With over 21 million residents it should come as no surprise that a significant portion of the sports betting in the United States takes place in the State of Florida.
Florida does not allow betting within the State, but that does not stop Florida from being a hotbed for sports betting on the East Coast. Florida residents simply use offshore sports betting sites that are licensed outside of the USA in order to legally place their wagers.
On this page I’ll talk about the legality of sports betting in the State of Florida, give you a list of some of my favorite betting sites that accept Americans, and also touch on sports betting in some of the bigger metropolitan areas within Florida.
Is Online Sport Betting Legal in Florida?
This question needs a two part answer.
The first part is to say that it is not legal to accept bets in the State of Florida. This is because Florida does not currently license or authorize anyone to be a sports betting operator within the State. If you see any online betting sites claiming to be licensed within Florida you can be certain that site is not legitimate.
The second part of the answer is to say that it is NOT illegal for Florida residents to bet on sports through betting sites licensed outside of Florida. These offshore sportsbooks do not violate Florida’s gambling laws because they are licensed and regulated by a separate governing body in a separate jurisdiction. So in conclusion, it is legal for Florida residents to open betting accounts and place wagers with offshore sportsbooks that accept American sign ups.
**Legal sports betting was available for just over a month in 2021. The Seminole Tribe negotiated a gambling compact with the state of Florida, and the new compact was signed by the Governor in April of 2021 and approved by state legislators in May of 2021. The Seminole Tribe then launched the Hard Rock Sportsbook as a mobile app in Florida in November of 2021, but legal challenges to whether legalizing sports betting in Florida requires voter approval was brought to the court system, with a federal judge ruling in favor of the challengers (plaintiffs) meaning the state-compact that allowed the Seminole Tribe to offer sports betting in Florida was vacated pending appeals by the tribe and Department of Interior. The Hard Rock Sportsbook stopped Florida operations in December of 2021. The status of regulated sports betting is now still in limbo, with the regulated sports betting debate not expected to be resolved in the near future.
Best Sportsbooks for Florida Residents
These are my two favorite sportsbooks for Florida residents.
| Sportsbook | Bonus | Visit |
|---|---|---|
 |
100% up to $250 | Visit |
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50% up to $1000 | Visit |
Offline Sports Betting in Florida
There is currently no offline sports betting allowed or available in Florida. If you do come across a bookie operating in the State you should realize that the bookie is running their business illegally.
The only way to currently place sports wagers in the State of Florida is through an offshore betting site, like I outlined above.
Even Florida Casinos are unable to take sports bets.
Major Sports Teams in Florida
Florida is a hotbed for sports in the south east and as such there is a long list of professional sports teams that reside in Florida. Below I’ve included a list of all of the top professional teams from the State and which city they play out of. Click on the city name for more specific information about sports betting in that particular location.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL – Football)
- Florida Panthers (NHL – Hockey)
- Miami Dolphins (NFL – Football)
- Miami Heat (NBA – Basketball)
- Miami Marlins (MLB – Baseball)
- Inter Miami CF (MLS – Soccer)
- Orlando City SC (MLS – Soccer)
- Orlando Magic (NBA – Basketball)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL – Football)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL – Hockey)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB – Baseball)
Horse Racing in Florida
It is legal to bet on horse races at the track in Florida. Below I’ve listed the two major tracks located in Florida, and two of the most prestigious races you will find in the State each year.
I should note that you can also place wagers for any races at either of the tracks below at our recommended betting sites I’ve listed above.
Major Tracks
- Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach
- Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa
Major Races
- Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. A prestigious Grade 1 race for 3-year-olds with the winner usually going on to compete at the Kentucky Derby.
- Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park. With a purse of $3 million the Pegasus World Cup is one of the richest races in USA horse racing each year.
Other Florida Betting Articles
- Belmont Stakes Betting in Florida
- Boxing Betting in Florida
- Kentucky Derby Betting in Florida
- March Madness Betting in Florida
- MLB Betting in Florida
- NBA Betting in Florida
- NFL Betting in Florida
- NHL Betting in Florida
- Oscars Betting in Florida
- Preakness Stakes Betting in Florida
- Super Bowl Betting in Florida
- US Election Betting in Florida