Summary:
- Several attempts were made to try and stop the tribe.
- Craps, roulette, and sports betting will be live by early December.
- The tribe operates several casinos in Florida, all set to offer the new gaming options.
The legal back and forth is finally over, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida can move forward with plans to expand casino games and sports betting. The tribe has a gaming compact in place that was approved by its members and the state of Florida two years ago.
The decision was made after a US Supreme Court sided with the tribe in October for its expanded gambling services.
New Games Coming Soon
The Seminole Tribe operates the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, the Classic Casino in Hollywood, and the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. The new games and sports betting will go live on December 7 at these venues, and the Hard Rock Tampa property will launch games on the 8th. Three days later, the Seminole Immokalee and Brighton Casino will start offering the new additions.
The Seminole Hard Rock plans to offer celebrations throughout December to mark the occasion. Calling it ‘A New Era in Florida Gaming’ the tribe will feature events and unique options next month.
The expansion has brought over 1,000 new jobs, and the changes allow Florida casinos to be in the same league as major gaming destinations across the US.
Details on the Deal
The compact deal allows sports betting with electronic devices, which is a more limited option than traditional in-person betting. A lawsuit is still in progress that challenges the ability of the tribe to offer online sports betting.
The tribe may be offering a limited version of sports betting, but they are glad to see the compact defended in some manner and for the gaming option to finally come to fruition. The new gaming options will create jobs and bring in higher levels of tourism. It will also provide much-needed revenue to the state.
The decision is the latest development in the case between other gaming operators in Florida and the tribe. The issue first began in 2021 when the tribe and state signed a new compact deal. Casinos in Florida wanted the court to block the sports betting portion of the deal as it gave the tribe a monopoly over the industry and violated the state Constitution.
Opponents said the plan was in violation because it authorized gambling off tribal lands. Players would have been able to place mobile bets throughout the state, with computer serves located in tribal lands. Now, the tribe still gets to offer sports betting, just in a limited capacity.
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