TAMPA, Florida — “Woo!” shouted legendary wrestler Ric Flair walking the red carpet at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino Friday.
His catchphrase captured the excitement of the star-studded event and the Seminole Tribe of Florida as they unveiled live craps, roulette and in-person sports betting in Tampa.
“What are you going to do when the Hard Rock and Hulk Hogan and the roulette wheel run wild on you brother,” said WWE Hall of Famer and Tampa local Hulk Hogan.
The expansion of new gaming at the casino comes after a years-long legal battle, following the signing of the 2021 gaming compact between the state and the tribe.
The compact gives the tribe exclusive rights to live games and sports betting. They launched the trio at their casino in Hollywood, Florida, on Thursday.
“This is monumental,” said Chris Osceola, a Seminole Tribe Councilman. “The compact was signed in 2021 and two and half years later, here we are just getting to spin the wheels and open everything up.”
The compact guarantees Florida $2.5 billion over the first five years and $6 billion by 2030, which the tribe says means more jobs, more growth and more opportunity.
“The tribe partners with the state, the state wins, the tribe wins, the residents win, all the money stays here in Florida,” Osceola added.
Flair, Hogan, Titus O’Neil, social media superstar Lele Pons; iconic athletes like Wade Boggs, John Daly, Doug Flutie, Warren Moon, Eddie George, Tim Brown and Derrick Brooks were among the first to make wagers when the games launched around noon.
“People don’t have to go out west to Vegas to enjoy all the games, hopefully, it will be a big boost,” Brooks said.
The stars' first bets helped raise thousands for charity.
"The introduction of new games is a historic milestone that solidifies Florida as one of the world's great gaming destinations," said Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr.