Seminole Tribe Sues DraftKings Over Prediction Market in Florida

The Seminole Tribe of Florida filed a lawsuit against DraftKings in state court, alleging that DraftKings’ prediction market offerings violate the tribe’s exclusive compact with the state to offer online sports betting. The tribe is asking for an injunction to prevent DraftKings from operating in Florida, claiming that DraftKings is running an illegal sportsbook.

DraftKings CEO Jason Robins has said its event contracts are “functionally identical” to the company’s sports betting operations in other states. The tribe owns the Hard Rock gaming brand, which operates casinos in Florida and other states, and operates online sports betting through its Hard Rock Bet app. In 2021, the tribe reached a deal with the state to be the sole sports betting operator in Florida.

DraftKings rejected the contention that the company is operating illegally in Florida, stating that its prediction markets offering operates in accordance with applicable law and the federal regulatory framework established under the Commodity Exchange Act. Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) seemed to signal his support for the tribe’s move, stating that the Seminole Tribe was given the purview on the sports betting. Four tribes announced partnerships with Kalshi, including the Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town of Oklahoma; and the Greenville Rancheria, the Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation, and the Alturas Indian Rancheria, all of California. The Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation struck a deal with a major sweepstakes operator in August 2025. Kletsel Dehe CEO Eric Wright said those types of agreements have the potential to bring in additional revenue for tribes not currently involved in gaming.