In December 2021, mobile sports betting in Florida was shut down due to opposition groups. The Seminole Tribe had intended for a near monopoly on sports betting in the state until a compact between the tribe and the state government was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Subsequently, competitors filed a lawsuit against the Department of Interior for violating the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

As of this writing, the U.S. Court of Appeals is listening to arguments from the Department of Interior, the State of Florida, and the Seminole Tribe. The fate of sports betting in the state remains uncertain, however, alternative options are available for those wishing to gamble and wager on sports. Bovada is one such option, offering competitive betting lines, live betting, and a variety of real money slots and table games. Welcome and reload bonuses are also available.

As the battle for sports betting in Florida continues into 2023, the outcome is yet to be determined.

Shutdown of Mobile Betting

Mobile sports betting in Florida was shut down in December 2021 due to opposition from a group who sought to maintain the Seminole Tribe’s near monopoly on gambling in the state. The Seminole Tribe had planned to hold a clear monopoly on sports betting in Florida.

Governor Ron DeSantis had signed a compact between the Seminole Tribe and the state government, which would have seen sports betting exclusively through the Seminole Tribe and the Hard Rock sports betting app. Competitors filed a lawsuit against the Department of Interior, arguing that the sports betting activity must take place on tribal grounds.

The court eventually ruled that the sports betting deal was in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and was worth $2.5 billion over five years to the state. FanDuel and DraftKings attempted to gather signatures for a new vote on the ballot, but fell short.

Governor DeSantis and the federal government still support passing a sports betting bill in Florida. The U.S. Court of Appeals is listening to arguments from the Department of Interior, the State of Florida, and the Seminole Tribe.

Floridians can still gamble and wager on sports through online gambling casinos.

Compact and Lawsuit

Governor Ron DeSantis signed a compact between the Seminole Tribe and the state government, which was intended to provide sports betting exclusively through the Seminole Tribe and the Hard Rock sports betting app.

This plan was met with opposition from competitors who filed a lawsuit against the Department of Interior. The court ruled that the sports betting deal was in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, as it would have given the Seminole Tribe a near monopoly on sports betting in Florida, and the deal was worth $2.5 billion over five years to the state.

The plaintiffs argued that sports betting activity must take place on tribal grounds. FanDuel and DraftKings attempted to gather signatures for a new vote but failed.

The U.S. Court of Appeals is currently listening to arguments from all involved parties and will decide if the lower court ruled correctly. The outcome of this court case will determine the future of sports betting in Florida.

Alternative Gambling Options

Despite the ongoing legal battle over sports betting in Florida, alternative gambling options are still available for residents. For instance:

  • Online gambling casinos:

  • Bovada offers competitive betting lines, live betting, and top-notch customer service.

  • Players can access over 300 real money slots and table games, including live dealer games.

  • First-time users receive welcome bonuses for the sportsbook and casino, as well as regular promotions for reloads and crypto deposits.

  • Other alternatives:

  • Sports Lottery betting is available in the state.

  • Horse and greyhound race betting is available in certain parts of the state.

  • Charitable gaming as well as bingo and pull-tabs are legal in designated places.