Florida is home to three Major League Baseball teams, two National Basketball Association teams, and one of the best football leagues in the nation. However, legal sports betting in the Sunshine State is still in the midst of a legal battle that has lasted for years.
It is unclear if the legalization of online sports betting will return to the Sunshine State by 2022. The Seminole Tribe is appealing a federal court ruling that vacated a compact allowing statewide mobile sports betting.
This is a complex and lengthy legal battle, but there are signs that the lawsuits may be moving forward. Until the legalization of sports betting is resolved, expect the NFL season to open without legalized betting.
Sports betting is regulated in the state, but the courts have been unable to decide if it is legal. In addition, sportsbooks have never been part of a comprehensive gambling deal between the state government and the Seminole tribe.
As a result, the only sportsbook in the state was Hard Rock Sportsbook, which launched in November. However, the app was shut down in December.
The new sports betting proposal would allow the Seminole tribe to host statewide mobile sports betting. Pari-mutuel racing facilities must partner with the tribe to offer sportsbooks.
Legal experts are divided on the issue of whether sports betting on tribal lands is legal. Both sides presented arguments in front of three judges. Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.
