The introduction of online Sports betting in Florida is expected to have a significant impact on the sports industry and tourism in the state, according to a sports expert at Florida Atlantic University. The launch of the Hard Rock Bet app, which occurred in December 2023 after a lengthy legal battle, is anticipated to generate approximately $20 billion for the state over a thirty-year period.
Dan Cornely, assistant director of the MBA in Sport Management program at FAU’s College of Business, believes that the app could lead to increased fan interest and engagement in sports games, as well as a boost in revenue for the state. “It’s going to have a vast impact on the sports world in Florida,” Cornely said. “Fans are going to want to try out betting, leading them to being more engaged in live sports events and boosting ticket sales for Florida teams.”
In addition to engaging existing sports fans, the gambling app could also attract individuals who have previously paid little attention to sports. “People may want to bet on a team they have never heard of or a sport they were not familiar with,” Cornely said. “It will allow for people to learn more about sports they haven’t followed.”
The app also has the potential to draw in more tourists, offering them another gambling attraction to add to the state’s casinos. This could result in increased revenue for teams through live attendance and higher tourism numbers.
Overall, the arrival of online sports betting in Florida marks a significant development in the state’s sports and tourism industries. As Cornely noted, “I think we are only seeing the beginning of what this could mean for sports in Florida.”
Historically, the legalization of sports gambling in Florida represents a significant shift from the state’s previous stance on gambling. This change has the potential to redefine the landscape of Florida’s sports industry and tourism sector, providing new opportunities for both fans and the state’s economy.
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