Huge Win for Legalized Sports Betting in Florida

It is legal to wager on sports in 37 states plus Washington D.C. in America. On Friday there was a huge win for legalized sports betting in Florida. Today the D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of the Seminole Tribe reversing the decision by the District Court that outlawed sports betting just days after going into effect. It is unclear what this means in regards to a timeline for legalized sports betting in Florida. There is still a possibility that a Florida based court could challenge the ruling or an appeal to the Supreme Court could change this ruling. But shy of that, legalized sports betting in Florida could be a reality before the 2023/24 football season kicks off. @Jifrah on twitter has provided some really good analysis and is a great source of information. The Hardrock Sports Book is even getting in on the action.

But this is a hug win for legalized sports gambling in Florida. Per the most recent census, Florida is the 3rd most populated state in the US. California and Texas are the two with more residents, but neither state has legalizes sports gambling. New York has a little less that 2 million fewer residents than Florida. Last month sports wagering brought in over $1,000,000 in taxes for the state. And that's for June, a notoriously slow sports month with little outside of the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final going on. But this is a huge win for legalized sports gambling in Florida.

After the original post the Seminole Tribe of Florida provided ESPN Southwest Florida with the following statement via Gary Bitner:

HOLLYWOOD, Fla., (June 30, 2023) – The Seminole Tribe of Florida is pleased with today’s unanimous decision.  It is a positive outcome for the Seminole Tribe and the people of Florida, and for all of Indian Country.  The Tribe is fully reviewing the decision to determine its next steps.

NEW YORK JETS and AARON RODGERS you are on Red Alert! One of my favorite radio segments on the Shemon and Sheppard Show on ESPN Southwest Florida is RED ALERT every Tuesday at 3:30ish! That's where we put people, teams or situations on BLAST because they deserve to be ripped. (I also like the missile launch sound effects that Chris plays from the other side of the glass!)

Common targets are prima danna athletes who are unaware of their social surroundings. It is our duty to point out their public deficiencies.

Other targets can be coaches who make bonehead decisions or team owners and general managers who drive their fans nuts. It is our job to set the world straight, at least during our ten minute segment.

Since we've been doing this segment for a while, I also enjoy how the texters like to add their nominations to the list.  Add your Red Alert via text at 239-337-ESPN.

Also, in case you are new to the show, RED ALERT blasts do NOT have to come from the world of sports. In fact, as of late, we like to close the segment by ALWAYS blasting Russian President Vladimir Putin just because. However, I should note that our show goes to painstaking lengths to avoid divisive politics at all costs.

Red Alert NEW YORK JETS and AARON RODGERS for starters! You made the list!  Let's see who else did!

So let's dial it up! Enjoy this week's RED ALERT!

-Craig Shemon

ESPN Southwest Florida

LSU gave up 24 runs Sunday and Florida gave up 18 runs Monday. Ouch!

Gave up 25 runs to the Angels on Saturday in a game where Shohei Ohtani went 1-7.

The MLB Commish said he blew the entire Astros cheating scandal by giving players immunity.  I told you that years ago.

Has to vacate 37 wins from his time at LSU for recruiting violations.  Now his win percentage falls below .600 and he is no longer eligible for the HOF.

Looks like you will be forced to be on Hard Knocks.

I hate the new website.  It was great before.  Change it back!  Now.

End the war Ass-Clown.