• Loading stock data...
Monday, March 17, 2025
Nominations Are Open for Front Office Sports Honors! Submit Now

Federal Judge’s Ruling Prohibits Sports Betting in Florida

Seminole Hard Rock/USA TODAY NETWORK/Design: Alex Brooks

Florida has ceased all sports betting and gaming after Monday’s ruling by Judge Dabney L. Friedrich rejected a compact between the Florida government and Seminole Tribe that only allowed sports betting on Seminole lands.

The 30-year compact was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis and approved by the Florida Legislature earlier this year — the Seminole Tribe agreed to pay at least $2.5 billion to the state over the first five years as part of the deal, which also allowed the tribe to add roulette and craps to its casinos.

Despite multiple efforts from other companies to block it — DraftKings and FanDuel raised $20 million — the compact went through, but it has only been live for the past three weeks.

  • Judge Friedrich concluded that the compact violates the federal Indian Gaming Act that requires state-sanctioned gambling to occur on tribal land.
  • Instead of making sure all sports betting physically took place on tribal land, the Seminole Tribe reportedly considered bets going through servers on tribal property as good enough. “This Court cannot accept that fiction,” Friedrich said.

With the Secretary’s approval, the Tribe and state can agree to a new compact. Friedrich also said, “Florida citizens may authorize such betting across their State through a citizens’ initiative.”

The ruling is expected to be appealed.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 14, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Kevin Overton (1) and Arizona Wildcats forward Carter Bryant (9) go after a loose ball during the second half at T-Mobile Center.

Robinhood Adding Prediction Market From Kalshi After Super Bowl About-Face

Robinhood’s partnership with Kalshi will be wide-ranging.
Mar 10, 2025; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Houston Astros outfielder Jacob Melton (76) steals second base past Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Andres Gimenez (0) in the second inning during spring training at TD Ballpark.

MLB Asks CFTC to Ensure ‘Integrity’ of Bets on Exchanges Like Kalshi

The CFTC is reviewing the legality of sports event contracts.

Callaway’s LIV Deal Shows How Much Golf Has Shifted

The company has signed a first-of-its-kind club contract.

Nevada Orders Kalshi to Shut Down Sports Markets

Kalshi has not taken down the markets yet.

Featured Today

Auburn Tigers guard Miles Kelly (13) reacts after hitting a three-point shot against Kentucky during the first half in SEC basketball at Rupp Arena Saturday afternoon in Lexington, Kentucky March 1, 2025

The SEC’s Ascent to Men’s Basketball Supremacy

The league brought its football pageantry and power to college hoops.
San Diego Wave FC falls to Orlando Pride at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA on April 29, 2023.
March 14, 2025

The New Tailored Approach to Women’s Sports Uniforms

For new women’s sports leagues, every detail is custom.
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) cuts down the net after beating LSU in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament between Iowa and LSU at MVP Arena, Monday, April 1, 2024 in Albany, N.Y.
opinion
March 9, 2025

Reader Mailbag: Leagues Need Must-Watch Moments

Readers responded to NHL success and what it means for other leagues.
Moolah Kicks
March 8, 2025

Breaking the Mold: The Brands Designing Footwear Specifically for Female Athletes

New companies are laser focused on changing the women’s athletic footwear landscape.
Jan 17, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) dribbles past Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) in the second half at Frost Bank Center.

Fanatics Pays Out and Refunds Wembanyama Bets After Injury Ends Season

Fanatics applied its Fair Play rule to bets related to Wembanyama winning awards.
Andy Reid
February 9, 2025

Sportsbooks Call for Tighter Regulations on Prediction Markets

Sports betting and sports event contracts are treated differently—for now.
Jon Batiste
February 10, 2025

Sportsbooks Split on Hotly Disputed Super Bowl National Anthem Prop Bet

FanDuel and DraftKings split on the national anthem duration.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Josh Allen
February 6, 2025

Polymarket Whale Made Huge Late Bets On Josh Allen Winning NFL MVP

Allen’s odds skyrocketed from the 50s to over 90% on Thursday afternoon.
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles helmets at the Caesars Superdome prior to Super Bowl LIX.
February 6, 2025

Amid ‘Record’ Super Bowl Betting, Market’s Two Largest Forces Still Reign

FanDuel and DraftKings still dominate the ever-expanding space.
Aug 22, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora (13) talks with home plate umpire Pat Hoberg as Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (35) adjusts his PitchCom device during the second inning at Minute Maid Park.
February 3, 2025

MLB Fires Umpire Pat Hoberg: Third Gambling Scandal in Under a Year

The league terminates the umpire for failing to uphold the game’s integrity.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) walks off the field after winning the NFC Championship game against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field.
February 3, 2025

Robinhood Suspends Rollout of Super Bowl Betting After CFTC Request

Robinhood has suspended trading of event contracts on the Super Bowl.