BetRivers Teams Up with Magic City Jai-Alai for Thrilling Florida

Magic City Jai-Alai: A New Digital Era for an Age-Old Sport

BetRivers (owned by Rush Street Interactive) began offering fixed-odds Jai‑Alai markets sourced from Magic City Jai‑Alai in 2021, with initial availability in Iowa and plans to expand to other states after state approval processes. Magic City Jai‑Alai is operated by West Flagler Associates and its fronton (Magic City Fronton) has been the primary venue for the World Jai‑Alai League’s Battle Court seasons, which have been broadcast on platforms including ESPN3 and streamed by partners such as Hard Rock Bet, DraftKings and BetRivers. West Flagler Associates challenged the 2021 compact between Florida and the Seminole Tribe — a dispute that proceeded through state and federal courts and influenced subsequent arrangements permitting sportsbook access to certain Jai‑Alai wagering through apps like Hard Rock Bet as part of settlement agreements. Battle Court is a modernized, faster-paced format of traditional Jai‑Alai played in a glass‑walled court designed for visibility and fan engagement; the World Jai‑Alai League employs professional players and stages hundreds of matches each year to grow the sport and its wagering audience. Richard Schwartz is the CEO of Rush Street Interactive, the parent company of BetRivers, which has publicly discussed expanding novel betting offerings and partnerships in niche sports, including Jai‑Alai

In a move that has captivated sports betting enthusiasts and revitalized a traditional sport, Magic City Jai-Alai, a subsidiary of the Florida-based West Flagler Associates, has embarked on an innovative partnership with BetRivers. This collaboration aims to introduce Jai-Alai, a sport with a rich history and rapid gameplay, to the gambling markets of Illinois and Iowa.

The significance of this partnership extends beyond the expansion of betting options. West Flagler Associates, the force behind Magic City, has been at the forefront of legal debates surrounding sports wagering in Florida. It has challenged the constitutionality of the state’s new compact designed to legalize sports betting. This development comes as Magic City Jai-Alai, which kick-started its operations in 2018, continues to be regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

The Battle for Sports Betting in Florida

The legal battles waged by West Flagler Associates in Florida and the District of Columbia focus on the compact signed between Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This agreement, which has received approval from the Department of Interior, paves the way for retail sports betting to commence in Florida. The compact also allows for mobile sports betting, with the stipulation that servers must be located on tribal lands, and introduces a profit-sharing model for bets placed in retail establishments off-reservation.

This backdrop of legal skirmishes sets the stage for a transformation in how sports, particularly Jai-Alai, are consumed and bet upon. BetRivers, owned by Rush Street Interactive, is at the helm of this change, bringing a fresh and fast-paced format to a sport that boasts the title of the fastest in the world, with ball speeds exceeding 150 mph.

Rush Street Interactive and Jai-Alai: A Modern Twist on a Classic Sport

Richard Schwartz, CEO of Rush Street Interactive, expressed his excitement about partnering with Magic City Jai-Alai to modernize the sport for digital consumption. This partnership aims to provide bettors with a unique, in-play betting experience, leveraging the fast-paced nature of Jai-Alai to engage a new generation of digital bettors.

Scott Savin, COO of Magic City, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the commitment to revitalize Jai-Alai by offering innovative and engaging ways for fans to interact with the sport. From its inception, Magic City Jai-Alai has prioritized the integrity of the game and its athletes, striving to build and maintain trust among its betting audience.

However, the implications of this partnership and the broader expansion of online betting for Florida sports bettors remain to be fully understood. The outcome of ongoing legal challenges and the implementation of the new compact will undoubtedly shape the future of sports betting in the Sunshine State.

The Future of Jai-Alai and Sports Betting

As the legal landscape evolves, the partnership between Magic City Jai-Alai and BetRivers represents a pivotal moment for the sport of Jai-Alai and the sports betting industry at large. It signals a shift towards digital betting platforms and the modernization of traditional sports, offering fans new ways to engage with and enjoy the games they love.

The collaboration between these two entities not only brings a historic sport into the digital age but also highlights the potential for sports betting to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing market. As Magic City Jai-Alai moves forward, it carries with it the legacy of Jai-Alai while embracing the opportunities presented by modern technology and betting practices.

As sports betting continues to evolve, the journey of Magic City Jai-Alai serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional sports and the innovative potential of the betting industry. It reflects a broader trend of blending heritage with innovation, ensuring that even the fastest sport in the world can keep pace with the digital age.