After years of contentious legal battles, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and West Flagler Parties, including West Flagler Associates, LTD, Bonita-Fort Myers Corporation, and Southwest Florida Enterprises, Inc., have reached a comprehensive settlement to move forward in a partnership. The agreement signifies the West Flagler Parties’ commitment to cease all future litigation against the Seminole Tribe’s gaming operations. Instead, they will shift to a cooperative approach to offer and promote the sport of Jai Alai on Seminole’s Hard Rock Bet app, with a projected launch in early 2025.
Through this collaborative endeavor, the West Flagler Parties pledge to avoid any future legal actions concerning Seminole gaming activities, including their current and forthcoming mobile gaming operations, as announced in a press release. This deal paves the way for Jai Alai, organized by Battle Court Jai Alai, LLC (an affiliate of West Flagler), to become accessible to users via the Hard Rock Bet platform. According to the agreement, the inclusion of Jai Alai aligns with the long-standing gaming traditions in Florida, offering an innovative approach to revitalizing interest in the historic sport.
A Win-Win for Florida’s Gaming Sector
Both parties highlight the partnership as an opportunity to bolster Florida’s gaming offerings while leaving behind the costly and time-consuming legal challenges. Jim Allen, CEO of Seminole Gaming, expressed enthusiasm about this new chapter, describing the agreement as beneficial for both entities. Allen noted, “This is truly a win-win agreement for the Seminole Tribe and West Flagler. This agreement establishes a relationship of collaboration among the Seminole Tribe and West Flagler in the State of Florida. Rather than engaging in years of additional litigation, this agreement will allow the parties to work together to promote Jai Alai, which has played an important role in Florida’s gaming landscape for nearly 100 years.”
From West Flagler’s perspective, this partnership marks a positive step for the state’s gaming industry. Isadore Havenick, a representative of the West Flagler Parties, expressed excitement about working alongside the Seminole Tribe, recognizing Jai Alai’s historical relevance in Florida’s gaming scene. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the Seminole Tribe in support of their gaming operations in Florida and to promote Jai Alai, which has been a critical component of Florida’s gaming industry since the 1920s,” Havenick stated. He further emphasized the pride West Flagler feels in having Jai Alai showcased on Hard Rock Bet, as they look forward to building a strong partnership.
Background of the Seminole Tribe and West Flagler
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is widely recognized as a pioneer in the Native American gaming industry. Since the debut of its high-stakes bingo hall and casino in 1979, the Tribe has made significant strides in gaming, establishing itself as a leader through its Seminole Gaming division. Seminole Gaming currently manages six casinos across Florida, including prominent establishments such as the Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood. These locations serve as major hubs in Florida’s entertainment landscape and reflect the Seminole Tribe’s dedication to industry innovation and success.
On the other side of the partnership, the West Flagler Parties, owned by the Havenick family, are well-known in Florida’s gaming and sports entertainment sectors. West Flagler Associates and Southwest Florida Enterprises operate various venues, including a poker room and sports facility in Bonita Springs and the World Jai Alai League, headquartered in Coral Gables.
