Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ landmark compact agreement with the Seminole Tribe could open the door to a retail and online sports betting market that would potentially be the largest in the U.S., capable of generating as much as $12 billion in bets annually, according to estimates by PlayFL.com.
“Assuming the industry launches with the current framework in place, there is little question that sports betting will drive a massive amount of revenue for the state,” said Dustin Gouker, analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayFL.com. “This is a unique design with no direct comparisons among markets that are already active. But with Florida’s large population, the brand recognition of Hard Rock, a framework that leaves room for more participants, and a reasonable revenue-sharing structure, Florida will have a higher ceiling than any other market to date.”
The governor’s agreement with the Seminole Tribe, which will serve as a sort of sports-betting gatekeeper as well as operate its retail online sportsbooks under the Hard Rock brand, must still be approved by the state legislature, and legal challenges to the deal have already been threatened.
Florida is also home to multiple franchises in each major North American professional sports league, 13 universities with NCAA Division I athletics, the best-known NASCAR event in the country among other auto races, and multiple PGA Tour events. All of which will help boost local interest.
And every year sports fans travel to Florida for an unrivaled collection of college bowl games, NCAA Tournament games, baseball’s spring training, and the occasional Super Bowl.