SPORTS BETTING
US – Seminole Tribe suspends Hard Rock Sportsbook
By Phil - 7 December 2021
The Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Sportsbook is suspending its Florida business after a court ruling that rejected its appeal to continue online sports betting as it awaits an appeal with the lower courts.
The Hard Rock Sportsbook said on Twitter: “Due to yesterday’s appellate court decision, the Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile app will temporarily suspend accepting new bets and deposits. Player information and account funds are safe and secure, and the app will remain online for easy withdrawals via all payment methods.”
The company added that the Hard Rock Sportsbook ‘will maintain a lot of free bets in your account, which will be available again if HardRock Sportsbook resumes accepting new bets.’
The tribe had claimed not put ting the ruling on hold would see ‘irreparable harm’ brought to the Seminole Tribe’s sovereignty and economic interests.
It could be a long time before the tribe can resume its sports book as the legal challenge goes through the court. Two lawsuits were brought questioning the legality of the compact by West Flagler Associates, the owners of Magic City Casino and Bonita Springs Poker Room, and No Casinos. Their lawyers said: “While telling the court that, absent an emergency stay, it ‘stands to lose’ tens of millions in revenue, it is telling its customers (over a week after the district court’s ruling) that its unlawful online sports gaming ‘remains fully open to all players’ and ‘there is no need to worry.”
