The US Supreme Court has issued an order stopping the Seminole Tribe from launching its Hard Rock Bet sportsbook in Florida. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

WFA requests a stay

The US Supreme Court has issued an order preventing the Seminole Tribe of Florida from launching its Hard Rock Bet sports betting platform.

Chief Justice John Roberts requires a response from the US Department of the Interior (DOI) by 5pm on October 18. Roberts is seeking to determine the next steps regarding a stay request filed by the West Flagler and Associates (WFA) on October 6.

While the WFA has yet to file with the Supreme Court, it is expected to do so by November 20th. According to the WFA, DOI Secretary Deb Haaland did more than her job status allowed when she “deemed approved” a gaming compact between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe.

would give the Seminoles control of sports betting

By doing so, it would give the Seminoles control of sports betting, as well as authorization to offer craps and roulette at their land-based casinos.

After October 18, the Supreme Court will decide whether or not to keep the stay in place.

What has happened?

This is the latest move in a court case that originates from 2021.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis legalized sports wagering through a compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. By doing so, the 30-year deal paved the way for the tribe to launch online and retail betting. Following that decision, the DOI gave the green light to the agreement.

According to the judge, the gaming compact was in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

However, Florida’s betting market lasted less than a month when a Florida federal judge deemed the compact illegal, putting an end to Hard Rock Bet. According to the judge, the gaming compact was in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

In June, the sports betting case involving the Seminole Tribe reached a crossroads. In a historic moment for the tribe, a panel of judges in the District of Columbia Circuit’s Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the tribe. The 30-year gaming compact gives the Seminoles control of sports betting in the state of Florida. In return, the tribe would pay the state at least $2.5bn during the first five years of the agreement.