Final brief against Seminole monopoly filed

The final brief in West Flagler and Bonita-Myers’ Florida Supreme Court fight against the Seminole Tribe’s online sports betting monopoly in the state has been filed.

West Flagler responded to the Seminole’s amicus brief in support of Governor Ron DeSantis’ motion to dismiss West Flagler’s suit.

West Flagler’s brief argues that Amendment 3 of the Florida Constitution requires voters to approve gambling expansion, including igaming and sports betting.

West Flagler and Bonita-Myers Corp contend DeSantis exceeded his authority and violated a state constitutional requirement that voters approve any expansion of gambling.

DeSantis, in a brief filed earlier this month, argued that the pari-mutuels waited too long to file their suit, undermining any suggestion of urgent harm suffered.

DeSantis noted that West Flagler and Bonita-Myers filed their state court appeal only after their efforts to seek relief in federal court had failed, arguing that they offer no good excuse for the delay.

The Seminole Tribe relaunched its mobile sports betting app on November 7 and in-person craps, roulette and sports betting at its casinos on December 7, in accordance with a gaming compact ratified by the Florida legislature, signed by DeSantis and approved by the federal government in 2021.

West Flagler’s brief is the final filing in the case. The Florida Supreme Court will now schedule a full hearing on the merits, decline the case or remand it to Leon County Court.

Source: Fantini’s Gaming Report