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.
The Supreme Court's decision not to hear challenges to Florida's gaming compact has significantly changed the sports betting landscape in the state. Residents and visitors can now look forward to participating in legal sports betting.
🐊 Online Sportsbooks in Florida: What’s Available?
Florida’s online sports betting landscape is currently limited, with Hard Rock Bet being the only legal online sportsbook operating in the state as of 2025. This follows a complex legal battle surrounding the Seminole Tribe’s gaming compact with the state, which granted them exclusive rights to offer online and retail sports betting.
✅ Hard Rock Bet – Florida’s Exclusive Option
Hard Rock Bet, operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, relaunched in late 2023 after a series of legal challenges were resolved. It remains the sole online sportsbook legally accessible to Floridians, offering a clean interface, competitive odds, and a solid variety of betting markets, including:
MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, college sports, and more
Hard Rock Bet Bonuses and Promos
Same-game parlays
Live betting
Responsible gambling tools like deposit limits and timeouts
As of now, no other online sportsbooks (like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, or Caesars) are legally available in Florida. Attempts to expand or introduce competition have been met with legal resistance, with the Seminole Tribe’s exclusivity upheld in federal court decisions.
⚖️ Legal Outlook
Florida’s betting future may evolve, but any expansion would require new legislation or a change in the current compact. For now, bettors looking to wager legally online must do so through Hard Rock Bet or visit a physical casino operated by the Seminole Tribe.
How Can I Sign Up For An Online Sportsbook 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.
While sports betting is now legal, the exact availability of sports and bet types may vary depending on state regulations and individual sportsbook offerings.
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
While sports betting is now legal in Florida, specific regulations regarding college sports wagering may be implemented. Stay informed about any potential restrictions on betting on in-state college teams.
Types of Wagers Available in Florida
With sports betting now legal in Florida—though limited to the Hard Rock Bet platform—bettors can still access a wide variety of wager types. From simple moneyline bets to more advanced in-game wagering, Florida’s sportsbook offerings are on par with other major markets. However, there are still a few restrictions in place regarding certain types of events.
Wager Type
Definition
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 to win.
Totals
Also known as over/under bets, on whether the combined score of a game will be over or under a specified number.
Point Spreads
Bets on the margin of victory. The favorite gives points, the underdog receives them.
Futures
Long-term bets on outcomes like championship winners, season win totals, or individual awards.
Prop Bets
Wagers on specific in-game events like player stats or game moments, not tied to the final result.
Live Bets
Wagers placed after a game has started, with odds changing in real time based on play.
Prohibited Bets
Includes bets on high school sports, some college events, or non-sporting events like elections.
What Deposit And Withdraw Options Are Available?
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
Sports Betting in Florida: The Big Picture
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
Always gamble responsibly. Set a budget, stick to it, and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Florida Sports Betting
Legality
Is sports betting legal in Florida?
Yes, sports betting is now legal in Florida following the Supreme Court's decision not to hear challenges to the state's compact with the Seminole Tribe.
College Sports
Can I bet on college sports in Florida?
While sports betting is now legal, specific regulations regarding college sports betting may be implemented. Stay informed about any potential restrictions on in-state teams or certain types of bets.
Age Restrictions
What is the minimum age for sports betting in Florida?
The minimum age for sports betting in Florida is 21, in line with most other states.
Offshore Sportsbooks
Are offshore sportsbooks legal in Florida?
No, offshore sportsbooks are not legal or recommended in Florida. Bettors should use licensed and regulated sportsbooks operating within the state.
Summary of Florida Sports Betting Options
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.
The sports betting landscape in Florida has fundamentally changed. Stay informed about the launch of betting platforms and always prioritize responsible gaming practices.
