Gov. Ron DeSantis filed his response Friday to West Flagler Associates’ writ petition in the ongoing state Supreme Court case over Florida sports betting.
Separately on Friday, Chief Justice John Roberts granted West Flagler’s request for an extension to file a federal Supreme Court petition on Florida sports betting from Dec. 11, 2023 to Feb. 9, 2024.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida relaunched online sports betting via the Hard Rock Bet app on Nov. 7 to existing customers. Meanwhile, six Seminole casinos will debut in-person sports betting from Dec. 7-11.
Florida sports betting case explained
Gaming legal expert John Holden explained the case’s status in the state Supreme Court case following DeSantis’ filing.
In the state Supreme Court, West Flagler is arguing that the Seminole compact, per an agreement with DeSantis in 2021, violates the Florida Constitution. West Flagler argues that expanded gambling must be approved through a referendum that gains at least 60% voter support.
“As expected, Governor DeSantis filed his response to West Flagler’s petition seeking to use the Florida court system to block the Seminole Tribe’s gaming expansion,” Holden told LSR. “The Governor’s team makes a few arguments, including that the Court should deny the motion.
“They also argue that what West Flagler is asking for is not relief that can be granted via the type of motion that was filed, and that the Compact does not violate the Florida Constitution.”
AG: Petitioners’ delay ‘unjustifiable’
Additionally, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody noted the arduousness of the process from West Flagler.
“First, the Court should decline to entertain the petition for discretionary reasons. Petitioners’ delay in filing this action—two and a half years from the compact taking effect—is unjustifiable. Quo warranto is a discretionary exercise of jurisdiction reserved for extraordinary matters, and delays of this magnitude undercut any claim Petitioners might have to extraordinary relief,” Moody wrote.
Florida sports betting bash ahead
Meanwhile, as the court cases continue, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood will be hosting several celebrities for its introduction of craps, roulette and sports betting on Dec. 7.
They include the likes of Jon Bon Jovi, Heather Graham, Mike Tyson and Dwyane Wade. There will also be a Bruno Mars concert at the Hard Rock Live.
