US Supreme Court Refuses to Hear the Florida Sports Betting Case

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to an agreement granting the Seminole Tribe exclusive control over online sports betting in Florida, delivering a setback to those who opposed the deal. As the US Supreme Court Refuses to Hear the Florida Sports Betting Case, the Seminole Tribe of Florida is thrilled.

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision not to disrupt a long-standing agreement granting the Seminole Tribe authority over sports betting in Florida marks a significant victory for the tribe. The Court rejected a challenge brought by two pari-mutuel companies, with Justice Brett Kavanaugh backing the consideration of the case. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson abstained from the proceedings.

The Seminoles retain authority over online sports betting following a 2021 agreement signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr., which was approved by the Legislature. A spokesperson for the Seminoles expressed approval of the Supreme Court ruling.

According to Pay Per Head Authorities, the compact, referred to, as a gambling deal, has the potential to generate a minimum of $2.5 billion for Florida within the initial five years, with the possibility of billions more in the years to come.

“It means members of the Seminole Tribe and all Floridians can count on a bright future made possible by the compact,” spokesman Gary Bitner said in an email.

Why did the US Supreme Court Refused to Hear the Florida Sports Betting Case

According to sportsbook reviews, the tribe's control of sports betting could be solidified indefinitely by the Supreme Court decision. Daniel Wallach, a legal expert in online gambling, mentioned that the current situation is likely to persist for a significant period, possibly up to three decades.

The case revolved around a unique system that permitted the Seminoles to take bets from any location within the state, with all wagers processed through servers situated on tribal territory. The agreement specified that bets made through a mobile app or other electronic devices would be considered as exclusively conducted by the tribe

The implementation of the deal was approved by U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who has jurisdiction over tribal gambling.

The Lawsuit by West Flagler Associates and Bonita-Fort Myers Corp.

West Flagler Associates and Bonita-Fort Myers Corp., representing the pari-mutuel companies, filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging Secretary Haaland's decision. They argued that the agreement violates the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), a federal law, as it permits gambling outside of tribal lands.

 

In 2021, a federal district judge sided with the pari-mutuel companies. However, in June, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia overturned the ruling. Following the full appellate court's refusal to reconsider the panel's decision, the companies submitted a petition for review to the Supreme Court in February.

West Flagler possesses three jai alai licenses, while Bonita-Fort Myers Corp. operates under the name Bonita Springs Poker Room in Southwest Florida. Both companies claim that the Seminoles' sports-betting activities will negatively impact their earnings. When questioned on Monday, representatives from the companies declined to provide any comments.