Florida’s Attorney General, Ashley Moody, has called on the state Supreme Court to dismiss a case challenging the legality of digital sports betting, arguing that it does not fall under the state constitution’s definition of casino gambling. The case, initiated by West Flagler and Associates (WFA), challenges the 2021 compact between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Seminoles, extending the tribe’s monopoly to encompass sports betting and casinos.

Key Grounds for Dismissal in West Flagler’s Sports Betting Case

Moody’s 65-page response, filed just minutes before the deadline, outlines several reasons for dismissal. Notably, it asserts that WFA’s delayed filing, more than two years after the compact approval, is grounds for denial. The response also argues that WFA’s relief-seeking through a “quo warranto” filing is inappropriate, emphasizing that sports betting does not fit the definition of a casino game.

WFA’s contention revolves around the alleged overreach of powers by Gov. DeSantis and the state legislature in approving the compact, claiming a violation of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. 

The lawsuit further asserts that the monopoly granted to the Seminoles and the hub-and-spoke model for online sports betting infringe on federal regulations. Additionally, WFA argues that any gaming expansion should be subjected to a public vote.

The gambling agreement of 2021, in addition to granting the Seminoles authority over sports betting, permitted the tribe to introduce craps and roulette at its casino establishments. Furthermore, the agreement envisages the potential addition of three casinos on tribal land in Broward County for the Seminoles.

WFA’s SCOTUS Appeal Clashes with Seminole Tribe’s App Relaunch

In October, WFA petitioned the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in an attempt to challenge the exclusive rights granted to the Seminole Tribe by Gov. Ron DeSantis, following its failure in the federal court. 

Meanwhile, the Seminole Tribe has quietly relaunched its Hard Rock Bets mobile app, allowing sports betting for existing registrants and Unity loyalty program members in Florida, despite the ongoing legal challenges. 

While the tribe plans to introduce in-person betting at three South Florida casinos on December 7, opponents, including West Flagler Associates, continue to contest the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive sports betting rights. 

Despite the legal complexities, both WFA and the Seminoles share the common goal of expanding legal sports betting options for Floridians. WFA’s strategy has shifted to pursuing relief through federal courts, with plans to file a case with the US Supreme Court. The court granted an extension until February for WFA to submit its case.

The post Florida’s Legal Showdown Continues Over Seminole Tribe’s Sports Betting Deal appeared first on Keno Wizard.

In the closing chapters of this year’s state budget negotiations, the legislative arena buzzed with intensity as lawmakers in North Carolina wrestled over the unexpected proposal to legalize four casinos within the confines of the nearly $30 billion state budget. 

North Carolina Lawmakers Challenge $1.5 Billion Casino Investment Proposal

The controversial addition pitched as a rural incentive development program, earmarked a substantial $1.5 billion state investment for the establishment of three privately operated casinos. A potential fourth casino, to be managed by the Lumbee Tribe, loomed over Robeson County. Oversight of these establishments was slated for the Department of Commerce, with licensing falling under the purview of the North Carolina Lottery Commission, reported The Carolina Journal.

This audacious move, not subjected to the scrutiny of legislative committees, triggered a wave of dissent among lawmakers, most vocally from the Freedom Caucus, spearheaded by Rep. Keith Kidwell, R-Beaufort, and Sen. Bobby Hanig, R-Currituck. Budget negotiations were momentarily derailed, forcing Senate and House leadership to withdraw the proposal from the budget. However, they emphasized the necessity of gearing up for a robust debate on more tightly regulated gaming options in the forthcoming legislative session.

The heart of the issue revolved around an intricate web of financial interests. An earlier analysis conducted by the Spectrum Gaming Group indicated a potential $1.9 billion market in North Carolina should three new resort casinos emerge. Each facility was projected to generate approximately 3,000 jobs and funnel $30 million into local tax coffers.

Gaming Giants Shape North Carolina’s Casino Landscape Amid Political Intrigue

Various gaming giants had already made their mark. Among them, The Cordish Companies, a Maryland-based commercial real estate group, led the charge, successfully lobbying for the rezoning of nearly 200 acres of land in Rockingham County for an entertainment district.

Behind the scenes, the influence of lobbyists and their financial clout became increasingly apparent. Allegations surfaced regarding significant contributions made by casinos to key state lawmakers’ political campaigns, totaling over $1.4 million. However, a deeper analysis revealed that this financial impact was a mere fraction of the broader contributions flowing from the gaming industry.

The power play extended beyond individual lawmakers to lobbyists, who maneuvered deftly in the legislative corridors, juggling roles between gaming companies and NCInnovation, a privately-run economic development initiative. 

Critics raised eyebrows as NCInnovation secured a $500 million earmark in the final budget, a significant cut from the initial $1.4 billion proposal. The lobbying teams, featuring prominent figures such as Tony Copeland, North Carolina’s former commerce secretary, and Tracy Kimbrell, the ex-general counsel for Sen. Phil Berger’s office, operated in a complex landscape of shifting alliances and political intricacies.

As the legislative session neared its end, the stage was set for a resurgence of the casino debate in 2024. Lawmakers, including Rep. Keith Kidwell, R-Beaufort, voiced concerns not about the concept of casinos per se, but rather the opaque process by which they found their way into the budget. 

The post North Carolina Lawmakers Wrestle with Casino Legalization in Budget Showdown appeared first on Keno Wizard.