♠PokerInsider
Florida's Gaming Industry Poised for Expansion: Record Donations Signal Big Changes
Sports BettingAugust 13, 2026·1 min read

Florida's Gaming Industry Poised for Expansion: Record Donations Signal Big Changes


Gaming interests have donated a record $12.2 million to Florida races by the end of July, with the Seminole Tribe of Florida contributing about 75% of the total donations. The tribe owns the Hard Rock casino and online gaming brand, which includes a sports betting monopoly in the Sunshine State. Companies like FanDuel, DraftKings, Kalshi, and others have also made significant donations, indicating their interest in entering Florida’s gaming market.

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) struck a deal with the Seminoles in 2021, allowing the tribe to exclusively offer online sports betting in the state. In turn, the state is guaranteed at least $500 million in annual revenue payments over 30 years. That deal led to state and federal lawsuits that were eventually resolved in 2024.

U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R) is the frontrunner in the race for governor and has received about 50% of the donations from gambling interests. The Seminoles have donated $50,000 to former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (D), who is running for St. Petersburg mayor.

Share this article

Argus Riven

By

Argus Riven

I've spent years at the tables — cash and tournaments — and just as long shaping poker copy behind the scenes: room reviews, bonus fine print, tournament notes. At PokerInsider I write the way I wish more sites would: clear structure, honest trade-offs, no hype. Whether you're new or already grinding, I care about what the offer actually costs you — rake, variance, and the fine print — and I treat responsible play as part of the job, not a footnote.

♠More in Sports betting

Nearly 43% of Teens Gambled in the Past Year, Study Finds

Nearly 43% of Teens Gambled in the Past Year, Study Finds

1 min read
NBA Teams Up With Kalshi and Polymarket for Prediction Markets

NBA Teams Up With Kalshi and Polymarket for Prediction Markets

1 min read
Maksym Shtun: Prediction Markets Could Be Only P2P

Maksym Shtun: Prediction Markets Could Be Only P2P

1 min read
←All Articles♠ PokerInsider