Hard Rocking in FL

Graphic from @HardRockBet
By: Cole Woodard
December 12th, 2023

Sports Betting has become a cornerstone of conversation in the sports world as more and more legislation is being passed in its favor. Currently the industry itself sits at 38 states and the District of Colombia. Most recently the Seminole Tribe of Florida was allowed to reopen their sportsbooks and most importantly the Hard Rock Bet app. In 2018 the Supreme Court of the United States opened up legislation for legal sports betting.

From the Live App

Since this time Americans have wagered more than $270 Billion on a multitude of events according to research conducted by Legal Sports Report. Florida was in a gray area because of a compact with the Seminole Tribe that essentially gave them a monopoly on operating casinos. Fast-forward to 2021 Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new compact with the Seminoles in 2021 that gave the tribe exclusive rights to sports betting. The app was live for a brief period of time until lawsuits came forward by the West Flagler Associates looking to seek a halt in the mobile sports betting. It was on the grounds that the computer servers for the app were not on “tribal land” making it a violation of the compact.

From the Live App
From the Live App

After patiently waiting the Hard Rock Bet app became live again in limited fashion after the US Supreme Court have the Hard Rock the green light. In a quote from Gary Bitner, a spokesperson for the tribe, stated “The Tribe is offering limited access to the existing Florida customers to test its Hard Rock Bet platform”. This was back in November since the tribe has announced the limited access soft launch but as of Dec. 7th the app will be fully operational across the state. Also the tribe was able to roll out in person sports betting at desired casino locations.

With this monumental win for the tribe in this ongoing litigation that state of Florida will be winning too. The Seminoles have agreed to pay $2.5 billion in the first five years for additional gaming opportunity and possibly billions more in the years to come. Patrons are lining up to test out the in person sportsbook kiosks.

The first official bet came from Chairman Marcellus W. Osceola Jr. who took Florida State Seminoles money line in this year’s upcoming Orange Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs. With the launch of the app Florida is setting itself up to be the No. 1 sports betting market in the country. Mixed with tourism of 100 million plus unique visitors with an already third most populated state it is cause of ripples In the market. Its incredible how the short term reviews are coming back on the app. Offering a user friendly interface and competitive odds, it is for everyone which will benefit this move into the forefront of gambling in 2024.

Taken by: Cole Woodard

Hard Rock Bet is the going to take Florida into the future of sports betting as new users have been signing up left and right. The new launch of the app offers a No Regret First Bet up to $100 and a loyalty program that enhances the user experience. Same Game Parlays, Flex Parlays, and Prop Parlays all offered in this app. As it compares to DraftKings or FanDuel it seems to lack some luster but for what it is wroth will more than likely be at the forefront of sports betting in 2024. With how the Hard Rock social media team is using X (formerly twitter) they are capitalizing on a key marketing tool. Posting massive wins and promos from everyday users and with this the tribe will hold and absolute monopoly on the legalized sports betting in Florida. More lawsuits have been filed but its all clear as of now to move forward. It is going to be interesting to see what heights this will reach in 2024 and beyond with the Hard Rock Bet app.

Initial feedback from first time users since the app went live

Speaking Johnathan Hurst

I really like the hard rock app because I was able to place a five dollar parlay and now I’m able to feed my family and pay rent for the month. Without the hard rock app we would have been homeless and staying the night over at lighthouse ministries so thanks to the hard rock app, my family is safe for another month. Thanks hard rock app! -Hunter Poulakos