Florida Sports Betting App Revamped by Seminole Tribe
Sports betting is back in Florida, and the Seminole Tribe has quietly launched its Hard Rock Bets mobile platform ahead of schedule. This comes a month before in-person betting starts at tribal casinos all over the state. Access to the platform is only for existing customers who previously signed up and those involved in the loyalty program.
Originally online in 2021, the platform became accessible again this week. Anyone who registered during that time can bet now, along with players in the operator's VIP program before November 6.
Those interested in signing up can join a waitlist, but it is uncertain when they'll be able to place their bets.
Court Challenge Persists
The sudden return of online sports betting amid ongoing lawsuits suggests the Tribe's confidence in the gaming compact to prevail in court. Opponents, led by pari-mutuel operator West Flagler Associates, allege the compact violates Florida's constitution.
This fight follows a federal court loss earlier this year, leading to a new challenge in the state supreme court. Currently, both parties are exchanging legal briefs, with a response from Governor Ron DeSantis required in December.
At the heart of the issue is whether the Tribe can accept sports bets outside its reservation without defying the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act or state gambling laws. Proponents argue these bets are legal since they're run via computers on tribal land.
The most significant event in the federal case occurred last month, with the U.S. Supreme Court allowing the compact to go into effect. Opponents, however, can still appeal.
The federal case decided solely on the Interior Department's jurisdiction, stating its authorities applied to gaming happening on reservation lands, leaving off-reservation gaming to state regulation.
In-Person Betting in December
The timeline of events means current mobile customers can place wagers before sports betting is introduced at the six Seminole tribal casinos in Florida.
From December 7 onwards, in-person bets will be accepted at three casinos. Launches in other locations are planned over following days.
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Source: www.casino.org
