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This time of the year is massive for the world of legal betting. Massive, we say!
When it comes to sports betting, you have the two biggest betting events back to back — the Super Bowl and then March Madness. The former already came and went with the expectation that around $1.5 billion was big on the “big game.” That’s an estimate only, as the real number is likely higher when you factor in the offshore sportsbook platform. March Madness will do big numbers too in the coming weeks.
But on the casino side, you typically get a lot of new openings or remodels around this time of the year — anything to get ahead of the busy summer season. That’s certainly what’s going on with Florida’s sports betting scene.
The Seminole Tribe just opened its sixth casino in the Sunshine State. Remember, the tribe — which owns and operates Hard Rock Casino — has an exclusive agreement with the state. The agreement allows them and only them to offer betting legally across the state. That’s what makes the newest opening a big deal. Keep reading and we’ll tell you all about it!
Brighton Casino Opens Brand New Location
That’s right, Brighton is the home of casino No. 6. The new venue opened its doors on February 6 so it’s open to business for those in the south-central part of the state. To commence the opening, there was the usual ribbon-cutting ceremony. Plus, performances from John Anderson and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
“This grand opening is a proud moment for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the Brighton Seminole Reservation and the entire region,” said Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino General Manager Marty Johns in a press release release. “We are excited to welcome guests to a new era of gaming, dining and entertainment that will enhance tourism and community growth.”
Located on the Brighton Seminole Reservation, the new resort sprawls across 72,000 square feet and rises four floors high. It features 100 guest rooms for visitors to make extended stays at the casino. Speaking of which, the casino floor spans an impressive 38,000 square feet and features 640 slot machines, alongside 18 gaming tables for blackjack, craps, roulette, and other house-banked card games. That should cover the fun for most bettors.
We should say, this is technical a re-opening. This facility replaces the older one that served the Brighton area. The former casino was 40 percent smaller than the one that just opened.
“Today marks a historic moment for the Brighton Reservation and the Seminole Tribe of Florida,” said Seminole Tribe of Florida Brighton Reservation Councilman Larry Howard in the same release. “The grand opening of the Seminole Brighton Bay Hotel & Casino is not just about a new building, it’s about growth, opportunity and a bright future for our community. This project represents our commitment to honoring our heritage while embracing progress, and we are proud to welcome guests to experience the hospitality, culture and excitement that make Seminole gaming truly special.”
For those wondering what else the Seminoles offer outside of Brighton, here’s their currenty fleet per se:
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
- Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
- Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood
- Seminole Casino Immokalee
Who will become No. 7? Time will tell, but you certainly have to believe the Seminoles are in expansion mode given their exclusivity in the state.
Seminoles Increase Their Stronghold In Florida
As mentioned, the Seminoles have a monopoly on Florida’s betting industry. That monopoly is being cemented not only by opening a new casino, but also the closure of illegal competitors. You see, the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) is in the midst of a crackdown on illegal gambling operations throughout the state. In December, the FGCC, working alongside law enforcement in Brevard and Volusia counties, successfully shut down five suspected illegal casinos in a movie-like raid.
During the crackdown, law enforcement officers seized over 500 pieces of gaming equipment, believed to include illegal slot machines and other unauthorized gaming devices. Additionally, authorities confiscated more than $750,000 in cash and impounded a vehicle suspected of transporting money between the illegal gambling locations. If it sounds like an episode of The Sopranos, welp, it sort of is.
“The cooperative relationships developed between the Florida Gaming Control Commission and our partner law enforcement agencies are essential to fulfill our mission, and these efforts are making an impact,” said Ross Marshman, Acting Executive Director of the Florida Gaming Control Commission. “Through innovative strategies, enhanced resources, and collaboration, these partnerships reflect our dedication to fostering trust and accountability while effectively addressing public safety concerns related to illicit gambling locations.”
Illegal gambling continues to be a pressing issue in Florida. Earlier in 2024, the FGCC teamed up with the Port Orange Police Department in another enforcement action, which led to the seizure of nearly 20 unlicensed slot machines from two local businesses in Port Orange.
Obviously, betting is big business — especially in a booming state like Florida. The more raids there are, the more that business flows back up to the Seminoles.
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