- Special Session Ongoing To Determine Fate Of FL Sports Betting
- In-Person Sportsbooks Expected To Open At Tribal Casinos On October 15, 2021
- Negotiations Are Ongoing For Future Online & Mobile Sports Betting Options
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe of Florida have paved the way for legal sports betting in the Sunshine State to commence this October 15th.
As one of the most populated states in the USA, and also serving as a mecca for professional and college sports, the revenue is expected to significantly enhance Florida’s tax collections.
What is certain to curtail those potential revenue totals is a complete lack of mobile sports betting or online sportsbook options offered by this new bill.
The dollars collected in states that regulate their own mobile sportsbooks greatly outweigh the totals that only feature in-person sports betting options. This is largely due to the presence of offshore sportsbook sites that are able to serve a majority of the United States over the web without violating any existing laws.
Both the Seminole Tribe and Governor DeSantis have differing opinions on mobile and online sports betting, but there does seem to be some agreeance on the matter when it comes to whether or not they need to curtail offshore options in FL.
With any luck, mobile and online sports betting options will be on the table for Florida gamblers to take advantage of come mid-October.
There is also a 45 day period to consider, as the U.S. Department of Interior will need to approve of the gaming compact between Florida and the Tribe.
Part of the compact includes an allowance for the Hard Rock Casinos in Florida to begin offering roulette and craps as a part of their table games.
The legislation also includes provisions that would allow for additional sportsbooks in Miami and the surrounding South Florida region, and some lawmakers are speculating that Donald Trump wants in on the action.
Only time, and money, will tell if Trump is indeed attempting to infiltrate the sports betting and casino gambling market in the state of Florida, as the Seminole Tribe currently has a tight grip on all Sunshine State gaming activities for the foreseeable future.
Regardless of who is and isn’t approved for sports betting or casino operation in Florida, the winners are the gamblers, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the citizens of the state that will benefit from the additional tax dollars that are generated.
With a bit of luck, perhaps Florida and the Seminole Tribe can agree to mobile and online sports betting as well, as the potential revenue will be too hard for both parties to resist.
