US appeals court rules on Florida-Seminole compact

In a decision that could change the Florida gaming landscape, a US Court of Appeals reversed a November 2021 lower court ruling that a gaming compact between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

In short, the ruling helps clears the way for the Seminole to again offer sports betting in The Sunshine State, saying IGRA is flexible enough to allow the terms of the compact – though appeals of this latest decision are expected.

The lawsuit originally came from West Flagler Associates, which could file in the appellate court. If the circuit refuses, the case could head to the Supreme Court.

The ruling confirms federal law allows for the state and tribe to execute on its original compact that in addition to a sports betting monopoly, would allow the tribe to add roulette and craps to its land-based Hard Rock casinos.

As it stands, the compact also allows for two potential new casinos at the Trump National Doral resort and Fontainebleau hotel in Miami Beach without violating the Seminole monopoly, the Miami-Herald reported.

The appeals court emphasized the ruling was narrow and if the compact is determined to be violating state law by allowing gambling outside of tribal lands, the US Department of Interior would have to reject the agreement.

The ruling could also set up a legal debate on a national scale, setting a precedent for tribal operators in other states pursuing online gaming and questions being raised over whether federal tribal gaming laws authorize online gaming, the Herald quoted gaming attorney Dan Wallach, founder of Wallach Legal.

Source: Fantini’s Gaming Report