SCOTUS on FL Sports Betting: Seminole Tribe Secures Victory

The United States Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to the gambling compact between the State of the Florida and the Seminole Tribe. From a federal standpoint, that was the last hurdle that needed to be cleared. The Seminole Tribe now has exclusive rights to online betting in Florida through 2051. The decision by the SCOTUS on FL sports betting wasn’t much of a surprise. Even though it went against previous rulings, the writing was on the wall after the U.S. Department of the Interior let the compact take effect.

One of the key points of contention had to go with online gambling. The state claims sports bets placed anywhere in the state through the Tribe’s servers would be deemed as being placed on tribal grounds as long as the Seminole’s servers were located on tribal property. Previous federal court rulings didn’t allow just the bet taker to be on tribal property. However, times have changed with mobile apps. It’s a ruling that makes sense.

West Flagler Associates and the Bonita-Fort Myers Corp., who brought the case against the compact, still can try in the state court. A previous Florida Supreme Court ruling went against them for not following proper procedure. Winning a state court case against Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe is a longshot, however.

The state court case would be on different grounds than the federal case. In the state case, West Flagler will have to prove Florida violated a 2018 amendment that says casino gambling expansion off tribal grounds has to be approved by voters. The state simply argues sports betting and casino gambling are not the same.

iGaming to Follow?

One area that bears watching with no ruling by the SCOTUS on FL sports betting is the Seminoles may to to get iGaming legalized soon. The Tribe is likely to make a push in the next legislative session. It will mean more money for the State of Florida.

One theory being tossed about is the Tribe agreeing to allow several other sportsbooks into the state in exchange for exclusive rights to allow online casino gaming. The state’s sports bettors would likely be delighted to be able to get scores and odds from another outlet.

The state could likely make more money by opening up sports betting Florida to other companies, but appears more than happy to let the Seminoles run with things. Gov. Ron DeSantis has a great relationship with the Tribe. Both sides appear to want that to continue.

“The Seminole Tribe of Florida applauds today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to decline consideration of the case involving the Tribe’s Gaming Compact with the State of Florida,” said Seminole Tribe spokesman Gary Bitner. “It means members of the Seminole Tribe and all Floridians can count on a bright future made possible by the Compact.”

The Seminole Tribe can relax a bit now. With no ruling by the SCOTUS on FL sports betting, the Tribe is in good shape. It can keep things as they are. Or the Seminoles could look to expand their opportunities in Florida. The state will listen and is willing to work with the Tribe for the benefit of both.

For Gambling news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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