We knew Florida sports betting was returning this week in an in-person capacity at several casinos. However, Hard Rock Bet shook up the FL sports betting landscape by taking online sports bets Tuesday.
Matt Primeaux, who serves as the Executive Managing Director and President of Hard Rock Bet, posted the following on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday morning:
Hard Rock’s early access period for sports betting in Florida has been great this past month, but thinking about just turning it off and letting everyone bet
— Matt Primeaux (@mattprimeaux) December 5, 2023
That’s precisely what happened, as the platform opened its virtual doors to all Florida bettors.
More on the early relaunch
Primeaux further explained that the early opening acts as a “last check” to make sure systems are ready for the planned official launch of Florida sports betting Thursday. That launch will be accompanied by celebrations at Seminole Tribe and Hard Rock-affiliated properties, which will, of course, house on-site sportsbooks.
This is the latest twist in a long, drawn-out saga that dates back several years. Florida sports betting was briefly legal in 2021, but abruptly ended due to a legal battle focusing on a compact signed by the Seminole Tribe and Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Earlier this year, a decision by the D.C. Court of Appeals re-ratified the compact. While another legal battle has brewed and is now potentially facing the U.S. Supreme Court, that decision paved the way for Florida sports betting to return.
The compact being re-ratified also means casinos in Florida can offer craps and roulette, in addition to on-site sportsbooks. These tables will open to the public at the same time FL sports betting operations resume.
Latest FL sports betting legal updates
Last month, West Flagler Associates filed a motion in hopes of stopping the relaunch of Hard Rock Bet in the Sunshine State. However, the Florida Supreme Court unanimously rejected it, clearing the path to an eventual full rollout.
None of this, though, is an iron-clad guarantee Florida sports betting is here to stay. As mentioned, a case filed by West Flagler Associates could be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024.
Late last week, West Flagler was granted an extension to file paperwork pertaining to the case. If the highest court in the land decides to hear arguments, it will likely do so in mid-2024. A ruling in favor of West Flagler would likely shutter some or all of the Florida sports betting industry.
For now, however, Floridians can wager on their favorite sports teams, either online or in-person.
