Sports Betting in Florida – Updates & Legalization
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Scott Kacsmar
- October 4, 2023
The future of online sports betting in Florida is still hanging in the air. November 2023 brought victory to the Seminole Tribe when West Flagler’s efforts to stop legal wagering finally fizzled out. Retail sportsbooks are set to launch in December 2023, but online sportsbook operators still have an uphill legal battle.
Even though Florida remains one of the most contentious in the United States, residents can still access some of the best online sports betting sites.
| SPORTSBOOK | TRUST SCORE | ONLINE SINCE | Expert Review | BONUS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Heritage Sports
|
2001 | Read Review | ||
|
Bookmaker
|
1996 | Read Review | ||
|
Bovada
|
2011 | Read Review | ||
|
BetOnline
|
2001 | Read Review | ||
|
Everygame
|
1996 | Read Review | ||
|
BetAnySports
|
2002 | Read Review |
Table of Contents
Best Florida Sports Betting Sites 2023
We reviewed dozens of offshore sportsbooks to compile the following top-ranked platforms for online sports betting in Florida. The online betting sites mentioned below offer a safe and steady wagering escapade and a variety of league markets and bet types that include options beyond sides and totals such as parlays, in-game betting, props, teasers, pleasers and more.
These offshore sports betting sites will provide users with the best possible experience in the Sunshine State.
- BookMaker – Accepts action from all players.
- Heritage Sports – Best for live betting, VIP service to every player
- Bovada – Offers an abundance of prop bets
- BetOnline – Releases opinionated lines
- BetAnySports – Offers reduced juice
- Everygame – Offers a variety of bonus promotions
- WagerWeb – Offers same-day Bitcoin payouts
- JustBet – Releases odds earlier than most sites
- BetUS – Offers large sign-up bonuses
All 10 of these sportsbooks are based offshore, meaning they do not have to abide by the laws in Florida, which currently deem online betting to be illegal. But as a Floridian, you can still join and bet with real money on these sites as there is no specific law to prohibit you from doing so. If you are concerned about your safety in using these offshore sites, do not fret. We made sure to inspect that each one is a reputable place for legal sports betting and will pay out your winnings.
The Best Florida Sportsbooks Reviews
Our top 10 list for sports betting sites includes some sportsbooks that are better than others in certain areas, such as their welcome bonus or the rollover requirement. To help you figure out which site will suit your personal preference the best, read on to see reviews of each of our top 10 best online sportsbooks for Florida players.
1. BookMaker: Great for Bettors of All Experience Levels
Key Features:
- Market leader in early betting lines
- Winning players will not have their accounts closed
- Offers same-day Bitcoin payouts free of charge
Bookmaker.eu has been operating since 1996, making it one of the oldest sportsbooks in our list. But this experience has led to BookMaker’s reputation as the site “where the line originates” as it tends to publish the earliest odds in the market, a good boost for sharp bettors or other Floridian bettors looking for value.
Based in Costa Rica, Bookmaker.eu accepts all action from U.S. bettors. One concern winning players always have with a sportsbook is getting their account severely limited or even closed. This is not a concern at BookMaker as it will honor sports wagers from all users with high betting limits in place. BookMaker’s current welcome bonuses vary by your deposit method. If you deposit by crypto, you will receive a 20% cash bonus up to $500. All other deposit methods get a 25% cash bonus up to $500. This bonus comes with a 10x rollover requirement before you can withdraw any of the winnings. BookMaker also offers substantial reload bonuses, and you can join one of the best loyalty programs out there.
2. Heritage Sports: Best for Live Betting
Key Features:
- One of the best live betting apps
- Web design is clean and really stands out vs. rivals
- Fun promos like a free birthday parlay
Heritage Sports is another Costa Rica-based sportsbook that has been online since 2001. It used to be an invite-only site, but new accounts are welcome now, including anyone from Florida. If you join Heritage Sports, you will see reduced juice lines advertised throughout the site. This means that instead of offering the standard betting lines of -110 on game sides and totals, you can get -108 odds or, in other words, more bang for your buck over competitors.
Heritage Sports is one of the best options for those interested in live betting on sports. They also offer esports betting, online casino games (scratch cards included), 24/7 live dealer games and a racebook.
New users can receive a 50% sign-up bonus up to $250 that has a 12x rollover requirement. That is smaller compared to competitors, but Heritage Sports prides itself on its reduced juice-cash back loyalty program that will continue to reward players. They also offer some unique bonuses and perks, including a free parlay for your birthday (maximum value of $500) and every eighth deposit is on the house based on the average of your previous seven deposits.
3. Bovada: Perfect for Prop Picks
Key Features:
- Huge depth of sports markets, including cricket and snooker
- Great assortment of player props
- Some of the lowest roller requirements
Bovada is a popular online sportsbook that is very newbie-friendly to American users looking for their first offshore experience. They have a simple site design with plenty of sports markets to bet on, and you can find an assortment of props in their prop builder. Bovada also offers a wide variety of payment options, excellent customer service and a busy online casino to go along with the robust sportsbook. You can also play a unique lottery game and bet on horse racing.
For sports bettors and crypto fans, Bovada’s welcome bonus is a 75% crypto deposit bonus of up to $750 to bet on sports. The rollover is only 5x on sports and horse wagers, which is impressively low. There are also many Bovada promo codes that can be used to gain additional benefits and perks.
4. BetOnline: Best Opinionated Lines
Key Features:
- Wide range of betting markets
- Odds boosters and opinionated lines
- Accepts multiple cryptocurrencies
- Longstanding reputation in the industry
BetOnline is another top-rated online sportsbook based in Costa Rica with a long track record of satisfying customers. One of the coolest features that separates BetOnline from rivals is having opinionated lines on football, basketball and baseball. Not only are these lines you won’t see on other sites, but you can parlay together prop picks with these unique lines.
Beyond the deep sportsbook, BetOnline offers a racebook, live betting, esports betting, poker and casino games; you can also enter a variety of contests with cash prizes. BetOnline offers various payment methods, including crypto, P2P, credit cards, bank transfers and more.
BetOnline also has a great variety of promos. New users looking to bet on sports can use promo code BOL1000 for a 50% welcome bonus of up to $1,000 on your first deposit. The minimum deposit for this offer is $55, and there is a fair 10x rollover requirement. BetOnline is also offering Florida users a 100% NFL Reload Bonus up to $1,000, perfect for getting in on the action this season.
5. BetAnySports: Reduced Juice & More
Key Features:
- Some of the best reduced juice (-105 lines) on sides and totals
- Very good prop builder
- 24/7 customer service with live chat option
BetAnySports, established in 2002, has proven to be a top-notch offshore sportsbook for Florida residents over a span of two decades. The platform provides a highly diverse betting market that includes a vast array of sports popular in the United States, such as football, baseball and basketball. It caters to a variety of gaming interests, offering not just a sportsbook and racebook, but also a casino and a lottery. Bettors appreciate the platform’s easy-to-use website design and choice of bonus packages, making it a reliable and user-friendly choice
The platform’s distinct “less juice package” sets it apart, offering the lowest juice at -105, allowing bettors more profit on their winnings. BetAnySports also provides a generous 25% cash bonus and seamless deposit and withdrawal methods, including the option for Bitcoin transactions.
6. Everygame: Great Mobile Site
Key Features:
- Lives up to the name Everygame with markets ranging from NFL to snooker to the stock market
- One of the best-looking betting sites you will see
Everygame, with its sportsbook headquartered in Antigua, has been online since 1996 and holds a BMR rating of A. The company was long known as Intertops before celebrating its 25th birthday with a rebranding to Everygame, offering a sleek web design and as many betting markets as any rival out there. Not only can you bet on the most popular sports leagues in the world, but you can wager on horses, darts, handball, esports, cricket, snooker, table tennis, the stock market, the 2024 presidential election or guess the exact Powerball number in the next drawing.
This site truly lives up to the name Everygame. While you can enjoy the sportsbook at Everygame, lottery-minded users will want to head over to the detailed classic casino section. You can find over 300 slots and plentiful poker options, but most importantly, you can play keno and scratch card games. The site also offers demo versions of casino games that you can play for free, a feature you don’t always see.
Everygame is offering new users up to $750 as a sign-up bonus. You can get up to $250 bonus on your first three deposits using various methods. Each bonus is subject to a rollover requirement of 4x at minimum odds of -200 before you can redeem your next bonus. Users can also take advantage of an Everygame promo code to gain additional bonus funds or for other benefits.
7. WagerWeb: Same-Day Bitcoin Payouts
Key Features:
- No fee on credit card deposits
- Same-day Bitcoin payouts
WagerWeb launched in 1994 and holds a BMR rating of 9.5. Like Heritage Sports, it is based in Costa Rica and offers reduced juice lines at -108 odds instead of the standard -110. In addition to the sportsbook, WagerWeb offers over 200 casino games, live betting and a racebook, as well as free weekly football betting contests, perfect for the 2023-24 NFL season.
New users in Florida can get a 100% cash welcome bonus of up to $500 with a 15x rollover. This is available only for deposits made with Bitcoin or MoneyGram. There are also cashback bonuses for the sportsbook, casino, and racebook.
8. JustBet: A Sister Site to BookMaker
Key Features:
- Built with similar system to BookMaker, making it reliable
- Offers early betting lines
JustBet was bought by BookMaker, our top-rated offshore sportsbook, back in 2013. You can expect a similar experience to using BookMaker, including a streamlined web design that won’t lag on your favorite device, making it ideal for live betting. You also get access to a racebook and a Vegas-style casino with slots, roulette, video poker and tournaments with other JustBet players.
The JustBet welcome bonus gives new users from the United States and Canada a 20% cash bonus of up to $500 on their first deposit using crypto. This comes with an 8x rollover requirement. All other deposit methods will receive a 25% cash bonus up to $500 with a 10x rollover. JustBet also offers reload bonuses, a refer-a-friend offer and racebook rebates of up to 8% back.
9. BetUS: Excellent USA Sportsbook
Key Features:
- Sportsbook is extensive for the most popular leagues
- Nearly three decades in the sports gambling industry
- High $50,000 crypto deposit limits
The self-proclaimed “America’s Favorite Sportsbook” has been operating since 1994, making it among the oldest choices in our top 10 for Florida users. BetUS covers all the major leagues that Americans know best, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NCAAF, NCAAB and more. They also offer an extensive number of blackjack games, online slots, a racebook, tournaments and video slot machines.
There are many bonuses at BetUS. New users can get a 125% bonus up to a maximum of $3,125 when they make their first deposit. Additionally, BetUS provides a unique deal where the sign-up bonus is equally split into a 50% sportsbook bonus and a 50% casino bonus. This bonus is split evenly between the sportsbook and the casino, with each offering a 50% bonus.
Is sports betting legal in Florida?
Sports betting is legal in Florida following a ruling by the DC District Court of Appeals. A previous District Court decision blocked regulated sports betting but it has been overturned. This legal victory for the Seminole Tribe reinstated the legality of sports betting in the state under the gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe and the State of Florida. Consequently, the Seminole Tribe has announced that it will launch in-person sports betting at its casinos starting December 7, 2023.
As for online and mobile wagering, the wait continues. Florida residents were able to enjoy mobile sports betting for a few weeks in late 2021 thanks to a compact reached by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe to start accepting online sports wagering in Florida. However, those betting services were quickly suspended after a federal judge threw out the compact agreement after claiming it violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act by illegally expanding gambling in the state.
This part of the case remains held up in the court’s appeal process. There is no regulated, legal system for allowing mobile sports betting in the Sunshine State. Efforts have been underway to legalize online sports betting in Florida, but it is a slow-moving process that could still take years to achieve. This is why your best bet on sports wagering is to join one of the offshore sports betting sites, preferably one of the ones we vetted for you in this guide. There is no law to prevent you from joining such a site and wagering real money on sports bets.
Sports betting apps are not going to be offered natively on iOS or the Play Store until there are agreements reached, either. However, with an online sportsbook, mobile sports betting is easy thanks to how streamlined the sites are for mobile devices.
Florida Sports Betting Updates: History & Latest News
Florida first legalized gambling in the middle of the Great Depression, in 1932. Sports betting markets and other gambling brought a lot of tourism to the state.
Locations opened that offered everyone’s favorite table games, and within two years, slot machines hit casino floors. These popular games were later removed in 1973.
Throughout the 80s, cruises would allow Floridians a true gambling experience with no destination in mind. Numerous contests, loads of sports betting, and additional games were available on these so-called cruises to nowhere.
A lot has changed since then. The timeline below covers a full timeline of gambling events in the Sunshine State.
- November 1, 2023: The Seminole Tribe of Florida and Seminole Hard Rock announced plans to launch retail sports betting, craps, and roulette at all six Seminole Casinos in December, with in-person sports betting starting on December 7 at three casinos in South Florida.
- October 12, 2023: The Supreme Court granted West Flagler Associates a temporary stay against the relaunch of sports betting in Florida. West Flagler is preparing a writ of certiorari to the Supreme Court to resolve the ongoing dispute since 2021.
- September 28, 2023: West Flagler Associates petitioned the Florida Supreme Court to prevent the Seminole Tribe from relaunching sports betting in Florida; however, the U.S. Court of Appeals, DC Circuit, denied West Flagler Associates’ request for a stay on the relaunch of legal wagering in Florida.
- September 18, 2023: The Orlando Sentinel reported that owners of two Florida pari-mutuels plan to ask the U.S. Supreme Court about the legality of a deal giving the Seminole Tribe control of sports betting in the state.
- September 8, 2023: The start of the football season in Florida saw no sports betting as the matter was still in federal court. The odds shifted in favor of the Seminole Tribe when an appellate court panel reversed an earlier ruling.
- August 29, 2023: A lawsuit challenging sports betting in Florida may not resolve by the NFL season start, delaying betting options for fans, according to an Axios report.
- August 15, 2023: West Flagler Associates filed for a rehearing after a defeat in the sports betting case against the Department of the Interior, as per the US Court of Appeals, DC Circuit.
- August 14, 2023: A significant date for Florida sports betting was reported by CBS12news, with West Flagler deciding whether to file for a rehearing or appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
- July 17, 2023: Hard Rock Sportsbook announced its name change to Hard Rock Bet, with the possibility of accepting bets in Florida by late August after a favorable U.S. Court of Appeals ruling.
- July 14, 2023: Axios quoted Bob Jarvis, expecting the Seminole Tribe to relaunch its online sportsbook before the college football season and anticipating a state lawsuit that could affect sports betting.
- June 30, 2023: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in favor of Florida’s tribal-state gaming compact, possibly allowing sports betting to resume on the Seminole Tribe’s app, as Florida Politics reported.
- October 25, 2023: The United States Supreme Court issued a two-page decision denying West Flagler’s stay request and vacating the administrative hold placed by Chief Justice John Roberts.
- January 2023: As of January, no decision has been made on the overturn of the suspension of the gaming compact.
- July 2022: The D.C. Circuit began hearing arguments to overturn the decision from 2021.
- January 2022: An initiative to get sports betting on the 2022 midterm ballot fails. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit orders a hearing regarding this matter, in July.
- 2021: The Seminoles and the state come to an understanding based on the compact signed that enables the tribe to offer online sports betting. In November, the tribe launches a sports betting app but a federal judge orders them to cease operations.
- November 2020: Florida voters approve a ballot measure to require voter approval for any future expansion of casino gambling in the state, including sports betting.
- November 2018: Voters in six Florida counties approve measures to allow and regulate slot machines at certain locations.
- May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns a federal law banning sports betting, allowing states to legalize and regulate the activity.
- March 2018: Florida lawmakers consider a bill to allow sports betting in the state, but it fails to pass.
- November 2016: Florida voters reject a ballot measure to allow the expansion of casino gambling in the state.
- November 2014: Florida voters reject a ballot measure to allow the expansion of casino gambling in the state, including sports betting.
- 2010: The Seminole Tribe of Florida reaches a compact with the state to operate blackjack and other table games at their casinos in exchange for revenue sharing with the state.
- 2004: Florida voters approve a ballot measure to authorize slot machines at certain existing pari-mutuel facilities in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Retail sports betting and sports betting markets have yet to open in the Sunshine State. Even though Florida is home to some well-loved teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Heat, there is no retail sports betting offered in the state.
There are also no licensed sportsbooks in Florida, which means that online casinos and offshore sports betting are still the greatest options for Florida sports betting.
Sports Betting in Florida: Latest Developments
While online betting through the Hard Rock Bet app remains in a state of uncertainty, the Seminole Tribe has made clear strides by announcing the launch of in-person sports betting at its six casinos across Florida, starting December 7, 2023. This expansion is not limited to sports betting but will also include the addition of craps and roulette, signaling a broadening of the gambling framework within the state.
The situation reached a turning point when Chief Justice John Roberts granted a temporary stay of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals mandate, only for it to be subsequently denied. This judicial back-and-forth has culminated in a win for the Seminole Tribe, enabling them to proceed with their planned expansion of gambling operations.
The approval of sports betting has been met with enthusiasm from major stakeholders. The Seminole Tribe, led by Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr., expressed gratitude towards the state and federal bodies for their defense and support of the compact, emphasizing the joint legal victory achieved. Governor Ron DeSantis also lauded the initiative, highlighting the expected job creation, tourism boost and impending sports betting revenue for Florida.
Wide Variety of Betting Options
For many years, sports bettors were limited to the standard bets of moneylines, point spreads and totals. But with more offshore betting sites joining the betting market and offering unique parlay options, live bets and alternate lines, you can find a deep selection of choices to add to your bet slip every day. Some of those choices can include:
- Game props
- Player props
- Alternate lines
- Parlays
- Same Game Parlays
- Round robins
- Teasers
- Pleasers
- Futures
- Live Betting
- Progressive parlays
- Reverse bets
- If bets
Competitive Sports Betting Odds
Veteran bettors know it is wise to have accounts at different sportsbooks so you can shop around for the best odds on your desired wager. Some sportsbooks are better than others at offering their lines earlier or with reduced juice to give you a better price.
Bonuses and Promotions
Everyone loves a huge welcome or sign-up bonus when they are new users, but the best Florida sportsbooks know that to keep customers loyal, they have to continue offering bonuses and promotions. Here are some of the types of bonuses you can expect to see at quality offshore sportsbooks:
- Reload bonuses
- Risk-free bets
- Rebates
- Loyalty programs
- Referral bonuses
- Odds boosts in select markets
- Contests or sweepstakes
Look for these and other promotions on a continuous basis, including specials that may require the use of sportsbook promo codes that we keep listed at Bookmakers Review.
Mobile-Friendly Interface To Make Bets
With so many people making wagers on their smartphones, it is crucial for any of the top Florida mobile betting sites to run on software that will be lag-free and able to handle live betting markets for users on the go. It also helps to have a clean interface that is easy to navigate and find your favorite markets to bet on so you can build parlays and other bets. Not many of these offshore sites have a native app that you can download from the store of your Android or iPhone, but the best ones all have mobile-friendly websites that you can access with ease on your favorite devices to make your bets.
Trustworthy Reputation
In a market that is exploding with sportsbook options, it is crucial to have a good reputation and track record of treating customers fairly. We like to stick to sportsbooks that have a good reputation earned through years of service, and we would not recommend one to you if we did not think it was trustworthy.
Quick and Secure Sportsbook Payouts
One of the easiest ways to build up a good reputation is for a site to have multiple sportsbook banking options. The more options the better when it comes to making deposits and getting payouts from an offshore sportsbook.
Most of the top-rated sportsbooks are good at accepting major credit and debit cards, bank transfers, wire transfers, P2P services (PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, etc.), eWallets (Skrill and Neteller) and even old-school methods like paper checks. We also think it’s a plus when a site offers cryptocurrencies as that is usually the fastest method of getting your payouts, and it can lead to some of the best bonuses if you deposit with crypto. This is why we highlight the best Bitcoin sportsbooks in our reviews.
Helpful Customer Service
Sometimes you need help, or maybe to dispute the outcome of a sports bet. The best sportsbooks understand that a strong customer support team is vital to the user experience. The best ones will offer 24/7 support with a variety of ways to communicate, including online forms, email, phone calls and even video chat.
Florida Betting Guides
We provide insight into all types of reliable gambling sites in the Sunshine State, including online horse betting, casino-style gaming and more. Dive into the betting action in Florida with our comprehensive guides.
FAQs – Online Sports Betting in Florida
Can you sports bet in Florida?
As of December 2023, Florida residents will be able to place bets on tribal lands in the state. Thanks to the gambling deal between the state and the Seminole tribe, in-person sports betting is legal at tribal casinos. The current gambling laws do not allow for online sportsbooks, though.
Can you do DraftKings in Florida?
No, Florida residents can not use DraftKings to bet on sports; it is only available for daily fantasy sports. The appeals court ruling that “allowed” online betting remains heavily disputed in Florida and it is unclear when the laws will be updated to include operators like DraftKings.
What forms of gambling are currently legal in Florida?
In Florida, residents will be able to bet on sports in person at various tribal casinos in December. Under the current laws, residents can also participate in pari-mutuel wagering at the track, online horse betting and casino-style gaming in person.
Can I use a VPN to sports bet in Florida?
Offshore sportsbooks operate according to the laws of their own regulatory jurisdictions; this allows them to accept customers in Florida and all over the United States so the use of a VPN is not necessary.
Can you bet in person in Florida?
Yes. Betting in person is the only form of Florida sports betting that is available in the state. Residents can place bets at tribal casinos starting in December, thanks to the Seminole gaming compacts.
Is Hard Rock Sportsbook Legal in Florida?
Hard Rock Sportsbook, renamed Hard Rock Bet, is not currently legal in the Sunshine State. The gaming compact does allow residents to get action on sports betting, but only in person on tribal lands.
Can I use Bovada in Florida?
Sports fans in Florida can legally bet on Bovada. This offshore sportsbook offers sports betting and casino-style gaming, along with online horse betting and more.
