- The Sunshine State is very cloudy when it comes to legalized sports betting.The state of gambling has always been a little bit murky in Florida. A lot of states are trying to come to agreements with various tribes to offer large-scale gambling or find a deal that allows the state to cut in with some of the tribe’s revenue.
- Sports betting is not legal in Florida, and likely not coming soon. There are obstacles like the influence of The Seminole Tribe of South Florida, which operates in-state brick-and-mortar casinos and wants a priority stake in the available upside.
- Florida Lawmaker Brandes Reintroduces Sports Betting Bills, Eyes 2021 Legalization. Posted on: December 29, 2020, 09:22h. Last updated on: December 29, 2020, 10:20h.
No, sports betting in Florida is not legal at this time.
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Sports betting in Florida
Sports betting does not sound close to becoming a reality anytime soon, as there are a number of factors working against it.
Gambling is legal at the state’s tribal casinos and pari-mutuel facilities. The Seminole Tribe of South Florida has operated several brick-and-mortar casinos, paying a flat fee to the state in revenue. However, horse racetracks and jai-alai frontons were greenlighted for another form of gambling, designated player card games, sometimes resulting in wagering up to $50,000 per hand. The Seminole Tribe was unhappy that they did not have exclusivity to table-game wagering and balked at paying money back to the state.
Negotiations have been underway to make the Seminole Tribe, the pari-mutuel facilities and Republican Governor Ron DeSantis all happy. While Gov. DeSantis has been reluctant to expand gambling in the state, legislators have been working on a deal that would make the tribal casinos a hub for sports betting. This would essentially mean the tribal casinos would get a percentage of the overall gambling revenue made even outside of their facilities. The sticking point might be if the Seminole Tribe only wants sports betting at their brick-and-mortar facilities, completely shutting out the racetracks, jai-alai frontons, etc.
Another obstacle might be the voters themselves. While a deal could be hammered out to make please everyone, a ballot initiative passed by voters in 2018 required any gambling expansion outside of the tribal casinos and the lottery required to be initiated by the voters, not the state legislature.
As mentioned above, legalizing sports betting in the state doesn’t seem to be close at this point.
Online sportsbooks in Florida
None.
Retail sportsbooks in Florida
None.
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With 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 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.
Best Sportsbooks for Florida Residents
These are my two favorite sportsbooks for Florida residents.
| Sportsbook | Rating | Bonus | Review | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% up to $1000 | ||||
| 100% up to $250 |
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 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)
Sports Betting App Florida Lottery
- Florida Panthers (NHL)
- Miami Dolphins (NFL)
- Miami Heat (NBA)
- Miami Marlins (MLB)
- Orlando City FC (MLS)
- Orlando Magic (NBA)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
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
Sports Betting Applications
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.