The legal battle for the future of Florida sports betting is far from over.
Just one day after the Seminole Tribe relaunched Hard Rock Bet in the Sunshine State, its longtime nemesis, West Flagler Associates, filed a motion with the state’s Supreme Court. Wednesday’s motion asks the court to expedite consideration of its request to suspend sports betting in Florida pending a final ruling, which is not expected until 2024.
“Taking advantage of the distraction created by their carefully crafted announcement on November 1, the Tribe has sought to surprise the Petitioners and this court by presenting a ‘fait accompli’ on November 7,” the motion reads. “It has indeed taken live bets as of today.”
The latest twist in the Florida sports betting case
The Seminole Tribe relaunched its Florida sports betting app on a limited basis Tuesday. It is available to those who first used Hard Rock Bet when it originally launched in 2021, as well as existing members of the Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program.
Naturally, this didn’t go over well with West Flagler. That organization has been embroiled in long-running legal standoffs with the tribe, and its motion, predictably, includes several biting remarks.
“Absent an expedited ruling on Petitioners’ request, the Tribe will apparently continue with its off-reservation sports betting operations in contravention of the Florida Constitution,” the motion reads.
The request for expedited consideration means a response could come as soon as next week.
A Florida sports betting timeline
Retail sports betting is set to return to Florida in December. The Seminole Tribe has announced it will open sportsbooks at its Florida casinos. Those sportsbooks will join craps and roulette tables, which will be available to customers for the first time.
Currently, prospective bettors can join a wait list to download Hard Rock Bet. However, a date for a full launch of the app has not yet been announced.
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