SCOTUS to Consider the Future of Florida Betting on June 13

The conflict over sports betting in Florida continues and is now heading to the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). The controversial gambling compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Gov. Ron DeSantis is set to be reviewed by the authority after a prolonged conflict.

For context, the compact offered the tribal operator the exclusive right to offer online betting. However, since local law only allows tribal gaming to be operated on tribal lands, opponents argued that the compact is violating the rules. Supporters parried this by arguing that since the gaming servers are based on tribal lands, the compact does not violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

West Flagler and Associates, however, countered by saying that statewide sports betting can only be offered after a voter-approved referendum, arguing that the compact breaches the Florida constitution.  

The case was previously examined by the Department of Interior, which ruled in favor of the compact. In February this year, on the other hand, the US government issued rules that affirm Florida-style compacts.

Now, after a prolonged battle, it seems like the case’s fate is going to be decided by the SCOTUS once and for all.

Legal Expert Says Cert Denial Is a “Statistically Likely” Outcome

According to the latest news, the case has been scheduled for a discussion on June 13. The nine SCOTUS judges will examine both parties’ arguments and will decide whether the compact is truly compatible with federal law.

West Flagler submitted the case’s final brief earlier this month, once again highlighting its stance that the compact is unconstitutional.

According to legal expert Daniel Wallach, the SCOTUS should decide the future of the prolonged conflict on either June 17 or June 24 – dates on which order lists will be released as per the SCOTUS calendar.

Wallach suggested that the SCOTUS will have three options for the case: deny certiorari, grant certiorari or summary reversal. He believes that denial is the most statistically likely outcome but added that summary reversal is also a possibility that shouldn’t be ignored. The last option, for reference, will result in sports betting remaining prohibited in the state.

Should the SCOTUS grant certiorari, however, the discussions will likely start later this year or in early 2025.