The United States Supreme Court has decided not to hear a challenge to a sports betting compact involving the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the state.
The decision not to hear a challenge to the negotiated gambling agreement – brought forth by two pari-mutuel companies – means the tribe gets to keep its exclusive rights to handle online sports betting in the Sunshine State.
The deal promises to rake in hundreds of millions of dollars for the tribe and the state.
The order did not reveal the justices’ rationale for declining to go forward. However, it does note that Justice Brett Kavanaugh supported taking up the case.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson recused herself.
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Sports Betting Is Here To Stay In Florida
Gary Bitner, a spokesperson for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, issued a statement celebrating the Supreme Court decision. The Times/Herald reports, “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,” Bitner said.
“It means members of the Seminole Tribe and all Floridians can count on a bright future made possible by the Compact.”
Not everyone is enamored with the move, however.
Opponents of the compact argued that it gives the tribe a sports betting monopoly in the nation’s third-most populous state. They also argue that the U.S. Department of Interior wrongly approved the compact. They argue it violates the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which requires that gambling occurs on tribal lands.
But the Supreme Court wasn’t interested in reviewing the matter.
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Opportunity To Expand
NBC Florida reports that the decision not to hear the challenge provides an opportunity for the business to expand in the state.
“The Seminole Tribe’s exclusive rights to sports betting in Florida are reinforced by the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling upholding a substantial contract,” they wrote.
“This decision preserves the status quo and provides opportunity for the state’s gambling industry to expand.”
Daniel Wallach, a South Florida attorney and sports betting law expert, concurs.
“What’s important with today’s announcement is that the most significant barrier to online sports betting in Florida has been removed,” he argues.
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