A lawsuit filed in Florida on Oct. 8 alleges DraftKings is operating illegal sports betting in the state.
The lawsuit, filed in Broward County by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, claims the digital sports gaming company is violating a state law. The 2021 gaming compact grants the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to offer sports betting in Florida.
“DraftKings is a licensed sports book operator in approximately 27 States and Washington, D.C., and operates as part of a single integrated business — using its established brand and infrastructure to funnel users into its illegal Florida operations under the guise of an approved financial product,” according to the lawsuit.
What does the Florida lawsuit against DraftKings say?
The lengthy filing, 72-pages, names DraftKings and its CEO Jason Robins.
It claims
Robins had publicly described the company’s product as "functionally identical" to DraftKings' sportsbook offerings in other states. It also points out how DraftKings marketing “identifies the offering as gambling and entices potential customers with “Bonus” bets” and has warnings about gambling problems.
The lawsuit is asking a judge to declare sports betting through DraftKings illegal. The Seminole Tribe wants DraftKings to surrender profits and revenue allegedly earned through its Florida operations.
There also is a claim that DraftKings is taking money away from the Seminole Tribe and Florida. The gaming compact agreement between the state and the Tribe requires the Tribe to share gaming revenue with Florida and includes a guaranteed minimum of $2.5 billion during its first five years.
“Every wager that (DraftKings) now accept through their illegal sportsbook siphons away revenue that funds both the Tribe’s and Florida’s public programs and government services; diverts betting from Florida’s regulated system into an underground, unregulated, and outlawed book; and deprives the Floridian who places such a bet of the consumer protections guaranteed by Florida law,” the lawsuit states.
A message was left for DraftKings seeking comment. Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida lawsuit alleges DraftKings operating illegal sports betting
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