Florida Sports Betting in 2024 – Latest Legal Updates and Best FL Online Sportsbooks

After a lengthy court battle, online Florida sports betting is finally legal, which is great news for all football, soccer, and basketball fans out there. You can enjoy sports betting on your favorite teams, from the Florida Panthers to the Miami Marlins.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the current state of Florida sports betting, plus some of the top offshore mobile sports betting sites.

Sports Betting in Florida Overview

Thanks to a decision made by the DC District Court of Appeals, online sports gambling in Florida is now 100% legal. Here are some must-know fast facts on sports betting in the Sunshine State.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida?

Good news for Florida sports fans: Legal sports betting in the Sunshine State is here at last. As of December 2023, you can legally place bets online or at any of the retail sports betting venues scattered throughout the state.

The road to Florida sports betting has been rather tumultuous. In 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a compact with the Seminole Tribe to legalize sports betting in the state. Local groups argued against the compact, claiming it would violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and an amendment requiring voter approval.

A local court agreed, and Florida online sportsbooks were forced to close temporarily. The Seminole Tribe, displeased by the decision, fought for months to have it overturned.

At last, the Seminole Tribe of Florida succeeded when the District Court of Appeals overturned the decision. The Seminole Tribe launched the Hard Rock Bet app on December 5, 2023 (this is currently the only legal betting app in Florida). You can also enjoy betting at a Hard Rock Hotel on tribal land in FL.

What about daily fantasy sports betting? Currently, fantasy sports betting isn’t regulated, and it’s unclear whether the state will move to legalize daily fantasy sports.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Florida?

Anyone 21 and over can enjoy online and in-person sports betting in Florida. You don’t have to be a resident to use betting sites in Florida, but you do have to be physically located within state borders. Hard Rock Bet uses geofencing technology to ensure bettors are located in Florida.

You’ll also find retail sports betting venues at each Hard Rock Hotel location in Florida (at the time of this writing, the Seminole Tribe runs six casinos on tribal land throughout the state).

Are Bet Winnings in Florida Taxable?

The IRS treats sports betting winnings like any other kind of income, meaning you must pay taxes on your winnings. The current tax rate is 24% of winnings over $600. You can report gambling winnings on line 21 of Form 1040.

Because Florida has no income tax, you don’t have to pay taxes on winnings to the state. You only need to worry about paying taxes to the IRS.

Recent Florida Legal Sports Betting Updates

Looking for a Florida sports betting update? Here’s the most recent news on FL online sportsbooks.

If you’re searching for sportsbooks available in Florida, you’ll find just one: Hard Rock Bet. That’s because the state has signed a compact with the Seminole Tribe, giving it a sports betting monopoly in the Sunshine State.

As you might imagine, other big players in the betting industry are less than pleased with this arrangement. For instance, in 2024, Bonita-Fort Myers Corp. and West Flagler Associates challenged the state’s compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. However, the Florida Supreme Court denied the challenge for procedural reasons. Similar challenges are likely in the future, but online sports betting in Florida remains safe for now.

To that end, mentioned below are key betting-related developments in the state:

• April 22, 2024: Underdog and PrizePicks launch peer-to-peer daily fantasy sports pick’em games in the Sunshine State.
• April 2, 2024: West Flagler files a supplemental brief with the U.S. Supreme Court explaining why the SCOTUS should grant its petition challenging Florida’s sports betting compact.
• March 21, 2024: The Florida Supreme Court denies a petition to the state’s gambling compact (issued by West Flagler Associates). West Flagler intends to push the case to the federal court.
• November 1, 2023: The Seminole Tribe announces that it will launch retail sports betting at Hard Rock Hotel casinos on December 7, 2023. In addition to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel betting, the Hard Rock Bet app became available on December 5, 2023.
• May 2021: Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a compact with the Seminole Tribe that would legalize and regulate sports betting sites in Florida.

Are Offshore Betting Sites Legal in Florida?

Yes, offshore betting sites are legal in Florida in the sense that Florida does not have any explicit laws criminalizing online sports bettors. While Florida’s legal landscape attempts to regulate sports betting platforms, the laws focus more on offshore sportsbook operators rather than penalizing individual bettors.

No one has ever been prosecuted for betting at an offshore sportsbook. And while these sportsbooks aren’t regulated, they’re licensed and 100% safe. So, if you’re looking for an alternative to Hard Rock Bet, try one of our top Florida sports betting sites.

List of the Best Florida Sports Betting Sites in 2024

Looking for the best Florida sports betting sites? Try one of our top picks. All of these online sports betting sites in FL offer a wide range of markets, competitive odds, large welcome bonuses, and superb customer support.

1. BetOnline — Overall Best Online Sportsbook for FL Sports Betting
2. BetWhale — Dozens of Live Betting Options
3. Bovada — Pays Out on Time, Every Time
4. Everygame — 30+ Popular Betting Markets
5. TG.Casino — Top Pick for Anonymous Online Betting in Florida
6. BetUS — Offers a Generous Welcome Bonus
7. MyBookie — Excellent Sports Betting Odds
8. BetNow — Solid Choice for Niche Sports Betting
9. Jazz — Live Streaming for Major Sports
10. BUSR — Best Choice for Horse Racing
11. XBet — Exciting In-Play Betting

Top Five Online Sportsbooks in Florida Reviewed

Below, you’ll find reviews of the best offshore sports gambling sites. If you want an alternative to the limited state-approved options, you’re going to love these online sportsbooks.

1. BetOnline — Overall Best Online Sportsbook for FL Sports Betting

BetOnline is the place to be if you’re a Florida sports buff. You can place sports bets here on your favorite teams such as the Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Panthers, and Miami Heat.

This sportsbook is our top pick for the best online sportsbooks for Florida sports bettors. It features 30+ sports, including basketball, football, hockey, and some niche sports like darts and handball. In addition, you will find an impressive variety of same-game parlays and mega parlays. It also offers a prop builder tool, which allows you to combine multiple sports bets into a single bet. For instance, if you like horse racing, you can bet on lead wire-to-wire and first quarter-mile time.

BetOnline’s welcome bonus is quite impressive. Make your first deposit to score a 50% matching bonus, up to $1,000, plus a $25 risk-free bet for horse racing. The bonus is yours with a deposit of at least $55.

This online sportsbook offers some of the best customer support in the industry. If you have trouble, it’s easy to reach support 24/7 by live chat, email, or phone.

BetOnline accepts all major credit cards, debit, money orders, cashier’s checks, person-to-person transfers, and 15+ cryptocurrencies. Fiat withdrawal methods have a processing time of five to seven days.

If you use crypto, you’ll get your winnings in just a couple of hours or less. That said, you will have to complete KYC verification upon sign-up regardless of your payment method.

BetOnline Sports Bonus:

2. BetWhale — Dozens of Live Betting Options

Want to bet on NHL, NBA, UFC, or NFL games? You can place bets on all these markets and more at this online sportsbook. BetWhale features events held at sports venues throughout Florida, including Hertz Arena, Kia Center, and EverBank Stadium.

BetWhale is one of our favorite betting sites for live betting. Odds for soccer, tennis, cricket, snooker, and esports are updated in real time, and it only takes seconds to place a bet. The live betting dashboard features everything you need to know to place winning bets, including spreads, money lines, and handicaps.

The site features more than 30 sports to bet on, such as MMA, volleyball, darts, and ice hockey. This selection is incredibly impressive compared to retail sports betting via Hard Rock Bet.

It offers the largest welcome bonus out of all the online sports betting sites we reviewed. With your first deposit, you’ll get a 125% match of up to $1,250. You also have ongoing promotions to choose from - all of which can add to your betting experience.

This Florida sports betting site accepts all major credit cards, PayPal, Flexepin, and Neosurf. Cryptocurrencies are also accepted at BetWhale, offering a good selection of altcoins. Payouts take one to three days while deposits are instant.

BetWhale Sports Bonus:

3. Bovada — Pays Out on Time, Every Time

If you’ve been sticking to legal sports betting apps because you’re worried that offshore sportsbooks won’t pay out, give Bovada a shot. This sports betting site says that it has never missed a payout, and on top of that, withdrawal processing times are very speedy if you use crypto.

We like Bovada because it’s easy to find your favorite teams and betting markets here. This Florida sports betting site allows you to place sports bets on teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Miami Hurricanes. When you visit Bovada, you’ll find a list of trending events on the left side of the dashboard. To place a bet, simply choose an event and select a wager to add it to your bet slip.

If you like horse racing, you’re in for a treat here. Bovada features races at top tracks such as Louisiana Downs, Mountaineer Park, and Parx Racing. It also has a virtual horse racing feature that allows you to practice betting on computerized races.

This online sportsbook offers attractive bonuses for newcomers. If you deposit with crypto, you’ll get a 75% match of up to $750. Deposit fiat currency, and you get a 50% match of up to $250. The sportsbook also offers parlay boosters that give you bonus reward points for daily select parlay bets.

For payments, Bovada accepts crypto, all major credit cards, MatchPay, and player-to-player transfers. Crypto withdrawals take about an hour, while other payouts with methods can take up to 15 days.

Bovada Sports Bonus:

4. Everygame — 30+ Popular Betting Markets

Everygame is among the best Florida sports betting sites for those new to sports wagering. If you’re unsure what to bet on, consult the sportsbook’s list of trending bets.

Everygame allows betting on dozens of Florida sports teams, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Orlando City SC, Jacksonville Sharks, and Miami Marlins. If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, you can place bets on Aussie rules, table tennis, UFC, and darts. This online sportsbook also allows sports wagers on the U.S. Powerball, political races, and the stock market.

We found Everygame’s live betting to be quite impressive. Odds update instantly, so you’ll never miss a moment of the action.

Feel like playing a few casino games? You’re in luck because this sportsbook has hundreds of them. You could win a progressive jackpot worth thousands by playing slots such as Aztec’s Millions or Cleopatra’s Gold.

Everygame offers two welcome bonuses, and which one you get depends on your deposit method. Use cards & e-wallets to get a 100% match of up to $500. The same with cryptocurrency goes a lot higher. The sportsbook also offers regular promos throoughout across different sports and markets.

Everygame accepts crypto, all major credit cards, bank transfers, eZeeWallet, and Neosurf. Payout speed ranges from two to five days.

Everygame Sports Bonus:

5. TG.Casino — Top Pick for Anonymous Online Betting in Florida

Legal sportsbooks in Florida certainly have a lot to offer, but one thing they don’t provide is anonymity. For instance, if you want to wager at Hard Rock Bet, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, or other casinos on tribal lands that offer sports betting, you’ll have to show ID.

That’s not the case at TG.Casino, which is accessible through the anonymous Telegram app. This is why we ranked TG.Casino one of the best Florida betting sites for those who crave privacy.

At TG.Casino, you can place online bets on 30+ markets and popular Florida teams such as the Pensacola Ice Flyers, Miami United F.C., and Orlando Magic. If you’re unsure which bets to pick, TG.Casino provides a list of the day’s hottest wagers.

You’d expect a mobile betting app called TG.Casino to have plenty of casino games, and you would be right. It’s a great place to enjoy online gambling.

This Florida sports betting site doesn’t have a specific sportsbook bonus right now, but you can get a welcome bonus for the casino. Make your first deposit to earn a 200% match of up to ETH, plus 50 free spins.

This online gambling site accepts Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, and several other cryptocurrencies.

TG.Casino Sports Bonus:

Comparing the Best Sites for Sports Betting in Florida

For your convenience, we’ve compared the top offshore mobile sports betting sites for Florida sports bettors.

How We Select Our List of Top Florida Sportsbooks

The following section outlines how our reviewers and editors at Sports7 go about ranking and reviewing betting sites.

• Safety: Hard Rock Bet from the Seminole Tribe is very safe, but so are our top online betting sites. All the above sportsbooks offer safety and security measures on par with the best legal Florida sports betting apps.
• Deposit and Payout Methods: The top online sportsbooks accept many more deposit and payout methods than Hard Rock Bet. In addition to credit/debit cards, you can use crypto, e-wallets, and player-to-player transfers.
• Bonuses and Promotions: When it comes to bonuses and promos, Hard Rock Bet has nothing on the best online sports betting sites. Our top picks offer matching deposit bonuses of $500 and up.
• Range of Sports: Sure, you can bet on football, basketball, and baseball at Hard Rock Bet, but what about Alpine skiing, rugby, or lacrosse? You can bet on over 30 sports at our favorite online sports betting sites.
• Depth of Markets: Florida sports betting sites offer an incredible range of betting markets. Meanwhile, many legal sports betting sites limit you to major betting markets.
• Quality of Sports Betting Odds: Typically, offshore sports betting sites offer better odds than legal sports betting sites do. The Florida online sports betting sites on our list have odds that rival what you’ll find at Hard Rock Bet.
• Mobile Interface: Hard Rock Bet isn’t the only game in town when it comes to a sleek mobile interface. Although most online sports betting sites don’t have dedicated apps, they still work perfectly on mobile browsers.
• Customer Service: Hard Rock Bet only offers phone support in select states, and Florida isn’t one of them. On the other hand, several of our favorite Florida online sports betting sites provide 24/7 support by phone, email, or live chat.

Bonuses and Promos Offered by Florida Sports Betting Sites

If you want the biggest bonuses, you’ll have to go beyond legal Florida sports betting apps like Hard Rock Bet. The top offshore betting sites offer so many bonuses that legal betting apps simply can’t compare. Some of these bonuses include:

• Welcome Bonuses: Hard Rock Bet offers $100 back if your first bet doesn’t win. That may sound appealing, but it’s small potatoes compared to offshore Florida sportsbooks. They offer huge matching welcome bonuses of up to $1,250. On top of that, you can get an even bigger bonus by using crypto.
• Free Bets: Many of the best FL sportsbooks give you free bets if you place a losing bet.
• Reload Bonuses: Reload bonuses reward you when you add funds to your account. They’re similar to welcome bonuses but smaller.
• No-Deposit Bonuses: As the name implies, you don’t need to deposit money to earn a no-deposit bonus.

Comparing Sign-Up Bonuses at the Best Florida Sportsbooks

All the above sportsbooks offer enticing welcome bonuses, but which of these bonuses is best for you? Here, we’ve compiled information on the sign-up bonuses available at our top FL sports betting sites.

How To Bet Online With FL Sportsbooks

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to register and start betting at offshore Florida sportsbooks:

1. Choose one of the best betting sites from the list above and sign up for an account. Depending on the mobile betting site, you may have to provide proof of your identity.
2. Wait for the mobile betting site to verify your identity and ensure you are of legal gambling age (if applicable). This typically takes 24 hours or less.
3. Make your first deposit at the Florida sports betting site. Payment options may include credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and crypto.
4. Enter a Florida online sports betting promo code to claim your welcome bonus, if necessary (some sportsbooks will instantly apply the bonus if you make the minimum deposit).
5. Now, you’re ready to start betting. Have fun and good luck!

Popular Sports and Competitions To Bet On in Florida

Wondering which sports you can bet on at offshore mobile betting sites? Offshore books offer many more sports than legal betting sites like Hard Rock Bet. We’ll cover a few of these below.

• NBA: Want to bet on the Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, or your other favorite NBA teams? NBA betting websites allow you to do exactly that. Popular prop bets include steals, three-pointers, assists, and rebounds.
• NFL: If you’re a fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you’ll have a blast at the best NFL betting sites. Common NFL prop bets include touchdowns, yards traveled, and points scored by specific players. College football betting is also another possibility at these offshore betting sites, so make sure to have those football predictions ready.
• MLB: Will the Tampa Bay Rays or Miami Marlins win the next game? At the best MLB betting sites, you can root for these favorites and many more. You can bet on home runs, victory margins, and the first team to score.
• Golf: Tiger Woods may be the most famous Florida golf player, but don’t forget about Adam Scott, Luke Donald, and Ernie Els. Bet on all of these fan favorites and more at the best golf betting sites.
• Soccer: Florida is home to dozens of soccer teams, including Florida Tropics SC, the Broward Seahawks, and the Tampa Marauders. Pick your favorite and place your bet at one of the best soccer betting sites.
• NASCAR: Few NASCAR racing venues are better known than the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach. At the best NASCAR betting sites, you can bet on races at this venue and others, such as the Texas Motor Speedway and Sebring Raceway.
• Horse Racing: Many of the Kentucky Derby’s finest horses hail from Florida, including Catalytic, Catching Freedom, Dornoch, and Sierra Leone. Head to one of the best horse betting sites to place bets on these speed demons now.

Can You Bet on College Sports in FL?

It’s 100% legal to bet on college sports in the Sunshine State. You can bet on college games taking place in Florida, as well as Florida-based college sports teams. You cannot, however, place prop bets on college sports.

Popular Types of Bets You Can Make in the Best Online Sportsbooks in Florida

Online sports betting in Florida can seem overwhelming if you have never placed a bet in your life and worry about doing it the wrong way. Don’t know the difference between a parlay and a prop bet? Consult our handy guide below to get you on the right track.

• Moneyline: Moneyline bets are straight wagers with no spread, for which you have to predict the outright winner.
• Spread Betting: With this option, you can either lay or take the spread. If you bet on the favorite to win, it’s called laying the spread. If you bet on the underdog, this is called taking the spread.
• Parlays: Also called a multiplier or accumulator, a parlay is a single bet with two or more sides. All sides must win for the bet to win.
• Over/Under: Over/under bets involve betting on whether the number of touchdowns, goals, or points will be over or under a specific number.
• Prop Bets: With prop bets, you bet on individual players or certain actions that may happen during a match. For example, you can bet on how many points a certain soccer player will score.
• Live Bets: Live bets are bets that you can make in real time during a game.

Florida Sports Betting Apps and Mobile Wagering Options

Currently, due to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Hard Rock Bet from the Seminole Tribe is the only legal sports betting app in Florida. This is a fine option, but stick with offshore sportsbooks if you want bigger bonuses and access to more markets.

Offshore mobile books offer many advantages over apps like Hard Rock Bet. With an offshore online sportsbook app, you can place bets from anywhere, not just within the state of Florida. Plus, you can score a welcome bonus worth hundreds.

Famous Florida-Based Tournaments To Bet On

Sports bettors worldwide love betting on the following popular Florida-based tournaments:

• Miami Open: Also called the Miami Masters, the Miami Open is a pro tennis tournament held annually at Miami Gardens. It’s part of the WTA 1000 and ATP Masters 1000 events.
• Daytona Races: Held at the Daytona International Speedway, these races are packed with high-speed, nail-biting action. Popular races include the Daytona 500, the Rolex 24, and the Coke Zero Sugar 400.
• Orange Bowl: First played in 1935, the Orange Bowl is a professional football game played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. It’s one of the oldest football games in the nation.
• Tampa Bay Derby: The Tampa Bay Derby is part of the Kentucky Derby Championship Series. It’s a Grade III American Thoroughbred race for horses aged three and up.
• Florida Derby: The Florida Derby is another American Thoroughbred race for three-year-old horses. It’s held annually at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, FL.

Popular Home Teams in Florida

Florida is home to dozens of popular sports teams. Fan favorites include:

• Florida Panthers: The Panthers are a pro ice hockey team based in Miami. Top players include Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov.
• Miami Heat: The Miami Heat is a basketball team based in, you guessed it, Miami. The team plays home games at Kaseya Center.
• Miami Dolphins: Here’s yet another Miami-based team. This football team plays home games at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
• Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays are a professional baseball team that plays at Charlotte Sports Park and Tropicana Field. Top players include Randy Arozarena and Jose Siri.
• Orlando City SC: Orlando City SC is a soccer club founded in 2013. It competes in the Eastern Conference in Major League Soccer.

Retail Betting Outlets in Florida

Interested in heading to a retail sports betting outlet instead of betting online? Florida has several Hard Rock Sportsbooks where you can place bets in person. Check out these venues located throughout the Sunshine State.

Other Betting Options in FL

You’re not only limited to sports betting in Florida. If you need a break from betting, check out these other options:

• Online Casinos: Federally, online casinos are legal, but the state currently doesn’t allow online casino gambling in Florida. Still, you can get your casino fix by visiting one of the top offshore online casino sites.
• Poker: Aiming to win the next World Series of Poker? Then, you’ll want to brush up on your skills at one of the best online poker sites or at an in-state poker room. You will find poker rooms scattered across Florida - notably in Jacksonville, Ocala, St. Petersburg, and West Palm Beach.
• Horse Racing: Will your favorite ponies cross the finish line first? Place your bets at one of Florida’s in-state racetracks, whether at Tampa Bay Downs or Gulfstream Park Racing.
• Fantasy Sports: At the best fantasy betting sites, you can bet on the player and team matchups of your dreams.

The Future of Sports Betting in Florida

Currently, the Seminole Tribe has a monopoly on Florida sports betting with Hard Rock Bet. This is bad news because a lack of options means that Hard Rock Bet has no incentive to provide good odds for bettors.

However, this monopoly may not last forever. Challengers such as West Flagler intend to continue fighting the Seminole Tribe for the right to operate in the Sunshine State. West Flagler has filed a supplemental brief with the U.S. Supreme Court; however, what will happen next is anyone’s guess.

Nearby Florida Sports Betting Alternatives

Bettors in Florida can also head to surrounding states to enjoy betting action. Here's a brief overview:

• Tennessee is the closest nearby state offering sports wagering. Only online betting is legal here; placing bets at physical sportsbooks is illegal.
• Mississippi is the second-closest option for Florida residents. To place bets here, you must be physically located on casino grounds.
• Virginia is your best bet if you want both retail and online betting, as both are legal in this state.

Responsible Gambling

Placing sports wagers at the best sports betting sites is lots of fun, but remember to bet responsibly. If you need help, check out these responsible gambling resources.

• Problem Gambling Help in Florida
• Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling
• GambleAware

Conclusion: Best Betting Site for Florida Players

You’re sure to love all the Florida sports betting sites on our list, but if we had to choose a winner, it’d be BetOnline. This sportsbook offers impressive bonuses, competitive odds, dozens of sports markets, and industry-leading customer support. Visit BetOnline now and see why it’s our number one choice.

FL Sports Betting FAQs

Is Florida Sports Betting Legal?

Sports betting in Florida is 100% legal, although it temporarily shut down over a legal battle between the Seminole Tribe and local opponent groups. The Seminole Tribe prevailed and relaunched Hard Rock Bet on December 7, 2023.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Florida?

Legal online sports betting launched in 2023, which means you’re free to enjoy sports betting in FL at your favorite online sportsbooks.

What Are the Best Florida Sportsbooks?

BetOnline, BetWhale, and Bovada are a few of the best sports betting sites for Florida bettors. All offer big welcome bonuses, favorable odds, and a wide range of sports betting options.

Is It Safe To Bet on Sports Online in FL?

It’s 100% safe to bet online as long as you only use licensed sportsbooks. All the offshore online sports betting sites on our list are licensed and legit.

Can I Use a VPN for Sports Betting in Florida?

Yes, you can use a VPN for online gambling and Florida sports betting. Some mobile sports betting sites require you to use a VPN because they don’t accept bettors from the USA.