Las Vegas is known the world over for being the capital of America’s gambling industry. However, thanks to recent legislative changes, Florida could be set to make its move to fight for that crown.
Florida has traditionally been the most visited state in the U.S., thanks to its areas of natural beauty, tropical climate, and great selection of attractions that include Walt Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center.
The state is now in a position to offer visitors one of the best gambling resorts in the world at the famous Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Florida’s Complex Betting History
Things have not been straightforward for the gambling industry in Florida. A 2021 compact was agreed upon between the State Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe that would grant exclusive sports betting rights to the tribe for an annual fee of $500 million for five years and potentially lucrative future payments.
The deal also included the right to add roulette and craps to existing casinos. The idea behind the deal was to allow Florida to enter lucrative sports betting and casino markets and increase the amount the state would receive through taxation.
Despite this agreement, court rulings led to online sports betting being halted while the DC Circuit of Appeals came to a decision. They eventually ruled in favor of the Seminole Tribe in the summer of 2023 and the state is finally prepared to take advantage of significant opportunities.
New Gambling Attractions at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is one of the most iconic buildings in Florida. The Guitar-shaped structure is home to almost 500 rooms and suites. The casino area is set over 140,000 square feet and has traditionally featured a range of casino games including:
- Slot Machines
- Blackjack
- Poker
- Let It Ride
- Baccarat
- Pai Gow Poker
- Mini Baccarat
The recent legislative agreement with the state has also permitted live Craps and Roulette to be played in Seminole-run Florida casinos.
Another addition to the casino is the sports betting facility that will allow gamblers to place bets at betting windows or by using one of 43 self-serving kiosks.
A bank of LED TVs ensures sports fans can keep up to date with all the latest action and enjoy in-game betting markets. Sports markets available at the Seminole Hard Rock in Florida include:
- NFL
- MLB
- NBA
- NHL
- MLS
- Tennis
- Golf
- Motorsports
The Seminole Tribe also offers a selection of other sports betting locations across Florida, including Coconut Creek, Classic Casino, Hotel Casino Immokalee, and Seminole Casino Brighton.
The Hard Rock’s Star-Studded Launch Party
The Seminole Hard Rock launched its new range of betting opportunities in December by welcoming a host of celebrities including Jon Bon Jovi, Mike Tyson, Sarah Hyland, and social media sensation Bobbi Althoff.
The first sports bet, roulette wheel spin, and roll of the craps dice were watched by some of these celebrities as the casino welcomed a new era of gambling.
World-famous chef Mario Carbone also hosted a pop-up Carbone restaurant dining experience while key members of the Seminole Tribal Council were also present.
The casino is now home to over 200 table games, 2,700 slot machines, and the poker room is home to 45 tables.
Conclusion
As the top travel destination in the U.S., Florida is perfectly positioned to take advantage of this incredible gambling opportunity. The state is set to benefit from significant increases in gambling tax revenue, while the casinos themselves will also enjoy growth that will result in job opportunities and benefit the local community.
Gambling in Florida has been a complicated situation for years, but this recent decision could pave the way for a more settled and lucrative industry. The Seminole tribe has moved quickly to ensure the new gambling opportunities have the setting and publicity to succeed, and Florida citizens and visitors to the Sunshine State are sure to enjoy the new options.
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