Best Florida Sportsbooks

Sports betting in Florida has evolved significantly in recent years, offering bettors a new way to engage with their favorite sports.

As the state embraces this form of entertainment, it's crucial for Florida sportsbook users to understand the ins and outs of legal sports wagering.

Legal Florida Sports Betting

Sports betting in Florida has entered a new era following recent legal developments. As of 2024, a landmark Supreme Court decision has transformed the landscape for sports betting in the Sunshine State.

What is Legal Sports Betting in Florida?

Following the Supreme Court's decision to decline hearing challenges to Florida's gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe, sports betting is now legal in the state. This ruling has allowed the Seminole Tribe to offer both retail and online sports betting across Florida.

Florida Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

• 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down PASPA, opening the door for states to legalize sports betting. 
• 2021 (April): Florida legislature approves a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe. 
• 2021 (May): Governor Ron DeSantis signs the compact into law. 2021 (November): A federal judge ruled the compact violates the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. 
• 2022-2023: Legal battles continue as the state and the Seminole Tribe appeal the ruling. 
• 2024: The U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear challenges to the compact, effectively affirming the legality of sports betting in Florida.
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With the recent legal developments, the Seminole Tribe has secured its monopoly of on online sports betting. 

It has done so in partnership with Hard Rock Bet.

Online Sports Betting in Florida

Thanks to the Supreme Court's decision, online sports betting is now legal in Florida. 

However, there are also retail sports betting options at casinos owned by the Seminole tribe.

With sports betting now legal, Florida residents can now sign up for at licensed sportsbooks.

1. Choosing the Seminole Tribe's sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet
2. Creating an account with personal information
3. Verifying identity
4. Making an initial deposit
5. Claiming any welcome bonuses

What Sports Can I Bet on in Florida?

With sports betting now legal in Florida, bettors will have access to a wide range of sports, including:

NFL

The National Football League is immensely popular in Florida, with three teams calling the state home. NFL betting typically includes game outcomes, player props, and futures bets on events like the Super Bowl.

NBA

Florida basketball fans have two NBA teams to support. NBA betting often features point spreads, over/under totals, and player performance props.

MLB

Baseball betting is expected to be popular with two Major League Baseball teams in the state. Common bets include moneylines, run totals, and season-long futures.

NHL

Hockey has a strong presence in Florida, with two NHL teams. Bets on NHL games often include puck lines, totals, and playoff futures.

College Sports

Florida is home to several prominent college athletics programs. Specific regulations regarding college sports betting may be implemented.

NASCAR

With several major races in Florida each year, NASCAR betting could be significant. Bets might include race winners, top finishers, and head-to-head driver matchups.

Florida's Sports Teams to Bet On

Professional Teams:

• Miami Dolphins (NFL)
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
• Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
• Miami Heat (NBA)
• Orlando Magic (NBA)
• Miami Marlins (MLB)
• Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
• Florida Panthers (NHL)
• Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
• Inter Miami CF (MLS)
• Orlando City SC (MLS)

Florida College Sports Teams

Florida is home to several prominent college athletic programs, including:

• University of Florida Gators
• Florida State University Seminoles
• University of Miami Hurricanes
• University of Central Florida Knights
• University of South Florida Bulls

Types of Wagers Available

With sports betting now legal in Florida, bettors can expect to see a variety of wager types:

Moneyline

A straightforward bet on which team will win a game. The odds reflect the likelihood of each outcome.

Parlays

Combining multiple bets into one wager for a higher potential payout. All selections must be correct for the parlay to win.

Totals

Also known as over/under bets, these wagers are on whether the combined score of a game will be over or under a specified number.

Point Spreads

Bets on the margin of victory in a game. The favorite gives points, while the underdog receives points.

Futures

Long-term bets on outcomes like championship winners, season win totals, or individual awards.

Prop Bets

Wagers on specific events within a game, often unrelated to the final outcome. These can include player performance stats or game events.

Live Bets

Wagers are placed after a game has started, with odds that change in real time based on the action.

Prohibited Bets

Even with legal sports betting, some types of bets may be prohibited. These often include:

• Bets on high school sports
• Certain types of college sports wagers
• Bets on non-sporting events like elections

While specific options will depend on individual sportsbooks, common methods include:

• Credit/debit cards
• E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill)
• Online bank transfers
• ACH/eCheck
• Play+ prepaid cards
• PayNearMe (cash deposits at retail locations)
• Wire transfers

Given the state's large population and strong sports culture, Florida is poised to become a significant market for sports betting.

Florida Sports Betting Tax Rate

The tax rate for sports gambling in Florida is 13.75%.

Importance of Responsible Gaming in Florida

Responsible gaming remains a crucial aspect of Florida's legal sports betting market. Operators will likely be required to:

• Provide self-exclusion options
• Offer deposit and betting limits
• Display problem gambling helpline information
• Train staff to recognize signs of problem gambling
• Contribute to problem gambling treatment programs

As of 2024, sports betting is legal in Florida following the Supreme Court's decision not to hear challenges to the state's compact with the Seminole Tribe. This development opens up a significant market for both retail and online sports betting in the state.

Florida bettors can expect access to a wide range of sports and bet types, including professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as college sports. The state's large population and strong sports culture suggest that Florida could become one of the largest sports betting markets in the country.

As the market develops, potential bettors should stay informed about the launch of betting platforms and any specific regulations. As always, it's crucial to bet within one's means and to view sports betting as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make money.