• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

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

Sports are shown on TVs behind a bar as guests enjoy the grand opening of DraftKings Sports & Social in Ohio.

California AG Has Declared Daily Fantasy Sports Are Illegal. Now What?

The opinion might spark a broader DFS conversation in the state.
Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.

California AG Says Daily Fantasy Sports Are Illegal

The AG rejected arguments that DFS are games of skill, not chance.
Mike Crapo

Trump Bill’s Tax Hike on Gamblers Was Authored by Sen. Mike Crapo

Crapo’s office did not respond to several messages seeking comment.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.

Betway Parent to Complete U.S. Exodus, Blames Tax Volatility

“Recent regulatory developments” were cited. 
Mar 15, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Little Caesars Arena.
June 30, 2025

Malik Beasley Is Latest Betting-Related Headache for NBA

It’s the third NBA betting scandal in the last year-and-a-half.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the third quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 1, 2025

‘Existential Threat’: Underdog Sports Sues to Stop AG’s Fantasy Sports Opinion

The California AG is expected to release his opinion by Thursday.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Quincy Taylor
June 17, 2025

Several Americans Banned in British Basketball Game-Fixing Scandal

Five former Surrey Scorchers players were hit with lengthy gambling suspensions.
Mar 30, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; LSU Lady Tigers guard Flau'Jae Johnson (4) shoots against UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) during the second half of a Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena.
June 17, 2025

Louisiana Sports Betting Set to Aid LSU and Other State Schools

Louisiana lawmakers have been creative in finding state money for NIL.
A view of the FanDuel Sportsbook betting area at Belterra Park Cincinnati.
exclusive
June 13, 2025

FanDuel, Kalshi Have Discussed a Deal

Could FanDuel take an equity stake in Kalshi?
Fanduel
June 10, 2025

FanDuel, DraftKings Add Illinois Transaction Fee in Response to New Tax

FanDuel will charge 50 cents per bet starting Sept. 1.