Florida Supreme Court Rule in Favor of Sports Betting
Latest Challenge to Seminole Tribe Sports Betting Denied
The State of Florida and Seminole Tribe’s compact survived its latest challenge in state court. The Florida Supreme Court rule stated West Flagler Associates and Bonita-Fort Myers Corporation filed the wrong type of petition. The 11-page opinion by the Florida Supreme Court said the petitioners were asking for more than what their “writ of quo warranto” allows.
“Framed as it is, the petition presents nothing other than a challenge to the substantive constitutionality of the law ratifying the compact. But quo warranto is not and has never been, the proper vehicle to obtain a declaration as to the substantive constitutionality of an enacted law. For that reason, we deny the petition because the relief that petitioners seek is beyond what the writ of quo warranto provides.” Justice Meredith Sasso wrote.
The state lawsuit focuses on Florida’s Amendment 3, which “ensures that Florida voters shall have the exclusive right to decide whether to authorize casino gambling by requiring that for casino gambling to be authorized under Florida law, it must be approved by Florida voters pursuant to Article XI, Section 3 of the Florida Constitution.”
The state argued that sports betting and casino gambling are not the same. The Florida Supreme Court rule that was handed down didn’t judge the case on its merits. It denied the petition on procedural grounds.
“This is a major victory for the people of the State of Florida, who can count on billions of dollars over the coming years to fund important state needs,” Seminole Tribe spokesman Gary Bitner said. “Floridians and visitors can enjoy statewide sports betting and expanded casino games, now and into the future. And it means the Seminole Tribe of Florida can have confidence in the future.”
Floridians are one step closer to playing their sports betting picks.
Sports Betting vs Casino Gambling
Most of the attention in Florida sports betting is on the federal case. However, the U.S. Supreme Court has not agreed to hear the case thus far. If the Seminole Tribe is successful in the state case, the U.S. Supreme Court may be less likely to hear the federal case.
The petitioners wanted the Florida Supreme Court rule to show the gambling compact overstepped the state’s authority. The biggest problem for West Flagler and Bonita-Fort Myers is the constitutional amendment clearly states “casino gambling.” Sports betting is never mentioned.
The amendment also states, “As used herein, “casino gambling” does not include pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, dog racing, or jai alai exhibitions.”
For the moment, Florida gamblers are allowed to wager on their sports betting tips.
West Flagler and Bonita-Fort Myers could file suit in a state circuit court to challenge the case’s legality. The state will argue they waited too long to file the lawsuit and sports betting does not apply to amendment.
It’s beneficial for the State of Florida that people continue to wager on their best bets today.
The compact guarantees the state $500 million per year for the first five years. It could be much more than that. Early projections are expecting nearly $750 million from the Tribe for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
For Gambling news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
