Sports Gambling In Florida

The Sunshine State has seen a ton of growth in the gambling realm over the past handful of years with the expansion of brick and mortar casino and poker action all the way from down south in the 305 through the Mickey Mouse corridor and up to the panhandle that feels it deserves its own time zone. We love you panhandle.

• Will Florida Legalize Sports Gambling
• Sports Gambling Legal In Florida
• Florida Online Sports Betting
• Sports Betting In Florida Legal

The one area that still is lacking, though, are brick and mortar sportsbooks. Current count = 0. But if you’re looking for a way to bet on sports in Florida, you have options, thanks to the best online Florida sports betting sites and Florida betting apps.

Our team has researched and narrowed down the safest and most reliable online bookies for Florida residents. Here are our top picks to get you into the real money Florida sports betting action right away:

Florida Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players in Florida. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, MLS, and more. Most Likely Florida Online Sports Betting Sites.

• Sports betting legalization could be on the horizon for Florida in 2021. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Peterburg filed three bills for legalizing sports wagering in the state. Proposal for Legalizing Sports Betting in Florida Awaits Legislative Session in March 2021. The Brandes’ bills have been filed for the.
• 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.
• Sports Betting in Florida Betting on sports in Florida is still a work in progress since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal law that banned sports betting in 2018 and opened the doors for individual states to legalize sports betting.

The Top 3 Florida Sportsbooks Online

1. MyBookie – Best Overall Florida Sports Betting Site

• Welcome bonuses often come with free bets
• Live in-play betting on all major sports
• Casino and racebook action available through one account
• Unique sports betting contests like survivor pools and squares

2. BetNow – Best Florida Sportsbook for In-Play Betting Options

• One of the most robust in-game betting platforms on the market
• Variable sign-up bonuses with rollover requirements from 5x-10x
• Annual $1,00,000 college basketball bracket challenge
• Weekly NBA, NFL, and MLB contests

3. Bovada – Best for Multiple Ways to Bet (Poker, Casino, Racebook, and Sports)

• Options to bet sports in Florida, as well as action on casino games, a racebook, and poker
• Rewards and loyalty program where you can redeem points for cash
• Great track record with customer care since founding in 2011
• Deposits available in Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Union Pay, Zelle, and through transfer vouchers

Feature Comparison – MyBookie vs. BetNow vs. Bovada

How to Bet On Sports in Florida – 3 Options

Use Florida Sports Betting Sites Online

The easiest and most straightforward method to bet on sports online in Florida is using FL sports betting sites. You can also download Florida sports betting apps right to your phone. Super convenient!

You can make bets in real-time from your phone without ever leaving the beach, the theme parks, or the mile-long line to get a Publix sub.

Heck, if you don’t want to leave the house, you don’t even have to put your flip flops on if you don’t want to. The best Florida online sportsbooks are the premier option for real money sports betting in the state.

Take a Sports Betting Cruise

Before land-based casinos started popping up in the state of Florida, casino cruises were your only in-person betting option. And while you now have an option for casino action, the cruises still hold one leg up over the brick and mortar establishments—sports betting.

If you’re dead-set on in-person Florida sports gambling, a casino or sports betting cruise could be an option. Typically, these cruises sail from the major ports in the state and go into international waters for a few hours to let people gamble. As long as you don’t get seasick and are able to get a spot (they get busy), it can be fun.

Victory Casino Cruise Line – Port Canaveral, FL

Located across the bridge just north of Melbourne Beach and Patrick Air Force Base is Port Canaveral. This is where the Victory cruise line docks and sails out with its regularly scheduled casino cruises. If you happen to live in one of the neighboring areas, you may be able to snag a free shuttle ride from the company.

In addition to regular sports betting, there are special events in the Victory Casino Cruises Sportsbook Lounge, like Super Bowl parties and tailgates.

Drive to Mississippi

The validity of this solution depends on where you live in Florida and how much you can stand I-10, I-95, and I-75. They’re not as terrible as I-4, but they’re not always the most relaxing of driving. Now that we’ve gotten the Florida road bashing out of the way, let’s talk about this option.

Currently, there are no brick and mortar sportsbooks in the state of Florida, Georgia, or Alabama. The closest option you have is to drive to Biloxi, Mississippi. If you live in the panhandle, that’s not that bad.

However, the farther east and farther south you get in the state of Florida, the farther that drive gets.

• Tallahassee to Biloxi is 304.3 miles via I-10 (4 hours and 25 minutes)
• Gainesville to Biloxi is 450.8 miles via I-10 (6 hours and 47 minutes)
• Orlando to Biloxi is 557.6 miles via I-10 (7 hours and 53 minutes)
• Tampa Bay to Biloxi is 575.7 miles via I-75 and I-10 (8 hours and 2 minutes)
• West Palm Beach to Biloxi is 717.7 miles via the Turnpike and I-10 (10 hours and 5 minutes)
• Miami to Biloxi is 783.4 miles via the Turnpike and I-10 (10 hours and 59 minutes)

Is Betting Online in Florida Legal?

At the close of last year, Florida introduced several pieces of legislature to begin regulating sports betting through the state’s lottery program. S968, S970, and S972 aim to set out the parameters and guidelines for betting in the state as well as the requirements to earn a license. Licenses would cost $100,000 for providers, and holders would be responsible for a 15% revenue tax. Online betting is included in the legislation.

In 2018, the federal government passed legislation removing roadblocks for states to lay out their own guidelines and frameworks for regulated sports betting within their state limits.

Additionally, in the most recent election, Florida voters moved the power to fully legalize and regulate Florida online sports betting out of the hands of legislators and into the hands of the state’s residents.

Because of Amendment 3, Florida voters now control “casino gambling” within the state. We put the exact wording in quotes because there is the debate on whether sports betting falls under the heading of casino gambling, as many would argue it’s a game of skill.

In other words, the legality of online betting in Florida is a gray area. We’d hope to get more clarity in the coming months or years from the state legislature, but nothing is guaranteed.

Are these sites legal? Again, it’s a gray area and two separate discussions—the legality for the site operators and the legality for the bettors. While you’ll need to contact a gaming attorney for a full breakdown (their opinion) of the situation, we can provide this information for color. To date, zero Florida residents or visitors have been in any legal trouble for using Florida online betting sites to our knowledge.

What Parts of Florida Are Most Interested in Sports Betting?

According to Google Trends, the metro in Florida with the most search traffic for information about sports betting is the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.

Coming in second, with about 80% of the volume of the Tampa area, is Miami-Ft. Lauderdale. And rounding out the podium finishers is the Orlando-Daytona Beach area with about half the search volume as the Tampa area.

Here’s the top 10 list over the past 12 months in the state of Florida:

1. Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota) FL
2. Miami-Ft. Lauderdale FL
3. Orlando-Daytona Beach-Melbourne FL
4. Gainesville FL
5. West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce FL
6. Myers-Naples FL
7. Tallahassee FL-Thomasville GA
8. Jacksonville FL
9. Mobile AL-Pensacola (Ft. Walton Beach) FL
10. Panama City FL

Professional Sports in Florida – Teams and Popularity Data

While you aren’t required only to bet on Florida teams at these Florida betting sites, it tends to be one of the more popular pastimes, especially with recreational bettors. Additionally, what we have found is that states with more prevalent professional sports markets have a much more flourishing and exciting sports betting community.

Currently, Florida has 10 professional sports teams. The state did have a few more MLS teams a few years back, but lack of interest forced some of those teams to fold.

Speaking of interest, what are the most popular sports to bet on in Florida? What are the most popular sports? While there’s limited data available about what people are betting on, there are some ways we can determine which professional sports in FL are the most popular.

One of the ways we like to do this is by looking at how well professional sports teams in the state can fill their stadiums or arenas. Based on average attendance numbers aggregated for each professional sporting league over a recent season, here are the most popular sports in the state of Florida in order:

Here are some other key takeaways from the data study:

• The Miami Dolphins had the best average attendance capacity percentage over the studied season at 101.20%.
• The Miami Marlins didn’t fare as well. The team had the lowest average attendance capacity percentage over the studied season at 26.70%.
• In the NFL, average capacity percentages ranked the teams in order—the Dolphins first, the Jags second, and the Buccaneers third. However, this may change with all the new talent the Bucs have brought to the Tampa area.

For those interested, here is the raw data:

Get Started Using Florida Sports Betting Sites Now!

FAQs About Online Sports Betting in Florida

• Can I Bet on Sports at the Hard Rock Hotels in Florida?

  While you can stay in a guitar-shaped hotel, you can't bet on sports at any of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino locations in the state of Florida.

• Can I Bet on Sports at the Indian Casinos in Florida?

  None of the Indian casinos (or any casinos) in the state of Florida offer any form of sports betting. Check out the best Florida betting sites above to place your bets!

• How Can I Bet on Sports for Real Money in Florida?

  When it comes to betting on sports in Florida, your top option is using Florida betting sites. This gives you the convenience to place sports bets in Florida without ever needing to step foot outside of your home (or leave the beach). You also have the convenience of downloading Florida online betting apps. Two other options you have in the state of FL are using one of the casino cruises or driving to the state of Mississippi (Biloxi is the closest brick and mortar book).
• Yes, you can bet on sports by taking a casino cruise in the state of Florida. However, the only option currently available is the Victory Casino Cruise sailing out of Port Canaveral (Atlantic Ocean side of the state). If playing casino games is more your thing, check out our list of the best online casinos in Florida.
• Of course! All the best Florida online sportsbooks have apps or at least extremely mobile friendly interfaces. You'll never have any trouble betting on sports in Florida whether you're using a laptop, tablet, cell phone, or whatever else you may have. With technology today, real money betting in Florida has never been easier.

• Can I Use My Florida Sports Betting Apps in Other States?

  For the most part, you'll be able to use your Florida sports betting apps in any state in the country. This is true for MyBookie and BetNow. The only exception from our list of the best online Florida sportsbooks is Bovada, which can't be used in the states of Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Delaware, or Maryland. If you have an existing account and are traveling, though, you may be able to bypass this restriction through the site.

• What Banking Methods Can I Use to Fund My Florida Online Sports Betting Accounts?

  The banking options you have available to fund your Florida betting apps vary based on the site you choose. The most common options available for Florida sports bettors include credit cards, cryptocurrency, bank transfers, and e-wallets (sometimes).

• Where Can I Learn More About the Best Online Betting Sites?

  If you still have questions about what online sportsbooks are best and why we recommend checking out our detailed betting sites page. It highlights the pros and cons of many of the top sports betting apps and gives insight into why some online bookies are better than others in specific areas.

If you are looking for info on the current state of Florida online sports betting, you have come to the right place. Frankly speaking, the situation is somewhat complex. Currently, Florida online sports betting is not available. This means that you can’t find Florida online sportsbooks (or online casinos) legally operating in this state. However, things could change in the future, as there has been recent developments as sports betting talks have begun with the Seminoles. Read up our article to learn more about what we can expect.

Florida Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players in Florida. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, MLS, and more.

Most Likely Florida Online Sports Betting Sites

Even though Florida online sports betting scene is at the moment nonexistent, we are hopeful that this changes in the months or years to come. Having in mind that several US states have already legalized online betting, we can expect Florida to follow in their footsteps should it decide to do so. This means that there will potentially be quite a few sports betting websites available.

Take a look at the table below to see which ones we expect to see. All of them feature welcome offers for new customers, so we have no reason to believe things will be different in Florida. Here are the brands we believe are likely to open their doors to FL players once Florida online sports betting becomes legal.

If you want to learn more about these brands that are available in other states with operating sports betting websites, keep on reading. We believe they will offer similar services when Florida online sports betting is regulated.

BetMGM

When you are searching for top sports betting sites, don’t look further than BetMGM. This brand offers lots of online betting opportunities for all those interested in wagering on sports. Like all the major sportsbooks, this brand has a welcome offer for all new customers interested in signing up. Additionally, there are many other promos available on a regular basis for existing players.

At the moment, this online sportsbook is accessible only to players from West Virginia, Michigan, and New Jersey. Not only do registered players have access to online sports betting with this brand, but they can also place their bets in casino and poker rooms, too. As soon as Florida online sports betting becomes regulated, we hope to see BetMGM in this state, as well.

DraftKings

Boasting to be one of the leading sports betting websites in the USA, DraftKings is currently available in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. If Florida regulates online wagering on sports in the future, we surely expect this brand to make an appearance in the Sunshine State, too.

As all reputable top sports betting sites, DraftKings has a welcome offer for new customers in the states it is currently operating in. Additionally, this brand has invested in a top-quality mobile app available for iOS and Android.

Will Florida Legalize Sports Gambling

A vast selection of betting markets provides countless betting opportunities with this brand. The most popular sports include both American and international favorites, such as professional and college football and basketball, golf, MMA, tennis, etc.

FanDuel

Another brand we expect to see if Florida online sports betting gets regulated is FanDuel. At the moment only players in Michigan, Indiana, New Jersey, and West Virginia can place their wagers online with this sportsbook.

Also, they can redeem various promos available for new and existing players. Signing up with FanDuel is hassle-free and can be finished in a matter of minutes. As soon as you have finished the registration and made your first deposit, you can start placing bets. The variety of available sports is exceptional. So is the quality of customer support and banking options that this brand offers. This, too, is very important for all players.

BetAmerica

When we are talking about top sports betting sites, we have to mention BetAmerica. This brand launched its first online sportsbook in 2019 in NJ. After that, it landed in Pennsylvania, as well.

We needn’t mention that BetAmerica has lots of promotions available to its players. This brand also has pretty competitive odds in comparison to some other online bookies on the market. The types of bets you can place are pretty standard. This means that if you are looking for those more exotic ones, you need to look elsewhere.

On the other hand, the BetAmerica app is one of the highest-rated on the market. Downloadable on iOS and Android devices (currently in NJ and PA only), it mimics the desktop site perfectly.

William Hill

One of the most famous online sportsbooks in Europe, William Hill caused quite a commotion when it opened its doors to NJ players. Claiming to be a premier sports betting destination, it seems that William Hill has managed to utilize the experience overseas perfectly and provide US players with a top-quality betting platform.

Not only does this brand have a sign up offer catering to new players, but there are also lots of those for loyal customers, too. The registration is simple, and so is making deposits and withdrawals. There are quite a few betting markets to choose from, both popular and niche ones.

Also, William Hill provides live streaming of certain sports events. This feature is available to all players who meet the required T&Cs for activating it. Additionally, live betting is available for a multitude of events. We surely hope to see them in the Sunshine State once Florida online sports betting becomes legal.

bet365

One of the biggest players in the online sports betting industry is undoubtedly bet365. This brand is one of the most recognizable bookies in Europe. So coming to the US was a major step in its resume.

The bet365 bonus offers are one of the things this brand is most known for. The betting markets and competitive odds, too. Even though the offer in the brand’s NJ portfolio is not as extensive as overseas, we expect it to grow in the months to come. As soon as you have registered and redeemed your welcome offer, you can start placing your bets and exploring top-quality betting markets. We have no reason to believe this brand won’t feature similar options in FL as soon as Florida online sports betting becomes legal.

Unibet

Another brand famous in Europe, Unibet has proved it means business in the USA. At the moment it’s available only to NJ and PA players. However, it’s pretty likely to appear in Florida, too, when this state regulates online sports betting.

Unibet’s welcome offer typically includes free bets up to a certain amount (T&Cs apply). But this brand is known for changing things up and coming up with many different promotion types. The online casino section is also very popular on the website and is surely worth visiting. Unlike other online bookies, this brand offers a variety of bet types you can place. This is good news, particularly for experienced punters.

Florida Betting Laws

Now, let’s take a look at the current state of Florida online sports betting. At the moment, this activity is illegal in the Sunshine State. In order to become regulated and legalized, Florida needs to overcome several obstacles standing in the way.

One step closer to this is the new bill by Republican State Senator Jeff Brandes. If it passes, it will allow offering tickets at self-serving kiosks by Florida Lottery. Additionally, this bill will offer licenses for taking bets on sports via apps and websites. Businesses that manage to obtain these licenses would divide their proceeds with the state.

However, regulating online sports betting in Florida has a long way to go. First, the 2020 legislative session in Florida is only two months long. This means that it’s highly unlikely that we can expect the passing of this bill in 2020.

Then, there is an ongoing disagreement regarding whether regulating online sports betting should be done via a statewide referendum. Additionally, this would mean that a new agreement with the Seminole Tribe, which controls the majority of gaming activities in FL, needs to be agreed upon.

Sports Gambling Legal In Florida

Taking all these factors into consideration, it’s safe to say that the issue with Florida online sports betting is more than complex. One thing is certain – passing the bill will only be the first step.

States where you can already place an online sports bet today :

Updated on :

Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa Michigan Nevada New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia West Virginia

Florida Online Sports Betting: Events and Betting Markets

As soon as we see the resolution to regulating Florida online sports betting, we will know more details about what we can expect. First and foremost, we will have more details about potential betting markets and events that players could bet on. Right now, we can only make assumptions.

Common Types of Bets

All players from Florida eager to see online sports betting become available can start learning a thing or two about bet types in the meantime. Here are the most common bet types that players in US states, in which online betting is regulated, can place.

• Moneylines – This is the most popular betting type. It shows you the amount you need to wager to get $100 (or how much you can win if you wager $100).
• Totals (Over/Under) – You typically choose if the total number of points that both teams are going to score is going to be over or under a listed total number of points.
• Prop bets – Allow you to wager on events that are going to take place in a game, season, or series. They do not include betting on the outcome though.
• Spread bets – You place this bet on the team you think is going to win or lose by a certain number of points.

Most Popular Sports to Bet On

The online betting community enjoys placing wagers on a multitude of different sports, both popular and niche ones. Here are the sports and leagues that attract the most attention.

• NFL
• NBA
• NHL
• MLB
• Tennis
• Golf
• Soccer

Popular Florida Events

There are many popular sports events that attract a lot of attention in Florida. If Florida online sports betting becomes legal, all those interested in online wagering will surely be able to place their bets on them.

• Super Bowl
• NCAA March Madness
• NBA Championships
• Stanley Cup Finals
• Masters
• US Open Tennis
• Triple Crown

Best Teams to Bet On

Many people like to support their local teams when they are placing their bets. Luckily, Florida has quite a few of them.

• Orlando Magic
• Miami Dolphins
• Miami Heat
• Florida Panthers
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Tampa Bay Rays

Common Payment Options

Let’s take a look at some of the most common payment methods that players have at their disposal when betting online. We expect them to be available at top sports betting sites in Florida when they become legal.

• Credit/debit Cards
• PayPal
• NETeller
• PayNearMe
• Prepaid Cards
• eCheck/ACH

Florida Casinos

Even though there are no online casinos in Florida at the moment, there are quite a few brick-and-mortar ones. We have listed a few of the most famous land-based casinos in Florida below.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

This establishment is owned by the Seminole Tribe that boasts of opening the first brick-and-mortar casino on Indian land in Florida. Casino enthusiasts can visit this casino’s 245,000 square feet gaming space. There, they can find more than 5,000 slots, almost 200 table games, and as many as 46 poker tables.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek

Florida Online Sports Betting

Another establishment run by the Seminole Tribe, this casino is a very popular venue in Florida. Whether you are looking for poker, table games or slots, you’ll find all these and much more in Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.

Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino

Hallandale Beach in Florida is home to Gulfstream Park, a popular racetrack and casino. This venue hosts a significant number of high-profile races from December to October. Additionally, the casino offers 20 live-action poker tables, 64 high limit slots, and more than 700 Las Vegas-style slots.

Hialeah Park Racing & Casino

If you are looking for more establishments that combine racing and casino, Hialeah Park is the place for you. As far as horse racing is concerned, you can watch winter Quarter Horse racing meets. And the casino is open year-round with slots, table games, poker, and lots more at your disposal.

Florida Online Sports Betting FAQ

Sports Betting In Florida Legal

Here are some of the most common questions people have regarding the Florida online sports betting situation.

Are sports betting sites legal in the United States?

Sports betting sites are legal in several US states, but not all of them. When it comes to Florida online sports betting, there are no sites operating legally in this state at the moment.

What do I need to register at an online betting site in Florida?

As Florida online sports betting is still unregulated, you cannot register in this state at the moment. Once this matter resolves and Florida online sportsbooks become legal, we’ll include all the info you need on registering.

Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting sites in Florida?

Given that Florida online sports betting is not legal, you cannot make deposits at Florida online sportsbooks at the moment.

Can I set betting limits?

All reputable online bookies allow you to set betting limits as they promote responsible gambling. As soon as Florida online sports betting becomes legal, we’ll have more details about this option from legal sportsbooks.

Final Thoughts on Betting in Florida

We are eager to see how the Florida online sports betting matter resolves in the upcoming months. One step in the right direction is for the bill proposed by State Senator Barnes to pass. If this happens, this will facilitate the establishment of Florida online sportsbooks. We’ll make sure to keep you updated on any developments.