Eric Uribe
By , Updated on: Mar 16, 2024 08:00 PM

Mar 17, 2024 21:05 PM

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. 

Thus, online sportsbooks like BetUS and BetOnline 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!

Florida Sports Betting News

Mar 17, 2024

How Much is Florida Online Sports Betting Worth to The Sunshine State?

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Mar 6, 2024

The Litigation Over the Future of Florida Sports Betting Isn't Ending Anytime Soon

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Feb 27, 2024

Daily Fantasy Sports Sites are Preparing to Exit Florida Sports Betting Market

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Feb 6, 2024

Important Deadline Approaching in Florida Sports Betting Legal Battle

Read this article

StateFlorida
⚖️ Sports Betting Law PassedNo
👶 Minimum Gambling Age18
🌐 Online Sports BettingYes
📱 Mobile Sports BettingYes
🏦 Retail SportsbooksNo

For this reason, online betting sites such as BetUS and BetOnline are easily the best option for betting in Florida. They have the best markets, bonuses, and the highest level of convenience.

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Best Online Sports Betting Sites for Florida

We have reviewed dozens of online betting sites and have gathered the best ones for Florida bettors. They are all legally available to Florida bettors and with great access to markets that are most important to Florida bettors.

  1. BetOnline - Highest bonuses for Florida bettors
  2. BetUS - Best oddsmaker for sports fanatics
  3. Bovada - Known for its longstanding reputation
  4. XBet - A great mobile sportsbook
  5. MyBookie - Excellent customer service

BetOnline

Florida bettors can get a 100% match on their first deposit here. Use this extra boost to bet on the Miami Marlins or the Florida Gators. Speaking of Miami, the city has emerged as a cryptocurrency hub, so the extra Bitcoin bonuses here may be of special interest.

Sign Me Up To BetOnline

BetUS

BetUS is great for sports fans. This is because they will give you reduced juice on your favorite basketball and football teams. If you register the Tampa Bay Bucs as your favorite team, you will get a half point in decimal making each bet more profitable.

Sign Me Up To BetUS

Bovada

Bovada is the best-known offshore sportsbook in Florida. It is a great option with an expansive and inclusive community. If their excellent customer service representatives are not your preferred method, you can always check out their forums or ask on the internet. This is a known and trusted brand.

Sign Me Up To Bovada

XBet

For Florida bettors looking for a great mobile sportsbook, XBet really stands out. Their designers have created a true work of art when it comes to transitioning between the desktop and mobile sportsbook. If you are an on-the-go bettor, this a good option!

Sign Me Up To XBet

MyBookie

At MyBookie, Florida bettors can choose their own welcome bonus. It is great to have this personalized approach to sportsbooks. Having your way will make it an even better experience when you start combining your Tampa Bay Ray prop bets!

Sign Me Up To MyBookie
*We should note that the bookmakers listed above are offshore providers and are widely available throughout Florida. However, the following bookmakers aren’t available to Floridians: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, BetRivers, Fox Bet, and Unibet.

Betting on NFL in Florida – February 2024

  • The 49ers have -125 odds to win the 2024 Super Bowl at BetUS.
  • The Chiefs hold +105 Championship odds with Bovada.
  • Lamar Jackson has -8000 MVP odds in an epic effort for Baltimore this year.
  • The Dallas Cowboys' Dak Prescott has +1600 Super Bowl odds at MyBookie with a world-class performance this season.
  • Brock Purdy's odds to win the Super Bowl MVP are at +225 with BetOnline.

Betting on MLB in Florida – February 2024

  • The Dodgers are favored in the senior circuit with +400 championship odds at BetUS.
  • The Rays hold +1100 AL odds at MyBookie.
  • Manny Machado has +3000 MVP odds at Bovada.
  • The Marlins are longshot candidates with +5500 World Series odds at BetOnline.
  • The Astros have +1000 championship odds, eyeing a revenge tour.
  • After a brilliant rookie year, Julio Rodríguez has +1500 MVP odds at Bovada.

Betting on NBA in Florida – February 2024

  • The Bucks are listed with +425 championship odds at Bovada.
  • The Heat hold +4000 conference odds at MyBookie.
  • The Serbian player Nikola Jokic has +200 MVP odds at BetUS.
  • The Magic have +5000 conference odds at BetUS.
  • The Clippers have +700 championship odds at Bovada.
  • Defying the age narrative, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander holds +350 MVP odds.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida

Bettors in Florida can legally sign up at a number of great online sportsbooks. In fact, legality and availability are our number one criteria when we recommend sportsbooks to Florida bettors.  These sportsbooks are available to Florida bettors now even though the Sunshine State has yet to regulate sportsbooks in the state.

Ever since the 2018 Supreme Court decision Murphy vs. The Nactional Collegiate Athletic Association all the individual states have been able to start regulating and licensing sportsbooks at the state level. This is of course a great way for states to expand their tax revenue. Florida has. not yet done begun licensing their own sportsbooks.

This lack of action by the state legislature, however, does not affect sportsbooks that are licensed offshore. Many bookies available in Florida are licensed in countries like Panama or Costa Rica. These sportsbooks tend to be the best, even in states that have licensed their own sportsbooks. This is because they avoid taxes and the heavy regulations imposed by the states.

This is why we recommend these legally available sportsbooks to Florida bettors!

When will sports betting be legal in Florida?

It is difficult to predict when sports betting will be regulated by the state. Recently the Head of Government Affairs predicted that "Florida sports betting will probably end up at the Supreme Court, and that could put us well into 2024 before you see any movement.” This is the earliest that we can expect a decision, one waynor the other.

Florida Sports Betting Timeline

Many states are struggling with reaching 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.

Florida Sports Betting Timeline

2019 and the start of things

Florida is no different. 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.

2023 And Beyond

Florida sports bettors can continue using offshore sportsbooks while they wait for final decisions regarding the Seminole Tribe, the Hard Rock, and the legality of sports betting according to the Florida State Constitution. Maybe because they were used to the legality of sports betting, many large-scale rings have been busted.

In the meantime, we are waiting for the Florida Supreme Court to weigh in and deice the future of sports betting in Florida.

A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Florida Sports Betting

2024

  • 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 26, 2023 – The Florida Supreme Court is set to make a decision on the legality of online sports betting in the state.
  • 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.

Can I bet on sports in Florida?

Can I bet on sports in Florida?

Florida residents who wish to partake in sports betting will have to venture to neighboring states that have sports betting legalized – or they can sign up at an online sportsbook or a Florida Betting App. Online sportsbooks are technically not illegal in Florida and are a great option for those who want to place a wager but don’t want to cross state lines to do so. You can bet from the comfort of your own home, without breaking any laws.

The online sportsbooks we recommend are easy to use, safe, and secure, so you never have to worry about the safety or legitimacy of the sportsbook. There are some poorly operated books out there, but we only recommend the best of the best – sportsbooks that we use ourselves.

How to Bet on Sports in Florida

Florida sports bettors are spoiled when it comes to their choices for making the best sports wagers. Whether in state or out of state teams are your favorites, you will have plenty to choose from.

How to Bet on Football in Florida

The NFL schedule is nice and easy to follow. being organized by both year and week, you can easily develop a Florida football betting strategy. Florida is also home to a number of NCAAF Bowl Games, giving FL bettors an inside peek into some big football betting events.

How to Bet on Basketball in Florida

Basketball is a fast-paced sport. Getting to know local teams like the Orlando Magic will help you keep up the pace. Live betting is a favorite among basketball bettors.

How to Bet on Baseball in Florida

Whether in Spring Training, the regular season, or the road to the playoffs, Florida baseball is hot. The state has more success in other sports, something Florida baseball bettors should keep in mind.

How to Bet on UFC in Florida

UFC has some big names, and our recommended sportsbooks cover them all and more. They dive deep into this full contact sport to bring you the most betting options.

How to Bet on Boxing in Florida

Boxing has its own unique set of bet types. Whether betting on the winner, the round the fight will end in, or the method of victory, boxing bets will keep your guard up.

Betting on Florida Sports Teams

There are plenty of teams in Florida that you can place a bet on. There are 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 two teams: the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami Dolphins. The Jaguars joined the league in 1995 and have three divisional titles under their belt. The Dolphins have been around much longer, since 1965, and made their mark in the 70’s – winning back to back Super Bowls in ’72 and ’73.

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, earning a spot for 14 of their 29 years.

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 MLB teams in the league, and it only took a decade for them to capture their World Series title in 2008.

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

Best Daily Fantasy Sports Apps In Florida

There is no law specifically prohibiting daily fantasy sports betting in Florida, so it sits in a grey zone. This lack of regulation allows bettors in Florida to access some Daily Fantasy Sports app. This grey area makes DFS betting a risky business in Florida.

Despite these risks, FanDuel and DraftKings both operate in the state. however, a 1991 opinion from the then-Attorney General suggested that Fantasy Sports betting would indeed violate state law. For this reason, Yahoo Sports does not operate in the state.

Is Horse Racing Legal in Florida?

You can place pari-mutuel bets on horses in the state of Florida. There are a number of racinos and race tracks throughout the state. In fact, slot machines are authorized where pari-mutuel betting happens in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

Florida bettors can place pari-mutuel bets on horse racing,  quarter-horse racing, greyhound racing, harness horse racing, and jai alai games. We include a list of racinos in our discussion of Florida casinos below. Find the one nearest you or enjoy online horse betting at the Florida sportsbooks we recommend here.

Casinos in Florida

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. The biggest one is the world famous Hard Rock Tampa Casino, Mardi Gras Casino, and Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino. Offtrack betting is also an option for Florida residents that don't want to leave the comfort of their homes. Check out our review on off-track betting in Florida.

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

 

 

Betting on Florida Sports Teams

Nearby states with online sports betting

There are two states that border Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Neither of them have legalized and regulated sports betting. They are in a very similar situation to Florida bettors, who can use offshore sportsbooks without a problem.

Mississippi is the nearest state to Florida that licenses and regulates its own sportsbooks. This is quite the drive, especially for Floridians farther down the coast.

Top Online Sportsbooks for Florida

Our Florida online sportsbook reviews will help guide you to the right place. Whether you are just getting started, or if you have been betting on sports online in Florida for years, they will provide you with useful information. We take great care in our reviews, making sure to objectively compile different criteria. We then weigh it according to what is most important for online betting in Florida.

Legal Sports Betting States