The path to online sports betting in Florida for mobile devices may have finally been cleared, at least from the federal standpoint. The U.S. Supreme Court decided to allow a previous court decision that might pave the way for the Seminole Tribe in Florida to offer online sports betting across the state.
Earlier this month, Chief Justice John Roberts put a temporary hold on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Washington, D.C. But the court lifted it, last Wednesday.
This whole matter stems from an agreement made in 2021 between the tribe and Florida. This agreement called a “compact”, gave the tribe the right to have online sports betting.
The Trouble With The Compact
Some Florida betting companies didn’t agree with it and took legal action. In one such case, the appeals court earlier in the summer supported a choice by the U.S. Department of the Interior (which looks over gambling on tribal areas) to let the agreement proceed.
West Flagler and Associates, who used to own Magic City Casino and now own Bonita Spring Poker Room, filed the complaint. They said the sports betting plan goes against federal rules and would really hurt their business. They also said it’s unfair and goes against the Constitution’s rule that everyone should be treated equally.
Their lawyers pointed out that the agreement allows the tribe to run online sports betting all over the state. At the same time, it’s a serious crime for people from other backgrounds to do the same.
Decision Pleases Seminole Tribe
The pari-mutuel companies asked the Supreme Court to pause things while preparing to challenge the previous court’s decision. On October 12th, Chief Justice Roberts agreed and stopped that decision for a bit. But the Supreme Court decided to undo Roberts’ pause and didn’t grant the betting companies the delay they asked for. The official court record confirmed this but didn’t say why they made that choice.
Regardless, the Seminole Tribe is understandably pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision.
“The denial of the stay by the U.S. Supreme Court is very good news. The Seminole Tribe of Florida is heartened by this decision,” Gary Bitner, a spokesman for the tribe, said in an email.
What Happens After SCOTUS Decision?
The court’s order means that sports betting could soon be available in Florida, although other pending legal challenges in state courts could impact the exact timing.
The U.S. solicitor general, Elizabeth B. Prelogar, believes that the legality of the 2021 agreement should be determined by the Florida Supreme Court, which is already looking into a similar issue.
She wrote that if the Florida Supreme Court decides that the Florida law allowing betting outside tribal lands is against the state’s Constitution, then the betting companies would get what they want. She feels that the ongoing case in the Florida Supreme Court is the right place to address concerns related to state law.
So, it remains to be seen when a final decision will be made. When it happens, Bookmakers Review will provide an update.
Calculators
