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Seminole Tribe Files Lawsuit Against DraftKings Over Alleged Illegal Sports Betting in Florida

By jili tutorial · October 9, 2026

Seminole Tribe Files Lawsuit Against DraftKings Over Alleged Illegal Sports Betting in Florida

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has launched a legal battle against DraftKings and its CEO, Jason Robins, accusing the company of operating an illegal sports betting platform in Florida. The lawsuit, filed in Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit Court in Fort Lauderdale, alleges that DraftKings is undermining the tribe’s exclusive rights to online sports betting under the 2021 gaming compact with the state.

Background: The Seminole Tribe’s Exclusive Rights

The 2021 Gaming Compact

In 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe amended their gaming compact under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). This amendment granted the tribe exclusive rights to operate online sports betting in the state. The compact includes a hub-and-spoke model, where sports betting servers are housed on Seminole tribal land, ensuring compliance with IGRA.

In exchange for these exclusive rights, the Seminole Tribe agreed to pay Florida a minimum of $2.5 billion over the first five years of the compact. This revenue is intended to fund public programs and government services across the state.

The Allegations Against DraftKings

The Seminole Tribe contends that DraftKings’ “Predictions” platform is functioning as an illegal online sportsbook, bypassing Florida’s regulated system. According to the lawsuit, DraftKings advertises its platform as a legal prediction market while allegedly offering sports betting services without a state license.

“Every wager that Defendants now accept through their illegal sportsbook siphons away revenue that funds both the Tribe’s and Florida’s public programs,” the lawsuit states. The tribe argues that DraftKings’ actions divert revenue from the regulated system into an unlicensed, unregulated platform, depriving Florida consumers of legal protections.

DraftKings’ Defense

Federal Compliance Claims

DraftKings has defended its operations, asserting that its Predictions platform complies with federal commodity laws. The company holds a license from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and operates under the Commodity Exchange Act.

“DraftKings’ prediction markets offering operates in accordance with applicable law and the federal regulatory framework,” a company spokesperson said. DraftKings also expressed respect for the Seminole Tribe’s sovereignty while maintaining confidence in its legal position.

Political Dynamics

The lawsuit highlights DraftKings’ previous efforts to legalize commercial sports betting in Florida, which were unsuccessful. The Seminole Tribe alleges that DraftKings has now resorted to operating an illegal sportsbook disguised as a prediction market. Notably, DraftKings has avoided launching its platform in states where it holds a sports betting license, citing concerns about disrupting relationships with regulators.

Seminole Tribe’s Requests

The Seminole Tribe is seeking a declaratory judgment from the court to confirm that DraftKings Predictions violates Florida law. Additionally, the tribe requests an injunction to halt the platform’s operations in the state. The lawsuit also seeks restitution, disgorgement, nominal damages, attorneys’ fees, and court costs.

Broader Regulatory Questions

Governor Ron DeSantis has called for swift resolution of the dispute, emphasizing the need for clarity on whether prediction markets can legally offer trading on sports events. The case raises broader questions about the intersection of state, federal, and tribal gaming regulations.

What’s Next?

The lawsuit represents a significant escalation in the ongoing debate over sports betting regulation in Florida. The outcome could set a precedent for how prediction markets are classified and regulated, impacting both tribal and commercial operators nationwide.

As the legal battle unfolds, stakeholders across the gaming industry will be closely watching for developments that could reshape the landscape of sports betting in Florida and beyond.