A panel of three judges in the District of Columbia Circuit’s Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the Seminole Tribe of Florida in its legal battle against the US Department of the Interior.

The tribe claims that it has the exclusive right to offer sports betting in Florida. This decision paves the way for the relaunch of the Hard Rock Sportsbook, but further legal challenges likely await.

a 30-year compact that gives the Seminoles control of sports betting

The judges’ decision on Friday saw them unanimously agree that federal gaming laws allow the Florida state government to enter into a 30-year compact that gives the Seminoles control of sports betting, as well as authorization to offer craps and roulette at their land-based casinos. In exchange, the tribe would pay the state at least $2.5bn during the first five years of the agreement.

This latest decision overturns a November 2021 ruling that invalidated the compact. At the time, the Hard Rock Sportsbook had already been live in the state for a few weeks and had to immediately shut down. It is unclear if the tribe will now look to get it back up and running in the near future. ?