In a recent order list, the Supreme Court of the United States denied a petition to invalidate a gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis. The petition was filed by West Flagler Associates and Bonita-Fort Myers Corporation, two rival gaming competitors, who argued that the compact gave the tribe exclusive rights to operate mobile sports wagering and casino gambling in Florida.

The majority of justices decided to end the legal battle over the compact, but Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who previously expressed interest in the case, voted to grant the petition. However, Kavanaugh's single vote was insufficient to trigger oral arguments as the Supreme Court requires at least four justices to grant certiorari.

Previously, a lower court ruled in favor of the gaming competitors, declaring that the compact violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. However, the appeals court overturned that decision, allowing the Seminole Tribe of Florida to continue accepting online wagers.

West Flagler and Bonita-Myers took legal action by suing Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, arguing that the online betting was not conducted on tribal land but rather on servers located within reservations. The Supreme Court's denial to consider the case came as a relief to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, with a spokesperson stating that it ensured a bright future for tribal members and all Floridians.

The gaming compact, approved by Governor DeSantis in 2021, is regarded as the largest in history and allocates a substantial portion of the state's gambling revenues towards land acquisition, wildlife preservation, and waterway protection. Since the launch of the tribe's online sports betting operation, Florida has already received over $120 million in 2024 revenues.

However, West Flagler and Bonita-Myers argue that the compact grants the tribe a sports gambling monopoly and circumvents the state Constitution. In 2018, the Constitution was amended to require a citizens' initiative for the expansion of casino gambling beyond tribal land. The rival gaming firms have taken legal action against Governor DeSantis and Florida lawmakers, with a case currently pending before the Florida Supreme Court.

As the legal battle continues, the Supreme Court's rejection of the challenge to the Florida gaming compact solidifies the Seminole Tribe's exclusive rights to operate mobile sports wagering and casino gambling in the state. The implications of this decision will likely have far-reaching consequences for the future of online gambling in Florida.