Will Florida's Online Gambling Laws be Changed?
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Florida has different laws regarding online and offline gambling. Florida is comparatively liberal when it comes to wagering at brick-and-mortar establishments, but less so when iGaming.
Lawmakers were drawing closer to approving a 30-year gambling deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The deal was formally passed into law on May 24th. It includes the payment of $2.5 billion over five years for the privilege of operating sports betting in the state. However, the key sticking point was the provision for state to engage in “good faith negotiations” within three years and authorise tribes to offer all types of gambling verticals through both online and mobile channels. Republican House leaders bailed on the online betting provision, undermining the deal and potentially preventing Governor Mike DeSantis from getting the agreement over the line.
The compact includes sports betting, which will be controlled by the Seminole Tribe. Seminoles will share 14% of the revenue with the state. The tribe will partner with at least one pari-mutuel operator within three months of launch. Professional and collegiate sports events will also be allowed. Florida Gaming Control Commission will include five members appointed by DeSantis.
De Santis removed online gambling from the recent compact. Chris Sprowls, Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, is pessimistic about the future of online gaming in Florida. Daily fantasy sports games are legal in the state, but no legislation has been passed to legalise the vertical. iGaming enthusiasts in this state have no problem accessing or playing daily fantasy games online.
