Seminole Tribe Expresses Openness to Sharing Online Casino Control

After 2+ years of intense lawfare, the Seminole Indian Tribe in Florida finally got the right to have exclusive control over sports betting in the state. While a couple of potential roadblocks still exist, long shots at best, two things are certain. First, the Tribe is currently authorized to accept sports bets through its Hard Rock retail casinos, plus they also have the right to accept online bets through the tribe-controlled Hard Rock Bet sports betting platform. For now, it's on to bigger and better things.

One of the most coveted bigger and better things is the exclusive legal right to offer iGaming (online casino gambling) access to Floridians. This is a harder sell because it infringes on the gaming rights of other commercial gambling providers that are operating race tracks, card rooms, bingo, and lotteries. Also, it's hard to move the iGaming ball forward because the Tribe does carry a big hammer when it comes to offering retail and or online gambling services.

Seminoles Open to Sharing iGAming Control

Recently, Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen has made clear that the Seminole Tribe is open to sharing control over Florida's iGaming industry. While he is open to the idea, he also made clear that the only path forward would be if the Tribe maintained its right to set the terms for the entire industry.

To start, iGaming is currently illegal in Florida. The Seminoles have not pushed the issue, knowing that online casino gambling could have a profound effect on its Hard Rock Casino retail business. While the accumulation of gaming revenue would likely not be affected, the Hard Rock would lose visitor revenue in its retail casino properties. That's a big deal and likely the reason the iGaming industry has been slow to evolve.

Before iGaming could get any due consideration, the Seminoles would again have to revise its compact with the state of Florida. To be fair, Governor Ron DeSantis has given indications he is open to such an adjustment. Likewise, it's unlike that the U.S. Department of the Interior would have any objections to the new compact after supporting the new compact that brought sports betting to the forefront.

It's noteworthy that Hard Rock already has a viable online casino platform. That's clear because the Hard Rock online casino platform is already operational in New Jersey and soon to go live in Michigan. Why not in the tribe's home state of Florida?

Tribal leaders and Allen in particular are leaning towards a more open iGaming structure because the data from other states supports the idea. It turns out that competition among iGaming operators creates more revenue for everyone because patrons are less suspicious of competition as opposed to one-party rule.

In a recent interview with CNBC, Allen stated:

Hard Rock has “developed a great relationship with” DraftKings and FanDuel. He further added, “We do recognize that long-term, some type of strategic relationship with some of the brands that have marquee value could be helpful to both of us and we’re receptive to those conversations.”

This is a hot topic that could see more press after the November election.