Florida Sports Betting: Decision Punted Until 2023

Sports wagering in the Sunshine State was already in legal limbo after the DC Circuit ousted one of the appeals in the Florida sports betting compact case in June. Below, you’ll find out how the situation worsened this month.

Free Pick’Em Contests! Compete for prizes every day by entering our free betting games. NFL, MLB, golf and more!

Florida Sports Betting: Legalization Pushed Back

On July 8, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered a brief and hearing schedule for the Florida sports betting case, pertaining to the sustainability of the Seminole Tribe’s agreement with the state. Unless sports wagering legislation is processed before then, legalization isn’t expected until at least 2023.

The Seminole Tribe and the Department of the Interior must file their opening briefs by Aug. 17 while their final reply briefs are due no later than Nov. 14, according to the court.

TheLines’ Super Bowl 57 Odds Board

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis initially struck an accord with the Florida Seminole Tribe, which owns the Hard Rock casinos and possesses gaming exclusivity, in April 2021. Nevertheless, a U.S. Federal Judge tossed out the Florida sports betting agreement in November 2021, ceasing online and in-person wagering for the time being.

“I don’t think there’s any chance of doing a gaming deal to the size and scope that was negotiated by Gov. DeSantis without a legal challenge,” Chris Sprowls, Speaker of the House, said in May 2021. “You are navigating the icebergs of legal hurdles as you do this.”

Florida Sports Betting’s Brief History

Keep in mind, Calvin Ridley’s suspension was connected to the Hard Rock in Florida, as the Falcons wide receiver bet over $35,000 during the sportsbook’s shortened launch.

With that said, Caesars Racebook went live in Florida, along with Ohio, on June 24. The horse betting product is centered around the New York Racing Association online platform.