Is sports betting legal in the state of Florida?
Online sports betting is legal in Florida through Hard Rock Sportsbooks, offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
How can I bet online if I live in Florida?
Aside from Hard Rock, Florida residents have the option to play at offshore sportsbooks like BetOnline, Heritage, and BetAnything.
What are the best Florida sports betting apps?
BetOnline and Heritage Sports and the best Florida sports betting apps. User-friendly layouts make navigation simple and useful bonuses help you build your bankroll.
Sports Betting Apps you can trust
Florida is home to a host of popular sports teams, and competitive ones at that. Whether you’re placing futures bets on the Miami Dolphins or wagering on Orlando Magic player props, our team has a sportsbook recommendation for you.
Our reviews team tests and ranks each offshore sportsbook to make sure they suit American bettors like you. We review their sports betting markets, evaluate betting bonuses, and use their online betting systems. BetOnline came out as our No. 1 pick, but every sportsbook listed on this page is a safe bet for Florida residents.
BetOnline
BetOnline is hands-down the best online betting site for Florida sports bettors. All new players automatically get betting bonuses for signing up, including up to $250 in free bets. BetOnline also has an exclusive VIP program for regular bettors where you can access even more benefits, like weekly cash boosts, birthday rewards, and free crypto withdrawals.
Where our team agrees BetOnline really shines is in its betting markets. They have lines for every major sports league, but you can also bet on niche sports like snooker, handball, lacrosse, and more. BetOnline’s live betting is worth the mention, as you can build a multi-game view to place bets on several events at once.
When our team tested BetOnline’s platform, we found it incredibly easy to use. All the sports betting lines are clearly listed, and your betslip is front and center on every page. Odds update frequently, and highlight in green or red to tell you if they go up or down, which our team found useful.
Signup Bonus:
Key Features:
- Opinionated lines on major sports
- Broad range of bonus offers
- Faster than most sportsbook apps
Player Review:
BookMaker
BookMaker is one of Florida’s top sportsbooks, known for offering some of the most flexible betting limits in the industry. It’s known for fast payouts, dependable service and sharp odds across major leagues, college sports and international events.
This sportsbook often posts lines before competitors, giving sports bettors in Florida a chance to lock in value early. Whether you’re looking to wager on the Jacksonville Jaguars, Seminoles or big national sporting events, BookMaker delivers consistent pricing and a smooth user experience across the board, even for casino gambling.
You can deposit using credit cards, crypto and other common methods. New bettors in Florida can choose a 25% cash bonus up to $500 with a 10x rollover or a 100% free bet up to $400 with just a 1x rollover using the bonus code GET100.
Signup Bonus:
Key Features:
- High betting limits
- Renowned sports betting loyalty program
- Competes with the best sportsbook apps
Player Review:
Bovada
Bovada is one of the best Florida betting sites, known for its excellent customer service and user-friendly experience. With its top-rated mobile betting app, you can easily place bets on a wide variety of markets that go beyond sports gambling, like political events and entertainment options.
Bovada’s $750 Crypto Sports Welcome Bonus gives new players a 75% match up to $750 on their first Bitcoin or Bitcoin Cash deposit. Their loyalty program gives extra value with every bet, making it a top pick for long-term bettors. You’ll earn points on everything, including betting on sports and playing casino games.
Bovada offers an easy-to-use platform for Florida players, along with some of the most rewarding bonuses and promotions. Many bettors highlight the platform’s design, and our team agrees that it is among the easiest sports betting apps to use.
Signup Bonus:
Key Features:
- An intuitive, user-friendly mobile interface
- Unique props on sports and entertainment markets
- Mobile site performs as well as apps
Player Review:
Heritage Sports
For Florida bettors in search of a top-tier place to bet online, Heritage Sports is a great choice. Known for its vast range of betting options and top-notch VIP service, it offers everything from mainstream sports like football and basketball to esports betting.
The live betting platform is one feature that sets it apart. Esports games are streamed live, and games from around the world list odds that are updated in real time. Heritage Sports’ Reduced Juice Cash Back Program gives you a 13% discount on full game sides and totals for major sports, with lines set at just -108. This makes your bets cheaper compared to other major sportsbooks.
When we tested the site, our reviews team found it easy to place bets. We found the props builder to be one of the best we’ve seen, as Heritage Sports lists the different types of bets you can make on player and game props.
Signup Bonus:
Key Features:
- Competitive bonuses and perks
- Comprehensive live betting options
- Quarterly cash back for 149+ sports bets
Player Review:
How to Bet on Sports in Florida
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1
Pick Your Sportsbook
Choose an offshore sportsbook available in your area, like the books listed above. Register by clicking “Join” and fill out the form with your name, email address, and phone number. -
2
Claim a Bonus
Select from available promotions for new bettors. Keep in mind that many mobile betting apps offer larger bonuses for bettors using crypto. -
3
Deposit Funds
Decide between depositing with credit cards, wire transfers, or crypto. Send and confirm your initial deposit. -
4
Place a Bet
Pick your sport and add bets to your slip. Enter your stake, then start wagering.
Florida Sports Betting Updates
Florida’s sports betting landscape has shifted rapidly in recent years, with court rulings and political decisions shaping how — and where — residents can legally bet. This timeline chronicles key milestones in Florida’s gambling history:
Licensed Sports Betting Apps in Florida
Although legal sports betting has been on and off in Florida due to court battles, there are other ways to enjoy sports-related contests. Sweepstakes and social sportsbook apps let you earn coins or tokens through gameplay and challenges — these are used instead of real money. Daily fantasy sports (DFS) also remains popular, letting you pick rosters of real athletes and win prizes based on how your team performs.
The Future of Legal Online Sportsbooks in Florida
Online sportsbooks are currently legal in Florida, but the setup looks different from other states. In 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a deal giving the Seminole Tribe the sole right to offer sports betting, which prevented commercial Florida online sportsbooks from coming into the state. To this day, you can only use the Hard Rock Betting app or offshore sportsbooks to place sports bets in Florida.
What needs to happen to expand legalized sports betting in Florida?
The 2021 deal was challenged by West Flagler Associates, owners of Magic City Casino. However, this long legal battle did not result in expanded local sports betting. Unless another legal push happens or Florida’s pro sports teams get involved, broader access to sports wagering seems unlikely for now.
Will Florida sports teams push for full legalization?
Florida’s pro sports teams haven’t openly pushed for online sportsbooks, but they do seem to be in favor of sports betting apps. Teams like the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Lightning have partnerships that promote DraftKings and FanDuel — two companies that could benefit from legal online sportsbooks. While that support doesn’t amount to a legal challenge, it does show that the teams could side with local sports betting sites should expansion be on the table.
Potential Timeline for Legal Sports Betting
Unless there is a legal challenge to the current deal with the Seminole Tribe, Florida is unlikely to see much change in their sports betting laws until after 2051. You can still bet on sports using the Hard Rock betting app, or you can sign up for an offshore sportsbook.
Will Florida offer full online sports betting?
Florida does allow online horse racing bets through the state’s Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering. But if you’re waiting for full access to legal online sportsbooks led by local U.S. sportsbooks like DraftKings or FanDuel, it could be years.
Floridians wagered roughly $12.7 billion last year, so the demand for sports betting is there, which means the major sportsbooks aren’t going to stop trying to get in on that sports betting revenue.
Legal Options for the 2026 Midterm Elections
You still can’t bet on politics using the Hard Rock Bet app or any other legal sportsbook in Florida. That might change by the time the 2026 U.S. midterms roll around. Apps like Kalshi have made some headway in the prediction market space, but for now, political betting remains off-limits on regulated apps.
Where to Legally Bet on Politics
Offshore books remain the main option for political betting. These apps are licensed in other countries and accept U.S. players. As long as you meet their age and registration rules, you can place bets on election outcomes, debate markets and more. These sportsbooks have been posting political odds for years, and interest continues to grow.
Key 2026 Races
- Florida Gubernatorial Election: Ron DeSantis can’t run again due to term limits, so the governor’s office is up for grabs. Casey DeSantis, the current First Lady, is reportedly considering a run. Representative Byron Donalds is the favorite at press time after his endorsement by President Donald Trump.
- U.S. Senate Special Election: Marco Rubio stepped down to become U.S. Secretary of State, so voters will elect someone to finish out the rest of his term.
- U.S. House Races: All 28 of Florida’s House seats are up for grabs in 2026. Republicans currently hold an 18–8 edge, with two seats vacant following resignations. Both open seats lean red and are expected to return to the GOP, potentially pushing their total to 20.
Keep checking Bookmakers Review for updates on Florida sports betting and the latest election odds ahead of the 2026 midterms. From high-profile state races to national matchups, there’s plenty to watch as the campaigns unfold.
How We Rank the Best Florida Sportsbooks
When comparing top online sports betting sites, there are a few key things we look for to make sure you have a good experience. Here’s a quick rundown of what makes up our list of the best sportsbooks in Florida.
Betting Experience
The user experience is everything when it comes to online sportsbooks. We want to be able to easily build parlays and swap out picks for those in other markets, hassle-free. We prefer an app that cares about the user experiences and makes it easy to find the leagues and games we want to bet on.
Mobile Apps
A good mobile sports betting app will have a modern design and run lag-free. Since mobile apps serve as our main betting platform, we want to be able to quickly deposit money and build our bet slips for wagering on the fly or in live markets.
A good app should resemble the mobile web design to give the user a sense of familiarity no matter where they choose to do their mobile wagering with that company.
Live Betting & Streaming
Do you want to bet if the next pass will be complete? You can do that on most sportsbooks, but some are better than others at live-betting options. Some will even show you graphical representations of which team has the ball and what the current situation is in a compact and easy-to-read interface.
Banking Options
Few things are more important than banking options. You want a variety of options for deposits and withdrawals, but you also need to be assured the payouts will be done in a safe, timely manner. We review the different banking options and the sportsbooks with the best options score high.
Customer Service
Sometimes you just need help or maybe to dispute a bet’s outcome. Our team believes that a strong customer support team is crucial to the user experience. The best sportsbooks offer 24/7 support with a variety of ways to communicate, from online forms to email to phone calls and video chat.
Licensing & Security
Players always want to feel that they are safe and secure while using an online sportsbook, especially one that is operated offshore. We look into licensing status and security features as proof that a sportsbook is a trusted, legitimate company that you will be comfortable sharing your personal information with when sports wagering.
How are gambling winnings taxed in Florida?
Winning money on a bet is exciting — but it still counts as income, which means it’s taxable. Any winnings are considered taxable income, no matter where the bet was placed. If you use an offshore book or place a wager while visiting another state with legal betting, you still have to report your winnings when you file your federal taxes back at home.
Do you have to report sportsbook winnings?
Yes. Winnings from sportsbooks in Florida — whether through in-person betting, online betting with Hard Rock Bet or gambling at offshore sportsbooks — are considered taxable income by the IRS. No matter where Florida residents place their wagers, they’re required to report those earnings when filing your federal taxes.
- Federal Taxes: All gambling winnings — including sportsbook, poker and online casino games — are subject to federal income tax. Larger wins may have taxes withheld at the time of payout, and everything should be reported on your return.
- State Taxes: Florida does not have a state income tax, so there’s no additional state-level tax on gambling winnings. But if you win money retail sportsbooks somewhere with state taxes, you may owe taxes there.
Will offshore sportsbooks report your winnings?
Offshore sportsbooks do not report your gambling activity to the IRS. That said, you are still legally required to report any winnings you earn through online sportsbooks when you file your taxes.
How to Report Winnings from Sportsbooks and Betting Apps
- If you win $600 or more from a U.S.-licensed sportsbook or casino, you may receive a Form W-2G
- Smaller winnings should still be reported as “other income”
- Keep a record of your action, payouts and losses for accurate reporting
Can you deduct gambling losses?
Florida sports bettors can deduct gambling losses, but only up to the total amount of your winnings. You’ll need proper documentation, such as betting records and receipts, to support these deductions.
Betting Options in Florida
For many years, sports bettors were limited to the standard wagers of moneylines, point spreads and totals. But with more offshore betting sites joining the betting market and offering unique parlay options, live markets 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
Mastering these types of bets can help you optimize your wagers and increase your chances of winning.
Online Sportsbook Banking Methods in Florida
Online sportsbooks accept nearly all banking methods, but the most popular are credit and debit cards, like Visa and MasterCard.
If you prefer to bet more anonymously, you can bet with cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. Many sportsbooks provide bigger bonuses for crypto deposits, which is why they have become a favorite option among bettors. E-wallets (like PayPal and Skrill), bank wires, and e-checks are also often accepted.
Good to Know Information
- Bovada is currently the number one sportsbook in all of North America by number of clients. Close behind are FanDuel and DraftKings with BetOnline checking in at number four.
- While Bovada and BetOnline at times take all of the oxygen out of the offshore sportsbook room, bettors should also consider their innovative rivals Heritage and BAS (BetAnySports).
Conclusion
Florida sports bettors have access to top-tier betting options with trusted offshore sportsbooks such as Bovada, BetOnline and BookMaker. These sites offer more betting markets, better odds and larger bonuses than what’s typically available with local sportsbooks.
Features including live betting, fast crypto payouts and coverage of both major leagues and niche sports make offshore options the best choice. For Sunshine State players who want a safe and reliable way to bet, offshore sites provide everything needed for a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Florida Betting Sites FAQs
What betting site can I use in Florida?
Many Florida players turn to top-tier international sportsbooks like BetOnline, Bovada and BookMaker, where they find sharp lines, reduced juice on key bets and access to early odds on popular sports. These sites also offer fast crypto payouts and access to exclusive promotions.
What is the best betting app for Florida?
The best betting app for Florida is BetOnline. It offers competitive odds, generous bonuses and a seamless mobile experience, with features like live betting and crypto-friendly payments that make it the top choice for Florida sports fans.
Can you bet online in Florida?
Yes, and many Floridians prefer international sportsbooks for features like early line access, high-limit bets and unique parlay options. With player perks, loyalty rewards and convenient payment options, these apps cater to bettors looking for more ways to win across a variety of sports.
Can I use DraftKings in Florida?
DraftKings Sportsbook isn’t available in Florida, though residents can access its daily fantasy sports contests. For traditional sports betting, many Floridians turn to well-established international sportsbooks offering a range of betting markets, tons of promos and flexible payment options, including crypto.
Can I use BetOnline in Florida?
Yes, BetOnline is available to Florida residents as a trusted online betting site. Known for its extensive sports markets, live betting options, high-quality customer support and secure crypto payments, BetOnline provides a top-tier betting experience.
Is the Caesars app legal in Florida?
No, Florida is not one of the states where you can use the Caesars Sportsbook app. However, many of the online sportsbook operators listed in our review, such as Bovada and BetOnline, offer mobile sports betting.
More Guides to Betting in Florida
Sports gambling is a popular pastime for passionate fans, but the best Florida sportsbooks offer many other ways to gamble, like horse races, online casinos, poker and even Florida lottery games:
- Horse Racing: Florida’s horse betting sites offer odds on everything from the biggest races to regional derbies.
- Online Casino: Brick-and-mortar casinos are limited in Florida, but you can find hundreds of online casino games for Floridians you can play for real money.
- Online Poker: Florida’s online poker sites are great for casual players and high-stakes bettors alike.
Table of Contents
Florida Sports Betting News
Florida Senate Committee Considers Banning Online Sweepstakes Promotions
A bill to ban online sweepstakes’ casino games is gaining traction after receiving approval in two Senate committees and advancing to the Senate Fiscal Policy
Florida Bill Would Halt Gaming Regulators From Immediately Becoming Lobbyists
Florida may expand its lobbying ban after its gaming commission’s first director resigned for a job with a major sports betting operator.
Seminoles and West Flagler Associates Come to an Agreement
After years of contentious courtroom battles regarding mobile sports betting in Florida, the two adversaries have found an agreeable solution to end all future litigation.
Hard Rock Chairman Hints at Online Sports Betting Partnerships in Florida
Hard Rock Bet dominates mobile sports betting in Florida, but a recent interview with CEO Jim Allen suggests they may partner with big players like
