The DC Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday denied West Flagler Associates’ petition for a rehearing en banc in the Florida sports betting case, triggering the possibility of legal relaunch in a week.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida theoretically could relaunch legal FL sports betting via Hard Rock Bet as early as Sept. 18.
However, Hard Rock’s immediate plans are uncertain at the moment. LSR reached out to Hard Rock and West Flagler for comment, but has not yet received a response.
In a statement, the Seminole Tribe said, “The Seminole Tribe of Florida is pleased with today’s denial of the request for an en banc hearing by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals.”
Florida sports betting timeline
Gaming attorney Jeff Ifrah previously explained the potential relaunch timeline following a denial to LSR:
“If the court denies the petition for a rehearing en banc, it will likely issue its mandate within seven days. This means that Hard Rock would arguably be permitted to launch on the seventh day following the denial,” Ifrah said.
It is unclear how much time Hard Rock will require to relaunch.
Possible next steps for West Flagler
The Seminole Tribe basically has a monopoly on the Florida sports betting market, facilitated by the 2021 gaming compact that agreed to with Gov. Ron DeSantis.
The expectation is that West Flagler will file a petition with the Supreme Court, one legal expert told LSR. They have 90 days to do so.
West Flagler could also ask for a stay from the Supreme Court. However, the legal expert said it would be rare for the stay to be granted in this case.
Florida sports betting not legal yet
Florida customers were unable to wager legally in the state during Week 1 of NFL betting season. Legal sports betting in the Sunshine State was suspended on Dec. 4, 2021.
The US Department of the Interior previously called West Flagler’s rehearing petition “unwarranted.”
A DC Circuit Court of Appeals panel on June 30 unanimously overturned the District Court decision that blocked FL sports betting.
