June 15, 2023
Best Florida Sports Betting Sites 2023
- Written by Eddie Thompson
- Last updated Mar 30, 2023
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Fact checked by Brett McMurphy
Florida, land of sun, sea, and sports betting. There’s no denying that the urge to wager on the home team runs deep in the hearts of Floridians. Yet with a population of 21 million and no less than eight professional sports teams calling the state home, it may come as a shock to know that there are no sportsbooks in Florida allowed to operate within the state.
Thankfully, however, there are many online sportsbooks for Floridian sports bettors ready to jump into the fray. Sports betting sites are available for FL bettors as long as the sites are based out of state. We’ll address frequently asked questions and misconceptions about how to bet on sports in Florida, as well as connect you with the best sportsbooks the state has to offer – complete with some lucrative welcome bonuses to sweeten the deal.
Florida Betting Availability – Quick Overview
Retail Casinos Not Available
Online Sports Betting Available
Online Horse Racing Available
Online Poker Available
Online Casinos Available
Retail Casinos Available
DFS Available
Tribal Casinos Available
Lottery Available
Gambling Age 18+
Best Online Sports Betting Sites Available in Florida
Florida is one of the states where sports betting is not yet legal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some 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. Let’s take a closer look at each of these sites and see why they stand out among the competition.
- BetUS: Best Overall Online Sportsbook for Florida Players
- Bovada: Best Online Sportsbook for Range of Betting Options
- Everygame: Best Mobile Sports Betting Site for FL Residents
- Betnow: Best Site for Sports Betting Contests
- MyBookie: Best for Live Betting and Streaming in FL
#1
BetUS – Best Overall Online Sportsbook for Florida Players
BetUS has a sleek, simplistic design that is perfect for those new to online sports betting in Florida. The clear betting markets and straightforward betting options make it easy to bet on both popular and fringe sports. New players will also love the 125% casino bonus of up to $2,500 for new players.
BetUS has a variety of features that make it an attractive option for newbie sports bettors or those learning how to sports bet in Florida, such as BetUS TV and the Locker Room. BetUS TV is a live streaming service that allows you to watch your favorite sports events and matches from anywhere, and it covers a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, UFC and more.
The Locker Room is an editorial section on the BetUS website that provides users with the latest sports betting news, analyses, picks and parlays. You can find expert opinions from trusted sportswriters who have decades of experience handicapping various national and international leagues and events. The Locker Room also gives you helpful tips and guides on how to bet online, how to understand odds and lines, and how to manage your bankroll.
BetUS TV and the Locker Room are good for newbie sports bettors because they help users stay informed, entertained and educated about the sports you love, all on one platform. You can watch live games while wagering on them, or catch up on the latest highlights and replays. You can also learn from the experts who share their insights and predictions based on stats, trends and other factors.
#2
Bovada – Best Online Sportsbook for Range of Betting Options
Bovada’s reputation in the online sports betting space comes largely from their variety of betting options. Florida players will be amazed at the sheer amount of wagering options they have at their disposal. Of course, the major North American sports are here, so you can bet on your local Florida teams.
Outside of those, Floridians can bet on all the major golf tournaments in the Sunshine State, including the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. All the major motorsports (NASCAR, F1 and IndyCar) are all represented in Florida.
You can bet on rugby (both league and union), cricket, chess and snooker if you want to get into the niche sports. You can also bet on political and entertainments. Quite frankly, if there’s a sportsbook online that has more betting options than Bovada, we’d love to see it.
#3
Everygame – Best Mobile Sports Betting Site for FL Residents
The best feature of Everygame is its sleek mobile sports betting platform, which we’ve found to outrank the competition. You can access all the site’s features from your smartphone or tablet without downloading any apps, whether you use Apple or Android products. You can bet on live events, play casino games, or join poker tournaments from anywhere from Penescola to Fort Lauderdale.
Its 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 really stay on top of things. With 20-plus years of experience, Everygame have had a long time to hone their mobile betting platform.
#4
BetNow – Best Sites For Contests
BetNow has a lot of factors going for it, but it leads the way for Florida sports bettors in terms of contests. Contests are overlooked sometimes at online sports betting sites, but it can be a great addition to your wagering experience, and BetNow realized that a long time ago.
BetNow is always running contests. For example, you can enter their NFL King of the Hill contest for free, and have 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. Of course, BetNow gets in on the March Madness action with a $1,000,000 Bracket Madness contest, while a weekly NBA contest dominated the regular season.
The best part is, it’s all free to enter for Florida residents if you’re a Betnow member. Just keep an eye on their promotions page for new contests, as well as their other promotions.
#5
MyBookie – Best for Live Betting
MyBookie is an established brand that has been operating since 2014 and accepts players from Florida. One of the main attractions of MyBookie is its live sports betting feature. You can place live bets while watching the live action unfold for a range of sports. The live betting feature covers 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.
While you’re waiting for your bets to play out, you can also enjoy live dealer games in the casino section, such as blackjack, online roulette, baccarat, and super 6.
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. Bettors can also enjoy 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
In this section, we explain how we choose the top online sportsbooks for Florida bettors. Our review team has tested and reviewed almost 80 different betting sites available in Florida. To help us narrow down these options, we use this set of strict ranking criteria to evaluate different aspects of each online betting site:
Availability in Florida
Not all online sportsbooks accept players from Florida, so we make sure to only recommend the ones that do. We also check if they offer any special promotions or bonuses for Florida residents, such as free bets or risk-free bets.
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 look at their security measures, such as encryption, firewalls, and SSL certificates, to ensure that your personal and financial information is protected.
Payment Options
We know that having a variety of payment options is important for online bettors, especially when it comes to depositing and withdrawing funds. That’s why we evaluate the sportsbook banking options available, such as credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, and more. We also consider their processing times, fees, limits, and verification procedures.
Florida Sports Coverage
As a Florida bettor, you probably want to wager on your favorite local teams and events. That’s why we check if each online sportsbook covers all the major sports teams and competitions in Florida, such as the NFL (Dolphins, Jaguars), NBA (Heat), MLB (Rays), NHL (Panthers), NCAA (Seminoles), PGA Tour (The Players Championship), etc.
Competitive Odds
As a Florida bettor, you want to make sure you’re getting the best odds for your favorite teams. That’s why we’ve researched and compared the odds offered by online sportsbooks on popular markets and events, such as the Miami Heat, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Florida Gators. Our team looks for online sportsbooks that provide competitive odds with low margins and high payouts, so you can maximize your winnings.
Customer Support
We believe that customer support is an essential part of any online service. We’ve tested the quality and responsiveness of each online sportsbook’s customer support team, and we only recommend those with 24/7 availability and multiple contact options, including phone, email, and live chat. We only recommend sportsbooks with friendly and professional agents able to assist you with any questions or concerns, whether it’s about a bet on the Orlando Magic or a Florida-specific prop bet.
Mobile Compatibility
We know that Florida bettors bet mainly on their phones nowadays, so we’ve made sure to assess the mobile compatibility of each online sportsbook’s website and app. We look for sportsbooks that have a user-friendly interface with fast loading times and easy navigation on any screen size, so you can place your bets on the Jacksonville Jaguars or Miami Marlins from anywhere, at any time.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida?
While sports betting has been getting more and more popular in the US, not all states have legalized this activity, and Florida is one of them. Sports betting does not seem close to becoming a reality anytime soon, as there are a number of factors working against it. Gambling itself is legal at the state’s tribal casinos and pari-mutuel facilities, but sports betting is specifically not included in these options.
As of now, options for online sports betting in Florida are only available at offshore gambling sites that are licensed outside the state’s borders. Online sports betting in Florida is available, and the government does not prosecute residents of Florida for engaging in gambling at offshore gambling establishments.
In 2021, Florida lawmakers approved a massive gambling expansion deal with the state’s Seminole tribe that would have legalized online sports betting in Florida—controlled exclusively by the tribe. The deal also offered profit-sharing opportunities for pari-mutuels such as jai alai frontons, horse tracks and cardrooms to participate in the new venture.
However, the deal was challenged by several groups opposed to gambling in the state, and it was ultimately struck down by a federal judge who ruled that it violated a federal law requiring all tribal gambling to take place on tribal lands. This led to the discontinuation of the Hard Rock Sportsbook in December 2021, and as of now no sportsbooks are operating in the state. The deal still has to go through further legal proceedings and may have to face voter approval under a constitutional amendment that was passed back in 2018.
One form of betting that is legal in Florida is horse racing betting. 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.
Florida Sports Betting Timeline
Florida has a rich history of sports betting rife with enough drama for its own Netflix special. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the most important moments in the Florida sports betting saga:
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. As of March 2023, no decision has been made yet, leaving sports bettors in Florida in limbo.
Based on what we know today, it seems unlikely Florida will fully regulate in-state sports betting until at least 2024
Some experts predict that a resolution could come by mid-2023, but it is unclear what that resolution will be. If the Seminoles win their appeal, they could resume offering online sports betting through their Hard Rock Sportsbook app, as well as retail sports betting at their casinos. If they lose their appeal, they could still try to negotiate a new deal with the state or seek voter approval for online sports betting through a ballot initiative.
In either case, Floridians who want to bet on sports will have to wait until legal issues are settled or find alternative options. Currently, there are several offshore sportsbooks that accept bets from Florida residents online.
Alternatively, Floridians can travel to neighboring states that have legalized sports betting, such as Georgia or Alabama. However, this may not be convenient or cost-effective for many people.
As Florida is one of the largest markets for sports fans and gamblers alike, with 11 professional teams and many college teams competing in various leagues, it is clear that there is a high demand for sports betting in Florida. However, until legal hurdles are cleared and agreements are reached, Floridians will have to wait patiently or look elsewhere for their sports wagering needs.
How to Get Started with Online Betting on Sports in Florida
Those interested in online sports betting in Florida need to follow a few basic steps. Learn about how to get started by following the steps here.
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Players will first need to choose an online sportsbook available in Florida. Our recommended sites have already been reviewed to ensure safety and fairness. When choosing a sportsbook, players should consider factors such as reputation, bonuses, odds, markets, customer service, and payment options. Whether you want to bet on the Florida Gators, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Miami Marlins, or any other team or sport, you will find a suitable site for your needs.
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After creating an account, bettors will need to verify their identity and address. This is a mandatory step that helps comply with state and federal laws and protects your account from fraud. Depending on the sportsbook, you may be able to verify your account automatically by providing some personal information or you may need to upload some documents such as a driver’s license, passport, or utility bill.
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After verifying your account, bettors will need to make a deposit. It’s here that players can choose whether or not to utilize a welcome bonus. Make sure you check further up this page for them so you don’t miss out! The top online sports betting sites in Florida usually allow a variety of deposit options including cryptocurrencies and bank cards. Players should check the minimum and maximum deposit limits as well as any fees or processing times associated with each method.
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Every site offers a unique set of betting odds. Once a player makes a deposit, they should find the odds on sporting events they are interested in betting on. Players can browse through different categories such as popular sports, live betting, futures, props, etc. Some sportsbooks also offer features such as cash out, bet builder, or live streaming that can enhance the betting experience.
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The final step in the sports betting process is to place bets. Whether you’re betting on sports teams or any of the various Florida-related sports events such as the Daytona 500, the Orange Bowl, the Citrus Bowl, or the Grapefruit League, always make sure to put research into every wager. Consider making different bets such as moneyline or totals. Players can also use tools such as bet calculators or odds converters to help them make informed decisions.
Sports Betting in Florida by Location
Bovada seems to be the reigning champ of sportsbooks in Florida. But things get interesting when you take a closer look at specific areas. It turns out that some sportsbooks have managed to gain a loyal following in certain pockets of the state.
Here’s a list of the top online sportsbooks in different regions of Florida:
Florida Sports Teams You Can Bet on
With a multitude of popular professional sports teams calling Florida home, residents can conveniently place bets on all of them through online platforms.
NFL Teams in Florida
Florida boasts three NFL teams, each with a sizable fanbase who enjoy placing bets on their games.
- Miami Dolphins
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jacksonville Jaguars
Find the best NFL sportbooks 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 the perfect baseball betting site 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 several successful NHL franchises:
- Florida Panthers
- Tampa Bay Lightning
Find the top hockey sportsbooks and NHL betting websites.
Most Popular Teams to Bet on in Florida
When it comes to Floridian’s favorite teams to bet on, it spans beyond the state’s borders. While the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, and Florida Panthers rank the highest, the remaining teams are not local. Here’s a look at the top major league teams Floridians like to bet on.
NFL Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Kansas City Chiefs
Buffalo Bills
Green Bay Packers
Baltimore Ravens
NBA Teams
Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks
Boston Celtics
Golden State Warriors
LA Lakers
If you’re ready to wager on your favorite teams, BetUS is a great place to start. They have all the major league sports teams and events and an excellent bonus selection to boost your bankroll.
Popular Betting Events in Florida
If you are a sports fan living in Florida, you might be wondering what some of the popular betting events specific to your state are. Florida is home to many professional and college sports teams, as well as 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
Miami Open
Orange Bowl
Tampa Bay Derby
Florida Derby
Sports Betting Apps in Florida
If you are wondering what sports betting apps are legal in Florida, you might be disappointed to learn that there are no downloadable betting apps available in the state. However, that does not mean you cannot bet on sports on your mobile in Florida. You can still access various online sportsbooks via your mobile browser and place bets on your favorite teams and events.
One of the most anticipated sports betting apps in Florida was the Hard Rock Sportsbook app, which launched on November 1st, 2021. The app was developed by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which had renegotiated its gaming contract with the state to allow for state-wide mobile betting and retail sportsbooks.
However, the Hard Rock Sportsbook app was short-lived, as it ceased operations three weeks later after a district judge ruled against the gaming compact.
Florida’s bettors can still 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.
Play at the Top Rated Mobile Site in Florida
Sports Betting Options in Florida
Use Florida Sports Betting Sites Online
The easiest and most straightforward method to bet on sports online in Florida is sports betting 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. And while you now have an option for casino action, the cruises still hold one leg up over the brick and mortar establishments—sports betting.
If you’re dead-set on in-person Florida sports gambling, a casino, or sports betting cruise could be an option. Typically, these cruises sail from the major ports in the state and go into international waters for a few hours to let people gamble. As long as you don’t get seasick and can get a spot (they get busy), it can be fun.
Drive to Mississippi
The validity of this solution depends on where you live in Florida and how much you can stand I-10, I-95, and I-75. They’re not as terrible as I-4, but they’re not always a relaxing drive. Now that we’ve gotten the Florida road bashing out of the way, let’s talk about this option.
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 not that bad, the drive will be around 2h.
Other Types of Gambling in Florida
Florida is not only known for its sunny beaches and theme parks, but also for its diverse gambling options. Besides the state lottery and pari-mutuel betting, there are other ways to enjoy gambling in the Sunshine State. Here are some of them:
Horse Racing
Horse racing 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 allows players the opportunity to create their 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.
Poker
Poker is one of the most popular card games in the world, and Florida has plenty of venues to play it. There are more than 20 poker rooms in the state, offering different types of poker games such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, and more. Some of the most famous poker rooms in Florida are Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Bestbet Jacksonville, and Palm Beach Kennel Club.
Online Casinos
Online casinos are another form of online gambling that allows players to play various casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, and more. Similar to the case with sportsbooks, the only option for Florida gamblers is to use offshore sites that accept players from the US. This is because Florida does not allow online casinos to operate within its borders, so you won’t find any licensed or regulated sites in the state.
But be careful: these sites are not subject to the same laws and regulations as domestic ones, and you might face issues such as fraud, identity theft, or lack of consumer protection. That’s why we only recommend the best and most trusted offshore sites in the industry, which you can find in the article.
Latest Florida Sports Betting News
Gambling Responsibly in Florida
Responsible gambling is crucial to ensure gambling remains a form of entertainment and doesn’t lead to addiction or other negative consequences. Without responsible gambling practices, individuals can quickly lose control of their gambling behavior, leading to financial, emotional, and social problems. It’s important to set limits, manage finances, and seek help if necessary. Always remember that gambling should be enjoyed responsibly, and that excessive or uncontrolled gambling can have severe consequences.
Here are some links to the local state and federal gambling resources
- Responsible Gambling In Florida
- American Gambling Association’s Responsible Gaming Regulations and Statutes Guide
Florida Sports Betting Sources
Florida Sports Betting FAQs
We highly recommend our top-rated sportsbook, BetUS, but any of our other highly-rated sportsbooks are great options.
Online sportsbooks cannot be based in the state of Florida. However, Florida residents can use offshore betting sites without any worries of being prosecuted.
No. While you can stay in a guitar-shaped hotel, you can’t bet on sports at any of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino locations in the state of Florida.
No. None of the Tribal casinos (or any casinos) in the state of Florida offer any form of sports betting. Check out the best Florida betting sites above to place your bets!
When it comes to betting on sports in Florida, your top option is using offshore betting sites. This gives you the convenience to place sports bets in Florida without ever needing to step foot outside of your home (or leave the beach). Two other options you have in the state of FL are using one of the casino cruises or driving to the state of Mississippi (Biloxi is the closest brick and mortar book).
Yes, you can bet on sports by taking a casino cruise in the state of Florida. However, the only option currently available is the Victory Casino Cruise sailing out of Port Canaveral.
Bovada available for bettors in Florida. However, to be more specific, the state of any online sportsbook in Florida, including Bovada, is in a gray area. While technically it is illegal, the government does not prosecute anyone placing bets at an offshore gambling site, so any resident in Florida can engage in sports betting without encountering issues.
None of the sportsbooks accept Florida players have developed or launched any mobile applications for their customers. However, this does not mean that you cannot bet on your favorite sports and events on your phone or tablet. All of the sportsbooks have websites that are optimized for mobile devices and offer a similar experience as an app. You can access these websites using any browser on your device and place your bets online. You can also sign up, deposit, withdraw, and claim bonuses on these mobile-friendly websites.
As mentioned before, all the sportsbooks do not have apps, but they offer mobile-friendly websites. You may run into issues accessing your sportsbook online from another state because each state has its own laws and regulations regarding online gambling. If you try to access your sportsbook from another state, you may encounter geo-blocking or location verification issues that will prevent you from placing bets or withdrawing your winnings. It’s best to check with your individual sportsbook for more information.
The banking options you have at your disposal will vary, based on the site you choose. The most common options available at our recommended sites for Florida sports bettors include credit cards, cryptocurrency and bank transfers.
With a degree in English Language and a passion for online gaming, Eddie has been writing for the online gambling industry since 2016. He specializes in reviewing online casinos and sportsbooks, looking for features that make the best gambling sites stand out. When not crafting informative and insightful reviews, Eddie enjoys playing poker and practicing his skills on the dartboard. With a keen eye for detail and a love of gaming, Eddie provides readers a valuable perspective on the world of casinos and sports betting.
