Seminole Tribe Gives $1M to Florida Gov. DeSantis PAC, Follows New Gaming Compact

Posted on: August 15, 2022, 03:33h. 

Last updated on: August 18, 2022, 02:11h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida contributed $1 million this month to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’s political action committee (PAC). The recipient organization — Friends of Ron DeSantis — says its mission is to advance the “Freedom Agenda.”

Florida Seminole Tribe Ron DeSantis odds 2024
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a 30-year gaming compact with Marcellus Osceola Jr., chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, on May 19, 2021. The Seminole Tribe this month gave a $1 million gift to DeSantis’ political action committee. (Image: Seminole Tribe of Florida)

Last year, the Seminole Tribe and DeSantis reached a gaming expansion deal to include sports betting online and in-person, as well as new casino games. The updated contract — known as a Class III gaming compact — continued to maintain the tribal nation’s near-monopoly on most forms of gambling in the Sunshine State.

After a brief stint operating sports betting, a federal judge last November nullified the compact. The agreement’s legality remains tied up in court, so Floridians have no legal outlet inside the state to place a sports bet.

Despite the gaming expansion holdup, the Seminoles continue to donate heavily to DeSantis and the Republican Party in Florida and across the nation. The $1 million donation to DeSantis’ political campaign arm comes after the Hard Rock owner contributed $3 million earlier this year to the Republican Governors Association (RGA).

The RGA is one of DeSantis’ largest donors. The association has given the Friends of Ron DeSantis PAC $10.75 million this year alone.

Tribe Hush on Political Lobbying

The Seminole Tribe has long been lobbying state lawmakers. The efforts seek to maintain its control of slot machines outside of Miami-Dade and Broward counties and most table games across the state. The US and global gaming interests, specifically Las Vegas Sands and the Genting Group, have been trying to convince state lawmakers otherwise. They want to legalize commercial casino gambling and end the Seminole’s stronghold on the state gaming industry.

But so far, the Seminoles have maintained their exclusivity. The tribe believes it has a friend in DeSantis, which is why the powerful nation is supporting DeSantis’ 2022 reelection. The Seminoles have given $4 million to PACs that will use the cash to fund DeSantis’ 2022 campaign.

“In general, the tribe does contribute to issues and candidates in Florida and other states, according to its best interests,” explained Gary Bitner, a spokesperson for the Seminole Tribe. “The Tribe doesn’t comment on reports of specific campaign contributions.”

DeSantis is the heavy favorite to win Florida’s 2022 gubernatorial. PredictIt bettors give DeSantis about a 92% chance of winning a second term on Nov. 8.

Bill Foley, the NHL Vegas Golden Knights owner, is also a stout DeSantis supporter. Foley has contributed $111,217 to the DeSantis PAC so far in 2022.

White House Hopeful

The FBI’s search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Palm Beach estate last week has only improved DeSantis’ odds of winning the 2024 presidential election. Though he’s said to be waiting on Trump to determine if he’s running, DeSantis is the 2024 betting front-runner.

PredictIt’s latest odds imply a 30% chance of DeSantis winning the 2024 presidential election. Trump is next at 27%, while President Joe Biden is third at 21%.