Significant Launch
Although online casinos weren’t included in the Florida government’s 30-year gaming agreement signed with the Seminole Tribe of Florida in 2021, a loophole has allowed people in the state to access an online product similar to slot machines.
Hard Rock Bet introduced 21 games on October 29 with mechanics akin to online slots. The Seminole-owned Hard Rock Bet launched these games on October 29:
Seems like there might be a slow roll out of IGaming on the Hard Rock app for some users in Florida. Potential massive news in the gaming world. https://t.co/CRZ0PvGuDn
— Dan Back (@dan_back) October 29, 2025
The difference is that the results of these “Games Powered by Past Motor Races” don’t come from a random number generator. Instead, they use historical data from NASCAR races, similar to historical horse racing (HHR) machines available in states like Kentucky.
The only state with an online version of these games is Oregon, where the state regulator licenses the Luckii app.
The Matter Remains Unclear
Hard Rock Bet believes it’s allowed to offer these products, as the 2021 gaming compact permits wagering on “any past or future sports or athletic event.”
NASCAR didn’t know anything about this launch
According to Gaming Today journalist Brant James, NASCAR was unaware of this launch and declined to comment publicly:
Nobody is commenting on the record just yet and there’s no legal action. But @brantjames takes a closer look at what makes the games legal in Florida and how intellectual property plays into all this: https://t.co/y28iY6PSXG
— Casino Reports (@casino_reports) November 3, 2025
The motor racing organization doesn’t have an official gambling partnership with the tribe, as Playtech provides the data. Hard Rock Bet sponsors a race as part of the NASCAR Xfinity Series held at the Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Possible Data Issues
Hard Rock doesn’t believe it needs a license to use the race results for games in Florida, citing a legal case that classified this type of sports data as public domain. One concern raised by Brant James is the use of real drivers’ names and numbers from the past two decades in the gameplay.
Hard Rock Bet has an online casino in New Jersey, though it doesn’t offer games based on NASCAR race data there yet.
iGaming is significantly more profitable than sports betting, while the current Florida compact doesn’t permit games like online slots and table games. There’s potential for renegotiation if both parties agree, though an amended or new compact would be necessary.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com