In the sun-kissed expanse of Florida, Hard Rock International has emerged as the undisputed chieftain of the state’s regulated sports betting sphere. Yet, this empire of chance, under the helm of Chairman Jim Allen, has signaled celestial bodies in the betting galaxy—DraftKings and FanDuel—might one day align with their Floridian fortress.
The revelation emerged not in the balmy airs of the Sunshine State, but within the desert oasis of Las Vegas at the Global Gaming Expo. It was there that Jim Allen, who also presides as the CEO of Seminole Gaming, shared in an oracular tone with CNBC’s Contessa Brewer a vision of a potential alliance with the industry titans DraftKings and FanDuel.
“We do recognize that long term, some type of strategic relationship with some of the brands that really have marquee value could be helpful to both of us, and we are receptive to those conversations,” Allen mused.
The sacred pact that binds Hard Rock in monopoly over Florida’s sports wagering sprung from arduous legal ventures. Backed by the political clout of Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Seminole Tribe’s compact withstood the tempests of opposition. It’s a compact that has etched into the stone of judicial decree, leaving competitors like DraftKings and FanDuel awaiting an opening that the U.S. Supreme Court would not grant.
Yet, hope springs eternal as luminaries within these commercial firms, like FanDuel CEO Amy Howe, keep a watchful eye on the unfolding sports betting tapestry not only in Florida but across promising horizons in California and Texas. The allure of Florida’s market is undeniable—its population outshines even New York’s, a titan in its own right in the realm of sports betting handle and revenue.
While the exact nature of a potential collaboration remains shrouded in the mystique of what-if, Allen’s affirmation of a “great relationship” with both DraftKings and FanDuel heralds an era of good terms and possible collaboration.
The specter of past confrontations between commercial gaming entities and tribal nations looms large, a cautionary tale woven in the recent memories of Californian tribes’ defensive stand against sportsbook operators. Yet here in the East, where the Atlantic whispers promises of prosperity, the Hard Rock may intriguingly chart a new course that welcomes erstwhile rivals into its domain, not as conquerors but as partners in the grand spectacle of Florida’s sports betting future.
