Skip to main content

U.S. Supreme Court Issues Ruling on Possible Sports Betting Review for Florida

Evans Makayla

Updated on June 18, 2024 at 1:18 PM EDT • Read time: 1 min 40 sec. Find more information on Twitter and Google News.

Florida State Seminoles outfielder Max Williams gets an out as we look at the U.S. Supreme Court decision concerning Florida sports betting.
Florida State Seminoles outfielder Max Williams gets an out against the Virginia Cavaliers at Charles Schwab Field Omaha. Photo by: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

The U.S. Supreme Court has made a decision regarding a sports betting review in Florida, stating that residents will only be able to use Hard Rock Bet for now. Despite being a top sports betting site, many residents may be interested in accessing other options on the list.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh supported the review, while Justice Ketanji Brown did not take part. However, the majority of the remaining Justices believed that there was no reason to investigate West Flagler Associates’ appeal any further. This decision effectively concludes a lengthy legal battle that spanned several years. The Justices did not offer an explanation for their choice.

The situation in Florida

In 2021, a 30-year compact was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Despite being approved by the Legislature, the deal has faced criticism within the Florida sports betting community since its inception.

Despite the potential for billions of dollars in revenue for the Tribe and the state, the deal has faced challenges. Critics argue that the compact grants the Tribes a monopoly in the state, leading some to question its approval as it may violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Hard Rock Bet has had a turbulent history since the deal was signed in 2001, but it was quietly launched in November. State residents can explore its offerings using our exclusive Hard Rock Bet promo code.

The launch of Hard Rock’s real money online casinos quickly followed the debut of the sportsbook.

A conclusion?

The Tribe and Hard Rock Bet are currently on solid legal footing as the Supreme Court has declined to hear the appeal. In order for companies like DraftKings and FanDuel to operate in the state, they will need to negotiate a deal with the Tribe.

Opponents of the compact must now seek an alternative route to challenge it or come to terms with the defeat in the long-standing battle. West Flagler, holding three jai alai licenses, and Bonita-Fort Myers Corp., running the Bonita Springs Poker Room, have previously expressed concerns about the impact of the compact on their revenue. Representatives did not offer any statements on the ruling on Monday, leaving their next steps uncertain.

Gary Bitner, from the firm that handles public relations for the Seminole Tribe, stated, “The compact ensures a promising future for Seminole Tribe members and all residents of Florida.”

Written By:
Evans Makayla
Andrew is a Publishing Editor at Underscoreg Review. He graduated from Acadia University with a degree in Kinesiology, working as a personal trainer and in injury rehab, and then attended the College of Sports Media in Toronto to attain a diploma in Radio and Television Sports Broadcasting. Andrew has been involved in the sports betting and fantasy sports space since joining the FNTSY Sports Network in 2014, where he worked as a producer, director, and occasional on-air talent on various shows focusing on sports betting and DFS content. Prior to joining SBR, he spent multiple years with the USA Today Network as an editor and writer. Living in Newfoundland, Andrew frequents grey market sportsbooks, but in the past, when he’s lived in regulated areas, he’s become well-versed with all of our best sportsbooks. As strictly a casual bettor, he enjoys making touchdown parlays with friends (bro-lays), sweating out golf cut parlays during majors, playing same-game parlays for fun, and chasing long-shot bets. He also enjoys using sportsbooks that have solid iGaming and casino platforms. As the old guy on staff, he has an affinity for industry news, which confuses some, but shh … quiet … the news is on.