Florida online sports betting appears to be ramping up on Hard Rock Bet now that the Florida Supreme Court denied West Flagler Associates‘ request to “suspend” wagering. That Nov. 17 denial doesn’t mean that the state or federal lawsuits brought by West Flagler are finished, but Florida bettors seemed to think it’s game on. Some of those on Hard Rock’s waitlist took to social media to celebrate having been accepted for betting on the sportsbook.
That Hard Rock Bet waitlist started on Nov. 8, when the online sportsbook resumed operations for legacy bettors and some loyalty program members.
The legacy bettors still had accounts from 2021, when Floridians were allowed to wager legally for a few weeks. Some Unity by Hard Rock members were also eligible.
Everyone else interested in Florida online sports betting could then join the waitlist, called Early Access, and find out via email when Hard Rock Bet would accept their wagers.
This Sunshine State resident posted the following about an hour after the court decision:
My hard rock app is letting me bet now oh it’s over with 😎
— The Hottest (@Tay_DaStallion) November 17, 2023
So did this Indian Rocks Beach resident:
FINALLY I can legally sports bet in Florida
😭Thank you for the early access@HardRockBet pic.twitter.com/7mwLPLtlCm
— Tay Zimmer (@QueenOfSports_) November 17, 2023
Florida Online Sports Betting Waitlist
The Seminole Tribe of Florida still hadn’t made a statement as of press time about when it would open up Hard Rock Bet to new registrations that aren’t part of its Early Access program. It’s also kept the length of its waitlist private.
However, the owner of Hard Rock Bet had announced on Nov. 1 that retail sportsbooks would begin opening at its tribal casinos starting on Dec. 7. That was due to a victory in West Flagler Associates vs. Haaland. In that case, on Oct. 25, the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) denied West Flagler’s request for a “stay” that would’ve prevented the resumption of sports betting.
Early Access to Hard Rock Bet is now live in Florida!
Those who have bet previously with Hard Rock in Florida, including qualifying Unity by Hard Rock loyalty members, can bet now!
Click to learn how you can start betting!
— Hard Rock Bet (@HardRockBet) November 8, 2023
West Flagler May Continue Suing
West Flagler Associates may not be done suing the entities that allowed the tribe to offer online and retail sports betting to Floridians. The commercial casino owner’s court cases are why Florida sports betting halted from 2021 until recently.
- The Florida Supreme Court still lists West Flagler Associates vs. Ron D. DeSantis as “open.” Gov. DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe of Florida negotiated the state tribal gaming compact that’s the subject of the court case.
- There’s an outside chance SCOTUS may agree to hear West Flagler Associates vs. Haaland. US Interior Secretary Deb Haaland‘s office allowed the state tribal gaming compact to take effect.
- Or West Flagler may file a new federal case that the Oct. 25 SCOTUS denial seemed to suggest.
Bettors Seem Happy
At least one Florida Hard Rock Bet gambler didn’t seem to care about the court cases. It’s a good bet that he was thinking about his favorite NFL player.
FINALLY @HardRockBet pic.twitter.com/UkjoGct6xN
— Delusional Miami Fan (@tyreekisbetter) November 17, 2023
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