America's number 1 gaming destination: Is Florida replacing Las Vegas?

If the Florida Supreme Court gives a favorable verdict, in-person sports betting, craps and roulette may begin at all South Florida casinos and elsewhere in the state. It may drive tourists and businesses to South Florida, creating more jobs, and bringing in billions of dollars in revenue. However, experts believe that legal hurdles and cultural attitudes may keep it from becoming Vegas. The agreement that legalizes sports betting and gives the Seminole Tribe a monopoly on the industry for 30 years, is seen by many as one of the biggest hurdles.

"Florida too big to be insignificant"

Talking to South Florida SunSentinel, Daniel Wallach, a national sports gambling law expert and attorney based in Hallandale Beach said, "Florida is such a large state, even with one dominant operator, it’s too big of a state to be insignificant. Even in a monopoly situation."

Return of in-person sports betting

Earlier, the Seminole Tribe announced the return of in-person sports betting. In anticipation of the big business, the mobile app returned for existing customers, while those who became loyalty members could join an 'early-access' waitlist. It has begun as some of those early-access customers have reported on social media to have placed bets.

Legal battles

However, it is not yet clear to which extent in-person sports betting might attract tourists. This uncertainty has been further fuelled by the ongoing legal battles. Another motion seeking to suspend sports betting is under the consideration of the Florida Supreme Court. The tribe’s opponents have filed it, a group of pari-mutuels known collectively as West Flagler Associates, that seeks to suspend sports betting.

South Florida identical to Las Vegas?

Many believe that with the launch, the experience of gambling in South Florida would be "identical" to Las Vegas, at least in the sense that nothing would be missing. While Vegas wears the crown, Florida can be a second location, surpassing Atlantic City or Biloxi, Mississippi.

Peter Ricci, a Florida Atlantic University professor specializing in hospitality and tourism industry trends, said, "Vegas is too longstanding for anyone to rival it." He added that Florida can rival all the other smaller casino destinations around the U.S.

FAQs:

How may in-person sports betting help Florida?
The in-person sports betting may drive tourists and businesses to South Florida, creating more jobs, and bringing in billions of dollars in revenue.

What are the legal challenges stopping in-person sports betting?
A motion seeking to suspend sports betting is under the consideration of the Florida Supreme Court. The tribe’s opponents have filed it, a group of pari-mutuels known collectively as West Flagler Associates, that seeks to suspend sports betting.