Is the Seminole Tribe Running the Gambling Industry in Florida

Historically, Florida's Seminole Indian tribe is considered the pioneers of all tribal gambling operations in America. If there was ever any doubt about the power the Seminoles wield in their home state, that doubt could be diminishing as the tribe prepares to rule over sports gambling in Florida.

In recent weeks, Tribe leaders have been banging out a new compact with Florida Governor Ronald DeSantis. After reaching an accord, the ball has been put before Florida's congress to approve the deal. This compact would effectively replace the current compact that was scheduled to run for 30 years.

Under the new compact, the Tribe will have substantial rights to provide both retail and online sports betting access to the residents of Florida. This is not something that will sit well with Pari-mutuel operators (racetracks and jai alai frontons) that also want a big slice of the action. In fact, a coalition of pari-mutuel operators and anti-gambling groups is fully expected to take this battle into the courtrooms of Florida.

By giving so much power to the Seminoles, Gov. DeSantis is taking a significant risk. He is banking on the Tribe to put the state's sports betting infrastructure in place in short order after receiving approval from the state legislature. There is a lot riding on this all coming together as the Governor faces a reelection bid in 2022. Why? The residents of Florida want the legal right to bet on sports.

What the Governor already knows is sports gambling in the state has no chance without the Seminoles being heavily involved. Tribe leaders are very wily and certainly understand the power they have and aren't afraid to use it to use for the benefit of their people. This is the power that was granted to them decades ago after battles before the U.S. Supreme Court. They won't give up this power, and the Governor knows it.

What Makes the Seminole Tribe So Powerful?

Many of the nation's Indian tribes count on gambling revenues for the support of their people. They use the revenue for education, healthcare, and welfare when necessary. With that said, most tribes have but a little leverage when it comes to providing gambling access. In most states, the power has been granted as a way to get around state anti-gambling laws.

In the case of the Seminoles, the power has been garnered over decades of strategic negotiations. Currently, there are a few thousand direct descendants living on Seminole Indian lands, largely in the Tampa and Hollywood areas. The tribe's gambling revenue is not only used to support infrastructure but also to actually support a majority of the tribe's members. By some estimates, tribal members are getting an annual income of approximately $100,000 per family. This is a tribe that is not only surviving but actually thriving.

Much of the credit goes to the tribes gambling operations. Should they get exclusive rights to provide Florida residents with access to sports betting, tribe members could be in for a significant raise.