After a lengthy legal battle spanning two years, Hard Rock, the online sportsbook owned by the Seminole Tribe, has made a triumphant return to online sports betting in the state of Florida. Select users, who were part of Hard Rock's loyalty programs and had accounts with the sportsbook between November 1 and November 21, 2021, were able to place wagers starting Tuesday morning.

The reintroduction of online sports betting in Florida comes after a tumultuous journey for Hard Rock. The sportsbook's app initially launched on November 1, 2021, but just three weeks later, users were no longer able to place bets due to a lawsuit filed by two small casinos. The objective of the lawsuit was to prevent Hard Rock from monopolizing the sports betting space in the state.

The news of Hard Rock's soft launch on Tuesday followed the Seminole Tribe's recent announcement of their intentions to launch in-person sports betting on December 7. A ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court in October lifted a stay, granting the Seminoles the opportunity to offer sports betting.

However, the legal battle is not yet fully resolved. West Flagler and Associates, the group responsible for initiating the litigation process two years ago, has until November 20 to file an appeal. If an appeal is pursued, there is the possibility that it could impede the progress of legal online sports betting in the state.

Despite the potential for further legal complications, the momentum behind online sports betting in Florida has been greatly bolstered by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The Seminole Tribe's resumption of online sports betting at Hard Rock signifies a significant step forward for sports betting enthusiasts in the state.

With the return of Hard Rock's online sports betting platform, avid fans and bettors in Florida now have an exciting option to enjoy their favorite sports while having the opportunity to place wagers. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how online sports betting will flourish in the Sunshine State, but for now, a sense of optimism prevails with the return of Hard Rock to the online sports betting scene.