The longstanding legal battle between the Seminole Tribe and West Flagler Associates Ltd in the California gambling arena has come to an end with a deal that was reached recently. The dispute that began in 2021 has finally been settled, with West Flagler agreeing to no longer challenge the Seminoles in court over Florida gaming. In return, the Seminole Tribe will promote a West Flagler-owned sports brand on its Hard Rock Bet app.
This agreement marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two adversaries, as they have now become allies in the Florida gaming industry. The Seminole-owned digital sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet, will debut West Flagler’s Jai Alai market in early 2025. This move is seen as a strategic partnership that benefits both parties, with the Seminole Tribe gaining access to West Flagler’s sports brand and West Flagler getting exposure on the Hard Rock Bet app.
The Hard Rock Bet app is currently the only legal online sports betting platform in Florida, making this partnership a valuable opportunity for West Flagler to expand its reach in the state. West Flagler owner Isadore Havernick expressed his excitement about the collaboration, stating that his firm is thrilled to be partnering with the Seminole Tribe to support their gaming operations in Florida and promote Jai Alai.
The sport of Jai Alai has a long history in Florida, dating back to the 1920s, and has been a critical component of the state’s gaming industry. Havernick emphasized the importance of Jai Alai in Florida’s gaming landscape and expressed pride in having it featured on the Hard Rock Bet app. Both parties are looking forward to developing a strong partnership and leveraging each other’s strengths in the gaming industry.
The deal between the Seminole Tribe and West Flagler marks the end of years of litigation and conflict between the two parties. Hard Rock CEO Jim Allen described the agreement as a “win-win” outcome that puts an end to the legal battles and allows both parties to move forward in a positive direction. The slate has been wiped clean, and both parties are now focused on working together to promote Jai Alai and strengthen their presence in the Florida gaming market.
West Flagler’s previous lawsuits against the Seminoles were based on grievances related to compact SB 2-A, which was agreed upon between the tribe and Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021. The compact granted the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to Florida sports betting in a 30-year revenue-sharing deal. West Flagler argued that the amended contract allowed for off-reservation sports wagering, which they believed was illegal.
Despite the option to revive their lawsuit in state courts, West Flagler has chosen to put an end to the legal disputes and focus on their partnership with the Seminole Tribe. This agreement signifies a new chapter in the relationship between the two parties and paves the way for collaboration and growth in the Florida gaming industry.