US Seeks Extension for Response in Seminole Betting Case

The US government wants more time to reply in the legal case about Seminole tribe's gambling activities.

The US government has asked for more time to prepare its answer in a court case about the Seminole Tribe's gambling service in Florida. Initially, the US Department of Justice had until February 12 to respond to the claims by West Flagler Associates. They were given until April 12, but now they want to push the deadline back to May 12.

Elizabeth Prelogar, speaking for the government, says they need more time because their lawyers are busy with other important issues. The WFA hasn't objected to them asking for more time.

Important Information on Asking for More Time

• The US government seeks a second extension to prepare its response in the Florida betting case.
• The new deadline requested is May 12, as the legal team is busy with other cases.
• West Flagler Associates (WFA) does not object to the government's ask for more time.

The Department of Justice is acting on behalf of the US Department of the Interior and Secretary Deb Haaland in a lawsuit about a 2021 deal. This deal let the Seminole Tribe start an online betting service in Florida. People can bet from anywhere in Florida, but the bets are counted as happening on tribal land because they go through servers on tribe property.

Legal Background and Challenges

WFA asked the Supreme Court on February 8 to review their case after a lower court canceled an earlier ruling that let the Seminoles run their betting service. People are wondering if the Secretary of the Department of the Interior went beyond her power by agreeing to the gaming agreement.

The Florida Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit filed by WFA against Governor Ron DeSantis and the state lawmakers. WFA claimed that DeSantis and the lawmakers should not have been allowed to approve the gambling compact without asking Florida’s voters first. In 2018, voters in Florida passed a rule saying voters must have a say in any new gambling laws, which challenges the legal standing of the compact.

Likelihood of the Supreme Court Taking the Case

It's not very likely that the Supreme Court will review this case because they only look at about 100 to 150 of the 7,000 they get each year. But because this case could affect the rights of tribal nations, some think the Court might take a look. Right now, the justices are only deciding whether to give the case more time. After that, they'll choose if they want to hear the whole case.

The Seminole tribe has started their own betting platform.

The Seminoles launched their Hard Rock Bet betting service on November 7, 2023. This lets people in Florida bet online through servers located on the tribe's land, which has led to a lot of discussions and legal questions.

The current court case is revealing conflicts between state laws, the federal government's power, the independence of Native American tribes, and what voters want. The government's lawyers are busy and asking for more time, and everyone is waiting to see how the Supreme Court will handle these complex legal issues.

The decision may create important new rules about agreements for gaming, the rights of tribes, and the power of states in the changing world of legal betting in America. Everyone involved is now waiting to see what the Department of Justice will do by May 12, unless the Supreme Court decides to act on the matter before then.