The Seminole Tribe of Florida is set to launch Jai Alai wagering on its Hard Rock Bet mobile app after settling a long-standing legal challenge from a group of businesses operating gambling facilities in the state.
The Seminole Tribe confirmed Monday that a comprehensive agreement has been signed with West Flagler Associates, Bonita-Fort Myers Corporation, Southwest Florida Enterprises, and Isadore Havenick (West Flagler Parties), which operate racetracks, pari-mutuels and a poker room in Florida.
As part of the settlement, the West Flagler Parties have agreed to refrain from engaging in any future litigation with respect to the Seminole Tribe’s gaming operations, and will now begin a new partnership to offer and promote Jai Alai wagering on the Hard Rock Bet app.
The agreement ends years of dispute between the Seminole Tribe and the West Flagler Parties, which have agreed not to bring or support any future legal challenge to the tribe’s gaming operations, including mobile gaming offered now or in the future.
In addition, Jai Alai provided by Battle Court Jai Alai, an affiliate of West Flagler, will be offered on the Hard Rock Bet app, which is expected to be launched in early 2025.
“This is truly a win-win agreement for the Seminole Tribe and West Flagler,” said Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen. “This agreement establishes a relationship of collaboration among the Seminole Tribe and West Flagler in the State of Florida.
“Rather than engaging in years of additional litigation, this agreement will allow the parties to work together to promote Jai Alai, which has played an important role in Florida’s gaming landscape for nearly 100 years.”
Isadore Havenick commented: “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Seminole Tribe in support of their gaming operations in Florida and to promote Jai Alai, which has been a critical component of Florida’s gaming industry since the 1920s.
“We are proud that Jai Alai will be featured on the Hard Rock Bet app and we look forward to developing a strong partnership with the Seminole Tribe.”