After nailing down a deal that gave it control over sports betting in the state, the Seminole Tribe is trying to clinch its status as Florida’s “800-pound” gambling gorilla by squashing two proposed constitutional amendments backed by potential competitors.
And with billions of dollars at stake, the tribe is prepared to spend “whatever it takes” to secure its position.
The Seminoles have poured millions of dollars into advertising to pump up its deal with the state and could bankroll even more to stymie ballot initiatives supported by some national gambling powerhouses.
The war over wagering comes about six months after Gov. Ron DeSantis and Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. signed off on a deal allowing the tribe to operate online sports betting available to people throughout the state.
