Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
The Seminole Tribe quietly launched online sports betting in Florida this week despite continuing legal challenges to a gambling deal with the state approved in May.
- The tribe struck marketing agreements late last week with five Florida pari-mutuels: Palm Beach Kennel Club, West Palm Beach; Hialeah Park Casino, Hialeah; Ocala Gainesville Poker and Ocala Breeder's Sales Company, Ocala; Tampa Bay Downs and TGT Poker & Racebook, Tampa.
Why it matters: The new gaming compact guarantees at least $2.5 billion in revenue sharing for Florida over the next five years, according to the Tribe, which sent the state its first monthly payment of $37 million in October.
Driving the news: No grand announcements were made, but social media erupted Monday after the Seminoles' Hard Rock Sportsbook allowed Floridians to download an app letting them bet on professional sports, per the News Service of Florida.
- Under the so-called hub-and-spoke plan, Florida gamblers will be able to bet on sports online that flow through servers on tribal land.
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