Have you ever wondered if you can legally bet on sports in Florida? If yes, no worries; we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore all you need to know about wagering on sports in Florida. A good understanding of the laws in the state can help you make the right decisions and avoid unnecessary issues.
We’ll also review key tips to help you make informed wagers and improve your winning chances. So, is online sports betting legal in Florida? Keep reading to find out.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Register among our recommended list of Florida online sportsbooks.
- Find out about all the latest news of Florida online sports betting in this page.
The Legalization Journey of Sports Betting in Florida
The journey of sports betting in Florida has been filled with legal showdowns, political strategies, and operational hurdles. Following the decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018, Florida found itself in several disputes and court battles regarding the widening scope of sports wagering across the state.
It all started when Florida voters said in 2018 that any significant changes to gambling needed to be voted on by everyone in the state. Regardless, Governor Ron DeSantis went ahead and made a new deal with the Seminole Tribe in May 2021.
This deal lets the tribe run gambling, including sports betting, on their land for the next 30 years. State lawmakers agreed to this deal in May 2021, and the US Department of the Interior gave it the green light, meaning Florida sports betting could become legal.
According to experts at Legal Sports Reports, grassroots groups in Florida raised legal objections about the state’s sports betting approval. They argued it went against a rule in the state constitution that needs voter approval or the Indian Gaming law.
They succeeded in convincing one of the federal judges, who sided with them and put the agreement on hold. Then, both the tribe and the Department of the Interior filed an appeal.
After a few months of uncertainty, the Seminole Tribe was victorious in its appeal. The DC District Court of Appeals reversed the earlier ruling, making sports betting in Florida legal once again. This allowed the Seminole Tribe to restart Hard Rock Bet whenever they wanted. On December 5, the app became available to eligible users across the state.
10 Quick Facts About Florida’s Sports Betting Laws
Here are the key facts about online sports betting Florida:
- Florida Law: Once again, sports betting is legal in Florida. Every form of betting is regulated under the Florida statute, which prohibits unlicensed gambling activities.
- Legal Age: If you’re 21 or older, you’re eligible to place sports bets in Florida. You can register at the licensed online and retail sportsbook and place your ideal wagers.
- State Borders: You can only bet on Florida-approved sportsbooks when you’re in the state. They use geofencing technology to make sure only those within Florida’s borders can place bets.
- Retail Bookmakers: As for physical sportsbooks, you’ll find them in all six Seminole casinos across the state. Legal retail bookmakers include licensed parimutuel facilities and tribal casinos.
- Taxes: Florida doesn’t have a state income tax. You only have to pay the 24% federal tax on gambling winnings over $600. Plus, if you have any losses, you can use them to offset your winnings.
- Betting Options: You can bet on various sports events and markets. Moreover, the law permits you to bet on professional, college, and amateur events.
- Regulatory Body: The Florida Gaming Control Commission oversees all legal gambling activities in the state. This body is responsible for approving sportsbooks and protecting Florida residents from harmful bookmakers.
- Mobile Betting: Mobile betting made a comeback on November 7, 2023, when Hard Rock Bet launched its updated app for existing users. Then, on Dec. 5, the app became available to everyone in Florida. Now, you can place bets from anywhere in the state.
- Consumer Protection: The Florida government takes responsible gambling seriously and has put several resources in place to ensure this. You can reach out to the Florida Gaming Control Commission for support.
- Valid ID and Email: To get started with Florida sports betting, you must provide a valid government-issued ID and an active email address. They will be used to verify your identity during the application process.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Florida?
To reiterate, online sports betting is legal in Florida.
Following a brief pause and legal hurdles, it officially became legal again on November 7, 2023, with the relaunch of the Hard Rock Bet app, owned by the Seminole Tribe. Initially, the app welcomed back previous users, and later, on December 5, 2023, it expanded its services to all players.
So, if you’re age 21 and above, you can bet on any sports events of your choice without issues. Simply sign up with a licensed online sportsbook or use the retail option. It’s worth highlighting that the Hard Rock Bet app is the only online betting platform approved by the state.
How to Engage in Online Sports Betting in Florida
If you’re seeking to bet on your favorite teams or events in Florida, you can easily do so. Simply follow this step-by-step guide:
- Choose a legal betting platform: First, you have to choose a platform licensed and regulated by the Florida Gaming Control Commission. This will ensure you’re playing at a safe and reputable site. Now, what sports betting apps are legal in Florida? Well, the state only has one licensed site, Hard Rock Bet.
- Create an account: Visit the betting site or app, click on ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Register’, and provide the required personal details. You’ll be required to enter your name, date of birth, and email address.
- Verify Your Identity: Most sites will require you to upload government-issued ID documents to verify your age and identity. You may also be asked to provide proof of residence.
- Deposit Funds: Add funds to your account using a deposit method that suits you. You can use credit or debit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers.
- Place Your Bets: Visit the site’s sports betting section and choose the sport or event you wish to bet on. Select your bet type, input your stake, and confirm your wager.
Don’t forget to utilize safe and responsible betting practices. Based on my experience as a bettor in Florida, I recommend using only state-approved sportsbooks. I also encourage you to gamble within your means and seek assistance if necessary.
Online Sports Betting Apps in Florida
As stated earlier, Florida has only one state-licensed sports betting app, the Hard Rock Bet. Here is a glimpse of the sportsbook:
Hard Rock Bet
This site is the only licensed betting platform in Florida. Hard Rock Bet offers a straightforward and top-notch betting experience. The sportsbook greets new players with up to $100 as a welcome bonus to kick-start their journey.
Hard Rock Bet offers a user-friendly interface, extensive live betting markets, and responsive customer support. To begin playing with them, simply visit their website and register.
For more information on Hard Rock Bet, head on to our Hard Rock Bet review page.
| Bookie Name | Hard Rock Bet |
|---|---|
| Recommended bet markets | Totals, over/under, props |
| Welcome offer | Up to $100 in bonus bets |
| Our rating | 4.85/5 |
Popular Sports and Teams in the Florida Betting Scene
Florida is home to many popular teams and athletes across various sports events. The residents are passionate about supporting the local teams, and they come out in numbers to cheer them on in various competitions. Likewise, many bettors in the state don’t hesitate to place bets on the teams, especially when they’re doing well.
Let’s explore the popular teams in various sports that make up Florida!
Football
You can hardly talk about sports in Florida without mentioning football. The state has the Miami Dolphins, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, all big-name NFL teams that have massive followings.
After the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl LV in 2020, their popularity shot through the roof, and they now have over 1.5 million followers on Instagram.
But it’s not just the NFL that gets locals fired up. College football is also a big deal, with the Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, and Miami Hurricanes leading the pack.
Basketball
Florida is one of the states where you can find not one but two popular NBA teams. The Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic entertain basketball fans across the state, showing just how serious Florida is about its sports scene. While the Miami Heat is more popular on the global stage, the Orlando Magic has made its mark and is a big deal in the United States.
Over the years, they’ve had some serious talent grace their team, including legends like Shaquille O’Neal, Tracy McGrady, Dwight Howard, and Nikola Vucevic.
Baseball
Baseball is not left behind in Florida; many residents attend the games and support the local teams. The Miami Marlins have been competing since 1993, when they joined the MLB as an expansion team. Their home ground is LoanDepot Park, and they play in the National League’s East division. They’re currently valued at a staggering $990 million.
There’s also the Tampa Bay Rays, representing the Sunshine State, in St. Petersburg. Since 1998, they’ve been making moves at Tropicana Field as a member of the American League’s East division.
Soccer
Florida is home to two popular soccer teams: Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF. These teams have caught the attention of the majority of state sports enthusiasts. Inter Miami CF, in particular, has grown exponentially recently since popular soccer figure David Beckham joined the club as co-owner and president.
Also, the signing of soccer legend Lionel Messi saw the club gain worldwide popularity as their Instagram followers grew from 1.06 million to over 16.6 million!
Popular Figures
Many well-known athletes have roots in Florida. One of them is Deion Sanders, a household name in both baseball and football. He played in the NFL for 14 seasons across different teams, and he was also popular as a baseball outfielder. What’s truly remarkable is that he’s one of the rare athletes to have played in both a Super Bowl and a World Series.
Then there’s Emmitt Smith, who is the all-time leading rusher and a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys.
The Impact of Local Teams on Sports Betting
How popular a team is in Florida can have a big impact on the number of people who bet on them. For instance, since Inter Miami FC welcomed the greatest soccer player of all time, Lionel Messi, their popularity has surged, and many people now bet on them. But it’s not just about popularity.
The team’s performance also determines whether people bet on them or not, and Inter Miami has started the MLS season pretty well, giving people more confidence to bet on them.
The betting trends among bettors in Florida can also determine how sportsbooks price their odds. If a team has many players banking on them, bookmakers are forced to reduce the odds on such a team to keep things balanced.
In a nutshell, local team performance and popularity affect the betting trends in the state. When the team is performing well, they attract more attention, and bettors seek to profit from their success. It also determines how bookmakers price their odds.
Upcoming Events
Florida has lots of sports games and special events coming up in the upcoming weeks. This includes competitions and special contests that you can place bets on. Here are some of the notable events:
Are There More Gambling Options in Florida?
In addition to sports betting, multiple gambling options are available for you in Florida. Here are a few of the top options you can bet on:
- Poker: In Florida, you can bet on different types of poker at card clubs and casinos. Venues like BestBet Jacksonville are popular for offering multiple poker variants and a top-notch environment.
- Casino Games: Florida laws permit playing different casino games. Casinos like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offer a range of games, including slots, table games, and a dedicated poker room.
- Horse Racing: Betting on horse racing is permitted at tracks and via simulcast. Most venues provide opportunities to wager on races from around the country.
- Lottery: Scratch-off and lotto sales are available at retailers across the state. You can visit any of the sites and play any lottery game of your choice.
Maximizing Your Sports Betting Experience in Florida
If you wish to maximize your betting experience in Florida, I recommend following some essential tips. Noting them can help you choose the best games to wager on and minimize risks.
Do Your Research
In Florida, loyalty to local pro sports teams runs deep, but when it comes to sports betting, it’s best not to bet with emotions. Before placing any bets, I recommend thoroughly researching the team and their opponents, and checking for trends and player statistics. This way, you’ll know what results to expect and make informed wagers.
Shop Around for Bookmakers
When selecting a bookmaker, one of the things I do is explore multiple sportsbooks to compare lines and odds. This approach can help you find the best value for your wagers.
For example: Even a half-point difference in a line can significantly impact your potential winnings, especially in the NFL, where games often end with a 3-point margin.
Specialize in One Sport and Betting Type
It’s smart to focus on one sport for your bets. As a soccer fan who knows the ins and outs of the game, it’s often easier for me to predict what results will likely be across different matches. Moreover, try to focus on particular bet types, as it can improve your chances of winning.
Manage Your Bankroll
Properly managing your bankroll is key. Set a budget and stick to it; only wager what you can afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses with larger bets, as this can lead to financial trouble.
Focus on Local Teams
Don’t overlook local teams like Inter Miami, which has a large following. You can easily track their performance and fan opinions, giving you helpful insights that sportsbooks might overlook. Follow top Florida sports betting updates from experts for more insights on the best approach to certain games involving the local teams.
Responsible Gambling in Florida
It’s important to gamble responsibly and not let it negatively affect your life. Ensure that you’re in control of your habits and don’t see betting as a means for generating wealth. If you notice signs of problem gambling, you can always seek support.
In Florida, the FGCC oversees and promotes responsible gambling practices. If you ever need a hand, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling has a 24-hour helpline you can reach at 888-ADMIT-IT.
Plus, the Florida Lottery’s Play Responsibly program is there to educate and support you in gambling responsibly.
So, Will You Bet from Florida Tonight?
In our detailed guide, we’ve clarified that you’re free to bet on various sports events in Florida.
So, you can choose the best sportsbook operating in the state and wager on your favorite teams. You can also use the tips we shared to make informed wagers and improve your chances of winning.
Are you interested in improving your betting skills and strategies? Visit our page now about sports betting education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is legal sports betting available in Florida?
Yes, legal sports betting is available in Florida, but it is primarily offered through the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The tribe’s Hard Rock Sportsbook app provides mobile sports betting, although there are ongoing legal challenges involving the Florida Supreme Court.
Can I use a mobile app for sports betting in the state of Florida?
Yes, you can use The Hard Rock Sportsbook mobile app for sports betting in Florida. It allows sports bettors to place wagers on various sports, including professional and college sports.
What options do Florida sports bettors have for daily fantasy sports?
Florida sports bettors can participate in daily fantasy sports through various platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel. These platforms are legal and provide a wide range of fantasy sports options, including professional sports and college sports.
Are there any retail sports betting locations in Florida?
Yes, there are retail sports betting locations in Florida, primarily at casinos operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. These in-person sports betting venues complement the online and mobile sports betting options available in Florida.
Can I bet on the Florida Panthers and other professional sports teams in Florida?
Absolutely! You can bet on the Florida Panthers and other professional sports teams in Florida through the available sportsbook apps and retail sports betting locations. The Hard Rock Sportsbook app offers various betting options for both professional and college sports teams.