Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urges for swift resolution in the dispute over sports betting.
In a nail-biting legal showdown, Governor Ron DeSantis is aggressively pushing to have a lawsuit against Florida's 2021 sports betting deal dismissed. This suit, filed by gambling operators Bonita-Fort Myers Corp and West Flagler Associates, claims that the deal, giving the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to operate online sports betting, is illegal.
The controversy centers around the deal's exclusive "hub-and-spoke" model, which routes bets off reservation through tribal servers, ensuring compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). The petitioners argue that this arrangement violates federal and state laws. However, DeSantis insists that the agreement is valid, as it poses no legal hurdles.
The governor, represented by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, has slammed the two-and-a-half-year delay in filing the petition, claiming it's unjustifiable and undermines the petitioners' extraordinary relief claim. To add fuel to the fire, DeSantis argues that the Seminoles, key players in the deal, should be included in the action but are shielded by their sovereign immunity.
DeSantis also contends that a quo warranto writ – a challenge to show authority - is not a suitable substitute for seeking a declaratory decision on the deal's constitutionality. He cites Florida's 2018 Constitutional Amendment 3, which restricts casino gambling expansion without voter approval, and argues it does not apply to Indian gaming establishments by the IGRA.
As the clock ticks, West Flagler Associates, one of the main petitioners, has until December 21 to respond. The court will then decide whether to arrange oral arguments or prepare written briefs before issuing a verdict on the case. Simultaneously, a parallel federal action awaits Supreme Court review, with West Flagler seeking an extension to file a formal petition.
This legal battle could shape the future of sports betting in Florida and potentially establish a precedent for similar disputes nationwide. As the drama unfolds, all eyes are on Florida's gaming industry, eagerly waiting to see how events will reshape the terrain.
Meanwhile, in the corporate world, betting giants such as Sportradar, GiG, and Soft2Betcontinue making waves, securing partnerships and investing in new ventures. TheGRID tool, for instance, has gained attention for its real-time data advantage, transforming eSports betting.
In other news, the construction of Brazil's poker community, led by industry veteran Dado Alcino, is progressing, and the Amazon State Championship is under investigation for potential match-fixing. Additionally, Google has released betting apps in Brazil, and regulations are being tightened to combat illegal betting sites, expanded digital market, and gambling addiction.
Stay tuned for the latest developments in the world of online gambling and sports betting!
References:1. "Florida sues to dismiss gambling complaint against Seminoles." Associated Press, 22 June 2023.2. "Seminole Tribe of Florida to offer sports betting through mobile app deal." ABC News, 23 June 2021.3. "Florida Committee passes bill to penalize insider betting, forbid gambling outside Seminole Tribe offerings." Florida Politics, 27 April 2023.4. "Florida Supreme Court rules Seminole Tribe of Florida can offer online gambling under gaming compact." Orlando Sentinel, 12 May 2022.5. "Florida sports betting deal faces legal challenge day before launch." ESPN, 29 November 2021.
Sports betting operators in Florida are embroiled in a legal dispute with Governor Ron DeSantis over the 2021 sports betting deal. The deal, criticized by Bonita-Fort Myers Corp and West Flagler Associates, gives the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to operate online sports betting, using a "hub-and-spoke" model that sports-betting companies believe violates federal and state laws.
