Florida House approves 30-year gambling deal with Seminole Tribe

DORAL, FL – The Seminole Tribe of Florida receives final approval for a 30-year gambling deal that gives green light to operating sports betting in the state. 

The deal known as compact, announced by both Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe, was ok Wednesday during the third day of a special legislative session in which Florida House voted 97-17 to pass the bill. The Senate voted 39-1 on Tuesday.

The agreement means the Seminole would control sports betting and will be able to offer craps and roulette at its casinos. The state, on the other hand, will receive $2.5 billion over the first five years. 

“Today, all the people of Florida are winners, thanks to legislative approval of the Gaming Compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It is a historic and mutually-beneficial partnership between the State and Seminole Tribe that will positively impact all Floridians for decades to come,” reads a statement from the Seminole Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr.

He also gave a thank you speech aimed at the Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Wilton Simpson, House Speaker Chris Sprowls, as well as to minority leaders Sen. Lauren Book and Rep. Evan Jenne “who have all worked hard to make this opportunity a reality”.

“I must also thank our entire team for such a meaningful outcome and specifically Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen for leading the negotiations.”

The compact is expected to face a legal challenge because of the sports betting provision. Also, there is a 15-mile exclusion zone that’s centered around the Hard Rock in Hollywood that would block new gambling operations within this radius.

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