Hard Rock Considers Teaming Up with Major Sportsbooks in Florida

18.10.2024

Jim Allen, Chairman of Hard Rock International and CEO of Seminole Gaming, has hinted that Hard Rock could partner with big names like FanDuel and DraftKings, opening the door to collaborations in a state where Hard Rock has held the exclusive sports betting license.

Hard Rock’s Exclusive Deal May Evolve

Currently, Hard Rock holds a monopoly on legal sports betting in Florida, thanks to its gaming compact with the state. But Allen’s recent comments during the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas suggest that the company is considering a new approach.

He revealed that Hard Rock has been in talks with both FanDuel and DraftKings about potential partnerships, signaling a willingness to collaborate with commercial operators for the first time.

FanDuel and DraftKings have long been interested in breaking into the Florida market, a state that boasts one of the largest populations in the U.S. and a strong sports culture.

The state’s size and its more than 20 professional and Division 1 college teams make it a prime target for expansion. FanDuel’s CEO, Amy Howe, has highlighted Florida as one of the key states the company hopes to enter, alongside California and New York.

A New Era for Sports Betting in Florida?

If Hard Rock does move forward with partnerships, it could bring about a new era for sports betting in Florida. A collaboration with established sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings could lead to more options and competition for bettors, and potentially, a richer experience overall.

It could also provide a path for these commercial operators to finally enter the highly lucrative Florida market, which they have been eyeing for years.

While nothing is set in stone yet, Allen’s comments hint at a future where Hard Rock might no longer go it alone. If partnerships materialize, it could change the game for sports betting in Florida, bringing more choice and competition to the table.