A federal lawsuit has been put forward, challenging the newly approved plan allowing Seminole Tribe to operate sports betting in Florida in a bid to stop the process.
This plan will see wagerers place bets online through computer servers on tribal properties. With the passing of this deal, the Seminole tribe would serve as a hub for sports betting which in the past was illegal in Florida.
The suit affirmed that federal laws are violated within this plan as the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act does not allow bets to be placed on tribal lands.
The lawsuit stated “In an effort to circumvent this clear prohibition in the state Constitution, the 2021 compact and implementing law provide that a person sitting on her poolside lounge chair or his couch at home placing a sports bet through the tribe is ‘deemed’ not to be placing a bet that is otherwise illegal in the state,
The focus was particularly on sports betting with it stating that the tribe had to pay $2.5 billion to Florida over five years as compensation for the control over the online sports betting market with the tribe receiving various other gains such as the capacity to provide roulette and craps at its casinos.
The part focusing on sports betting is still awaiting approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior which oversees tribal gaming in the country. Back in May House Speaker Chris Sprowls, R-Palm Harbor told reporters “Obviously, having this kind of agreement, you’re navigating kind of the icebergs of legal hurdles,
You know, reasonable people disagree. Some people have looked at it and said, ‘Hey, I don’t think it’s gonna make it.’ I’ve looked at it. I think it will. The reality is that’s going to be resolved by a court,” indicating that they were already expecting legal challenges.
The plaintiffs cite that the Indian Gaming Compact violates three laws: (1) the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA); (2) the Wire Act of 1961 (Wire Act); and the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA).
Malta Week - Save the dates:
For the first time ever SiGMA Group is bringing its 4 leading shows together for the mother of all conferences. From the 16th to 19th November, SiGMA, alongside AGS and AIBC will bring the best in the business to a first-class meeting point. Join us for the 7th edition of SiGMA at the MFCC - Malta Fairs Conventions Centre, and explore how you can benefit from being a delegate, a sponsor, an exhibitor, or a keynote speaker.
Get in touch with Sophie for more info about SiGMA Europe Malta. Get in touch with Bernard & Renee to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.