John Ford | August 22, 2023 | Updated on: August 24th, 2023
Online sports betting in Florida has had a fair share of ups and downs. If you’re a sports and sports betting fan in Florida, it’s safe to say your aspirations have experienced repeated disappointments recently. The journey toward establishing mobile sports betting within the state has been tumultuous during the past few years. Notably, there was a fleeting instance in 2021 when sports betting through apps and desktop platforms became briefly legal in Florida – a mere five-week window.
Fast forward to 2023, and the Seminole Tribe is presented with another chance to introduce legal online sportsbooks in Florida. This is after the DC Court of Appeals reversed the District Court’s ruling that had previously obstructed Florida sports betting. Now the question remains: Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida? Read on to learn more.
Best Online Sports Betting Sites for Florida
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Florida?
Online sports betting is legal but not operational in Florida. However, Florida residents can securely register with various excellent online sportsbooks within the bounds of legality. Following the landmark 2018 Supreme Court decision in Murphy vs. The National Collegiate Athletic Association, individual states were empowered to oversee and license sportsbooks on a state level. This avenue has proven to be lucrative for states to enhance their tax revenues. Despite the absence of this licensing initiative by the Florida legislature, online sportsbooks licensed in overseas jurisdictions remain unaffected.
Our foremost criteria for recommending sportsbooks to Florida bettors revolve around legality and accessibility. Although the state of Florida has not yet established regulations for sportsbooks within its borders, our recommended sportsbooks are presently accessible to bettors in the Sunshine State.
The available bookmakers in Florida typically hold licenses from other countries. Interestingly, these particular sportsbooks often rank among the top options, even in states that have established licensed sportsbooks. Hence, our recommendation strongly leans toward these legally accessible sportsbooks for Florida bettors.
How to Start Online Betting in Florida
1. Choose a Sportsbook
Begin by selecting a sportsbook that aligns with your wagering preferences. Consider factors such as available sports, betting markets, odds, promotions, and a user-friendly interface.
2. Create an Account
Once you’ve chosen a sportsbook, visit their website or download their mobile app. Click the “Sign Up” or “Join Now” button to start the registration process. For identity verification, you’ll need to provide personal information such as your name, email address, date of birth, and sometimes your social security number.
3. Claim Bonuses
Our recommended sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses to new users and daily bonuses to loyal players. Sports betting bonuses can include free bets, deposit matches, or risk-free bets. Read the terms and conditions of the bonus offers and follow the necessary steps to claim them.
4. Deposit Funds
There are various online sportsbooks deposit methods, including credit/debit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and cryptocurrency. Choose a method that suits you and follow the instructions to fund your account.
5. Explore Betting Markets
Once your account is funded, explore betting markets and sports events. Online sportsbooks cover a wide range of sports, leagues, and events. Browse through the options, study the odds, and choose the bets you’re interested in.
6. Place Bets
Select the bets you want to place and add them to your betting slip. The betting slip will show your chosen bets, and potential payouts and allow you to input your stake amount. Double-check your selections and stake before confirming your bets.
7. Enjoy the Action
Sit back and enjoy the games while keeping an eye on the outcomes of your bets. Many sportsbooks provide the opportunity for live betting, enabling you to make wagers during the ongoing game.
8. Withdraw Winnings
In the event of a successful bet resulting in a win, you have the option to retrieve your winnings. Simply access the withdrawal segment of the sportsbook, opt for your preferred withdrawal method, and adhere to the provided guidelines to commence the withdrawal procedure.
Most Popular Online Sports Betting Options in Florida
Online Sports Betting Florida – Timeline
- August 3, 2023 – The National Indian Gaming Commission revealed that the region encompassing Florida and its neighboring states yielded a remarkable $9 billion in gambling revenue during 2022. This figure reflects a noteworthy growth of 10.8% compared to the preceding year’s total of $8.1 billion.
- July 4, 2023 – The trajectory of legal sports betting in Florida remains ambiguous, as the public anticipates a pivotal court verdict. The recent pronouncement from the Supreme Court holds the potential to sway the direction of this decision’s finality.
- June 11, 2023 – The culmination of Florida’s 2023 legislative session delivered discouraging news for those optimistic about the legalization of sports betting. Regrettably, no headway was made on this front.
- March 17, 2023 – As advocates push for the legalization of mobile betting, state representatives are meticulously scrutinizing its successful implementation nationwide.
- January 17, 2023 – A fierce legal battle over sports betting in Florida is undoubtedly on the horizon.
- December 1, 2022 – A recent study has disclosed that media and entertainment entities involved in online sports and betting in Florida witnessed a notable 5.7% upswing in revenue for the first time during 2022.
- November 14, 2022 – The Seminole Tribe has submitted a brief to secure a voice in the forthcoming review of Florida’s sports betting case.
- October 26, 2022 – The Department of Interior for Florida aspires to champion the cause of legal sports betting within the state, seeking an agreement with the Seminole Tribe that the federal court system can endorse.
- September 27, 2022 – Representing the Department of Interior, the federal government has filed its response in the appeal regarding the 2021 gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis.
- August 8, 2022 – The federal authorities, the state, and the Seminole Tribe have jointly defended the Florida sports-betting deal in court, an action that has led to the delay of casino agreements.
- August 21, 2022 – The fate of Florida’s sports betting sector still hangs in the balance, with the involvement of the Biden Administration adding complexity to the situation.
- July 12, 2022 – Despite the efforts of various lobbyists and activists, tangible progress on online sports betting is improbable until 2023 at the earliest.
- June 5, 2022 – A Florida resident orchestrated a Ponzi sports betting scheme, defrauding countless sports enthusiasts of millions of dollars.