Florida finally joined the list of U.S. states with legalized sports betting on November 1st, 2021, when the Hard Rock Sportsbook launched in partnership with the Seminole Tribe.
As of this writing, Hard Rock Bet is currently the only legal online betting option in the Sunshine State, and it remains to be seen whether any other major brands will join.
This guide goes over what you need to know about Florida’s online sports betting options, physical sportsbooks in the state, betting rules and regulations, and more.
Hard Rock Bet – The Best (& Only) Online Sportsbook in Florida
Hard Rock Bet is owned by the Seminole Tribe and has exclusive rights to sports betting in the state. After shutting down operations in December 2021 due to legal hurdles, it relaunched on December 5, 2023.
While Hard Rock Bet has some catching up to do compared to heavyweights like FanDuel and BetMGM, it does have a few strong points worth mentioning. Plus, as the only real-money sportsbook in the state, it’s better than having no option at all.
One thing I really like about Hard Rock Bet is how simple it is to use. The app’s minimalistic design, white background, and responsive interface make it simple to navigate, and the ratings reflect that—4.9 on the App Store and 4.8 on Google Play, which puts it up there with the best.
They also roll out daily odds boosts. Sure, a lot of them are geared toward longshot parlays, but you can stumble across some solid value boosts—like a -120 moneyline bumped up to +100.
The prop bet selection isn’t huge, but there are a few fun options, like betting on who scores the first or last point in an NBA game.
Their standout feature is the Flex Parlay. It’s like a built-in safety net, giving you a payout even if a couple of your picks miss.
Payout speed is also a strong point. I’ve cashed out several times, and the money hit my account in less than two days every time. Based on what I’ve seen from other bettors on Reddit, that’s been the case for most people.
That said, the odds are where Hard Rock Bet falls short. They often run 30-cent lines (-115 on both sides) for spreads and totals, compared to the -110 you’d get at most other sportsbooks. The app also has a few functionality quirks, like a search bar that struggles to recognize team names and players.
Hard Rock Bet Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 71/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: 2x Winnings on First 10 Bets
- Best Features: Flex Parlay, Fast Payouts
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar odds for totals, functionality quirks
- Number of Sports: 16+
- Payout Speed: Up to 48 hours
- Rewards Program: Loyalty Rewards
All Online Sportsbooks in Florida
Florida legalized and launched online sports betting in November 2021, with the Hard Rock Sportsbook being the first regulated option for betting on sports in the state.
If and when new Florida sports betting sites launch, we’ll update the following table so you can always see all of your options.
| Sportsbook | Affiliated with | Tech provider | Launch date | Sign Up Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seminole Tribe of Florida | SG Digital | November 2021 | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if You Win |
When Will More Online Sportsbooks Come to Florida?
Even though sports betting has now officially launched in Florida, there are still several legal hurdles that the state needs to overcome before the market opens up.
The state government inked a 30-year Class III gaming compact with the Seminoles in April 2021, paving the way for legalized sports betting. However, this deal goes against the 2018 amendment stating that all gaming extensions in the state need ballot approval.
Another hindering fact is that it’s unclear whether the tribes can facilitate mobile betting outside reservation lines according to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
The lawsuits regarding these issues are still pending and could slow down Florida's future sports betting expansion.
Assuming that the Seminole Tribe of Florida is allowed to continue offering online and mobile sports betting, they may seek to partner with other major betting brands, namely bet365 and Caesars. They have partnered with these operators in other regulated states.
There are also the potential competitors standing behind the lawsuits mentioned above, namely DraftKings and FanDuel. Both of these gambling operators are pushing for putting mobile betting to a public vote and already have an established presence in Florida through offering daily fantasy sports.
Physical Sportsbooks in Florida
Florida currently doesn’t have any retail sportsbooks. However, sportsbooks are allowed to operate within certain land-based casinos, and there are already plans for their launch.
The locations eligible for allowing in-person sports betting are 6 Seminole casinos, as well as the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center in Miami:
- Seminole Classic Casino: 4150 N State Rd 7, Hollywood, FL 33021
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood: 1 Seminole Way, Davie, FL 33314
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa: 5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610
- Seminole Casino Coconut Creek: 5550 NW 40th St, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
- Seminole Casino Brighton: 17735 Reservation Rd, Okeechobee, FL 34974
- Seminole Casino Immokalee: 506 S 1st St, Immokalee, FL 34142
- Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center: 500 SW 177th Ave, Miami, FL 33194
Team Partnerships With Florida Sportsbooks
The Hard Rock Sportsbook signed 5 pari-mutuel marketing partners before the launch, but there is no news of any partnerships with Florida’s professional sports teams thus far.
Still, considering that Florida is home to 9 franchises in the 4 major sports—including the Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Florida Panthers, and Tampa Bay Lightning—future partnership deals are more than likely.
Florida Sports Betting Timeline
Florida’s sports betting scene is still in its infancy but does have some history. There are several key milestones leading up to the November 1st launch and much has happened since then as well:
- May 2018: The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) is overturned by the Supreme Court, allowing individual states to decide whether to legalize sports betting within their borders.
- December 2020: Senator Jeff Brandes introduces Senate Bill 392, opening the door to legalizing sports betting in Florida.
- April 2021: Governor Ron DeSantis agrees on a new compact deal with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
- August 2021: The Department of Interior approves the compact, deeming it legal under federal law.
- November 1, 2021: The Seminole Tribe of Florida launches the Hard Rock Sportsbook app, marking the beginning of legalized sports betting in the state.
- November 22, 2021: The US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled the compact between Florida and the Seminole Tribe vacated but Hard Rock continued to offer sports betting.
- November 29, 2021: The Seminole Tribe requests that the D.C. Court of Appeals allows them to continue accepting bets while they appeal the November 22 decision.
- December 6, 2021: The D.C. Court of Appeals denies the Seminole Tribe's appeal, causing sports betting in Florida to suspend operations for the time being.
- June 30, 2023: The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals overturns the previous ruling, bringing the compact back to life and making sports betting legal again in Florida.
- November 7, 2023: Hard Rock Bet reopens its app to existing users, marking the return of legal sports betting in the state.
- December 5, 2023: Hard Rock Bet officially relaunches its app, opening it up to all eligible bettors in Florida.
- December 7, 2023: The Seminole Tribe expands its gaming options at casinos, adding in-person sports betting, craps, and roulette to the mix.
Florida Sports Betting Rules & Regulations
Legal sports betting is entirely new to Floridians, so many are unaware of the rules and regulations. Before you place your first sports wager in Florida, let’s go over some of the most important rules you should know.
Who Can Register With Florida Sportsbooks?
Almost anyone who is 21 or older can register for an online account and place sports wagers on any current and future Florida sportsbooks.
Members of professional and collegiate sports teams, as well as delegates and referees, are not allowed to bet.
In-person registration is not required for online betting. You also aren’t required to be a resident of Florida; you just have to be located there when placing bets.
To register an account, you’ll need to provide personal details, including, but not limited to:
- Full name
- Home address
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Last 4 digits of your Social Security number
How Are Florida Sportsbooks Licensed and Taxed?
The Hard Rock Sportsbook operates under a license from the Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission (STGC) according to the Class III Gaming Compact and the federally approved Gaming Code. The proposed tax rate of 15% is administered to the total sportsbook handle.
Is Geolocation Required?
Considering the rules state that you must be physically located in Florida to bet using a mobile sportsbook, geolocation is required.
If you are betting on your phone, you just have to allow the sportsbook app to use your location.
If you are betting on your computer, you will likely have to download a third-party software that can track your location.
Are Any Types of Bets Not Allowed?
Many states with legalized sports betting don’t allow prop betting on college sports, while some restrict betting on in-state collegiate teams and games entirely. It is not clear whether such rules will apply to Florida sportsbooks.
Florida Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Florida?
Yes, sports betting became legal in October 2021.
When did sports betting in Florida go live?
The first official sportsbook to arrive in Florida was the Hard Rock Sportsbook, launching its app on November 1st, 2021.
How old do I have to be to place sports bets in Florida?
You must be at least 21 years old to create an account and place real-money sports bets in Florida.
Is there in-person betting in Florida?
In-person betting is legal in Florida, but only at several land-based casinos.
Do I have to be a Florida resident to bet?
No, you only need to be physically present in the state to place bets.
Are there any off-limit bets?
All major types of bets are allowed at Florida sportsbooks.
How does paying taxes work on sports betting winnings in Florida?
As per federal tax requirements, there is a 24% withholding tax on all winnings equal to or exceeding $5,000. Florida does not impose income tax on gambling winnings.
Can you bet on college teams in Florida?
Florida still doesn’t have clearly defined rules in regards to betting on in-state collegiate teams and games.
Is Bovada legal in Florida?
Bovada is an offshore sportsbook and is therefore considered illegal in Florida or any other part of the United States.
Is there horse racing in Florida?
Yes, Florida has dozens of racetracks and allows pari-mutuel wagering on all official horse races.
