WASHINGTON Florida sports betting could be a regulated industry on Thursday as that marks the last day of the 45-day long period within the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI). There has been no word as to whether or not the DOI will be giving its approval or denial of the expanded Tribal Gaming Compacts for the Seminole Tribe of Florida to open sportsbooks in the Sunshine State. No action on their part would automatically mean an approval and the launch of sports betting in Florida could occur immediately as sports gaming would be official law.

Regulated sports wagering has been something that Florida has been trying to open for some time. Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe of Florida came to an agreement earlier this year. After that, the Florida Legislature passed the proposal to expand gaming compacts to include sports betting in May.

Florida sports betting would be purely run by the Seminole Tribe via land-based and mobile sportsbook platforms. The mobile sports betting aspect still doesnt sit well with lawmakers opposed to how the industry has come about. They believe a constitutional amendment is required to allow for gambling on sporting events, and not just through retail outlets but especially via online platforms.

The Interior Department is unlikely to affirmatively approve the compact because of the internet sports wagering provision that allows bettors to place bets outside of Indian lands, said George Skibine, an attorney in Washington.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) is the entity that would be signing off on the compact expansions in the DOI. Many believe they are not on board with the mobile sports betting factor and will therefore take no action. However, that means the compact will pass and Florida will be home to an official sports wagering market.

Should this happen, lawsuits are already pending.

If BIA/Interior were to either affirmatively approve or by inaction, the compact is deemed approved, our case in federal court would be extremely strong, as is the state action we are preparing, said John Sowinski, president of No Casinos. My June 9 letter to Interior outlines the different ways the compact violates federal and state law.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has previously stated they are ready for any legal action that comes their way. Sports betting in Florida could go live just in time for the NFL season if all goes according to plan.

News tags: Bureau of Indian Affairs | Department of the Interior | Florida | Florida Legislature | George Skibine | John Sowinski | NFL | No Casinos | Ron DeSantis | Seminole Tribe of Florida

Christina has been writing for as long as she can remember and does dedicated research on the newly regulated sports betting market. She comes from a family of sports lovers that engage in friendly bets from time to time. During the winter months, you can find Christina baking cookies and beating the entire staff at Mario Kartthe N64 version of course.

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