The state of Florida has always been a vibrant epicentre for enthusiastic fans. Whether it’s the loud cheers emanating from the electric stadiums of Miami or the tranquil charm of Palm Beach’s renowned golf courses, the Sunshine State has a deep-rooted connection with sports that is undeniable. Yet, as sports lovers prepare to cheer for their cherished teams and beloved athletes, a pressing question looms large on the horizon: Is sports betting legal in Florida?
The allure of sports betting, the art of putting your knowledge, intuition, and, perhaps, a dash of luck to the test while potentially reaping significant financial rewards, is an enticing prospect for sports enthusiasts across Florida. After all, what could be more thrilling than having a stake in the game, turning every touchdown, home run, or hole-in-one into a personal victory? The adrenaline-pumping allure of sports betting isn’t limited to seasoned gamblers; it extends its reach to anyone with a passion for sports and an eye for a good bet.
We’ll provide you with a quick answer to the legality question and go deep into the fascinating journey of how the state has ventured into this new frontier of gambling. So, if you’re curious about the current status of sports betting in Florida and eager to stay ahead of the game, we implore you to read on.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to answer this and more.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Florida?
Sports betting is legal in Florida, but there are some restrictions.
In 2021, the Seminole Tribe of Florida signed a gaming compact with the state that gave them the exclusive right to authorize sports betting in Florida. However, a federal judge blocked the compact in 2022, ruling that it violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
In 2023, a D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the district court’s decision, and sports betting resumed in Florida on June 30, 2023.
Currently, the only way to legally bet on sports in Florida is through the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Sportsbook. However, the state is considering expanding sports betting to other operators, and online sports betting could be legalized in Florida.
Florida Sports Betting Update
As of October 12, 2023, sports betting is legal in Florida, but only through the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Sportsbook.
In June 2023, a D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court’s decision that had blocked a gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe and the state of Florida. The compact allows the tribe to offer sports betting through its casinos and mobile app.
Hard Rock Sportsbook launched on November 1, 2021, and is currently the only legal sportsbook in Florida. However, the state is considering expanding sports betting to other operators, and online sports betting could be legalized in Florida in the future.
In August 2023, the Florida House of Representatives passed a bill that would have authorized online sports betting and allowed up to five other operators to provide sports betting in the state. However, the Florida Senate only took up the bill after the end of the legislative session.
It is still determined when or if Florida will expand sports betting to other operators. However, the state is reportedly in discussions with the Seminole Tribe about how to implement the gaming compact.
In the meantime, Florida residents can bet on sports through Hard Rock Sportsbook. Hard Rock Sportsbook offers betting options on multiple sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports.
10 Best Florida Sports Betting Apps
The 10 best Florida sports betting apps in 2023 are:
1. BetOnline
BetOnline is one of the oldest and most reliable offshore sportsbooks in the world. It provides various betting options on all major sports leagues, as well as a variety of niche sports and markets. BetOnline also has a generous welcome bonus and a number of ongoing promotions for existing users.
Features:
- There are various betting options on all major sports leagues and niche sports
- Competitive odds
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
- Live betting
- Mobile app
Pros:
- Trustworthy and reliable offshore sportsbook
- Wide range of betting options
- Competitive odds
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
Cons:
- Not regulated by the state of Florida
- It may take longer to withdraw winnings
2. Bovada
Bovada is another popular offshore sportsbook that accepts bets from Floridians. It is known for its wide range of prop bets and its innovative betting features. Bovada also offers a generous welcome bonus and a number of ongoing promotions for existing users.
Features:
- Wide range of prop bets and innovative betting features
- Competitive odds
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
- Live betting
- Mobile app
Pros:
- Wide range of prop bets and innovative betting features
- Competitive odds
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
Cons:
- Not regulated by the state of Florida
- It may take longer to withdraw winnings
3. Bookmaker
Bookmaker is a popular offshore sportsbook that is known for its high betting restrictions and competitive odds. It provides various betting options on all major sports leagues, as well as a variety of niche sports and markets. Bookmaker also has a generous welcome bonus and a number of ongoing promotions for existing users.
Features:
- High betting limits
- Competitive odds
- There are various options on all major sports leagues and niche sports
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
- Live betting
- Mobile app
Pros:
- High betting limits
- Competitive odds
- Wide range of betting options
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
Cons:
- Not regulated by the state of Florida
- It may take longer to withdraw winnings
4. Heritage Sports
Heritage Sports is an offshore sportsbook that is known for its live betting platform. It offers various live betting options on all major sports leagues, as well as a variety of niche sports and markets. Heritage Sports also has a generous welcome bonus and a number of ongoing promotions for existing customers.
Features:
- Extensive live betting platform
- Competitive odds
- There are various betting options on all major sports leagues and niche sports
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
- Mobile app
Pros:
- Extensive live betting platform
- Competitive odds
- Wide range of betting options
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
Cons:
- Not regulated by the state of Florida
- It may take longer to withdraw winnings
5. BetUS
BetUS is an offshore sportsbook that is known for its extensive sportsbook market. It offers various betting options on all major sports leagues, as well as a variety of niche sports and markets. BetUS also has a generous welcome bonus and a number of ongoing promotions for existing users.
Features:
- Extensive sportsbook market
- Competitive odds
- There are various betting options on all major sports leagues and niche sports
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
- Mobile app
Pros:
- Extensive sportsbook market
- Competitive odds
- Wide range of betting options
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
Cons:
- Not regulated by the state of Florida
- It may take longer to withdraw winnings
6. MyBookie
MyBookie is an offshore sportsbook that is known for its generous bonuses and promotions. It offers various betting options on all major sports leagues, as well as a variety of niche sports and markets. MyBookie also has a user-friendly mobile app that makes it simple to bet on the go.
Features:
- Generous bonuses and promotions
- There are various options on all major sports leagues and niche sports
- User-friendly mobile app
- Competitive odds
- Live betting
Pros:
- Generous bonuses and promotions
- Wide range of betting options
- User-friendly mobile app
- Competitive odds
Cons:
- Not regulated by the state of Florida
- It may take longer to withdraw winnings
7. XBet
XBet is an offshore sportsbook that is known for its innovative betting features. It Provides various betting options on all major sports leagues, as well as a variety of niche sports and markets. XBet also has a user-friendly mobile app that makes it more straightforward to bet on the go.
Features:
- Innovative betting features
- Different betting options on all major sports leagues and niche sports
- User-friendly mobile app
- Competitive odds
- Live betting
Pros:
- Innovative betting features
- Wide range of betting options
- User-friendly mobile app
- Competitive odds
Cons:
- Not regulated by the state of Florida
- It may take longer to withdraw winnings
8. Intertops
Intertops is one of the oldest and most trusted offshore sportsbooks in the world. It provides various betting options on all major sports leagues, as well as a variety of niche sports and markets. Intertops also has a generous welcome bonus and a number of ongoing promotions for existing users.
Features:
- There are various betting options on all major sports leagues and niche sports
- Competitive odds
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
- Live betting
- Mobile app
Pros:
- Trustworthy and reliable offshore sportsbook
- Wide range of betting options
- Competitive odds
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
Cons:
- Not regulated by the state of Florida
- It may take longer to withdraw winnings
9. SportsBetting.ag
SportsBetting.ag is a popular offshore sportsbook known for its competitive odds and its different betting options. It offers various betting options on all major sports leagues, as well as a variety of niche sports and markets. SportsBetting.ag also has a generous welcome bonus and a number of ongoing promotions for existing customers.
Features:
- Competitive odds
- There are various betting options on all major sports leagues and niche sports
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
- Live betting
- Mobile app
Pros:
- Competitive odds
- Wide range of betting options
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
Cons:
- Not regulated by the state of Florida
- It may take longer to withdraw winnings
10. BetNow
BetNow is a popular offshore sportsbook that is known for its user-friendly mobile app and its fast payouts. It offers different betting options on all major sports leagues, as well as a variety of niche sports and markets. BetNow also has a generous welcome bonus and a number of ongoing promotions for existing users.
Features:
- User-friendly mobile app
- Fast payouts
- There are various betting options on all major sports leagues and niche sports
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
- Live betting
Pros:
- User-friendly mobile app
- Fast payouts
- Wide range of betting options
- Generous welcome bonus and ongoing promotions
Cons:
- Not regulated by the state of Florida
All of these sports betting apps provide a variety of features and benefits, so it is essential to choose the one that is right for you.
Is DraftKings Legal in F.L.?
No, DraftKings is not currently legal in Florida. However, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is permitted in Florida, so you can still play DraftKings DFS on the DraftKings app.
DraftKings is known as a sports betting and fantasy sports company based in Boston, Massachusetts. DraftKings offers a variety of sports betting and DFS products, including sportsbooks, DFS contests, and casino games.
In 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida that gave them the exclusive right to offer sports betting in Florida. However, a federal judge blocked the compact in 2022, ruling that it violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
In 2023, a D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the district court’s decision, and sports betting resumed in Florida on June 30, 2023. However, the only way to legally bet on sports in Florida is through the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Sportsbook.
It is still being determined when or if Florida will expand sports betting to other operators, including DraftKings. However, online sports betting could be legalized in Florida in the future.
Read Also:
10 Best Betting Sites In Ghana (Bettors Choice)
Top 10 Best Bet Builder Sites In Nigeria
Top 10 Live Betting Sites And Bookmakers
Can You Use Betting Sites In Florida?
Absolutely! With the legalization of sports betting in Florida, residents and visitors can access and use various online betting platforms. However, ensure your site is licensed and regulated by the appropriate Florida authority to guarantee safe and fair play.
How To Legally Gamble Online In Florida?
To legally gamble online in Florida:
- Age Requirement: Ensure you are 21 years or older.
- Choose a Licensed Site: Only play on licensed and regulated platforms in Florida.
- Registration: Sign up by providing the necessary details.
- Geo-Location: Using geo-location technology, most sites will verify you are within the Florida state boundaries.
- Deposit Funds: Use secure payment methods available on the platform.
- Place Your Bets! Once your account is funded, choose your desired sport or event and place your bet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Florida has embraced the sports betting wave, providing its residents and visitors with various options for engaging in this exciting activity. Always gamble responsibly and stay informed on the latest regulations and updates.
FAQs
Q: Can I bet on college sports in Florida?
Yes, betting on college sports is allowed, but certain restrictions on in-state college events may exist.
Q: How is sports betting revenue taxed in Florida?
Winnings from sports betting are subject to federal and state taxes. It’s advisable to consult with a tax professional for detailed information.
Q: Are there betting limits in Florida?
Each sportsbook may have its set limits, but there are no statewide-imposed limits on wager amounts.
Q: Can I register for an online betting account outside Florida?
While you can register from anywhere, you must be physically located in Florida to place a bet.