Florida Sports Betting: A New Chapter Begins
The “World Politics” series, in its twentieth installment, delves into the sports wagering case in Florida.
The Florida sports betting marketplace was abruptly closed down weeks after its introduction due to a legal challenge. This challenge obstructed the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s updated accord with the state.
After two years of legal skirmishes, a court overturned the decision, permitting the Seminoles to re-launch with Hard Rock Digital. This could transpire within the next thirty days.
Will Florida sports wagering face further obstacles? The case cleared the path for a re-launch but did not rule on whether the agreement should have been authorized without a constitutional change. That question will be returned to Florida courts.
What this signifies for the future of gambling in Florida, and whether the Seminoles will have a monopoly, remains to be determined. As you will hear from our guests, Nova Southeastern University Professor Bob Jarvis and Jeff Ifrah of Ifrah Law, there are differing perspectives on what will occur next.
Professor Jarvis, an expert in the field, contends that any legal dispute would be unsuccessful. He reasons that the state’s fundamental law only encompasses a constitutional alteration pertaining to casino wagering. He asserts that sports wagering does not fall under this category.
Jarvis acknowledges that the resumption of sports betting might face a postponement, but he does not anticipate it to be as protracted as the two-year period between 2021 and 2023. In essence, he believes any legal challenge is merely a delaying tactic.
Will the Florida sports betting case have repercussions in other states?
Meanwhile, Jeff Ifrah expresses skepticism about the case reaching the highest court. He argues that, as a “narrow, specialized matter,” he doubts the Supreme Court would take it on.
However, he anticipates challenges at the state level, although they might not necessarily reach the judicial system.
But what implications does this have for indigenous groups in other states? In Texas, it is improbable to result in a statewide agreement, but California tribes will be closely monitoring the situation. Interestingly, Florida, Texas, and California represent the most significant markets for offshore betting enterprises.
Ifrah further stated that it is unlikely to affect California. The case is highly specific to Florida, and the D.C. court solely evaluated the agreement as a contract. He pointed out that there was no attempt to legalize non-reservation mobile wagering.
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