With over 22 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.
Regulated sports betting relaunched in Florida in December of 2023, but there is currently an ongoing case to determine whether the gaming compact signed in 2021 between the Seminole Tribe and the state is legal. Currently, Florida residents have the option to bet through the regulated Hard Rock Bet app or through offshore sports betting sites that are licensed and regulated outside of the USA.
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?
Online sports betting is currently legal in Florida in a limited capacity. The tribal gaming compact signed in 2021 between the state and the Seminole Tribe was upheld in the Court of Appeals in 2023, which allowed the Seminole Tribe to relaunch their Hard Rock Bet app in Florida.
The Seminole Tribe owns the exclusive rights to offer sports betting in the State of Florida. This means that Hard Rock Bet is the only “legal” betting option for Florida residents. The gambling compact requires the Seminole Tribe to share 13.75% of sports betting revenue with Florida.
Florida residents do also still have the option 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.
Best Sportsbooks for Florida Residents
These are my two favorite offshore sportsbooks for Florida residents.
| Sportsbook | Bonus | Visit |
|---|---|---|
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100% up to $250 | Visit |
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50% up to $250 in Free Bets | Visit |
Offline Sports Betting in Florida
The Seminole Tribe operates six casinos in the State of Florida, and all six of these casinos launched in-person sports betting in December of 2023.
Florida is also home to several high profile horse racing tracks including Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. These facilities are able to offer parimutuel betting and they may partner with the Seminole Tribe to open on-site sportsbooks in the near future.
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.
Florida Betting Articles
Here is a list of sport or event specific articles we’ve added to help Florida residents understand how to place bets online:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Entertainment
- Football
- Golf
- Hockey
- Horse Racing
- Motor Sports
- Politics
- Soccer