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.

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The leading technology-driven sports wagering monitoring company, US Integrity, announced it renewed its partnership with 12 Tribes Colville Casinos, the operator of three casinos in Washington state. The announcement about the partnership renewal came Tuesday and will see 12 Tribes Colville Casinos continue to benefit from the company’s comprehensive integrity solutions.

Under the terms of the new deal, US Integrity will continue to deliver its integrity monitoring solutions, facilitated via the company’s dashboard. As a leader in fraud prevention and integrity for the betting sector, US Integrity leverages a proactive approach to help identify different betting irregularities and wagering patterns.

While each of the 12 Tribes Colville Casinos brings unique offering and experiences, all venues remain committed to ensuring their integrity. The three venues share a common goal to bring thrilling and unique experiences for their visitors, making each visit unforgettable. Now, the agreement with US Integrity complements the integrity efforts of the three casinos operated by 12 Tribes Colville Casinos that include: 12 Tribes Omak Casino Hotel in Omak, 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino in Coulee Dam and 12 Tribes Lake Chelan Casino and Amphitheater in Manson.

Early last month, US Integrity forged a new deal with GRID, the leading game data platform. The collaboration saw the integrity expert expand within the esports integrity vertical by accessing official in-game data from GRID.

The Extended Deal Marks an Exciting Moment for the Duo

Matthew Holt, US Integrity’s CEO and co-founder, explained that the company is excited to join forces with 12 Tribes Colville Casinos. He outlined that the operator is committed to expanding regulated sports betting in the state, while US Integrity remains focused on offering “conflict-free, best-in-class insights & compliance solutions” to its clients.

Holt praised the 12 Tribes Colville Casinos’ commitment toward adhering to the highest standards for integrity with the help of US Integrity’s innovative solutions. Finally, the company’s boss acknowledged that its solutions help ensure sports betting remains safe and fair.

“We are extremely excited to be a continued partner with US Integrity as the growth of sports betting rises at 12 Tribes Colville Casinos.“

Tony Posey, senior general manager at 12 Tribes Colville Casinos

Tony Posey, 12 Tribes Colville Casinos’ senior general manager, shared the excitement of US Integrity’s CEO. He spoke about the increasing demand for sports betting activities at the company’s three casinos and outlined that the services from US Integrity will help safeguard those operations. Finally, Posey noted that those solutions will help gambling venues identify suspicious betting activities, ensuring safe and fun betting experiences for their guests.

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The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma’s latest press release revealed some of its plans regarding the new project, including its approximate location. Onboarding Caesars as a management partner will add much-needed expertise, while the Harrah’s brand will substantially bolster the new venue’s appeal. The partnership builds on Caesars Entertainment’s relationship with US tribes and should significantly benefit both parties.

Details about the New Project Are Still Scarce

Little is yet known regarding the Iowa Tribe’s newest integrated resort project. The initial press release places the venue somewhere off Interstate 44. Given the Iowa Tribe’s reservation boundaries, that would put the casino resort between Tulsa and Oklahoma City. While the tribe did not announce a start date for construction, Caesars’ involvement should significantly speed up the process.

The leading casino operator was a natural choice for the Iowa Tribe thanks to its history of successful partnerships with US tribes. Recently, the company expressed its intention to partner with tribes in Maine, hopefully overcoming the region’s inhospitable business environment. Compared to that, cooperating on a new integrated resort in a developed market should not pose a challenge.

Both Parties Were Excited to Bolster Oklahoma Gaming

The Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma currently runs two properties- Cimarron Casino and Ioway Casino. A new property under the Harrah’s brand should bring significant long-term returns, providing guests with a world-class experience. Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Chairman Perri Ahhaitty lauded the operator’s contributions to tribal gaming and expressed confidence in the new venue’s future success.

We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Caesars and the local community with the brand-new Harrah’s right here in Oklahoma.

Perri Ahhaitty, Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma Chairman

If successful, the new casino will be a significant boon to the tribe, providing much-needed employment opportunities and bolstering the resources available to local communities. Caesars Entertainment SVP of Development Robert Livingston was proud to partner with the Iowa Tribe and help them achieve their objectives. The move should also be a significant boon to the operator, extending its reach into the Sooner State.

With properties throughout the Midwest, Harrah’s is the perfect brand fit for Oklahoma.

Robert Livingston, Caesars Entertainment SVP of Development

Such partnerships form the cornerstone of Caesars’ growth strategy. While such aggressive expansion has incurred substantial financial debt, the operator’s Q1 report indicates strong investment returns. The upcoming Harrah’s casino in Oklahoma should be no exception, building on the company’s success and strengthening its relationship with local tribes.

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The tribal gaming regulator has said that has flagged what it considers to be multiple offenses committed by the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma dating back to 2013 and that have to do with the annual audits of gaming operations and the Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).

The infringements flagged by the regulator, are serious and they criticize the lack of timely and compliant financial statements by the company. The two properties that are tied to the infringements are the Golden Eagle Casino and the Silver Buffalo Casino, a now-closed property.

Apache Tribe in Hot Water with NIGC

NIGC outlined specific breaches had to do with three areas, including the submission of annual audits, the hiring of an independent CPA to conduct independent audits of each casino for each fiscal year, and independent audit and financial statements sent to the regulator within 120 days of the end of a property’s fiscal year.

According to the regulator, which went back and looked all the way back to 2013, some of the audits had been carried out by an unlicensed CPA and were therefore unacceptable. The situation was further outlined by an official press release with a statement from NIGC chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer:

NIGC’s technical assistance provided to the Tribe over the past several years to correct these violations and to improve its internal controls and record keeping has not resulted in voluntary compliance. Submitting timely and accurate annual independent audit reports and AUPs is critical to NIGC’s mission to protect the integrity of Indian gaming, and we do not take this enforcement action lightly.

NIGC chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer

Massive Fines Are Possible But Not Very Likely

AUPs refer to agreed-upon procedures, or in this case, the obligations that tribal operators and their properties have towards the regulator. NIGC has noted that a normal course of action would be to issue a fine to a property of $57,527 per day for each day of missing reports and audits.

The tribe now has 15 days to respond to the regulator. The regulator logged the case on April 19, which is the date from when the grace period is counted. It’s unlikely however that NIGC will particularly seek to enforce a stiff penalty on the tribe’s properties, and rather seek a course to remedy the records.

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