Best Florida Betting Sites How To Bet On Sports in Florida
Florida, land of sun, sea, and sports betting. Whether you’re a fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Miami Heat, or the Orlando Magic, you can access world-class sportsbooks that accept residents of The Sunshine State.
Sports gambling in Florida has been legalized with the launch of the Hard Rock bet app and in select land-based locations, but that is currently the only regulated sportsbook in Florida. Meanwhile, most of the top sites to place a bet are based out of state. This means they are safe for Floridians to play since they adhere to the laws where they are based. Read on to find independent rankings of the best sportsbooks, how to choose the best site for you, and see the current FL laws affecting sports betting.
Top Online Sportsbook For Florida
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From popular US sports to niche worldwide events, Bovada’s sportsbook covers all the basis. There are more than 20,000 betting markets to choose from, including dozens of in-play options. Plus, the famed Prop Builder feature allows you to create custom multis.
Florida Betting Availability – Quick Overview
Best Online Sports Betting Sites Available In Florida
While Florida is easing itself into the online sports betting market with the Hard Rock Bet app and at select locations, you can enjoy online wagering on your favorite teams and events. There are plenty of offshore sportsbooks that accept Florida residents and offer a safe and secure betting experience. Check out our recommended list of the best Florida betting sites:
- Best Overall Online Sportsbook for Florida Players – BetUS
- Best Online Sportsbook for Range of Betting Options – Bovada
- Best Mobile Sports Betting Site for FL Residents – Everygame
- Best Site for Sports Betting Contests – BetNow
- Best for Live Betting and Streaming in FL – MyBookie
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Best Overall Online Sportsbook For Florida Players – BetUS
BetUS’ simple design and straightforward betting options make it easy to bet on popular and fringe sports. New players will also love the 199% up to $2,500 sportsbook bonus for new players.
BetUS offers BetUS TV, a live streaming service that lets you watch video analysis of your favorite sports events and matches from anywhere. They offer tips and information on a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, UFC, and more. BetUS also has The Locker Room, an expert sportswriter editorial section, that provides you with the latest sports betting news, analysis, picks, tips, and more.
BetUS is our recommendation for the best overall sportsbook for Florida players because it will keep you entertained and informed about the sports you love.
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Best Online Sportsbook For Range Of Betting Options – Bovada
Bovada’s reputation in the online sports betting space comes largely from their variety of betting options. Players will be amazed at the sheer amount of wagering options they have at their disposal, including the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB. You can bet on all your favorite local Florida teams.
Floridians can also bet on all the major golf tournaments in the Sunshine State, including the Players Championship, the Cognizant Classic, and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. In addition, all the major motorsports, such as NASCAR, F1, and IndyCar, are represented. Betting opportunities extend to rugby (both league and union), cricket, chess, esports, and snooker, if you enjoy niche sports. If you want an online sportsbook that offers more betting options than anyone else, choose Bovada.
3
Best Mobile Sports Betting Site For FL Residents – Everygame
Everygame’s sleek mobile sports betting platform outranks the competition. It’s easy to access all the site’s features from your smartphone or tablet without downloading any apps — and it works well on both Apple and Android. You can bet on live events, play casino games, or join poker tournaments online anywhere from Pensacola to Fort Lauderdale.
The site’s seamless user interface design and smooth user experience make this sportsbook the best mobile option for Florida residents. There is also an option to receive push notifications from Everygame, so you can stay on top of all your betting opportunities.
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Best Sites For Contests – BetNow
BetNow leads the way in offering contests for Florida sports bettors. Contests can be a great addition to your wagering experience, and BetNow offers some great opportunities to win big.
For example, it’s free to enter their NFL King of the Hill contest for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes each week, along with a $20,000 grand prize and an additional $30,000 in cash prizes. BetNow also gets in on the March Madness action with a $1,000,000 Bracket Madness contest, and offers a weekly NBA contest through the regular season.
One of the best things about being a member of BetNow is that it’s completely free for Florida residents.
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Best For Live Betting – MyBookie
MyBookie offers an excellent live sports betting feature that Floridians will enjoy. You can place live bets while watching the action unfold for a range of major leagues, international events, esports, and niche markets. Whether you’re a soccer fan cheering on Orlando City, or football is more your thing, MyBookie’s live betting is one of the best around.
In addition, MyBookie bonuses for Florida sports bettors are some of the most generous in the industry. You can claim a 50% sports welcome bonus up to $1,000 on your first sports deposit. Check out their impressive reload bonuses, horse racing rebates, contests, and loyalty rewards.
Comparing The Best Florida Betting Sites
| Sportsbook | Welcome bonus | bonus code | available sports | live betting | Reviews | sign up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetUS | 100% up to $2,500 | SIGNUP100 | 100+ | Yes | Read BetUS Review | Visit BetUS |
| Bovada | 50% up to $250 | N/A | 100+ | Yes | Read Bovada Review | Visit Bovada |
| Everygame | 100% up to $250 | 3XBOOST250 | 100+ | Yes | Read Everygame Review | Visit Everygame |
| BetNow | 100% up to $1,000 | BN100 | 100+ | Yes | Read BetNow Review | Visit BetNow |
| MyBookie | 50% up to $1,000 | MYB50 | 100+ | Yes | Read MyBookie Review | Visit MyBookie |
How We Choose The Best Online Sportsbooks In Florida
Our expert online sportsbook review team have tested and analyzed nearly 80 different betting sites available in Florida. To determine the best options, we use the following set of criteria:
Availability In Florida
All the online sportsbooks we recommend accept players from Florida — not all sportsbooks are available in FL.
Bonuses & Promotions
Sportsbooks that offer special promotions or bonuses for Florida residents, such as free bets or risk-free bets, are important.
Safety & Security
We only recommend online sportsbooks that are licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, such as the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or the Curacao eGaming Commission. We also examine their security measures, including encryption, firewalls, and SSL certificates, to support the protection of your personal and financial information.
Payment Options
All websites that we recommend support a range of sportsbook banking options, including credit cards, debit cards, cryptocurrencies, and more. Their processing times, fees, and limits must be fair.
Florida Sports Coverage
Sportsbooks must cover major sports teams and competitions in Florida, such as the NFL’s Miami Dolphins & Jacksonville Jaguars, the NBA’s Orlando Magic, the NHL’s Florida Panthers, the PGA Tour, the NCAA’s Florida State Seminoles, Florida Gators and Miami Hurricanes, and the MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays.
Competitive Odds
Our experts compare odds and recommend sites that have competitive lines with low margins and high payouts, so you can maximize your winnings.
Customer Support
Sportsbooks must helpful and professional customer support with 24/7 availability and multiple contact options, including phone, email, and live chat.
Mobile Compatibility
Sportsbooks need to have a user-friendly interface with fast loading times and easy navigation on any screen size.
Sports Betting In Florida By Location
BetUS is the reigning champ of sportsbooks in Florida. The site is available to all residents over the age of 18. Below is a list of the top online sportsbooks in different regions in the state:
How To Get Started With Online Betting On Sports In Florida
It’s quick and easy to start betting on online sports in Florida. Here are the steps to follow:
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Select one of the top sportsbooks available for Florida residents that we have recommended above.
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Once you’ve chosen one of our recommended sportsbooks, navigate to their website and look for the ‘Get Started’ or ‘Join’ button at the top of the page. Clicking on this button will initiate the sign-up process.
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Provide the necessary personal details as prompted. This typically includes your full name, date of birth, address, email address, and phone number. Additionally, some sportsbooks request verification documents, such as a recent utility bill to facilitate future withdrawals.
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When you are finished registering, visit the banking section to find the available deposit methods. Check to see that your preferred banking option is among the choices. Enter the amount you wish to deposit, and remember to only deposit what you can comfortably afford to lose.
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Every site offers a unique set of betting odds. Once you make a deposit, you’ll be able to browse through different categories such as popular sports, live betting, futures, props, etc. Some sportsbooks also offer features including cash out, bet builder, or live streaming that can enhance your betting experience.
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Many sportsbooks offer more than one welcome bonus option, including crypto-specific offers. Check the promotions page of your sportsbook to see what welcome bonuses are available and choose the one that you prefer.
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The final step in the sports betting process is to place bets. Whether you’re betting on any of the various Florida-related sports teams or events such as the Daytona 500, the Orange Bowl, the Citrus Bowl, or the Grapefruit League, we recommend that you research every wager.
Most Popular Teams To Bet On In Florida
Florida resident can place bets on a wide variety of popular professional sports teams across online platforms. Here are some of Florida’s favorite sports teams:
NFL Teams in Florida
Florida boasts exciting NFL teams, each with a sizable fanbase that enjoys placing bets on their games.
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Miami Dolphins
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Find which sportsbooks are best for betting on football with our guide to top NFL betting sites.
Florida NBA Teams
Florida is home to two NBA teams, both of which have seen significant success in the league over the past few decades.
- Miami Heat
- Orlando Magic
Bet on your favorite NBA team with our guide to the best NBA betting sites.
MLB Teams in Florida
Florida has two MLB teams, both of which are easily accessible for online betting among Florida residents.
- Tampa Bay Rays
- Miami Marlins
Find your favorite baseball sportsbooks with our best MLB betting sites guide.
FL NHL Teams
Florida may be known for its humid subtropical weather, but it is also home to successful NHL franchises:
- Florida Panthers
- Tampa Bay Lightning
Find the top hockey sportsbooks and NHL betting sites.
Popular Betting Events In Florida
Florida is home to some unique events that attract bettors from all over the country. Here are some of the most popular betting events in Florida that you should know about:
Races at Daytona
The races at Daytona are some of the most exciting and prestigious events in motorsports. Daytona International Speedway hosts several races throughout the year, including the Daytona 500, the Coke Zero Sugar 400, and the Rolex 24. These races feature different types of cars, such as stock cars, sports cars, and motorcycles, and attract millions of fans and viewers from around the world. The races at Daytona are known for their high speeds, close competition, and thrilling finishes. Some of the most memorable moments in racing history have happened at Daytona, such as Richard Petty’s 200th win, Dale Earnhardt’s only Daytona 500 victory, and the photo finish between Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr. in 2016.
Miami Open
The Miami Open is one of the biggest tennis tournaments in North America, and is held every March at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The event is part of the ATP Tour Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 series, featuring some of the top players in men’s and women’s tennis. The tournament offers a total prize money of over $18 million, making it one of the most lucrative events on the tennis calendar.
Orange Bowl
The Orange Bowl is one of the oldest and most prestigious college football bowl games, and is held every January at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The game has a rich history and tradition, dating back to 1935, and often draws huge crowds and TV ratings — as well as millions of dollars in bets.
Tampa Bay Derby
The Tampa Bay Derby is one of the major prep races for the Kentucky Derby, and is held every March at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar. The race is open to three-year-old thoroughbreds, running for a distance of 1 1/16 miles on dirt. The race offers a purse of $400,000 and 85 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. The race has produced several Kentucky Derby winners and contenders, such as Street Sense, Super Saver, and Tapwrit.
Florida Derby
The Florida Derby is another important prep race for the Kentucky Derby, and is held every March or April at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach. The race is open to three-year-old thoroughbreds, running for a distance of 1 1/8 miles on dirt. The race offers a purse of $750,000 and 100 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby. The race has produced more Kentucky Derby winners than any other prep race, such as Orb, Nyquist, Always Dreaming, and Maximum Security.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Florida?
Online sports betting in Florida is available on the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet app as of December 2023. The Seminole Tribe is also going to have online sports betting at select Hard Rock locations in the state. There is still a legal battle ongoing between Florida and West Flagler Associates in regards to the agreement between the Seminole Tribe and the state. However, offshore gambling sites that are licensed outside the state’s borders. The government does not prosecute residents of Florida for engaging in gambling at offshore gambling establishments. Gambling is legal at the state’s tribal casinos and pari-mutuel facilities, but retail sports betting is not available there yet.
Horse race betting is also legal in Florida. This activity is allowed under federal law and regulated by the state. Bettors can place wagers on horse races, harness horse racing, and quarter-horse racing through licensed operators such as TVG, TwinSpires, and BetAmerica.
What Sports Betting Apps Are Legal In Florida?
The aforementioned Hard Rock Bet app is available to residents of the Sunshine State. However, you can still access a variety of online sportsbooks on mobile and place bets on your favorite teams and events.
Florida bettors can also enjoy online horse racing betting, greyhound betting, and daily fantasy sports apps. These forms of online gambling are legal and regulated in Florida and offer a variety of options for wagering on sports.
Each state has its own laws and regulations regarding online gambling. For that reason, you may run into problems accessing your sportsbook from another state because of geo-blocking or location verification issues that will prevent you from using your account. We recommend checking with your individual sportsbook for more information.
Everygame
Florida Sports Betting Timeline
Florida has a rich history of sports betting, and there have been significant movements in recent years. Here are some key moments in Florida sports betting legislation:
The Future Of Florida Sports Betting
The ruling of the federal judge blocking online sports betting in Florida from launching was appealed by both sides, and oral arguments were heard in December 2022.
The Seminoles won their appeal, meaning they could resume offering online sports betting through their Hard Rock Sportsbook app, as well as retail sports betting at their casinos. But West Flagler Associates are still battling that case and it might not be heard until 2025.
Currently, there are several of the top offshore sportsbooks that accept bets from Florida residents online. Alternatively, you can travel to neighboring states that have legalized sports betting, such as Georgia or Alabama.
Sports Betting Options in Florida
Find A Sportsbook That Accepts Floridians
Outside of the Hard Rock Bet app and the aforementioned select locations, the easiest method to bet on sports online in Florida is through offshore sports sites and apps based outside of Florida that accept FL registrations. You can make bets in real-time from your phone without ever leaving the beach, the theme parks, or the mile-long line to get a Publix sub.
Take A Sports Betting Cruise
Before land-based casinos started popping up in the state of Florida, casino cruises were your only in-person betting option. Cruises still have a leg up on the brick and mortar establishments because of their sports betting. Typically, these cruises sail from Port Canaveral and go into international waters for a few hours to let people gamble.
Drive To Mississippi
Currently, there are no brick-and-mortar sportsbooks in the state of Florida, Georgia, or Alabama. The closest option you have is to drive to Biloxi, Mississippi. If you live in the panhandle, that’s a reasonable two-hour drive.
Other Types Of Gambling In Florida
If you’re looking for something other than the state lottery and pari-mutuel betting, here are some different ways that you can enjoy gambling in the Sunshine State:
Horse Racing
Betting on horse races is one of the oldest forms of gambling in Florida, dating back to 1931 when it was legalized by the state legislature. There are several racetracks across the state that offer live horse racing and simulcast betting on races from other states and countries. Some of the most famous tracks include Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, and Hialeah Park.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are a popular form of online gambling that gives you the opportunity to create your own teams of athletes and compete against others. In Florida, DFS operators, such as FanDuel and DraftKings, are not regulated by the state, but they accept players from Florida and offer a variety of contests and prizes. However, SB 1566 was proposed by Sen. Travis Hutson in an attempt to get DFS regulated in the Sunshine State.
Poker
Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, and there are more than 20 poker rooms in the Florida. Each room offers different types of poker games such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and more. Some of the most famous poker rooms in Florida are the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Bestbet Jacksonville, and the Palm Beach Kennel Club.
Online Casinos
Online casinos let you play various casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and more. The only option for Florida gamblers is to use offshore sites that accept players from the US.
Expert Tip:
These sites are not subject to the same laws and regulations as domestic sites. To avoid issues with fraud, identity theft, or lack of consumer protection, we recommend that you play on the best and most trusted offshore sites in the industry that we’ve listed above.
Latest Florida Sports Betting News
Responsible Gambling
We encourage you to gamble responsibly and consider online betting as a form of entertainment, not a source of income. Set loss limits and time limits, and don’t bet more than you’re comfortable losing.
Here are some resources to help you, or someone you care about, gamble responsibly and get help:
- The Sports Geek’s Responsible Gambling Guide
- AGA Responsible Gambling Code of Conduct (as supported by the NBA)
- Have A Game Plan – Complete Responsible Gambling Resource
- Gamble Responsibly America App (downloadable)
- KindBridge Behavioral Health
- Responsible Gambling In Florida
