Florida Sports Betting Updates

Florida Legal Sports Betting Overview

Florida Sports Betting Summary

Florida’s legal sports betting market was short lived after a federal lawsuit stopped Hard Rock Sportsbook operating in the Sunshine State on December 4, 2021. The Seminole Tribe of Florida had originally agreed to a gaming compact with the state on April 23, 2021, allowing the tribe exclusive rights to sports betting in FL. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the deal and it was then approved by state legislators on May 23, 2021. The US Department of Justice published the compact on the Federal Register on August 11, 2021, pushing forward the launch of sports betting.

Online sports betting went live when the Seminole-owned Hard Rock Sportsbook launched on November 1, 2021. There were plans to follow this with retail sportsbooks in the six Seminole casinos in the state. However, shortly after launching, the compact was challenged by a lawsuit at the federal level, which stopped Hard Rock Sportsbook’s operations. It also halted the launch of retail sports betting.

Read our complete guide to learn about sports betting in Florida, including the current legal status, legal gambling age, and news about potential sportsbook launches.

Florida Online Sportsbooks Summary

Online sportsbooks are currently unavailable to Florida bettors due to a federal lawsuit. On November 1, 2021, the Seminole Tribe launched the Hard Rock Sportsbook app in FL. However, the compact was deemed invalid three weeks later by federal judge Dabney Friedrich. Hard Rock Sportsbook remained open until December 4, 2021, before shutting down in compliance with the ruling.

The lawsuit challenges whether the Seminole can offer state-wide sports betting under the compact. The compact states all bets must be made on Seminole land. The Seminole argue that because all servers which facilitate sports betting are on Seminole land, all bets are made on Seminole land by default. This rationale was accepted for sports betting in New Jersey.

The US District Court will determine the future of sports betting in Florida. Recent estimates show the issue won’t be tackled until August 2023. If the court dismisses the lawsuit, Hard Rock Sportsbook would be able to relaunch and third-party operators like BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings, and FanDuel would be allowed to partner with the Seminole tribe.

Until sports betting returns to Florida, your only option for wagering online is horse racing. BetAmerica, Caesars, TVG, and TwinSpires are available to FL residents looking to bet on races across the US. Alternatively, sports fans can access ESPN, Boom, FantasyDraft, DraftKings, and FanDuel’s Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms.

None of Florida’s neighboring states offer legal online sports betting. However, you can travel to Louisiana to wager with betting sites. BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel are among the major sportsbooks operating in LA.

How Does Florida Compare to Other States?

• Market Coverage

There are no sportsbooks in Florida at the moment, but operators that are expected to launch will bring a wide variety of markets. Hard Rock Sportsbook, which the Seminole owns, provides coverage of all major league sports. However, there are also markets for niche sports like MMA and Aussie Rules. Sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel, which offer exclusive betting lines on partnered sports league markets like the NFL and NBA, are also expected to launch in FL.

• Competitive Odds & Prices

Hard Rock Sportsbook will be the first operator available when sports betting returns to Florida. The sportsbook is available in Arizona, Iowa, New Jersey, and Virginia and offers the same betting lines in all these states. These competitive betting odds are expected to come to Florida. Hard Rock Sportsbook has made a name by offering particularly good odds on MLB point spreads.

• Gambling Revenue

Per the tribal compact executed on April 23, 2021, 13.75% of all tribal-generated sports betting revenue will be paid in tax. Of this 13.75%, 3% is payable to local counties and 10.75% is payable to the State of Florida.

Florida is the largest state in the US that has, albeit briefly, launched sports betting. With a population of more than 20 million people and nine pro sports teams, the sports betting market will generate significant tax revenue for the state.

To compare, New Jersey is currently one of the biggest US sports betting markets by betting volume, and they have a similar tax rate of 13% for online operators, with a reduced 8.5% tax rate for retail sportsbooks. New Jersey is home to less than half the population of Florida and has six pro sports teams compared to Florida’s nine. In 2021, New Jersey took over $10 billion of sports bets, resulting in state tax payable of $100 million.

• Betting Taxes

Sports bettors in Florida will have to pay taxes on gambling winnings when betting comes back to the Sunshine State. Sports betting winnings must be declared to the IRS. For gambling winnings over $600 you must complete a W-2G form. Sportsbooks can withhold up to 25% of winnings as withholding tax. There is no state income tax on gambling winnings in Florida.

The Internal Revenue Code states sportsbook operators need to pay a 0.25% excise tax on every monthly betting handle. There is also a $50 fee for each employee involved in taking wagers.

How to Place a Bet in Florida

Horse race betting is the only kind of online wagering available in Florida. Follow our simple guide to place legal horse racing bets in FL today:

1. Do your homework. Knowing horses’ form, the conditions, and taking on tips from experts will help you place smart bets.

2. Visit a legal horse racing betting site like BetAmerica, Caesars, TVG, or TwinSpires.

3. Register your account by providing your email, full name, address, phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Horse racing betting sites require this information to verify your account and protect you from underage gambling and fraud.

4. Confirm you are at least 21 years old and agree to the site’s terms and conditions.

5. Visit the site’s cashier section and choose a payment method to deposit your funds. You can select how much to add, but ensure you deposit enough to claim any welcome bonuses that are available.

6. Select a horse race and choose a bet based on your research. Add it to your bet slip, select your stake, and place your bet.

7. If your bet is a winner, return to the cashier section and follow the instructions to withdraw your winnings.

Who is Not Eligible to Bet in FL?

When sports betting returns to Florida, you will need to be at least 21 years old to bet. Depending on the US District Court ruling, you may be able to wager anywhere in the state. Alternatively, you will have to be on Seminole Reservation land. The following individuals will be prohibited from placing sports bets in line with regulations from the Seminole Tribe and the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC):

• Athletes, coaches, or members of any professional sports and college teams.

• Individuals with a stake in a sports team.

• Individuals employed by the leagues that create rules for sports (e.g., NHL, NCAA).

• Individuals employed by organizations with licensing from the Florida Gaming Control

• Commission, including key staff, owners, directors, and officers.

• Individuals with the professional authority to influence players.

• Referees for professional and college sports leagues.

• Individuals with access to non-public information about a sports team (e.g., player medical records).

• Individuals that have voluntarily excluded themselves from gambling activities.

• Individuals prohibited from betting on a state or federal level (e.g., due to criminal history).

Latest Florida Sports Betting Updates

Florida Sports Betting Locations

With sports betting currently unavailable in Florida, there are no retail sportsbooks in the Sunshine State. There are, however, six Seminole-owned casinos in Florida where sports betting could launch if the gaming compact agreed in 2021 is reinstated. Two of the casinos are in Hollywood, with one each in Coconut Creek, Immokalee, Okeechobee, and Tampa respectively.

If you want to bet on sports in person, you can travel to Mississippi or Louisiana. The closest sportsbook to Florida is at the Palace Casino Resort in Biloxi, Mississippi. There, you can use a CONTACT Sportsbook to place bets on major league sports.

Florida Lottery Locations

The Florida Lottery was launched in 1988 and currently operates all lottery games in the state. However, the Florida Lottery has no connection to the gaming compact, the Florida Gaming Control Commission, or the Seminole tribe. There is no legislation for sports betting to launch at FL lottery retailers.

Off-Track and Stadium Betting Locations

Under the rules of the current gaming compact, all sports betting has to be operated by the Seminole tribe on tribal reservations. That means no retail sportsbooks can launch at stadiums.

Florida has been home to pari-mutuel horse racing wagering since 1931. The Florida Gaming Control Commission oversees all racing in the state. Pari-mutuel betting is also available on harness racing, quarter horse racing, greyhound racing, and jai alai.

The state has 22 pari-mutuel wagering locations, including casinos, racetracks, and other licensed locations.

Teams to Bet on in Florida

• Pro Sports

Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars joined the NFL as an expansion franchise in 1995 and have been playing in the AFC South since 2002. After a successful first five years with two AFC Championship appearances, the Jags have faced their share of struggles. One of only four NFL teams to never make a Super Bowl, they will be relying on their number one draft pick Trevor Lawrence to lead them into a new era.

Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins were the first professional sports team in Florida and have been playing in the AFC East since 1970. Since 1987 home games have been played at the 65,000-seat Hard Rock Stadium. Under the great Don Shula, the Dolphins won Super Bowls VII and VIII. They would remain perennial challengers in the 1980s and 1990s with Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino under center. Recent years have been leaner, with one playoff appearance since 2008.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs are a two-time Super Bowl winner and play their home games at Raymond James Stadium, famous for its pirate ship. Their 2002 Super Bowl winning team was based on a dominant defense led by Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp. Conversely, the 2020 winning team was led by Tom Brady, who many consider the greatest offensive player of all time.

Miami Heat: The Heat joined the NBA in 1988 and play in the Eastern Conference Southeast Division. After drafting Dwyane Wade in 2003, the Heat would go from strength to strength. The acquisition of Shaquille O’Neal in 2004 helped propel the Heat to their first NBA title. Six years later, they signed LeBron James and Chris Bosh to create the ‘Big Three’, who would lead the Heat to two further NBA championships.

Orlando Magic: Following the footsteps of Florida rivals the Heat, the Orlando Magic joined the NBA Eastern Conference Southeast Division in 1989 as an expansion franchise. Playing their games at the 19,000-capacity Amway Center in downtown Orlando, the Magic have won two conference titles but not yet captured the NBA championship.

Miami Marlins: The Miami Marlins were formed in 1993 and play in MLB’s National League East Division. The Marlins possess one of the strangest postseason records, having never won a division title and, as of 2021, only making the postseason three times in 28 years as a wildcard. However, they have twice won the World Series, being the first ever wildcard team to do so in 1997.

Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays joined the MLB’s American League East as an expansion franchise in 1998 and were initially named the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. After a decade of poor results, the franchise was renamed the Tampa Bay Rays, and success immediately followed. The Rays won the American League Pennant in 2008, and again in 2020. Playing their home games at the iconic Tropicana Field, the Rays will be hoping for a first World Series title soon.

Florida Panthers: The Florida Panthers play their home games at the FLA Live Arena in Miami, making them the southernmost NHL team. The Panthers made their sole Stanley Cup appearance in 1996, being swept by the Colorado Rockies in four. Since then, there was limited success until the 2019-20 season, after which the Panthers have made the playoffs three years in a row.

Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning have been the best team in the NHL in recent years, winning the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021, and losing in the finals in 2022. Nicknamed the Bolts, the Lightning play in blue, white, or black uniforms, each with a lightning strike down the middle.

• College Sports

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats: The pride of Bethune-Cookman University, the Wildcats compete in the Southwestern Atlantic Conference. Known for their baseball prowess, the Wildcats won 13 Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference Championships in 14 years from 1999.

FIU Panthers: The Florida International University’s Panthers hail from University Park and boast 2007 World Series MVP Mike Lowell among their alumni. The Panthers have made the baseball postseason nine times. In recent years the football team has also performed well, making five bowl games since 2010.

Florida A&M Rattlers and Lady Rattlers: Representing Florida A&M University and competing in the Southwestern Atlantic Conference, the Rattlers are best known for their football team. Playing their home games in the 25,500-capacity Bragg Memorial Stadium, the Green and Orange Rattlers have won 16 historically black colleges and universities championships.

Florida Atlantic Owls: A member of Conference USA, Florida Atlantic University is led on by their mascots Owlsley and Hoot the burrowing owls. They enjoy a fierce rivalry with FIU Panthers, competing in the Shula Bowl each year, named after legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula.

Florida Gators: One of the premier sporting programs in the US, the Gators represent the University of Florida. The Gators have 21 varsity teams and compete in the SEC. They have won a staggering 45 National Championships and, in 2006, became the first Division I school to win the NCAA basketball and football championships in the same year.

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles: Florida Gulf Coast University’s Eagles compete in the ASUN Conference and joined the NCAA Division I on August 11, 2011. They have made their mark by reaching the postseason in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, and men’s and women’s soccer.

Florida State Seminole: Competing on behalf of Florida State University in the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Seminole are a powerhouse of US college sport. They have won 20 National Championships, including three football championships and three women’s soccer championships.

Jacksonville Dolphins: Jacksonville University’s Dolphins compete in the River City Rumble with the North Florida Ospreys each year. The colleges compete at all sports and the college that wins the most events lifts the SunTrust Old Wooden Barrel. The Dolphins have competed in the ASUN conference since 1998.

Miami Hurricanes: The University of Miami Hurricanes, commonly known as The U, compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Playing in the famous orange, green and white, the U are best known for their dominating football teams of the 1980s and 1990s. The Hurricanes have won five NCAA Team Championships and 16 non- NCAA National Titles.

North Florida Ospreys: The Ospreys represent the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Their 15 varsity teams compete in the ASUN Conference and the Osprey’s fans are known for their ‘swoop’ motion with their arms, mimicking the movement of an osprey.

South Florida Bulls: The Bulls compete for the University of South Florida in the American Athletic Conference. A winner of one team NCAA National Championship in women’s swimming, the Bulls compete in green and gold colours. A Bulls win is easily known on campus as the USF water tower is lit green to signify victory.

Stetson Hatters: With 18 varsity teams Stetson University are well represented by the Hatters in ASUN Conference competition. They have several alumni playing professional sports, headlined by New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom. The 2018 and 2019 NL Cy Young winner and four-time All-Star made 12 starts for the Hatters, where he posted a 4-5 record and a 4.48 ERA.

UCF Knights: University of Central Florida Knights will be changing conferences in the 2023-24 year, moving from the American Athletic Conference to the Big-12 Conference. Perennial winners, the Black and Gold have won 89 Conference titles and one NCAA Individual Championship in track and field. Their main rivalry is with the University of South Florida Bulls, with whom they compete in the ‘War on I-4’.

• Women’s Sports

Orlando Pride: Playing in the National Women’s Soccer League, Orlando Pride became the 10th team added to the league in 2016. Its stadium, the Exploria Stadium, has a capacity of 25,500. Notable players include Marta, the six-time winner of The Best FIFA Women’s Player, widely regarded as one of the best female soccer players of all time.

Florida Responsible Gambling Resources

• Florida National Council on Problem Gambling – Provides an overview of the help available in Florida as well as a national 24/7 helpline and live chat. (800) 522-4700.

• Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling – Offers toolkits, research material, and support for problem gamblers. It also extends this help to the family of those affected. (888) 236-4848

• Gamblers Anonymous – Organizes anonymous meetings where gamblers can go and discuss their issues. These services are also operated online via Zoom. The organization has its own treatment program too. (855) 222-5542

There is presently no state-wide gambling exclusion program. However, each casino has an individual self-exclusion that protects retail sports bettors. The Florida Gaming Control Commission has not announced any plans to change the state’s responsible gambling requirements.

Many sportsbooks expected to launch in the state, including Hard Rock Sportsbook, have additional responsible gambling measures. These include account tools like betting limits, time-outs, and reality checks.

Who Oversees Sports Betting in Florida?

Sports betting in Florida is governed by the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC). The FGCC is responsible for all gambling-related matters in the state. This includes card rooms, gaming compacts, pari-mutuel wagering, slot machines, and the state lottery. The commission directly deals with and enforces Seminole rules to ensure sports betting is operated safely. The FGCC is a newly formed, five-member regulatory body that came into power on July 1, 2022. It assumed all responsibilities from the previous regulatory body, the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering