Florida officials announced a sweeping gaming deal on Friday that legalizes statewide mobile sports betting and some of the nation’s first in-stadium sportsbooks while facing multiple logistical and possibly legal challenges before implementation.
The new gaming compact struck by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe of Florida will allow the tribe to open statewide mobile sports wagering, as well as retail sportsbooks. Final details had not been released publically at the time of publication, but retail sportsbooks are expected to be permitted at certain professional sports venues, as well horse tracks, card rooms and other gaming facilities.
House Speaker Chris Sprowls confirmed the deal from the House Floor Friday afternoon.
After years of stalled negotiations, the new compact will expand Florida’s gaming options and create one of the nation’s largest sports betting customer bases. Florida is the third-most populated state in the country and the largest to approve legal wagering. It is also one of the nation’s most visited states, drawing more than 100 million annual tourist visits.
The deal is still subject to federal and statewide approval and could face legal challenges and even a possible voter referendum before bets can be placed. But Friday’s announcement clears the most substantial political hurdle preventing what would be the most populated state with legal sports betting.
“The Seminole Tribe of Florida is committed to a mutually beneficial gaming compact with the State of Florida and looks forward to its approval by the Florida Legislature, the Seminole Tribal Council and the U.S. Department of the Interior,” Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. said in a statement to the Miami Herald Thursday.