The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to review a challenge to an agreement that grants the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to online sports betting in Florida. This decision is a setback for opponents of the compact, which is expected to generate significant revenue for the tribe and the state.
In March, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that companies that operate racetracks and poker rooms in Florida had filed the wrong type of petition to contest the 2021 compact between the Seminole Tribe and Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration. The plaintiffs raised concerns about the legality of online sports betting taking place from anywhere in Florida when only the computer servers hosting the services are located on tribal land. They accused DeSantis and the Legislature of overstepping their authority by allowing sports betting off tribal lands.
The plaintiffs also argued that the compact undermines a 2018 voter-approved amendment to the Florida Constitution, which requires a citizens’ initiative to expand casino gambling beyond tribal land. The tribe has defended the compact, stating that the Legislature has
