Florida Sports Betting is Still in Limbo Thanks to Judge

Peter LewisPeter Lewis | November 19, 2021
florida sports betting is still in limbo thanks to judge

What in the world is going to end up happening with sports betting in Florida moving forward? This situation really is clear as mud. Everyone expected things to be decided by Nov. 15, but Florida sports betting is still in limbo thanks to judge Dabney L. Friedrich. She was expected to have a decision on whether or not sports betting will be made fully legal in the Sunshine State.

At the same time, she’s apparently still considering the lawsuits filed by two Florida pari-mutuel companies, who are passionately arguing that the 30-year agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe is illegal. There have already been lawsuits thrown out, but this last one appears to be the final gasp by the opposition to try and prevent things from happening. It really has left people incredibly confused.

As things stand, sports betting was launched in Florida earlier this month with a bit of a surprise, soft opening. People were allowed to download a sports app and make their wagers that way. This was historic for the state of Florida and it was something that really had countless citizens excited about. With that said, the hope is that they can make their way to in-person sportsbooks as well.

With things indeed in limbo, no one knows exactly when that will be able to happen, or if it will be given the green light at all. With Friedrich taking her sweet time in making a decision, it’s only adding to the frustration for people who want to be able to check out the different NFL football betting sites out there and/or place a bet at their local sportsbook. So, what’s next for sports betting in Florida here?

When will Judge Dabney L. Friedrich make her decision?

The question on everyone’s minds right now is when will Judge Dabney L. Friedrich make her decision? We’d love to have a straight answer for you, but that’s currently to be determined. Freidrich indeed was expected to have a decision by Nov. 15. This date was going to be the official launch of sports betting in Florida across the board. People were ready for things to reach a new level.

Instead, added anger and impatience has been added with Friedrich sitting on her hands a bit. She recently came out and announced that she won’t be rushing her decision and things aren’t going to just come to a conclusion overnight. This alone tells you how much she’s considering things and it’s difficult to assume which way she’s leaning. The longer she waits, though, the more nerves there will be for the tribe.

“Federal judges don’t work on anybody’s clock except their own, so one should never be surprised when an opinion doesn’t show up.  I also suspect that Judge Friedrich is trying to write a very detailed and thorough opinion that will stand up if appealed,” gambling law expert Bob Jarvis told Gaming Today when reached for comment. 

Right now, folks are still allowed to make their bets online. However, the expectation is that regardless of however Friedrich decides, an appeal is going to take place. Once that appeal is announced, then it could only end up delaying things even further. Sports betting in Florida was already a complicated thought, but now things have been made even worse with the lawsuits. No one knows how this will end up shaping out.

Florida online betting has been popular this month

Despite things a bit unclear, Florida online betting has been popular this month since the Seminole Tribe shockingly launched sports betting. To start the month off, the Seminole Tribe indeed launched the ability for people to place online bets. Folks were able to check out the different odds for the professional teams out there and then go ahead and lay down wagers. It was a sweet taste of what’s to come.

With that said, things have only gotten more popular, with more and more apps being downloaded and odds being checked out. This makes a ton of sense, especially with the NFL in the middle of another exciting season. As soon as Thursday arrives, games are showcased. Sunday of course is the main day for the NFL, with double-digit games stealing the show. Betting on these games makes it even more exciting.

It’s not only the NFL that has drawn plenty of attention from fans. The NBA and NHL is also in full swing, which has fans across the country hyped up about placing bets. Over in Florida, you’ve got the Miami Heat, Florida Panthers and more. It’s also important to remember that the MLB offseason is quite exciting right now. People are betting on where free agents will end up signing.

For the Miami Marlins, they expect to be quite busy the rest of the fall and the winter as well in finalizing their roster for the 2022 campaign. This is what makes online sports betting so much fun. Now, though, people are waiting to see what’s next with the betting in-person too. Until then, people can confidently go to their apps or mobiles and place wagers that way. That’s not expected to change in the near future.

Peter Lewis

Peter Lewis Jr. comes from Mississippi where he and his family spend their days discussing college football and basketball. He's written sports journalism for years after studying journalism at a local university.