William Brown is a Content Writer with strong expertise in US and global gambling industry trends. Having covered the local sports betting market since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, William approaches his gambling guides with passion and diligence. He is a keen player of online slots, blackjack, and a regular sports bettor.
Florida Sports Betting – Legal Sites and Apps 2024
By William Brown
Contributor
Updated: October 30, 2024
Best Florida Online Sportsbooks
Due to local state gambling compacts with the Seminole Tribe, online sports betting in Florida is limited to just one operator. Fortunately, Hard Rock Bet is a high-quality platform that offers fair odds on plenty of popular sports, with everything from player props to live bets available around the clock.
Hard Rock Bet may be the sole FL online sportsbook, but there are other gambling and entertainment options. Sweepstakes casinos are legal which offer casino-style games where cash prizes and gift cards are available to winners. Sports fans can compete in daily fantasy sports contests via a number of platforms.
| Operator | Welcome Bonus | Rating | Secure Link | Payments | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Bet | Up to $100 Back | ★ out of 5 | Coming Soon |
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FL Only. 21+. Full T&C's apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800 GAMBLER. Please gamble responsibly. |
| OwnersBox | 100% up to $500 Deposit Bonus | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
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Valid only for new players over 21 years of age. |
| ParlayPlay | Get $5 Promo Entry | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
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Valid only for new players over 21 years of age. |
| DraftKings | Up to $500 Deposit Bonus | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! |
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Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org(CT). 18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply. |
The Status of Online Sports Betting in Florida
| June 17, 2024 | U.S. Supreme Court announces that it will not hear the Florida sports betting case. |
| February 13, 2024 | U.S. Supreme Court is petitioned to stop the Seminole FL sports betting compact. |
| December 5, 2023 | Hard Rock Bet relaunches its betting app. |
| November 7, 2023 | Hard Rock Bet relaunches in Florida. |
| December 4, 2021 | Federal court blocks the Seminole Tribe from offering sports betting, citing IGRA violations. |
| November 1, 2021 | Hard Rock Sportsbook launches legal mobile app in Florida. |
| August 30, 2021 | The Seminole Tribe and Florida approve a compact to allow legal sports betting. |
| May 14, 2018 | The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down PASPA, allowing states to legalize sports betting. |
The history of legal sports betting in Florida has been fraught with several controversies and legal battles, seeing its legal sportsbook stop and start over three years. It began in 2018 after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, granting states the power to legalize sports betting.
In August 2021, the state approved a compact with the Seminole Tribe granting exclusive rights to offer retail and online betting. This led to the launch of the then-named Hard Rock Sportsbook in November of that year. However, a federal court ordered operations to cease just a month later, citing violations of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
The state and Seminole Tribe challenged the order and had overcome them by November 2023 to allow the online sportsbook to launch again. In early 2024, the efforts to stop Seminole's exclusive Florida sports betting rights resurfaced, with non-native operators of the state's racetracks and poker rooms asking the Supreme Court to intervene.
In June 2024, the Court declined to hear the case, effectively removing the most significant barrier to legal sportsbooks in Florida. The decision also marks a significant opportunity for other states' Native American tribes, which now have clear avenues to pursue shared or exclusive sports betting rights despite the IGRA.
Legal Sports Betting Options in Florida
With online betting Florida now fully legalized, adults over the age of 21 are permitted to bet on local and international sports. There are over a dozen sports offered at the sole legal site, Hard Rock Bet, and a myriad of exciting market types.
Legal Bet Types in Florida
There is a diverse range of betting markets offered at the legal Florida online sportsbook, with everything from single moneylines to complex parlays available. However, many of the options are only available for certain sports, with the NFL and NBA among the most represented for market diversity.
Popular wagers include totals, teasers, futures, parlays, and point spread betting. It's essential to understand how each works for each sport before placing a paid stake. The following are just some of the available market options at Hard Rock Bet:
- Moneyline
- Totals
- Spread betting
- Parlays
- Same Game Parlays
- Teasers
Newcomers should stick to simple bets such as single moneylines on a team or player to win before exploring more complex options such as teaser betting. This is because seasoned bettors will have a better grasp on how odds and payout mechanisms work, lowering the financial risks involved with online sports betting in Florida.
What You Cannot Bet on
Each state has its own laws regarding what can and can't be bet on, and Florida sports betting is no exception. In many states, betting on college games that feature local in-state teams is prohibited, though this is not the case in Florida. Instead, only player props on college players are outlawed according to the Seminole gaming compact.
Betting on exotic markets such as political outcomes and the results of award shows is also prohibited. Many may be disappointed to find that betting on eSports is also illegal. It remains unlikely that these will be legalized.
- Politics
- Entertainment and award ceremonies
- ESports
- Individual college player prop bets
Daily Fantasy Sports
A popular alternative to online sports betting in Florida is daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests. These competitions require contestants to draft fantasy rosters of players from a single sports league within a set salary cap. Points are then earned based on the real-life performances of the rostered players that week.
Unlike traditional fantasy sports, DFS contests often only last for a week, making them fast-paced, exciting, and rewarding. They also award cash prizes, with entrance fees ranging in price to appeal to all budgets. These DFS sites are not officially legalized in Florida, so their unregulated status means that it's essential to only play with trustworthy operators.
Florida Sports Betting Promotions
As there are limited options when it comes to Florida betting sites, locals can only claim one sign-up sportsbook bonus upon registration. These offers come in many forms, including bonus funds, free bets, or cashback offers in the event that a first-time bet is unsuccessful.
The welcome offer at Hard Rock Bet is well worth claiming, as it provides greater protection for first-time wagers. No bonus code is needed to redeem it, with customers only needing to opt in along with a qualifying minimum deposit. As a returning customer, the site will routinely offer additional loyalty promotions.
| FL Online Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Min. Deposit | Bonus Code | Terms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Bet | Up to $100 Back | $10 | Not Needed | Coming soon | FL Only. 21+. Full T&C's apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800 GAMBLER. Please gamble responsibly. |
Before claiming any bonus, it's essential to read the terms and conditions. These will outline any restrictions, such as the validity period, minimum odds requirements, payout limits, and restrictions on markets or sports. Our assessment of the Hard Rock Bet bonus terms revealed a valuable offer with reasonable terms.
Legal Betting Apps in Florida
The Hard Rock Bet Florida sports betting app launched on December 5, 2023. It is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and allows users to wager on the full spectrum of betting options. This includes pre-match and live betting wagers, single bets, and parlays. There are no other legal betting apps in Florida.
| Sports Betting Apps | Betting Offer | Compatibility | Review | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Bet - | Up to $100 Back | Android Compatible , iOS Compatible | Coming soon | FL Only. 21+. Full T&C's apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800 GAMBLER. Please gamble responsibly. |
Using this app ensures that you can enjoy online sports betting in Florida conveniently and while on the go. Users can register an account, claim bonuses, and make payments with the Hard Rock Bet mobile platform, making it especially easy to use Venmo and Apple Pay. While its features aren't as extensive as competitor apps in other states, it still provides a satisfying user experience.
Deposits and Withdrawals Options
There are several popular and secure payment options provided at Hard Rock Bet to support sports betting in Florida. These include debit and credit cards, eWallets, bank transfers, and mobile payments. The minimum deposit value is $10, and this is processed instantly. The available options are limited compared to other national sportsbooks, though most should be catered to with these.
Debit and credit cards are restricted for withdrawals, with only bank transfers, checks, PayPal, Venmo, and cash at the casino cage available. This is a betting app that supports Venmo due to the payment platform offering the fastest withdrawal times. Users can expect funds to arrive in their accounts between 24 to 48 hours post request. The minimum withdrawal limit is $10.
Popular Sports and Leagues to Bet on
Florida sports betting law permits wagering on a huge number of sports at Hard Rock Bet. These include most major U.S. sports such as football, basketball, hockey, and baseball, with both local and international leagues supported. Other popular sports options include soccer, golf, tennis, boxing, UFC, and motorsports such as Formula 1.
Locals are also able to wager on college sports, though player props on individual college athletes are prohibited. Both NCAA basketball and college football markets are popular in the state, including the Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles.
Major Sports Leagues
The most popular leagues to bet on at the online sports betting Florida platform are the Big Four Leagues, which include the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The MLS league is also becoming increasingly popular. Due to Florida's successful and storied history in the sport, football betting remains the most popular, with NFL markets providing exceptional odds and dynamic markets.
But Florida sports betting isn't just limited to the major leagues. There are also several niche leagues, including the UFL and CFL. Another benefit of the sports selection is that there are plenty of international soccer leagues, with odds for Premier League soccer always to be found. Not to mention there's Italy's La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga, and the Champions League offering particularly robust options. This ensures year-round wagering options.
Popular Sports Teams in Florida
Florida is home to 12 major league professional sports teams, indicating its prowess on the field. These include three NFL teams, two MLB teams, two NBA teams, two NHL teams, two MLS teams, and one Women's soccer team. However, there are two that stand out above the rest in terms of success.
The Miami Heat has long been a powerhouse in the NBA, having claimed multiple championships and drawing top talent. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are among the most popular NFL teams thanks to former star player Tom Brady's legendary run. Below, we've covered the top FL teams for online betting Florida.
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Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are an NFL team that is defined by its record-making performances in the 1970s. As the only team in the league to complete a perfect season in NFL history, the Dolphins have won two Super Bowls. While they've struggled to reclaim their former glory in recent decades, the team has seen strong performances thanks to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Founded in 1995, the Jacksonville Jaguars are a relatively young NFL team, founded in 1995. Based in Jacksonville, the team has had several highs and lows over their 30-year history. The team emerged with a bang, reaching the AFC Championship twice in their first five seasons. However, they have only made the playoffs three times since 2000, with no Super Bowl wins to their name yet.
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Inter Miami
Inter Miami CF is an MLS team that was founded by star English soccer player David Beckham. Based in Fort Lauderdale, the team began play in 2020. While their first few seasons saw the fresh team finish near the bottom of the ladder, they made Florida sports betting news after signing Argentine superstar Lionel Messi in 2023. Since then, they have won the 2023 Leagues Cup, and are expected to rise to the top.
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Miami Heat
Since their founding in 1988, the Miami Heat have become one of the most successful franchises in the NBA. The team have won three championships in 2006, 2012, and 2013, and has made six NBA Finals appearances. Star players include Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Jimmy Butler, which have helped drive the team's reputation for resilience and determination. The team also won their last Division and Conference titles in 2023.
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Miami Marlins
Formerly the Florida Marlins, the Miami Marlins are an MLB team that was founded in 1993. Over their 30-year history, the Marlins have won two World Series titles, though the team's track record is also marked by several low periods. Since their World Series wins in the early 2000s, the Marlins have undergone several rebuilds and ownership exchanges, and the team is still struggling to find its footing.
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Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are an NHL team based in Sunrise, Florida. The team found early success after its founding in 1993, reaching the Stanley Cup Finals in 1996. Over the next two decades, the Panthers struggled to make an impact, though recent seasons have seen the team become a powerhouse. After a defeat in the 2023 Stanley Cup finals, the Panthers won their first Stanley Cup in 2024.
Problem Gambling Help
To enjoy Florida sports betting sustainably and responsibly, it's essential to only gamble within your means. The signs of compulsive gambling include an inability to control bet spending and anxious thoughts when not gambling. Chasing losses or lying about gambling habits is also a telling sign. Without help, compulsive gambling can lead to financial strain, mental health issues, and strained personal relationships.
There are free resources available to locals in Florida who are experiencing compulsive gambling behaviors. These include the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling and Gamblers Anonymous, which can be contacted for free. The Hard Rock Bet app also offers a self-exclusion program and behavior limitation tools such as deposit limits to promote responsible gambling.
William Brown is a Content Writer with years of experience covering the US and international gambling industry. His knowledge of global gambling trends and the local market gives him unique insight into the development of the online gambling sphere. He has reviewed and tested all major US online casinos and sportsbooks and is familiar with all states’ gaming laws.