Since they were given a taste of the action in 2021, Florida residents have been anxiously awaiting the return of legal online sports betting. Unfortunately the launch of Hard Rock Bet was to be short-lived. It was shut down after just one month due to a legal challenge.

Sports bettors in the state have been unable to bet legally ever since.

However, they got a very encouraging update in recent times. There is currently a real possibility online sports betting in Florida could be back very soon.

Legal Sports Betting in Florida Update

In November 2021, two gambling competitors in the state of Florida (Bonita Springs Poker Room and Magic City Casino) challenged Hard Rock’s agreement with the Seminole Tribe, claiming it was illegal. Soon after, Hard Rock had to shut down its operations in Florida after U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich deemed the agreement to be against the law.

Fast forward less than two years. Earlier this summer, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia reversed the decision made by the District Court in 2021. This reversal in favor of Hard Rock and the Seminole Tribe has paved the way once again for them to provide online sports betting in Florida.

And once again there have been objections. West Flagler Associates, the parent company of Bonita Springs Poker Room and Magic City Casino, asked for a rehearing from the U.S. Court of Appeals but was officially denied on Monday, September 11.

As a result, Hard Rock is free to re-launch its online sportsbook in the state of Florida and could return very soon. This could be potentially as soon as NFL Week 3.

After almost two years, it appears Florida sports fans may be able to legally bet on sports. This time they are hoping it will be for good.