.
Experts in the field have revealed that by 2030, revenue from online sports betting and other tribal gaming sites could reach up to $4.4 billion.
The Seminole Tribe are adamant that their company is trying to adhere to the historic agreement to resolve any lengthy disputes in Florida over gambling.
However, their rivals believe that the current situation is undermining the legitimacy of Florida’s constitutional provisions in relation to gambling issues/expansion.
The result of this legal battle could play a huge part in online sports betting across the USA, as the US Supreme Court could set a precedent for other states to create similar agreements with tribes if they do not believe in stepping in.
Professor of Law at Florida’s Nova Southeastern University has been quoted in an interview with Gaming America – saying West Flagler is fighting a losing battle.
Explore Instant Payout Online Casinos at InstantCasinos for the best gaming experience.
