Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is asking for an extension from the state Supreme Court in a case involving a sports betting monopoly granted to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
More time is needed
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is asking for an extension from the state Supreme Court to respond in a case seeking to void a sports betting monopoly granted to the Seminole Tribe in Florida in 2021.
Request a 30-day extension to formulate a response
The court had ordered DeSantis to respond by Nov. 1 regarding the Hard Rock Bet, but the governor’s attorney and state leaders are asking for a 30-day extension to formulate a response. The question is whether DeSantis and the Department of the Interior (DOI) exceeded their authority by validating the agreement.
In this case, West Flagler Associates (WFA) is asking the Florida Supreme Court to invalidate a gaming charter that was “deemed approved” by the DOI and signed by the governor in 2021.
The request from DeSantis comes three days after a local anti-gambling group, No Casinos Inc., filed its own brief in support of the WFA.
The 30-year deal paved the way for the tribe to launch online and retail betting. Through the deal, the Seminoles will be given control of sports betting, as well as permission to offer craps and roulette at their land-based casinos.
Where is online betting actually done?
This is the latest step in a case that has been ongoing for nearly three years.
Even one month after the tribe launched its sportsbook on November 1, 2021, a federal judge in Florida deemed the agreement illegal and in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which stipulates that all state-sanctioned gambling must take place on tribal lands. .
All processed sports bets will pass through a server on tribal property
At the time of the ruling in 2021, Florida officials said all processed sports bets would pass through a server on tribal property. Judge Dabney Friedrich said this was a “fiction”. This appears to be a sticking point as opponents argue that online sports betting takes place wherever the bet is placed, rather than where the server is located.
If bets were made outside the Seminole reservation, it would require voter approval and an amendment to the constitution.
Long battle
In June, a three-court panel agreed in favor of the tribe, agreeing that federal gaming laws allow the Florida government to enter into a 30-year agreement.
However, earlier this month, US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts blocked a lower court ruling allowing the Seminole Tribe of Florida to launch the Hard Rock Bet sports betting platform. Judge Roberts gave DOI until October 18 to file a response and determine next steps regarding the moratorium.
According to Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, the WFA will only agree to a seven-day extension.
However, DeSantis’ lawyers pointed out that No Casinos Inc. She received a ten-day extension to file her amicus brief and that the court previously said the government may request an extension as well.
