Florida
Florida is a lot of things — hot, humid, a magnet for transplants and retirees, and a hub of sports. The latter goes for professional and college as the Sunshine State is littered with sports teams. That’s just in-state too, all the transplants that move there bring their own fandom (e.g. a lot of New York sports fans down there). This should make Florida one of the best sports betting markets, right?

Well, not quite. Sports betting IS legal in the Sunshine State, but it’s heavily restricted. Only one operator is allowed (Hard Rock) and all of its betting has to be done in casinos owned by Hard Rock. Due to these limits, the offshore betting market has exploded in Florida since it allows betting anywhere and everywhere inside the state border. Yes — anywhere! Stick with us because we’re about to explain how to bet in Florida easily with offshore sportsbooks.

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Quick Florida Facts

StateFlorida
⚖️ Sports Betting Laws✅ Available
👫 Population23 Million
👶 Minimum Gambling Age21 Years Old
🏙️ Retail Sports Betting✅ Available
🌐 Online Sports Betting✅ Available
📱 Mobile Sports Betting✅ Available
🐎 Online Horse Betting✅ Available
🏆 DFS✅ Available
Last updated on: November 4, 2024

Is Sports Betting Legal In Florida?

Contrary to popular belief, sports betting is legal in Florida. However, it’s not a free market. Only Hard Rock is allowed to offer legal sports betting. This is due to a compact the Seminole Tribe — which owns Hard Rock — signed with the state of Florida in 2021. The compact was a 30-year agreement.

The legality of this compact has been challenged in Florida. So much so that a case went to the Supreme Court — not for an official hearing, but for a decision to be made on whether it should be heard in the first place. The Supreme Court denied it, which means the Hard Rock monopoly is here to stay until 2051. It’s not impossible, but no other operators like DraftKings or FanDuel will be allowed inside the state due to this monopoly (they would need to be voted in).

Hard Rock owns several different casinos up and down Florida. They also have the Hard Rock Bet app. Florida bettors looking to bet on sports MUST be in and around those casinos to place bets — no ifs, ands, or butts about it. This goes for app betting too. Obviously, that’s a huge restriction for the majority of bettors who live far from those physical locations or just don’t want to drive there every time they want to place a wager.

That’s an annoying gap that offshore betting has filled. You see, being as they operate in foreign countries (where betting is fully legal), they get to skirt around Florida laws and the United States at-large regulations too. So yes, they work in Florida no matter where you’re located. This is a godsend to Florida bettors, who can easily use the offshore apps and sites to make wagers rather than go to a Hard Rock each time. Keep reading and we’ll explain how convenient offshore sites make betting in Florida.

Oct 16, 2024 15:00 PM

Hard Rock international chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen discusses potential "strategic relationship" with FanDuel and DraftKings in Florida.

Florida Sports Betting Timeline

It's been a long, windy road to get Florida betting legalized. Here's a year-by-year recap of what's happened:

2024

September 11, 2024 - Miami Dolphins face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football in Week 2—don't miss the latest Sportsbook promo codes ahead of the game from online sportsbooks like BetUS and BetOnline, which remain your best option for betting in Florida. You'll find high bonuses, competitive odds and tens of thousands of markets to bet on every day!
 
August 14, 2024 - Florida's lottery landscape is set to expand with the anticipated launch of theLotter, an online lottery courier service. This new platform will enable Florida residents to purchase lottery tickets through the internet, potentially increasing accessibility and convenience for lottery participants across the state.

 
August 3, 2024 - The hopes of Florida Sports Betting fans who are eagerly waiting for legalized sports betting were dealt a blow when a new lawsuit was filed that could block the legislation for years. We are waiting for the State Supreme Court to weigh in and decide the future road map of legal sports betting in the Sunshine State. 
 
June 13, 2024 - The Supreme Court denies West Flagler's challenge to Seminole Tribe's exclusive gambling compact, ensuring the deal stays intact until 2051.
 
May 29, 2024 The Supreme Court's decision to hear or not hear the case on legal Florida sports betting is slated June 13, 2024.
 
March 21, 2024 The Seminole Tribe's sports betting operations received support when the Florida Supreme Court rejected a petition contesting the gambling compact. Despite this setback, West Flagler continues to explore alternative legal options to challenge the compact.
 
January 13, 2024 - Following the reinstatement of sports betting in Florida, numerous bills have surfaced regarding daily fantasy sports in the Sunshine State.

2023

December 1, 2023 - West Flagler's attempt to pause Florida's sports betting market was turned down by the state's Supreme Court, permitting wagering operations to proceed without hindrance.
 
November 3, 2023 - The Seminole Tribe intends to start in-person sports betting and offer craps and roulette at its six Florida casinos, subject to regulatory approval.
 
October 2, 2023 - In an attempt to stop sports betting from becoming legal in Florida, West Flagler has turned to the Supreme Court of Florida to file a constitutional challenge against it.
 
September 4, 2023 - The US Department of the Interior rejected West Flagler Associates' petition for an en banc rehearing of their sports betting case, calling it "unwarranted."
 
August 3, 2023 - The National Indian Gaming Commission reported that the region of Florida and surrounding states generated $9 billion in gambling revenue for 2022, representing a 10.8% increase compared to the prior year's total of $8.1 billion.
 
July 4, 2023 - Florida's future in legal sports betting remains uncertain as the public eagerly awaits a court ruling. The outcome could be influenced by a recent decision from the Supreme Court.
 
June 11, 2023 - The conclusion of Florida's 2023 legislative session brought disappointing news for those hoping for the legalization of sports betting. Unfortunately, no progress was made on this front.
 
May 5, 2023 - DraftKings has launched its latest mobile application, DK Horse, which arrives just in time for the upcoming Kentucky Derby on May 6th. The new app is now up for grabs in Florida.
 
March 17, 2023 - As lobbyists advocate for the legalization of mobile betting, state representatives are analyzing its widespread success throughout the country.
 
February 24, 2023 - The court of appeals is considering whether the Seminole Tribe should have the right to manage sports betting in Florida.
 
January 17, 2023 - In 2023, there is sure to be an intense legal fight over sports betting in Florida.

2022

December 15, 2022 - Florida's sports betting decision is anticipated for 2023.
 
December 1, 2022 - Florida's media and betting businesses saw a 5.7% boost in online sports betting revenue in 2022.
 
November 14, 2022 - The Seminole Tribe aims to participate in the upcoming Florida sports betting case.
 
October 21, 2022 - Controversial figure Pete Rose opens betting at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati.
 
October 26, 2022 - Florida's Department of Interior seeks to legalize sports betting and collaborate with the Seminole Tribe, involving the federal court system.
 
September 27, 2022 - The federal government, representing the Department of Interior, filed a response regarding the gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis.
 
August 8, 2022 - Legal disputes caused delays in casino deals related to sports betting.
 
August 21, 2022 - The Biden Administration's involvement affects Florida's sports betting situation.
 
July 29, 2022 - Brandt Iden, Head of Government Affairs in the US, predicts Florida's sports betting might reach the Supreme Court, potentially lasting until 2024.
 
June 12, 2022 - Former WSOP bracelet winner Cory Zeidman faces charges linked to a $25 million sports betting scheme.
 
June 5, 2022 - A Florida man defrauds millions of people in a sports betting Ponzi scheme.
 
May 13, 2022 - California tribes halt a mobile betting ballot initiative due to criticism.
 
May 11, 2022 - US casinos achieve record-breaking wins of $5.3 billion, with Americans betting $57.7 billion on sports in 2021, more than double the 2020 figure.

Best Sportsbooks In Each Category

Best overallBetUS
Best bonusesBetUS
Most unique bonusesBetNow
Top VIP programMyBookie
Best reputationBovada
Best sportsbookBetOnline
Best casinoEverygame
Best mobile appXBet
Best for new playersBovada
Best for high rollersBetUS
Best up-and-coming sportsbookXBet
Last updated on: November 4, 2024

Top 7 Sports Betting Sites

If we had to pick only 7 offshore sportsbooks for Florida-based bettors, it would be these:

  1. Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
  2. BetUS - Extensive range of betting options across multiple sports.
  3. XBet - Quick payouts and responsive customer support.
  4. BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
  5. BetNow - Generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players.
  6. MyBookie - Innovative prop bets and creative wagering opportunities.
  7. Everygame - Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.

#1 Bovada

A smartphone displaying the Bovada sports betting app interface with various sports betting options. The background features images of a basketball player on the left and a hockey player on the right. The Bovada logo is at the top right corner.

Bovada Florida Pros & Cons

  • Reputable name
  • Simple, straightforward experience
  • Sportsbook bonuses are cheap
  • Dated-looking site

Atop our recommendations is the Bovada sportsbook. The first thing that immediately jumps out about Bovada is its trust factor. We understand this is probably a sticking point for many of you reading this since, admittedly, offshore betting might sound sketchy at first. It’s not as long as you’re gambling on reliable platforms, which Bovada certainly is.

This betting site has been around since the early 2010s and remains one of the most-used offshore platforms today. That’s not an easy feat, not in an industry that’s this competitive like online sports betting. With that type of track record, you know they’re doing something, right?

Welp, they’re doing a lot right, but for us, it’s really the user experience that shines most. It’s a bit of a no-frills experience, but we don’t mean that in a bad way. Whereas other platforms can muddle their betting experience with uneeded features or useless gimmicks, Bovada eschews all that. It’s straight betting — and very little else.

This straightforward experience is especially handy for first-time bettors. Even if you’ve never wagered online before, Bovada’s platform is easy to pick up. Bets are easy to find on-site, money can be deposited without hassle, and so on. Things just work like they’re supposed to.

All this makes Bovada a quality choice for bettors in Florida. Bovada has long reigned atop the offshore marketplace, and we don’t see that changes anytime soon. As a bettor, it’s never a bad idea to be aligned with one of the market leaders.

Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#2 BetUS

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BetUS Florida Pros & Cons

  • Biggest free-play bonuses
  • Well-stocked betting menu
  • Free play expires in seven days
  • High rollover requirement

 

The biggest — and we mean biggest — thing that stands out about BetUS are the bonuses. We’ve gone up and down this industry and we can confidently say the BetUS platform offers the most lucrative deals of all. And there’s a huge gap between them and the next-best too.

BetUS is constantly revolving their bonuses. However, the common thread between all is their huge payouts. We'll call out a few examples of deals running as of right now just to level-set things. The sign-up bonus reaches over $3000 in free play. That’s a gargantuan sum that’s 3X the norm you’ll find elsewhere.

Think that deal is killer? How about this: a $6000 refer-a-friend deal. That’s right, six grand just for bringing friends or family on board. Of course, that’s the max reward if everything goes right, but still. Money this high for a referral promo is unheard of.

But that’s the BetUS way — unheard and downright crazy. Elsewhere, the site makes good use of the free play because the platform is rock-solid. Bets can easily be had on sports, casino, poker, or horse racing. You’ll be hard-pressed to NOT find the bet you’re looking for because BetUS carries it all.

For bettors looking to cash out WITHOUT winning bets, BetUS has to be your spot. The promotions the site doles out help minimize some of the inherent risks of betting so gambling here is also smart strategy-wise.

Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#3 XBet

A promotional image featuring the XBet logo in the top right, a mobile phone displaying a betting app in the center, and athletes in the background. The left side shows a basketball player, while the right side depicts a baseball pitcher.

XBet Florida Pros & Cons

  • Excellent mobile app
  • Error-free live betting system
  • Bonuses and contests are plain
  • Could use more casino games

One big complaint we have about Hard Rock Bet — Florida’s only sports betting app — is the user experience on mobile. It’s just ok. While yes, it works, the experience is lacking compared to other competitors. One of those competitors is XBet, which arguably has the best mobile app in the business.

XBet’s on-the-go app excels in more ways than one. The first is on pure looks. So many other offshore apps are stuck in the 2010s, when it was first designed — having made little to no changes since then. Not XBet though. This is a modern design that’s been meticulously tweaked to perfection over the years. We’ve seen it first-hand while playing with the app.

But it’s not just cosmetics. More importantly, the app works incredibly well. The functional design is on point so navigating the app is easy. Errors or lag are largely nonexistent. There's just a smoothness to using the XBet app that has to be experienced — our words can’t fully explain it.

Having a great app also means XBet can do live betting and do it well. One of the biggest issues that plagues other apps is bugs and slowness while trying to keep up with live games. At Xbet? There is rarely issues. XBet’s live odds kept up with real-time games dangerously close, which is needed for bettors.

We’re big fans of XBet. They’ve proven an ability to stay ahead of the curve — a quality that bettors should want out of their bookmaker. Wherever the online betting space goes next, we’re confident XBet will trail closely if not lead the way forward.

Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

#4 BetOnline

A promotional image for BetOnline showcases a smartphone displaying their sports betting app interface. The background features semi-transparent images of three athletes: a soccer player, a baseball player, and a basketball player, with the BetOnline logo at the top right.

BetOnline Florida Pros & Cons

  • Massive sportsbook menu
  • Well-priced betting lines
  • Needs more contests

At the end of the day, you’re here to bet on sports, right? That’s what we imagine most Florida bettors care about most. If so, then it’s hard to go wrong with BetOnline. That’s because they might have the deepest sportsbook menu of all — it’s knee-deep!

The depth of a sportsbook comes down to two things. The first is just having a lot of different sports and leagues to bet on. BetOnline checks this box. Of course, all the big sports are bet-able here like NFL, MLB, NBA, and so on. However, right next to them, you’ll find obscure sports like cricket, rugby, hell, even ping pong, among others.

The second thing that adds to a sportsbook’s depth is the actual types of bets offered. We’re talking moneyline, props, futures, and the like. At BetOnline, all these varieties are offered — more so for the major sports. Things like NFL or UFC have seemingly endless props available for every matchup.

One more thing though: BetOnline doesn’t just offer all these bets, but they do so at bettor-friendly odds. An overlooked part of being a successful bettor is maximizing value, as in the odds of a bet. We’ll tell you right now, Florida bettors won’t get ripped off wagering at BetOnline. Odds are in line with other major platforms, if not better at certain times.

BetOnline has sports betting on lock. Realistically, a player could use BetOnline and BetOnline only to fulfill all their bets — no real need to jump from site to site. That’s a convenience factor that really makes BetOnline shine.

Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#5 BetNow

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BetNow Florida Pros & Cons

  • Bonus options galore
  • Only sportsbook rebate
  • Betting lines can be less forgiving

We’ll be honest, not a lot of things surprise us in this industry. That’s because it’s a copycat business — if one sportsbook finds something that works, competitors quickly follow suit. That’s why you end up with an industry full of competition that’s hard to tell apart. Yet, BetNow managed to turn our heads more than once.

It starts with their options. It’s abundant, starting with the promotions. Get this, BetNow offers four sign-up bonuses, three reload deals, and another three rebate programs. This is not the norm in the industry, which often offers a catch-all deal for bettors. That doesn’t really make sense since bettors differ too much to just have one promo. So kudos to BetNow for the options.

One of those promotions really wowed us though and that’s the sportsbook rebate. We’re not kidding when we say BetNow is probably the only sportsbook around — offshore or even commercial — that offers a rebate on sports bets. Sure, it’s “only” two percent, but again, we’ll take it. The rebate applies to net losses during the week only.

Options exist elsewhere besides just promotions. BetNow offers the full gamut of bets in the sportsbook and casino. There was never a moment when we missed out on a bet we were looking for. Never! Pair that with the promotions, and BetNow becomes a very attractive option for Floridians.

Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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#6 MyBookie

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MyBookie Florida Pros & Cons

  • Top-notch VIP program
  • Complimentary casino and sportsbook
  • VIP program is invitation only
  • Platform could go for a redesign

MyBookie ends up on this list for one major reason: its VIP program. This is exactly as it sounds — a rewards program in the same style or a Las Vegas comp system. Bets made on MyBookie are worth points. These points can then be turned into cold hard cash to bet with for free!

But here’s the kicker: this VIP program is invitation-only. MyBookie bucks the industry trend that allows any and every player to join. What does that say about MyBookie? That they covet high rollers — who presumably have the best chance at getting invited since they’re betting with size. This is probably not the platform if you have limited funds if we’re being honest.

Reward programs are best for bettors who are in it for the long run. Whereas a sign-up bonus is great for a quick injection of cash, it’s also a one-time promo. A rewards program? It never ends. In fact, the more you bet, the bigger the rewards can get.

Outside of the VIP program, MyBookie has everything else a bettor needs. That includes a fully-stocked sportsbook, a deep casino, and racebook action too. In fact, having all these options is better for the VIP program because it’s just more chances to rack up points and free play. This rounds out the MyBookie experience, which is high up there.

Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐

#7 Everygame

A promotional image for Everygame features a phone displaying the Everygame app interface. A tennis player is shown on the left, and a jockey on a horse is on the right. The background is predominantly red with overlay text highlighting online sports betting and casino options.

Everygame Florida Pros & Cons

  • Huge menu of soccer bets
  • Multiple casinos
  • Bonuses are rather cheap

Everygame has been in business for decades — but under a different name. They were formerly called Intertops, and made a lot of headway in Europe. They’ve rebranded to Everygame in the past few years, and so far, so good.

But as we said, this is a European sportsbook. With that, they do some things differently. For one, they offer more unique deals compared to other counterparts on this list. Promotional offers like insurance bets on soccer games that end in a draw are common.

Speaking of soccer, this is where Everygame really shines. It’s soccer (or football if you’re non-American) selection is world-class. All the big leagues are here, of course, but also little-known leagues like, say, Belarusian soccer. If you’re a big fan of betting on the sport, you’re doing a disservice by betting anywhere else than Everygame.

Our score ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Where Are Sportsbooks Like Fanduel, DraftKings, Ceasars?

As we mentioned before, only the Seminole Tribe has the right to operate a sportsbook in Florida thanks to a compact agreement made with state lawmakers. That singles out popular bookies like BetMGM or FanDuel from operating. This compact is in place until 2051, which casts doubt on other sportsbooks ever joining the fray in Florida.

There is a small glimmer of hope they are allowed in Florida though. However, commercial operators would need to be voted in by Florida citizens in true ballot form. This is partially why there’s been so much controversy with the Seminole Tribe — they skipped out on the democratic process when getting their exclusive license. And if DraftKings or FanDuel ever do push to enter the state, you better believe the Seminoles will fight tooth and nail against it. They have a deep enough “war chest” of money to play defense too so don’t bank on its monopoly ending anytime soon.

Betting On Politics, Esports, Entertainment In Florida

Here’s one major thing that separates offshore sportsbooks from commercial sportsbooks: the betting markets. Offshore sites simply offer more betting lines that licensed platforms can’t even touch. You notice this when you go away from “traditional” sports.

For example, betting on the 2024 US presidential election outcome is only possible on offshore sites. That’s because there are usually state laws against betting on non-sport outcomes. So you won’t ever find Kamala Harris vs. Donald Trump odds on Hard Rock Bet. The same goes for entertainment (e.g. who will win the Oscars awards) or esports.

Betting Apps In Florida

We touched on this before when talking about XBet but it bears repeating: the Hard Rock Bet mobile app is nothing to write home about. Offshore betting apps are better-made more often than not. Best of all, though, offshore apps allow for betting anywhere in Florida (Hard Ridk only works on native casinos).

We have a specially-made guide for betting apps in Florida. This article goes deeper into which apps are most worth your time AND money.

Start Betting In Florida Today — Our Guides

Now that you know the Florida betting scene, you should get familiar with betting in general. As in how to actually make money at this thing. We got you covered here with different betting guides. Start by reading these five:

Payment Methods Available For Florida Sportsbooks

Offshore betting apps support many different payment methods. Crypto stands out though but here again, it’s an offshore-only option (licensed apps aren’t allowed to take in coins). Here are mini-guides to the most-used payment methods on offshore platforms, including crypto:

  • VISA — the co-most popular card accepted on betting sites.
  • Mastercard — the other co-most popular card across the betting landscape.
  • Bitcoin — the payment method that'll earn you the most free play at most places.
  • Bank wire — the tried-and-true payment method that works with the majority of banks.

Florida Casinos & Resorts

There are quite a few casinos in Florida, including tribal casinos owned by the Seminole tribe, racinos which boast horse and greyhound racing, and casino boats (yes, for you riverboat gamblers out there). The biggest ones are the world-famous Hard Rock Tampa Casino, Mardi Gras Casino, and Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino. Here's a comprehensive list of locations around the Sunshine State:

Name and CityAddressType
Big Easy Casino in Hallandale Beach FL831 N Federal HwyRacino
Calder Casino & Race Course in Miami Gardens FL21001 NW 27th AveRacino
Casino Miami Jai-Alai in Miami FL3500 NW 37th AveRacino
Creek Entertainment Gretna in Gretna FL501 Racetrack DriveRacino
Dania Jai-Alai in Dania Beach FL301 E Dania Beach BlvdRacino
Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club in Daytona Beach FL960 S Williamson BlvdRacino
Derby Lane in St. Petersburg FL10490 Gandy Blvd NRacino
Ebro Greyhound Track in Ebro FL10490 Gandy Blvd NRacino
Flagler Dog Track and Magic City Casino in Miami FL450 NW 37th AveRacino
Fort Pierce Jai-Alai & Poker in Fort Pierce FL1750 S Kings HwyRacino
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino in Hallandale Beach FL901 S Federal HwyRacino
Hialeah Park Race Track in Hialeah FL2200 E 4th AveRacino
Jacksonville Kennel Club in Orange Park FL455 Park AveRacino
Jefferson County Kennel Club in Monticello FL3079 N Jefferson HwyRacino
Mardi Gras Casino (The Big Easy Casino) in Hallandale FL831 N Federal HwyRacino
Melbourne Greyhound Park in Melbourne FL1100 N Wickham RdRacino
Naples/Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita Springs FL10601 Bonita Beach Rd SERacino
Ocala Poker & Jai-Alai in Ocala FL4601 W Hwy 318Racino
Orange Park Kennel Club in Orange Park FL455 Park AveRacino
Orange City Racing & Card Club in Orange City FL822-4 Saxon BlvdRacino
Oxford Downs in Summerfield FL17996 US-301Racino
Palm Beach Kennel Club in West Palm Beach FL1111 N Congress AveRacino
Pensacola Greyhound Track in Pensacola FL951 Dog Track RdRacino
Pompano Park in Pompano FL1660 NE 10th StRacino
Sarasota Kennel Club in Sarasota FL5400 Bradenton RdRacino
Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa FL11225 Race Track RoadRacino
Tampa Greyhound Track in Tampa FL755 E Waters AveRacino
Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center in Miami FL500 S.W. 177th AvenueTribal
Seminole Casino Big Cypress in Clewiston FL1 W Boundary RdTribal
Seminole Casino Brighton in Okeechobee FLRoute 6 Box 611Tribal
Seminole Casino Immokalee in Immokalee FL506 South 1st StreetTribal
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek in Coconut Creek5550 NW 40th StreetTribal
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa in Tampa FL5223 N. Orient RoadTribal
Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood FL4150 N. State Road 7Tribal
Victory Casino Cruises in Cape Canaveral FLB 2 180 Christopher Columbus DrShips
Victory Casino Cruises in Jacksonville FL180 Christopher Columbus DrShips
Last updated on: November 4, 2024

History of Florida Legalization Efforts

Many states are struggling to reach agreements with tribes who run the casinos, and ensuring that both parties can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement before they legalize sports betting within the state.

In this case, however, Florida's governor brokered a sports betting monopoly with the Seminole tribe. No other tribe or commercial operator is allowed to open or run their sportsbook inside the state. This was recently upheld by the Supreme COurt too so there's no going back on the agreement now.

Florida Sports Betting Timeline

2019 and the start of things

In 2019, the state pledged to shut down designated player games at pari-mutuel facilities if the Seminole tribe would increase their state payment to $500 million. Governor Ron DeSantis refused to sign the agreement, and the tribe ceased their current $330 million payments to the state. Without the payments from the Seminole tribe, the need for sports betting has been even greater to make up for that lost revenue.

Florida is home to eight professional sports teams, and several Division I collegiate teams. With 21 million people living in Florida, it’s a destination for sunshine and sports for some, so officials would be wise to get on top of sports betting and start reeling in revenue from locals and visitors alike.

2021 Almost there

This could be why Florida reached an agreement on sports betting with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. They are able to deploy both retail and mobile sports betting starting in 2021.

Florida’s gambling laws are regulated and all legal gambling includes casino gaming, tribal gambling, casino boats, horse racing, dog racing, Bingo, the state lottery, and charitable gambling. The casino boats are interesting because they allow bettors to board luxury boats that travel offshore where gambling is technically not illegal.

There are eight tribal casinos in the state of Florida, with the Seminole tribe owning seven. Florida is home to plenty of horse racing tracks, which allows bettors to go watch and bet the races – especially the thoroughbreds at Calder Race Course, Gulfstream Park, and Tampa Bay Downs. Horse racing sites like TwinSpires and TVG also operate within the state.

2024 And Beyond

Sports betting in Florida is, in fact, legal as of April 2024. However, the matter is still pending litigation. The Supreme Court of the United States is now deciding to whether hear a case brought by West Flagler Associates, a gaming operator based in Florida, that alleges the Seminole tribe's exclusive gaming compact with the state violates the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

It's also worth noting the because of the current Florida sports betting agreement, gambling is only offered by Seminole tribe operations—mainly, their Florida online sports betting app and casinos. That's unlikely to change before 2026.

Betting on Florida Sports Teams

There are plenty of teams in Florida that you can place a bet on. There are at least two teams for every professional sport in Florida – two must be their lucky number.

Betting on the NFL

For starters, in the NFL, there are three Florida-based teams: the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Miami Dolphins. Tampa Bay won a Super Bowl behind Tom Brady in 2021, but the state has largely been held down by Miami, who had an impressive run in the '70s and through the ''90s.

Betting on the NBA

In the NBA, there are two professional teams: The Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic, both of which are in the Southeast Division. The Heat just had their 30th anniversary, and have won three NBA Finals – two of which under LeBron James’ reign. The Orlando Magic are without a championship, but are no strangers to the playoffs.

Betting on the MLB

If baseball is your sport, you can bet on one of the two MLB teams in Florida. The Miami Marlins have two World Series wins but have done so with never having won a division title. How? Both times they made it to the World Series as a wild card team. The Tampa Bay Rays are one of the younger and more exciting MLB teams.

Betting on the NHL

If you want to bet on the puck line, The Tampa Bay Lightning is one of the NHL teams you are able to bet on in Florida. The team was founded in 1992 and had a slow start, but finally, they captured their first and only title (so far) in 2003-2004. The other NHL team you can put some money on (or against) is the Florida Panthers, who haven’t been known to be a strong team, except for the 1996 season where they made it to the Stanley Cup Finals and lost.

Betting on sports is easy and convenient when using an online sportsbook in Florida. Check out our thoroughly vetted sportsbook reviews and get in on the action today

Other Types Of Betting In Florida

So far, we’ve mostly focused on sports betting. However, we’re here to tell you other forms of betting are also on the table inside the Sunshine State.

Let’s begin with horse-betting, which is fully legal. Bets can be had at local tracks like Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, or Hialeah Park, among others. Offshore betting apps, however, allow you to bet from the comfort of your computer or phone if you’d rather save on gas money driving to the local horse track.

Then there are daily fantasy sports. In 2024, a piece of legislation was floated around, attempting to ban DFS — saying it violated the state’s compact with the Seminoles. However, it didn’t pass and DFS remains legal stateside. Many operators like PrizePicks or Betr serve that segment of fantasy sports wagering.

Casino gambling is only legal inside Hard Rock establishments — this includes slots and table games. It’s part of the same compact that governs sports wagering. However, all the offshore bookies we covered on this page also have casino counterparts in case you want to skirt those rules too.

Florida Betting Resources

Sports Betting Rules In Each State

Responsible Gaming In Florida

Betting responsibly is essential to ensure that gambling remains a fun and entertaining activity rather than a source of stress and financial hardship. It’s important to set a budget before you start betting and most importantly, stick to it. Many bettors find ways to talk themselves out of it and pull “just a few more dollars” — and spoiler alert: that’s a sign things are starting to go off the rails.

A budget is one boundary that has to be set to keep things responsible, however, there are others too. Other common ones include setting time limits on your betting activities or avoiding betting when under the influence of alcohol or emotions (e.g. after a tough loss). It's on bettors to decide which rules are right for them, but we just wanted to share some ideas.

We do want to provide a few resources beyond us in case you or someone you know ever needs it. Here are several links that can assist problem gamblers:

Gambling Addiction Support Network (https://www.gamblingaddictionsupport.org/)
A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) (https://www.centerforresponsiblegaming.org/)

The Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.

24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.gamblinghelponline.org/24-7-helpline/)

A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems."

Florida-specific resources:

Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) (https://gamblinghelp.org)

A 24/7 confidential helpline (888-ADMIT-IT) offering support, information, and treatment referrals for individuals experiencing gambling issues in Florida.

Florida Department of Children and Families – Problem Gambling Services (https://www.myflfamilies.com)

Provides resources and referrals for gambling addiction treatment within Florida, offering assistance to individuals and families impacted by problem gambling.

Gambling Addiction Treatment at University of Florida (https://ufhealth.org)

Offers specialized programs for individuals dealing with gambling addiction, providing both outpatient and inpatient treatment options in Florida.