
Florida technically legalized sports betting in 2021, but a legal battle between the state and local operators has kept the market in limbo ever since. As of now, only the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet app is available — and even that is limited to users physically located in Florida and registered with the platform.
For everyone else, options are slim. Retail sportsbooks aren’t open to the public, and no other online operators are licensed to take bets in the state.
Still, you’re not out of options. Offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline, Bovada, and MyBookie legally accept Florida residents, offering full betting menus, fast crypto banking, and reliable mobile apps. Below, we’ll break down what’s legal, how Hard Rock Bet works, and which trusted offshore sites give you the best experience right now.
-
EXCLUSIVE BONUS50% bonus up to $250Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
50% bonus up to $250Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
EXCLUSIVE BONUS125% up to $2,000Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
50% up to $200Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
-
200% up to $1,000Play Now
T&C apply, 18+, Play responsibly
Quick Florida Facts
State | Florida |
---|---|
⚖️ Sports Betting Laws | Available (limited to Seminole Tribe and Hard Rock Bet app) |
👫 Population | 23 Million |
👶 Min. Gambling Age | 21 (sports betting & casinos) or 18 (pari-mutuel horse racing & lottery) |
🏙️ Retail Betting | Limited (only at select tribal casinos) |
🌐 Online Betting | Limited (Hard Rock Bet only & tribal-run) |
📱 Mobile Betting | Available (only via Hard Rock Bet in Florida) |
🐎 Online Horse Betting | Available (pari-mutuel) |
🏆 DFS (Daily Fantasy) | Available (unregulated) |
Is Sports Betting Legal In Florida?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Florida — but only through the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock platform. No other sportsbook, including DraftKings or FanDuel, is currently allowed to operate in the state.
This exclusivity stems from a 30-year compact signed in 2021 between the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe, which owns the Hard Rock brand. Under this agreement, the Seminoles were granted exclusive rights to offer sports betting both online and at their retail locations.
The legality of this deal was immediately challenged. A group of opponents took the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing the compact violated state and federal laws. In June 2024, the Supreme Court declined to hear the case, effectively upholding the compact. As a result, the Hard Rock Bet app now operates with exclusive authority in Florida, and no competing sportsbooks can enter the market unless voters approve it through a constitutional amendment.
Currently, to place a legal bet via Hard Rock Bet, you must be physically located in Florida and verified through geolocation. Although betting is mobile-friendly, the platform’s availability has at times been restricted to users near tribal casino locations — limiting access for many Floridians living far from those areas.
This has opened the door for offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline, Bovada, and MyBookie, which are based in foreign jurisdictions where online betting is legal. Because they operate outside U.S. law, these sites can legally accept Florida players and allow betting from anywhere in the state without physical restrictions.
For Floridians who want a full sportsbook experience without visiting a tribal casino, offshore sites provide a convenient and accessible alternative.
Latest Florida Legal Betting Updates
Jul 02, 2025 08:08 AM
Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett has surged from a longshot to the betting favorite for the Conn Smythe Trophy as Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP, overtaking defending winner Connor McDavid and veteran Brad Marchand at most sportsbooks.
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:
Best Sportsbooks In Each Category
Best overall | ![]() |
---|---|
Best bonuses | ![]() |
Most unique bonuses | BetNow |
Top VIP program | MyBookie |
Best reputation | Bovada |
Best sportsbook | BetOnline |
Best casino | Everygame |
Best mobile app | XBet |
Best for new players | Bovada |
Best for high rollers | ![]() |
Best up-and-coming sportsbook | XBet |
Top 7 Sports Betting Sites
If we had to pick only 7 offshore sportsbooks for Florida-based bettors, it would be these:
- Bovada - User-friendly interface and reliable mobile betting experience.
- BetUS - Extensive range of betting options across multiple sports.
- XBet - Quick payouts and responsive customer support.
- BetOnline - Competitive odds and early line releases.
- BetNow - Generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions for regular players.
- MyBookie - Innovative prop bets and creative wagering opportunities.
- Everygame - Long-standing reputation and multi-language support for international bettors.
#1 Bovada


#2 BetUS


#3 XBet


#4 BetOnline


#5 BetNow


#6 MyBookie


#7 Everygame


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.
Latest Florida Betting News
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:
- Top Betting Tips — want to make money wagering? Read this!
- Best Sports Betting Strategies — the above article is a college 101 class to this one, which takes your betting to the next level!
- How Do Odds Work — self-explanatory here, learn everything there is to know about understanding betting odds.
- Types of Sports Bets — a complete primer to the various types of sports betting forms.
- Betting Odds Calculator — calculate how much money a bet or parlay pays out
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 City | Address | Type |
---|---|---|
Big Easy Casino in Hallandale Beach FL | 831 N Federal Hwy | Racino |
Calder Casino & Race Course in Miami Gardens FL | 21001 NW 27th Ave | Racino |
Casino Miami Jai-Alai in Miami FL | 3500 NW 37th Ave | Racino |
Creek Entertainment Gretna in Gretna FL | 501 Racetrack Drive | Racino |
Dania Jai-Alai in Dania Beach FL | 301 E Dania Beach Blvd | Racino |
Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club in Daytona Beach FL | 960 S Williamson Blvd | Racino |
Derby Lane in St. Petersburg FL | 10490 Gandy Blvd N | Racino |
Ebro Greyhound Track in Ebro FL | 10490 Gandy Blvd N | Racino |
Flagler Dog Track and Magic City Casino in Miami FL | 450 NW 37th Ave | Racino |
Fort Pierce Jai-Alai & Poker in Fort Pierce FL | 1750 S Kings Hwy | Racino |
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino in Hallandale Beach FL | 901 S Federal Hwy | Racino |
Hialeah Park Race Track in Hialeah FL | 2200 E 4th Ave | Racino |
Jacksonville Kennel Club in Orange Park FL | 455 Park Ave | Racino |
Jefferson County Kennel Club in Monticello FL | 3079 N Jefferson Hwy | Racino |
Mardi Gras Casino (The Big Easy Casino) in Hallandale FL | 831 N Federal Hwy | Racino |
Melbourne Greyhound Park in Melbourne FL | 1100 N Wickham Rd | Racino |
Naples/Fort Myers Greyhound Track in Bonita Springs FL | 10601 Bonita Beach Rd SE | Racino |
Ocala Poker & Jai-Alai in Ocala FL | 4601 W Hwy 318 | Racino |
Orange Park Kennel Club in Orange Park FL | 455 Park Ave | Racino |
Orange City Racing & Card Club in Orange City FL | 822-4 Saxon Blvd | Racino |
Oxford Downs in Summerfield FL | 17996 US-301 | Racino |
Palm Beach Kennel Club in West Palm Beach FL | 1111 N Congress Ave | Racino |
Pensacola Greyhound Track in Pensacola FL | 951 Dog Track Rd | Racino |
Pompano Park in Pompano FL | 1660 NE 10th St | Racino |
Sarasota Kennel Club in Sarasota FL | 5400 Bradenton Rd | Racino |
Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa FL | 11225 Race Track Road | Racino |
Tampa Greyhound Track in Tampa FL | 755 E Waters Ave | Racino |
Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center in Miami FL | 500 S.W. 177th Avenue | Tribal |
Seminole Casino Big Cypress in Clewiston FL | 1 W Boundary Rd | Tribal |
Seminole Casino Brighton in Okeechobee FL | Route 6 Box 611 | Tribal |
Seminole Casino Immokalee in Immokalee FL | 506 South 1st Street | Tribal |
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek in Coconut Creek | 5550 NW 40th Street | Tribal |
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa in Tampa FL | 5223 N. Orient Road | Tribal |
Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood FL | 4150 N. State Road 7 | Tribal |
Victory Casino Cruises in Cape Canaveral FL | B 2 180 Christopher Columbus Dr | Ships |
Victory Casino Cruises in Jacksonville FL | 180 Christopher Columbus Dr | Ships |
Best Casinos Online in Florida
Florida residents looking for online casino Florida real money options can legally access international gaming platforms. While the state has not yet regulated online casino gambling, players can enjoy real-money wagering at international casinos like BetUS, BetOnline, and Wagerweb. These offshore sites offer a secure and legal alternative to in-state gambling, providing access to slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, and live dealer games. With smooth mobile compatibility, multiple payment methods, and competitive promotions, these Florida online casinos allow players to experience high-quality gaming from the comfort of home.
Unlike land-based casinos, which require travel, these online casinos Florida allow players to instantly access their favorite games 24/7. Whether you’re interested in online blackjack Florida, progressive jackpot slots, or interactive live dealer tables, these platforms cater to every type of gambler. Plus, with lucrative deposit bonuses and reload promotions, new and returning players alike can take advantage of added value on their wagers.
Top Online Casino Promotions & Bonus Codes
To help Florida players maximize their online casino experience, here are some of the best welcome bonuses currently available:
Casino | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | Wagering Requirement |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 100% up to $1000 | BOLCASINO | 30x |
![]() | 150% up to $5000 | BETUS150 | 35x |
![]() | 100% up to $1000 | BETNOW100 | 30x |
BookMaker | 100% up to $1600 | BOOKMAKER | 40x |
![]() | 100% up to $3000 | BOVCASINO | 25x |
Everygame | 125% up to $1000 | EVERYGAME | 35x |
![]() | 200% up to $1500 | MYBCASINO | 40x |
![]() | 100% up to $1000 | SBCASINO | 35x |
![]() | 100% up to $1000 | WAGERWEB | 30x |
![]() | 200% up to $500 | XBET200 | 50x |
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.
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

International Sportsbooks

Bonuses for International Sportsbooks

Payment Methods for Non-regulated States

Florida Betting Apps

Florida Sports Betting Laws and U.S. Legislation

Online Betting Guides
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:
Gamble Aware (https://www.gambleaware.org/)
A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
International Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.icrg.org/)
The International 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.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-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.