Could Florida Sportsbooks Return In Time For NFL Season?

Following the D.C. Circuit Court ruling to overturn the blockade for online Florida sports betting, the Hard Rock Sportsbook app has an opportunity for a backdoor cover. The Seminole Tribe of Florida seems to be preparing for this very reality. Recent job postings on their official careers website show that they are hiring sportsbook employees.

Granted, there’s still the possibility of an appeal by West Flagler Associates, the driving force that led to the shutdown. If that doesn’t come to fruition, locals could see mobile betting in Florida return soon — maybe even in time for the 2023 NFL season.

Signs Point To Florida Sports Betting Return

The court ruling could be finalized as early as Aug. 21, 2023, according to Florida gambling law expert Daniel Wallach. Keep in mind, NFL Week 1 odds kick off Sep. 7, which would provide a few weeks for operations to resume.

In anticipation, the Seminole Tribe is hiring for sportsbook agents supervisors at their local casinos. This hiring process indicates the potential for a retail sportsbook to set up shop.

Florida launched mobile sportsbooks when the market was initially live in 2021 — with retail betting planned for a later date. This launch plan was thwarted by the aforementioned West Flagler case. Several local casinos sued the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe over the initial gambling compact that allowed sports betting. The lawsuit led to sports betting operations shutting down due to the District Court ruling.

With the appeal of the District Court ruling going in the Seminole’s favor, it appears the tribe is optimistic they can launch betting.

Now these job postings only support a potential retail sportsbook. However, it is safe to assume online is incoming as well.

Why It Appears Online Sportsbooks Are Incoming

The official Hard Rock Sportsbook Twitter account posted this clever tweet the morning of the ruling. The Undertaker clearly represents something rising from the grave, resembling the sportsbook potentially making a return.

Since online was the only wagering option in Florida initially, Hard Rock could only be talking about the app. Law professor Bob Jarvis also estimates that the Seminole Tribe will be relaunching their app by Aug. 26, aligning with the start of 2023 college football odds.

The Seminole Tribe themselves have not declared an official launch date or stated they plan to launch. This notion is pure speculation based on the information made available. But barring any major legal update, sports betting will likely reappear in the Sunshine State.

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