Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Sportsbook app blocked by judge

Hollywood, Florida – As of Saturday morning, The Seminole Tribe has suspended operations for its popular new sportsbook app.

The Hard Rock Sportsbook app was no longer accepting any new bets, accounts, or deposits.

“Thank you for participating in our early access launch,” a statement on the app read. “Although we are temporarily suspending the acceptance of new bets and account deposits, we remain committed to building the best place for sports betting in Florida. We hope that you have enjoyed your gambling experience on the Hard Rock Sportsbook app, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.”

In order, users to make any withdrawals, the app will remain active.

A federal judge ruled that the Seminole Tribe’s sportsbook app was illegal last month, despite a compact reached between the tribe and the State of Florida.

The judge also denied a request by the Seminole Tribe to stay her ruling.

The Seminole Tribe released a statement, which read:

“As a result of yesterday’s Appeals Court decision denying a temporary stay of the District Court’s decision on the 2021 Compact, Hard Rock Sportsbook will temporarily suspend operations of its mobile app in Florida. Account balances for all current players will be refunded as requested. Despite the decision, the Seminole Tribe looks forward to working with the State of Florida and the U.S. Department of Justice to aggressively defend the validity of the 2021 Compact before the Appeals Court, which has yet to rule on the merits of the 2021 Compact. The Seminole Tribe of Florida, the State of Florida, and the United States have all taken the position that the 2021 Compact is legal.”