The US Supreme Court has declined to hear a challenge to Florida’s online sports betting compact, allowing the deal between the state and the Seminole Tribe to stand. The decision comes as a blow to opponents of the agreement, who argued that it violated federal law.
The compact, which was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this year, allows the Seminole Tribe to operate online sports betting in Florida. In exchange, the tribe agreed to pay the state at least $500 million a year in revenue sharing. The deal also includes provisions for expanding casino gaming in the state, such as allowing craps and roulette at tribal casinos.
Opponents of the compact, including a group of anti-gambling activists and the state’s parimutuel industry, filed a legal challenge to the deal in federal court. They argued that the compact violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which requires tribes to negotiate gaming agreements with states in good faith.
However, the US Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the case means that the lower court’s ruling in favor of the compact will stand. In that ruling, the court found that the compact did not violate federal law and that the Seminole Tribe had negotiated in good faith with the state.
In a statement following the Supreme Court’s decision, Governor DeSantis praised the ruling, calling it a “victory for Florida’s economy and for the Seminole Tribe.” He also noted that the compact will bring in much-needed revenue for the state, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the other side, opponents of the compact expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision. In a statement, they vowed to continue fighting against the deal, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for tribal gaming agreements in other states.
Despite the legal challenge, online sports betting is set to launch in Florida later this year, with the Seminole Tribe operating the platform. The compact also paves the way for the expansion of casino gaming in the state, which could bring in additional revenue for both the tribe and the state.
Overall, the US Supreme Court’s decision not to take up the challenge to Florida’s online sports betting compact is a significant victory for Governor DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe. It clears the way for the tribe to operate online sports betting in the state and provides a much-needed revenue boost for Florida. However, the legal battle over the compact is likely far from over, as opponents continue to push back against the deal.