The long-awaited debate of whether to legalize the sports betting market might have reached more than just a break even for betters upon Gov. Ron DeSantis’ signing of the Gaming Compact yesterday evening. Though it is still pending federal approval, the legalization of sports gambling is looking promising upon the governor’s signing. 

Indeed, the Gaming Compact may very well be a jackpot party for sports betting, though the actual signing itself was not an event hosting fans. Rather, news of the governor’s signing emerged upon this evening’s press release, and less than one week since Florida lawmakers approved the gambling agreement between DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe. 

If the law were to become official upon federal approval, the Seminole Tribe will be permitted to begin sports betting on October 15, 2021, a date that would allow sportsbooks to place bets on the 2021 NFL season. Additionally, the tribe will be able to operate online sports betting and sports wagering at horse tracks and jai alai frontons. 

But without federal approval, this bill remains unofficial for the Sunshine State since it is being legalized through a tribal compact. The compact will next be sent to the Department of Interior to determine within a 45-day window. However, the Department of Interior’s approval is anything but guaranteed, especially as several groups argue the compact violates Amendment 3, which allowed for expanded gaming in the state. Specifically, these groups proffer that the compact, and sports betting, would not fall within the expansion that Amendment 3 permits. Not only does this further complicate the issue, but this also means that sports betting may actually come down to the decision of one judge and in a lengthy judicial process. 

Are you betting on approval?