Sports Betting: Federal Judge Negatively Surprised by Florida Government’s Representative Rebecca Ross

By John Isaac,
Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac Editor at online-gambling.com

John Isaac is an editor with many years of experience in the gambling industry. He writes expert articles on card games like blackjack and poker. In addition, he is also well aware of the US gambling laws and the Indian and Dutch gambling markets. You can rely on verified information and insightful details.

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Last updated: November 10, 2021

In the coming days, there will be a vital decision about sports betting on sports in Florida. U.S. District Judge Dobby Frederick was seen at the 2017 Senate Judiciary confirmation session, expressing the federal government response to betting operator’s lawsuits trying to block altered gaming compacts.

Earlier this year, Florida Seminole Tribe and state official betting operators wanted to block parts of the contract that allow sports betting from tribal lands.

Attorneys can submit reports to district judges where they can focus on: why the amended gaming contract between Seminole Tribe and state leaders and whether it allows sports betting on tribal lands, including online accounts – bound to the Indian Gaming Regulation Act (IGRA).

At the hearing of two hours, the judge expressed her disbelief at the response by the government, represented by Rebecca Ross, US Justice attorney.

 The judge got frustrated when she asked a simple question about interpretation in online betting taking place on tribal land by the government and Rebecca started talking about other topics like “unique nature”.

The judge said she could will be to issue her decision on November 15. It was then that the owners of Magic City Casino and Bonita Springs Poker Room said Seminole Gaming rumored to be starting online sports betting. However, it will not be guaranteed.

Seminole Started Online Betting Last Week

Just a few days ago, Hard Rock launched “Early Access Launch” to its sportsbook and therefore, started with online sports betting.

The gaming agreement signed earlier this year legalized sports betting in the state and gave the tribe exclusive control. In return, the state will receive $2.5 billion from the tribe over the next five years and $6.6 billion by 2030.

The compact allows the tribe to run mobile sports betting across the state and partner with perimeter operators across the lands to set up kiosks at their locations.

Magic City and Bonita spring filed a case in court against state leaders a judge dismissed the case. The court blocks parts of sports betting from taking effect until the court decides on this online betting matter.

A lawyer said due to online betting casino owners have declined in business by 35%.

Outside of the legal system, there is a petition led by FanDuel and DraftKings. This petition will allow Florida voters to legalize sports betting nationwide for commercial operators.

Long Road Ahead in Courts

The first hearing of this case has shown that this case is very complex and will take a long run. The casino operators and attorneys representing parties both are aiming to win the case.

On the other side of the courtroom is the federal government defendant, however, the Seminole Tribe is also trying to intervene. Tribal leaders say the interests of the federal government are not the same as their own.

Federal officials have expressed concerns about the partnership aspect of the agreement and another clause that empowers the state to handle patronage disputes.

However, it will take a few more day to know if Friedrich has agreed that having servers on tribal lands counts as betting on tribal lands.