by
Reviewed by
Fact checked by
Legal Sports Betting in Florida
Sports betting in Florida is currently legal. Bettors were able to place bets as of late 2021, according to the deal signed with Seminole Tribe. However, legal Florida sports betting was then repealed after a lawsuit filed by a casino operator that argued the Seminoles’ gaming compact violated the Indiana Gaming Regulatory Act.
For roughly two years, sports betting in the Sunshine State remained shut down. Then, the Florida State Supreme Court ruled to uphold the once-overturned gaming compact between the Seminoles and Florida’s governor office. This paved the way for the Seminoles to relaunch Florida sports betting services in December 2023.
And yet, midway into 2024, the Florida sports betting litigation is far from settled. The plaintiffs looking to overturn Florida sports gambling, West Flagler Associates, filed a petition in April with the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). Many expect SCOTUS to hear the case, which would mean we may not see a resolution to the Florida sports betting debate until 2025 or 2026.
| State | Florida |
| Sports Betting Law Passed | Yes ✔️ |
| Launch date | Dec. 2021 |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 |
| Online Sports Betting | Yes ✔️ |
| Retail Sports Betting | Yes ✔️ |
| Retail Casinos | Yes ✔️ |
| Tribal Casinos | Yes ✔️ (9) |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Yes ✔️ |
| Online Casinos | No ❌ |
| Horse Racing | Yes ✔️ |
| Dog Racing | No ❌ |
| Esports Betting | No ❌ |
Florida sports betting has been contested for a long time, with many in the public and private sector lobbying for change. But finally, across the USA we are seeing changes in betting laws, with many states pushing to change the betting laws in order to allow online sports betting. For the time being, sports fans and bettors are able to wager online via any of the trusted offshore sportsbook providers or great betting apps in Florida. But stay tuned into the latest Florida sports betting news, because there’s no guarantee this doesn’t change…again.
Top 5 Florida Online Sportsbooks
One of the most important things to consider as an online player, regardless of whether you reside in Florida, is getting to grips with your bookmaker. It’s essential to finding success when sports wagering. As such, our in-house experts have scanned the internet, analyzing the top bookmakers available to US players.
As with all our bookmaker reviews, we delve deep into the various services available and build a profile for each of the best online sportsbooks. This gives our readers a clear understanding of what they’re signing up for, detailing the bonuses, promotions, and various payment methods.
For readers who want to learn more about wagering online in the Sunshine State, we’ve listed the top five bookies offering online gambling in Florida today.
| Sportsbook | Bonus Value | Bonus Code | Mobile App | Live Streaming | Crypto Deposit | Sign Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 50% up to $250 | BVD1000 | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Bet Now |
 | 50% up to $1,000 | N/A | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | Bet Now |
 | 125% Sports Bonus - up to $2,500 | JOIN125 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Bet Now |
 | 100% up to $1,000 in free bets | N/A | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Bet Now |
 | 50% up to $500 | XBET50 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | Bet Now |
Bovada
As one of the big names in the industry, Bovada is one of the benchmarks for aspiring online bookies. When players are looking to find the best bets in a particular market or are line shopping for the most competitive odds online, they always pass by Bovada.
With a great presence in the Sunshine State, certainly one of the leading bookmakers for players looking to wager on sports. Enjoy unique features like: experienced sports, over two decades in the industry, excellent site and mobile app user interface, and a comprehensive betting platform featuring a sportsbook, casino, racebook, and poker rooms. There’s an easy sign-up process to boot.
We’ve put together a comprehensive Bovada review for our readers.
- Full-service one-wallet wagering
- First industry morning lines
- Broad range of crypto deposit methods
- 75 percent match bonus up to $750 for first crypto deposit
- Limited promotions for existing customers
- Fees for certain banking methods
- Lacks multiple cryptocurrency withdrawal methods
BetOnline
Another long-standing bookmaker, first coming online in 2004, BetOnline has built its profile as a community provider, offering first-rate customer service and a development team that works tirelessly to ensure customers enjoy a unique betting experience. Floridians can enjoy a range of bonuses and prop bet promotions to keep them entertained.
Players at BetOnline can enjoy these attributes; tons of great bonus offerings and deals, reliable and legitimate sportsbooks, and first-rate customer service. Modern website and mobile betting platform.
Read our BetOnline review to learn more about this unique provider.
- Excellent first-deposit bonus
- Highly reputable North American sportsbook
- First-rate customer service team
- 50 percent match up to $250 for initial deposit
- Fees on credit card deposits
- Fees on some payout methods
- High rollover requirements on some bonuses
BetUS
For those players that focus on betting strategy, a wealth of players in the BetUS community have been playing for decades. Access the different odds markets here, as BetUS offers some of the most competitive sports betting online.
Many players have gotten lucky backing the underdog and hitting huge payouts. BetUS boasts the following features: longevity in the industry, a great loyalty program, regular updates to promotions and bonus offerings, and great live/In-play betting markets.
Get the full story with our BetUS review.
- Top-tier mobile betting platform
- Range of bonuses and promotions
- Excellent weekly horse-racing rebate
- 200 percent match up to $1,500 for first deposit
- Limited payout options. Some options have fees
- Limited to major sports and leagues
- Maximum bets might be low for some
BetNow
Florida state governor Ron DeSantis would be proud of BetNow as one of those bookmakers on everyone’s betting-line shopping list. A provider that has been in the game as long as any and knows what it takes to remain competitive in what is a saturated industry. BetNow has played a huge role in building a safe betting environment online, and it’s evidenced in the quality of the service they continue to offer year after year.
We found the following features exceptional at BetNow: highly rated sportsbook within the community, gets the basics right, excellent deposit options, and consistently good sportsbook bonus options.
Learn more with our comprehensive BetNow review.
- Competitive sports betting lines
- Most sports betting lines in the US
- Industry-leading welcome bonus
- 200 percent match up to $200 for first deposit
- Interface might look dated to some
- Low value welcome bonuses
- Limited number of specialty sports markets
XBet
XBet has a collective vision to redefine the gaming industry by establishing itself as the world’s leading online sports betting and gambling website. This has been realized in the past decade since XBet first went online in 2007.
While the XBet service focuses on its sportsbook and casino offerings, you can see what separates this provider from the rest right here: bonuses for new and returning players, a fully-stocked casino that complements the sportsbook, and a modern look and feel across the site.
We provide the full details about this sportsbook in our XBet review.
- Live casino wagering
- Excellent rewards program
- Straightforward sign-up process
- 100 percent match up to $1,000
- Withdrawals only offered in Bitcoin or Bank Transfer
- High minimum deposit for non-crypto methods
- Maximum wagering limit of $10,000 per day
*Were you surprised not to see FanDuel, DrafKings or BetMGM in the top eight? We are sorry to inform you that they don’t offer online gambling for bettors in Florida for legal reasons. They are working hard to change that, but until sports betting legislation in Florida changes, you can bet with our partners like Bovada, BetOnline and XBet. They offer amazing odds and higher bonuses than brands that spend a lot of money advertising on TV and lobbying lawmakers.
How we review and choose the Best Florida betting sites
While we wait for a change to the betting law in the state, we take a look at how to bet on sports in Florida. With the Buccaneers (2020) and Lightning (2021) winning the top prizes in the NHL and NFL recently, there has never been a better time to wager on sports betting markets for Floridians.
We have carefully reviewed the top online sports betting sites and provided some details we find especially important. Our team of experts and experience reviewing the very best providers means we know exactly what to look for on these sites.
Before you can bet on sports in Florida, we’ll give you the top qualities to look out for when searching for an online betting site.
Is Sports Betting in Florida Legal?
We often get asked, “Is gambling legal in Florida?” The answer is a little complicated. But in a nutshell: Yes, Florida sports betting is legal under certain conditions.
Bettors were first able to place bets as of late 2021. However, legal Florida sports betting was then repealed after a lawsuit filed by a casino operator argued the Seminoles’ gaming compact violated the Indiana Gaming Regulatory Act.
For about two years, sports betting in the Sunshine State remained shut down. Then, the Florida State Supreme Court ruled to uphold the once-overturned gaming compact between the Seminoles and Florida’s governor office. This paved the way for the Seminoles to relaunch Florida sports betting services in December 2023.
Sadly the lack of change to the law means that sports betting is not legal in Florida beyond Seminole Tribe operations. We have seen several major sports betting associations and lobbyists aiming to amend Florida gambling laws, but they have found little success in this pursuit.
In summary, while there is a legal framework for gambling and sports betting in Florida, it is restricted and primarily limited to the Seminole Tribe’s operations. So sports betting is legal as long as you follow specific conditions: if you want to gamble or place sports bets in Florida, you can do so only through the Seminole Tribe’s facilities or services. Sportsbetting is also legal as long as you do so using offshore sportsbooks (such as Bovada, BetNow, etc…), not legal sportsbooks (such as FanDuel, DraftKings, etc…). The only legal sportsbook authorized to operate in the state for Floridians to use is Hard Rock.
What Forms of Gambling and Betting are Legal in Florida?
In Florida, a variety of gambling and betting activities are legal. In the sections below, we go into additional details about what one can gamble and bet on.
Florida and daily fantasy sports
We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) being played in the state of Florida in recent years. One of the major driving forces for this is that Florida sports gambling online is illegal unless using the Seminole tribe’s Hard Rock sports betting app. Until gambling in Florida is passed, it’s very unlikely that we’ll see the flourishing DFS market take a hit, as it gives sports enthusiasts an outlet for their sports fix. On the contrary, in 2024, Florida actually ordered top daily fantasy sites to exit the market because their services too closely mirror illegal online sports betting..
Florida gambling law does offer horse and dog racing, though anyone looking to open up this kind of operation must seek a license from the state.
Is Casino Gambling Legal in Florida?
- Poker: Poker is legal at racinos, which are racetracks with casino games, and native-run land-based casinos in Florida. Outside of these facilities, poker is illegal.
- Lottery: The Florida state lottery offers various games in the state including Florida Lotto, Powerball, and Fantasy 5.
- Casino Games: The following games are legal at Florida casinos: craps, roulette, blackjack, and slot machines. The minimum age for casino gambling in Florida is 21. Online casinos remain illegal.
- Slots: Slot machines are heavily regulated, but legal at pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties and at native-run casinos.
Is Online Casino gambling legal?
Online casinos are not legal in Florida. The only exception being the online Hard Rock sportsbook. Bettors in Florida cannot play casino games online either, but daily fantasy sports is legal in the state. Florida residents who want to experience online casino games can use offshore sportsbooks that offer these activities.
Can you bet on horse racing in Florida?
Florida gambling law allows for horse racing, with several tracks available in the Sunshine State. With six tracks operating today, there are plenty of options for players. Check the complete list out below:
- Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino
- Tampa Bay Downs
- Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track
- Hialeah Racetrack
- Sanford Orlando Kennel Club
- Best bet Orange Park
Florida sports betting offers horse racing, but it’s only legal to bet if you’re physically at the track. However, if you’re working with one of the offshore providers we’ve mentioned on this page, you’ll be able to bet online freely. We would advise looking at the top racing betting sportsbooks for more on Florida horse racing.
Is dog racing legal in Florida?
Dog racing is not legal in Florida. In 2018, Amendment 13 was voted on by Florida residents. 5.4 million voted in favor of wagering on live dog racing and banning dog racing in the state. Over 2.4 million voters voted in favor of keeping dog racing legal in the state.
The last dog race in Florida was run in late 2020 at Derby Lane.
Florida Sports Betting – Recent Updates
- October 28, 2024 – Florida’s Seminole Tribe has formed a partnership with West Flagler, bringing an end to their prolonged legal battle over the tribe’s dominance of the state’s online gambling market.
- October 9, 2024 – Hard Rock Chairman Discusses Potential ’Strategic Relationship’ with FanDuel, DraftKings in Florida.
- September 3, 2024 – Ten individuals were arrested, and slot machines were confiscated after authorities uncovered an illegal gambling operation at a gas station in Tallahassee.
- August 13, 2024 – The lottery courier service theLotter is expected to launch soon in Florida, offering customers the ability to order lottery tickets online.
- July 17, 2024 – The US Supreme Court declined to hear West Flagler Associates v. Haaland, preserving the 2021 Florida-Seminole tribe compact. This decision potentially expands the reach of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
- June 25, 2024 – The Florida Panthers triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, with huge wagers placed throughout.
- May 29, 2024 – It was announced that the Supreme Court will hear the case on legal Florida sports betting on June 13, 2024.
- May 3, 2024 – Fierceness, the odds favorite for the Kentucky Derby, emerged victorious in the Florida Derby held on March 30. Presently, Fierceness holds 5-2 odds for the upcoming race.
- April 2, 2024 – West Flagler Associates files a supplemental brief with the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). The filing explains their case against the Department of the Interior and argues for why SCOTUS should grant West Flagler’s petition to halt sports betting operations in the Sunshine State.
- March 21, 2024 – The Florida Supreme Court denied a petition regarding the state’s gambling compact, a win for the Seminole Tribe’s sports betting efforts. West Flagler remains hopeful for future legal avenues, including potential US Supreme Court involvement and other state petitions.
- January 18, 2024 – Florida Senator Blaise Ingoglia introduces SB 1010, a bill aiming to acknowledge three additional native tribes in the state, potentially paving the way for the establishment of more casinos independent of the Seminole Tribe.
- December 26, 2023 – Florida Supreme Court to rule on legality of online sports betting in the state
- December 1, 2023 – West Flagler’s request to halt Florida’s sports betting market was rejected by the state’s supreme court, allowing wagering operations to continue unimpeded.
- November 1. 2023 – The Seminole Tribe has revealed plans to open retail sportsbooks and begin offering craps and roulette at its six Florida casinos, pending regulatory approval.
- October 2, 2023 – In an attempt to continue blocking sports betting in Florida, West Flagler has filed a constitutional challenge with the state Supreme Court.
- September 3, 2023 – The US Department of the Interior has deemed West Flagler Associates’ request for an en banc rehearing in their sports betting case as “unwarranted”.
- August 1, 2023 – The National Indian Gaming Commission put out gambling numbers for last year. The area with Florida and some other states had $9 billion in revenue. That’s 10.8% more than during 2021.
- July 1, 2023 – The fate of legal sports betting in Florida hangs in the balance as bettors eagerly anticipate a court ruling, with a recent Supreme Court decision potentially influencing the final outcome.
- June 6, 2023 – Florida’s 2023 legislative session concludes without progress on legalizing sports betting, leaving the industry in a state of legal uncertainty and no new legislation passed.
- May 2, 2023 – DraftKings released its newest mobile app, DK Horse, just in time for the Kentucky Derby on May 6th. The app is now available for use in Florida, where residents can legally bet on horse racing through online platforms.
- March 17, 2023 – A booming mobile betting market within legal states has caught the attention of State legislators.
- February 27, 2023 – An appeals court is weighing whether the Seminole Tribe should control sports betting in Florida.
- January 17, 2023 – The Florida sports betting situation is set up to be a well-disputed battle in 2023.
- December 15, 2022 – Oral arguments in Florida have set the stage for a ruling related to sports betting in 2023.
- December 1, 2022 – Media and betting business FL Entertainment reported a 5.7% increase in online sports and betting revenue for the first time in 2022.
- November 14, 2022 – Seminoles file a brief aiming to be heard in the Florida sports betting case.
- October 26, 2022 – Florida’s Department of the Interior is expected to champion bringing legal sports betting to the state, with the 2020 agreement made with the Seminole Tribe to be disgorged by the federal court system.
- September 23, 2022 – Attorney explains why legalized sports betting in Florida is still in limbo. Sports betting expert Daniel Wallach details legal issues in ‘The Weekly.’
The Florida sports betting industry hasn’t seen a lot of movement in terms of betting legality in recent months. The last major event was in November 2023, when the Seminole Tribe officially relaunched Florida sports betting services after a two-year hiatus.
There has definitely been an encouraging movement across the states toward legalizing sports betting, so we’re likely to see many more states following suit in the coming years. In Florida specifically, the Seminole Tribe is an important player in mobile sports betting. We will be keeping a close eye on any industry developments and will keep you informed as things move forward. Stay tuned!
When will sports betting be legal in Florida?
Sports betting is legal in Florida, but… And that is a big but, because the only way to legally place a sports bet in the state is through the sportsbooks operated by or in conjunction with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
In 2021 the 2021 Gaming Compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the State of Florida went into effect. The agreement allowed for the tribe to have in-person sports betting, craps and roulette at its six casinos in Florida. In addition, online sports betting is legal at Hard Rock Bet.
As for when sports betting will be legal in Florida for more than the Seminole Tribe, that is an unknown. Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court refused a challenge on the tribe’s agreement with the state. Gambling companies West Flagler Associates and Bonita-Fort Myers Corporation were the ones who challenged the agreement.
Potential Legal Sports Betting Sites In Florida
Because Florida sports gambling is illegal (unless you use Hard Rock, the only legal sportsbook authorized), offshore bookmakers remain the number one option for sports betting enthusiasts and gamblers in the state. On this page, we have promoted the best betting sites in Florida, though many other offshore bookmakers offer odds in Florida. Given the sweeping changes to sports betting in the United States, we may see Florida sports gambling legalized in the coming years.
We cannot tell what will happen in the coming years, but many betting licenses will likely be offered to sports betting providers in the state. Gambling in Florida may experience a major shift, so keep checking back with this page for the latest updates and insights on this topic. While we do not know for sure yet, we do expect bookmakers like Fanduel, Draftkings, and BetMGM to begin operating in the Sunshine State in the coming years.
List of Casinos in Florida
The Sunshine State is home to many casinos, especially on land owned by the Seminole Tribe in Florida. One of the biggest ones is the Hard Rock Sportsbook. It is an example of a casino owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Even though it is a worldwide chain, it has its own color here in Florida. Hard Rock also runs a Florida mobile sports betting app in partnership with the Seminole Tribe.
- Big Easy Casino
- Calder Casino & Race Course
- Casino Miami Jai-Alai
- Creek Entertainment Gretna
- Dania Jai-Alai
- Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club
- Derby Lane
- Ebro Greyhound Track
- Flagler Dog Track and Magic City Casino
- Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino
- Hialeah Park Race Track
- Jacksonville Kennel Club
- Jefferson County Kennel Club
- Melbourne Greyhound Park
- Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center
- Naples/Fort Myers Greyhound Track
- Ocala Poker & Jai-Alai
- Orange Park Kennel Club
- Orange City Racing and Card Club
- Oxford Downs
- Palm Beach Kennel Club
- Pensacola Greyhound Track
- Pompano Park
- Sarasota Kennel Club
- Seminole Casino Big Cypress
- Seminole Casino Brighton
- Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
- Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa
- Seminole Classic Casino
- Tampa Bay Downs
- Tampa Greyhound Track
Florida Sports Betting Timeline
We take a look back at the last few years of news related to Florida sports betting, with some major progress towards a legal playing field for bettors and providers.
2024
West Flagler Associates files a supplemental brief to the Supreme Court of the United States arguing that their petition against the Department of the Interior and Florida sports betting should be granted. If SCOTUS agrees to hear the case, it could put the future of Florida online sports betting in jeopardy.
2023
Legal Battles and Relaunch: Hard Rock Bet’s Journey in Florida
After a federal judge nullifies the Seminole Tribe-state compact, the Seminole Tribe successfully appeals to reinstate regulated sports betting. Despite ongoing legal proceedings, Hard Rock Bet relaunches in Florida on Nov. 7 for existing customers and Dec. 5 for all eligible bettors.
2022
Tribes file for change regarding sports betting in Florida
Seminoles file a brief aiming to be heard in the Florida sports betting case
President Biden aims to reinstate Seminole control
The Biden administration urges an appeals court to reinstate a deal that gave the Seminole Tribe control of sports betting in the state
2021
US Department issued an approval on betting
The US Department of Interior issued a “deemed” approval letter to the betting compact, implying it is legal under US law.
The launch doesn’t go ahead as planned
The anticipated launch date has come and gone. Updates could come in November after a hearing on Nov. 5 to address one of the lawsuits.
2020
Senator files for legal sports betting
Sen. Jeff Brandes files SB 392, which would allow for legal sports betting.
2019
Seminole Tribe removes itself from 2010 Compact
The Seminole Tribe removes itself from the 2010 Compact, due to a disagreement with racino card game revenue and operation. The state stops receiving revenue from its gambling operations, although casino operations continue.
There are many discussions about the Florida-Seminole gaming compact. What’s clear is that all the parties need to sit down and discuss how to best move forward, and within Constitutional limits, so that we do not repeat the failures and setbacks of previous attempts.
Recent Florida Betting Tips
NBA Betting in Florida – November 2024
- Miami Heat – Led by the legendary Jimmy Butler, the Heat are one of the most formidable teams in the National Basketball League and have shown time and time again why they are one of few teams to hold more than two Championship titles.
- Orlando Magic – The Orlando Magic is an American pro basketball team in Orlando, Florida. The Magic takes part in the National Basketball Association as part of the East Conference Southeast Division.
- The Miami Heat are listed at +5000 championship odds for the 2024/25 season at Bovada.
- The Orlando Magic hold +3000 Eastern Conference odds for the 2024/25 season at MyBookie.
- The Boston Celtics have +255 title odds at BetUS as favorites in 2025.
- Bam Adebayo has +1600 Defensive Player of the Year odds at Bovada.
- The Denver Nuggets have +1400 championship odds in 2025 at BetOnline.
MLB Betting in Florida – November 2024
- Tampa Bay Rays – The Tampa Bay Rays are the number one baseball team competing in the MLB out of Florida. Sadly the team has never managed to win the World Series, but they have come close a few times, most notably when they got the AL Pennant in 2020.
- Miami Marlins – The Miami Marlins are an American professional baseball squad in Miami. The Marlins fight in MLB as a National League East division participant organization. The team’s stadium is LoanDepot Park. The franchise commenced play as an extension group in 1993, classified as the Florida Marlins.
- The Tampa Bay Rays are listed at +3100 World Series odds on BetUS.
- The Marlins to make the playoffs at +1300 odds at BetOnline.
- The Miami Marlins hold +6000 World Series odds as an MLB longshot with Bovada.
NFL Betting in Florida – November 2024
- Jacksonville Jaguars – The Jacksonville Jaguars have only recently become more of a force in the NHL. They finished the 2022-23 season atop the AFC South and have shown why they may soon be one of the teams to contend with at the top of the pile.
- Miami Dolphins -The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football franchise in the Miami metropolitan district. The Dolphins contend in the National Football League as an associate organization of the American Football Conference East’s league.
- Jacksonville Jaguars to clinch the 2025 Super Bowl title are at +20000 with major sportsbooks available.
- Brock Purdy’s odds to win the regular season MVP are at +2500 odds with BetOnline.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hopeful they’ll be able to make 2025 their year and stand at +12000 to win the Super Bowl in Feburary.
NHL Betting in Florida – November 2024
- Tampa Bay Lightning – One of the best NHL teams in the league right now, winning the 2020 and 2021 titles and narrowly missed out on making it three Stanley Cups in three years.
- Florida Panthers – The Florida Panthers are a professional hockey squad in the Miami metropolitan zone. They participate in the NHL as an affiliate of the Atlantic Section of the Eastern Discussion. They formerly played their home games at Miami Arena before transferring to FLA Live Arena in 1998.
- The Tampa Bay Lightning have +800 odds to win the Eastern Conference according to BetUS
- The Florida Panthers have +1100 odds to win the Stanley Cup according to BetOnline
Popular Sports and Teams to bet on in Florida
In addition to fielding teams in the NBA, MLB, NHL and NFL, Florida has other sports to bet on including:
- Florida has two MLS teams: Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC.
- Florida has 10 NCAA Division 1 football teams in the state.
- Florida has many auto racing tracks, several of which host NASCAR races, including the Daytona 500.
- The UFC visits Florida often, with Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Orlando being a frequent host of fight cards.
- The PGA visits Florida for events such as The Players Championship and the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
Nearest states with legal betting
For bettors in Florida keen to wager with a registered online bookmaker, it’s best to travel to neighboring states. The following states are the closest bordering states with legal betting to Florida:
Unfortunately, Florida’s neighboring states—Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina—don’t allow sports wagering online. So, bettors in Florida must travel through those states to reach one of the listed three that allow wagering.
How to sports bet in Florida
Signing up for offshore sportsbooks is an easy process. After reviewing our betting guides, the next thing you need to do once you decide which sportsbook you want to use.
For example, below is what it looks like to sign up for BetUS.
Step 1: Get started
The first thing you’ll need to do is click on the “Get Started” tab on the BetUS homepage
Step 2: Provide your contact details
Next you’ll be taken to a screen where you add basic details such as your name, address, and how you heard about BetUS. This is also where you add your password.
Step 3: Select your deposit method
The next step in the process is selecting your deposit method and bonus. One thing to be certain of is to make sure you are getting the best available welcome bonus. Most sportsbooks offer their highest bonus levels on first deposits.
Step 4: Begin betting
Once your deposit and bonus show up in your account, it’s time to begin betting on your favorite sports!
Bet using sport betting apps in Florida
One great thing about almost all offshore sportsbooks is that they offer either a mobile app or mobile access to a site that mimics the desktop experience. This means you can use a mobile device to place wagers, and that you are not restricted to using a desktop computer. For most sportsbooks, the process of betting on a mobile app is as easy as using a desktop.
Below are three Florida sports betting apps we recommend.
Bovada App
Bovada’s mobile betting site provides bettors with a fully functional betting experience. The Bovada mobile app eliminates the need for downloading from the App Store or Google Play, ensuring accessibility for everyone. The mobile platform is very similar to the desktop site, providing a comprehensive range of features, including sports betting, casino games, and a poker room. The Bovada mobile app provides users with the added convenience of placing bets on the go.
Pros
- No download
- Easy to navigate
Cons
- Better betting odds can be found on other sites
- Some betting lines come out late in the day
BetOnline App
Although there is no dedicated BetOnline mobile app, you can use BetOnline from any location using a mobile device. The mobile betting experience on BetOnline allows users to enjoy the same seamless features as desktop bettors, all from the convenience of your phone or tablet.
Pros
- Offers a multitude of betting options
- Easy access to betting markets
Cons
- Customer service can be hard to access
- No cash-out options for bets
MyBookie App
Like the two previous mentioned mobile apps, MyBookie does not currently have a downloadable MyBookie app, but its mobile site is fully functional, easy to use and should look familiar to those who use the desktop app.
Pros
- Good mobile interface
- Enhanced security
Cons
- Number of events not as robust as some other apps
- Better betting odds can be found on other sites
How to choose the right betting app
When searching for the best mobile betting app, it’s important to consider the app’s interface, and responsiveness. Users will also want to be comfortable with how the mobile app mirrors or differs from the desktop experience. Today, it’s unusual to encounter major discrepancies between desktop sportsbooks and the mobile version of the betting site.
Below are some things to consider when choosing the app that is right for you:
- Make sure to use a sportsbook that does not infringe the current law in Florida
- Make sure to choose an app that is easy to use for your level
- Make sure it is compatible to meet your specific needs – which could be live betting options, access to casino games, etc..
- Make sure it offers live betting if you think that’s something you might be interested in
- Make sure the app has live streaming if that is something you need
- Make sure you can easily reach customer service via the app
Make sure to bet safely and reasonably
When it comes to deciding on a sportsbook, or multiple sportsbooks, knowing your banking and personal information is safe and secure is essential. The sites we recommend are all licensed and regulated. They also offer various security measures such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and security audits to ensure your information is safe and that you can place wagers without any worries.
Another key aspect of safety is the control you have over your betting. When choosing a sportsbook, look for sites that offer responsible gaming options and self-exclusion policies. Some sportsbooks even allow users to set their own deposit and betting limits, giving you the power to bet responsibly. You can usually find responsible gaming information in the site’s FAQs or by reaching out to customer service.
Below are some resources for Florida bettors.
| Resource | Phone number | Chat Link | |
| Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling | 888-ADMIT-IT | fccg@gamblinghelp.org | Chat |
| The National Council on Problem Gambling | 1-800-522-4700 | Chat | |
| Gamblers Anonymous | 855-222-5542) |
Best Betting Sites 
