Florida Would Become Largest State To Legalize Sports Betting

Published on May 16th, 2021 1:55 pm EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


After a great deal of negotiation, a deal to bring legal sports betting to the state of Florida is close.

Reports are swirling that Governor Ron DeSantis is close to securing a deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

This deal would see the Tribe become the exclusive operator of the digital sportsbooks for the next 30 years.

In addition, the Seminole Tribe of Florida would be given permission to build three more casinos on their property over the coming years.

In exchange, the Tribe would guarantee the state of Florida a minimum annual payment of $500 million per year, and this number could rise if profits also increase.

-

While there is some opposition to this deal, the thought is that there will be more than enough votes to pass the agreement into law.

-

If this deal comes to pass, Florida would become the largest state in the Union to legalize sports betting.

Florida is one of the "big four" states that people have been keeping an eye on when it comes to sports betting.

The others - New York, Texas and California - are all in various stages of the process in terms of bringing legal sports betting to their respective states.

New York is slated to open their doors to digital sports betting by the end of July, while California and Texas are attempting to both attempting to pass laws that would allow for legal sports betting.