Seminole Tribe in sports betting agreements with Florida pari-mutuels
The tribe is preparing to launch the Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile app.
US.- Although a date for the launch of sports betting in Florida has yet to be announced, the Seminole Tribe has signed agreements with five pari-mutuels in preparation for the launch of the Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile app.
The five pari-mutuels that have signed agreements with the tribe are Palm Beach Kennel Club, West Palm Beach; Hialeah Park Casino, Hialeah; Ocala Gainesville Poker and Ocala Breeder’s Sales Company, Ocala; Tampa Bay Downs, Tampa; and TGT Poker & Racebook, Tampa.
Each will market the sportsbook at their facilities and will earn 60 per cent of the profits generated from their marketing efforts, with the tribe taking a 40 per cent cut. Additional marketing agreements with Florida pari-mutuels are expected to be announced soon.
Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming and Chairman of Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe, said: “Today’s announcement follows through on the Tribe’s commitment to include pari-mutuel marketing partners in Florida sports betting.”
“We have already exceeded the Compact’s requirement for a minimum of three pari-mutuel agreements and we look forward to developing more relationships with pari-mutuels around Florida,” added Allen.
Governor DeSantis also welcomed the new marketing agreements, saying they would help to deliver economic, tourism and recreation opportunities in the state.
He said: “Today’s announcement is a great success for the state and the Seminole Tribe, and I look forward to the announcement of additional partnerships to come.”
He added: “Not only will this compact bring a guaranteed $2.5bn in revenue over the next five years, but it also brings together Florida pari-mutuel businesses from across the state in a creative partnership with the Seminole Tribe providing increased access to safe and transparent sports betting in Florida.”
Launch date for sports betting in Florida unclear
Sports betting became legal in Florida on October 14, but the state’s casinos have not yet announced a date when they will start taking wagers. The Seminole Tribe is facing lawsuits that will have a hearing on November 5.
Magic City Casino and Bonita Springs Poker Room have filed a motion at federal district court hoping to block online sports betting in the state, and Armando Codina and Norman Braman, both outspoken critics of gambling, have sued secretary of the interior Deb Haaland.
If the judge throws out the lawsuit, the tribe is expected to launch mobile and in-person sports gambling in the next 60 days.
