Florida Sportsbook

Florida passed the first form of legalized gambling in the state in 1931 by allowing bets on horse racing. In 1987, the state passed legislation to run a state lottery, and as of 2018, has given over $33 billion directly to the Florida education system, funding school construction and improvement projects along with the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship, a college scholarship program available to Florida residents and used by around 170,000 students each year.

• Florida Online Sportsbook
• Michigan Sportsbook

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players in Florida. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, MLS, and more. Most Likely Florida Online Sports. FanDuel Sportsbook is another large competitor in the United States’ market. FanDuel is another company that started off as an online fantasy platform. However, after Flutter Entertainment acquired. With its user friendly interface, Bovada Sportsbook is the ideal online bookie for anyone living in Florida because it offers excellent betting odds on professional as well as college sports teams.

Florida is showing some signs of interest in the state-regulated sports betting market and it looks like there may be a ballot measure included in the upcoming November elections. The complexities surrounding the gambling market in the Sunshine State stem from a fragile relationship between state lawmakers and the state's Indian tribes, who currently control most of the casino gambling in Florida.

Until the state's government and the various parties involved sort it all out, Floridians can legally enjoy online sports betting through reputable online sportsbooks that are operating legally offshore. There are no state or federal laws that prohibit bettors from doing so.

Betonline has become a household name for USA players looking for a reputable offshore sportsbook to bet at. They have built their reputation by providing some of the best sports betting software in the industry, and offering no nonsense payouts when players want to collect their winnings. We love their range of options for betting on sports leagues from around the world. Below are a few reasons why Betonline stands above the rest.

Legally licensed and regulated through Panama City Panama

Bet on sports, poker, casino games, horses, scratch cards and more

Over 20 years of top level management experience in the industry

Best US Sports Betting Sites Open To Florida Residents In 2020

Is It Legal To Bet On Sports In Florida?

Now that's the million-dollar question, and the answer is both yes and no. Yes, it can be a little confusing, which is precisely why we have created this guide. Despite stringent federal and state laws concerning gambling within the state, believe it or not, there are some options for Florida residents seeking to engage in legally sanctioned sports betting.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. In order to adequately answer this question, we need to give you some insight concerning how federal and state laws affect your options.

Federal Laws Affecting Sports Betting In Florida

There are two specific federal laws that hold bearing concerning sports betting in the United States and hence in Florida. We have a page on each of these laws for those of you who would like an in-depth look at them; The Federal Wire Act, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA).

The Federal Wire Act prohibits any type of US-based online sports betting entity from offering their services across state lines, and the UIGEA law provides regulatory oversight concerning how gambling-related transactions can be processed. Both of these laws apply to gambling operations and not to players themselves.

While these laws effectively regulate the market when it comes to stateside online sports betting, their effectiveness ends at US borders. These laws do not reach beyond the borders of the United States and do not prohibit US residents from engaging in sports betting either online or offline that is located, licensed and regulated outside of the United States.

State Gambling Laws Affecting Sports Betting in Florida

There are numerous gambling laws in the state of Florida that regulate existing gambling businesses that are allowed to operate. Among those are laws regulating tribal gambling, horse racing, dog racing, card rooms, and bingo halls.

A negative run-in with illegal gambling at Internet Cafes has driven the state to develop laws outlawing these types of business and state-regulated online gambling (HB155). On the other hand, discussions remain active concerning the possibility of embracing legal online poker gambling within the state.

A few efforts have been made to see this through, including HB77, however, it failed to pass and no additional bills have been presented. The former governor, Rick Scott, was openly opposed to legalizing any type of online gambling, so it is entirely possible that proponents of online poker have been until Governor Desantis is settled into the role.

There is a push to add a sports betting measure to the ballot in the upcoming November elections, which could bode well for advocates of state-regulated sportsbook options.

History Of Florida Sports

The Sunshine State has a total of nine professional sports franchises among the four major professional sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL) and have a combined total of:

• 3 Super Bowl titles (Dolphins 2, Buccaneers 1)
• 3 NBA Finals championships (Miami Heat 3)
• 2 World Series championships (Miami Marlins 2),
• 1 Stanley Cup Titles (Tampa Bay Lightning).

Florida added the state’s first permanent professional sports team to play in a major sports league when the American Football League (which would eventually combine with the NFL) accepted the Miami Dolphins into the league in 1966. The state also has three universities (FSU, Miami, UF) who play in NCAA Division I college football in a Power 5 Conference (SEC: UF; ACC: FSU, Miami).

In addition to the success of the state’s many professional and collegiate sports teams, the state of Florida is known for producing some of the best high school athletic talent in the country across all sports.

Coaches, recruiters, and scouts from pro and college teams consistently rank the state as one of the best in the country at training athletes and conditioning them for later success. Exceptional athletes born in the state of Florida include

• NFL Hall of Famers such as DT Warren Sapp
• MLB Ray Lewis
• WR Michael Irvin
• Emmitt Smith
• Deion Sanders
• MLB greats Chipper Jones and Alex Rodriguez
• NBA Superstars Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady
• Hall of Famer David Robinson.

NFL Teams in Florida

The Dolphins have won two Super Bowls (1972, 1973) and in the 1972 season, finished the season undefeated with 14 wins and 0 losses, making the Dolphins the first and only team to go undefeated throughout an entire season in the Super Bowl era.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers started as an expansion team in 1976 and began their tenure with the NFL by losing 26 games in a row, a record that still stand today, but they would eventually right the ship in the late-1990s, early-2000s by finally winning their first and only Super Bowl in 2002 led by Head Coach John Gruden. Florida added its most recent team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, in 1995 and are looking to build on the success of their 2017 season in hopes of winning their first Super Bowl.

Betting on the 2019-2020 Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are ready to start a new era in 2019. The team acquired former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles in hopes that he can provide the magic he did in Philadelphia.

Jacksonville went 5-11 last year, a huge backslide from the 10-6 season the year before that. However, another strong defense could lead them to the playoffs this season.

Despite LB Telvin Smith deciding to “take time away from the game,” Jacksonville still has Ramik Wilson, D.J. Alexander, Najee Goode, James Onwualu, and 2019 draft pick Quincy Williams.

If Foles can recreate his glory years from Philly in Jax, the Jaguars could have a great season.

Betting on the 2019-2020 Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins went 7-9 last season, losing their head coach and executive along the way. Now with former New England defensive coordinator Brian Flores, the Dolphins look to rebuild.

Miami acquired Josh Rosen from Arizona this offseason, hoping to finally find Dan Marino’s replacement. Paired with deep threat Kenny Stills and 2015 first-rounder DeVante Parker, Miami could have a decent passing game in 2019 despite a poor offensive line.

Team owner Stephen Ross admitted that his team was in a rebuilding phase, so there’s not a lot expected from Miami this season.

Betting on the 2019-2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

With one of the worst defenses in the NFL, Tampa Bay has an uphill battle in 2019. Bruce Arians hopes to turn the team around in his first season as head coach. The Buccaneers were only able to get five wins last season.

Franchise QB Jameis Winston was even benched in 2018, creating questions about his long-term productivity. Tampa Bay is also lacking in the run game but could air it out with their decent receiving core.

But without a defense, Tampa Bay’s outlook in 2019 is not favorable.

College Football Teams in Florida

The three biggest college football programs in the state have combined for a total of 11 national championships (Miami 5, FSU 3, UF 3), 35 conference titles (FSU 18, Miami 9, UF 8), and 8 Heisman Trophy winners, all of whom played quarterback, from FSU with 3: Charlie Ward 1993, Chris Weinkie 2000, Jameis Winston 2013; Miami with 2: Vinny Testaverde 1986, Gino Torretta 1992; and UF with 3: Steve Spurrier 1966, Danny Wuerffel 1996, Tim Tebow 2007.

All three teams play in a heated rivalry against one another with FSU-UF and FSU-Miami matchups played annually, and the UF-Miami meeting played intermittently. When all three schools do play each other in the same season, the three schools play for the Florida Cup, which is awarded to a team who defeats the two other schools in the state in the same season, earning them the title of state champion of Florida.

Betting on the 2019-2020 Florida Gators

Florida won 10 games in 2018; a six-game improvement from 2017. Coach Dan Mullen became the third coach ever to turn a Power 5 conference team with less than five wins into a 10-win team.

QB Feleipe Franks returns to Gainesville to continue his development under center. In 2018, Franks threw 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions compared to nine TDs and eight picks the year before that.

The Gators are hoping to contend for their first SEC championship since 2008 but will face many strong conference opponents along the way.

2019 NCAA Championship Odds to Win: +3300

Betting on the 2019-2020 Central Florida Knights

UCF went 12-1 in 2018, the first year under Josh Heupel. Despite QB McKenzie Milton’s knee injury in 2018 that will keep him out in 2019, Heupel has options at quarterback.

Darriel Mack and Notre Dame transfer Brandon Wimbush will compete for the starting job on an offense loaded with weapons, including a running back core of Greg McCrae, Adrian Killins, and Otis Anderson.

Even with a new quarterback for 2019, the Knights are likely to earn another major bowl bid this season.

2019 NCAA Championship Odds to Win: +25000

Betting on the 2019-2020 Florida State Seminoles

Willie Taggart’s first year as coach for the Seminoles was disastrous. Ending with a 5-7 record, losing to state rivals Florida and Miami, and ending FSU’s bowl appearance streak at 36, Taggart hopes his reset will pay off.

Taggart hired three new coaches on offense, a new special teams coordinator, and reorganized defense coaching duties.

QB James Blackman is expected to start under center for the Seminoles with Wisconsin graduate transfer Alex Hornibrook vying for the same role.

While the Seminoles won’t be champions this year, Taggart’s overhaul will likely lead to a winning record in 2019.

2019 NCAA Championship Odds to Win: TBD

Betting on the 2019-2020 Miami Hurricanes

Poor quarterback play from Malik Rosier and N’Kosi Perry led to a stagnant offense and a 7-6 season in 2018 for the Hurricanes.

Following the abrupt retirement of coach Mark Richt, former defensive coordinator Manny Diaz took over for another Miami rebounding season. Perry will likely start the season at QB for Miami, although Jarren Williams and Ohio State transfer Tate Martell are expected to compete for the starting job.

Despite the questions on offense, the Coastal Division of the ACC is within reach for the Hurricanes this season.

2019 NCAA Championship Odds to Win: +6600

Betting On Basketball In Florida

Florida's presence in the NBA and NCAAB is spotty when it comes to success, but still well received by Floridians by and large. With two professional teams and numerous college basketball teams throughout the state, there is enough local basketball action to keep Floridians happy, though not necessarily with teams that are at the tops of the leaderboards.

Florida NBA Teams

The Miami Heat and Orlando Magic were both established in the late 80s, and remain the state's only professional NBA teams. We'd have to say the Miami Heat is the more successful of the two, holding three championship titles (the last being in 2013), 5 conference titles (last one in 2014), and 11 division titles (last being in 2014). In contrast, the Orlando Magic, who is only one year younger than the Heat, holds no championship titles, only 2 conference titles and only 5 division titles.

Betting Odds For FL NBA Teams To Win The Championship

TBA

Florida NCAAB College Teams

Of the three prominent schools in Florida, only the U of F Gators have much of a star studded presence in the NCAAB. Having won two NCAA Championships in the last decade (2006, 2007), they also have the most appearances in the various levels of the annual NCAA basketball tournament.

They were the NCAA tournament runner up in 2000, and as of this writing have 5 appearances in the Final Four, eight appearances in the Elite Eight, ten appearances in the Sweet Sixteen and 14 appearances in the Round of 32. The Florida State Seminoles have not made it to the Final Four since the early 70s, and have far fewer tournament appearances overall than their rivals the Gators.

The Miami Hurricane basketball team has not made it beyond the Sweet Sixteen level of the NCAA tournament, and has even fewer tournament appearances than the Seminoles. Though college basketball in Florida is limited in success, all three of these teams are still actively covered in NCAAB betting lines and odds at the leading sportsbooks.

Betting Odds For FL NCAAB Teams To Win National Title

FSU TBA
Miami TBA
Florida Gators TBA

Betting On MLB And College Baseball Teams In Florida

The Sunshine State does boast one professional MLB team, the Miami Marlins. The team is based in Miami at Marlins Park and plays in the National League. As of this writing the tea has one two World Series Titles (1997, 2003).

Before 2012 the team was known as the Florida Marlins and their name was changed when they moved from Sun Life Stadium to Marlins Park in Miami. The Marlins are covered in the extensive selection of MLB betting lines at the industry's leading sportsbooks.

Betting Odds For FL MLB Teams To Win The 2020 World Series

Miami Marlins TBA
Tampa Rays TBA

College baseball has also carved out a presence in the state of Florida with all three prominent schools making their mark with College World Series appearances. The Seminoles, Gators and Hurricanes have all made appearances in the College World Series and have all been runner-ups more than once.

Only the Miami Hurricanes can boast earning a national championship, something they have accomplished in 1982, 1985, 1999 and 2001. You will find that the odds makers at our recommended sportsbooks always include these three prominent FL college baseball teams in their lines.

Other Sports Betting Opportunities In Florida

Though football, baseball and basketball mark the most notable presence for Florida sports, the state's sports fans are drawn to many other sports categories, including major state based events such as the annual Daytona 500 and the many horse races that take place in the state's exquisite equestrian environment and tracks.

Florida sports fans also follow golf, boxing, tennis, hockey, soccer, water sports and mixed martial arts, among others. Though they may not specifically have an athlete or team representing them in every sports category, Florida sports fans are quite diverse in their taste.

If you are looking for info on the current state of Florida online sports betting, you have come to the right place. Frankly speaking, the situation is somewhat complex. Currently, Florida online sports betting is not available. This means that you can’t find Florida online sportsbooks (or online casinos) legally operating in this state. However, things could change in the future, as there has been recent developments as sports betting talks have begun with the Seminoles. Read up our article to learn more about what we can expect.

Florida Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players in Florida. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, MLS, and more.

Most Likely Florida Online Sports Betting Sites

Even though Florida online sports betting scene is at the moment nonexistent, we are hopeful that this changes in the months or years to come. Having in mind that several US states have already legalized online betting, we can expect Florida to follow in their footsteps should it decide to do so. This means that there will potentially be quite a few sports betting websites available.

Take a look at the table below to see which ones we expect to see. All of them feature welcome offers for new customers, so we have no reason to believe things will be different in Florida. Here are the brands we believe are likely to open their doors to FL players once Florida online sports betting becomes legal.

If you want to learn more about these brands that are available in other states with operating sports betting websites, keep on reading. We believe they will offer similar services when Florida online sports betting is regulated.

BetMGM

When you are searching for top sports betting sites, don’t look further than BetMGM. This brand offers lots of online betting opportunities for all those interested in wagering on sports. Like all the major sportsbooks, this brand has a welcome offer for all new customers interested in signing up. Additionally, there are many other promos available on a regular basis for existing players.

At the moment, this online sportsbook is accessible only to players from West Virginia, Michigan, and New Jersey. Not only do registered players have access to online sports betting with this brand, but they can also place their bets in casino and poker rooms, too. As soon as Florida online sports betting becomes regulated, we hope to see BetMGM in this state, as well.

DraftKings

Boasting to be one of the leading sports betting websites in the USA, DraftKings is currently available in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. If Florida regulates online wagering on sports in the future, we surely expect this brand to make an appearance in the Sunshine State, too.

As all reputable top sports betting sites, DraftKings has a welcome offer for new customers in the states it is currently operating in. Additionally, this brand has invested in a top-quality mobile app available for iOS and Android.

A vast selection of betting markets provides countless betting opportunities with this brand. The most popular sports include both American and international favorites, such as professional and college football and basketball, golf, MMA, tennis, etc.

FanDuel

Another brand we expect to see if Florida online sports betting gets regulated is FanDuel. At the moment only players in Michigan, Indiana, New Jersey, and West Virginia can place their wagers online with this sportsbook.

Also, they can redeem various promos available for new and existing players. Signing up with FanDuel is hassle-free and can be finished in a matter of minutes. As soon as you have finished the registration and made your first deposit, you can start placing bets. The variety of available sports is exceptional. So is the quality of customer support and banking options that this brand offers. This, too, is very important for all players.

BetAmerica

When we are talking about top sports betting sites, we have to mention BetAmerica. This brand launched its first online sportsbook in 2019 in NJ. After that, it landed in Pennsylvania, as well.

We needn’t mention that BetAmerica has lots of promotions available to its players. This brand also has pretty competitive odds in comparison to some other online bookies on the market. The types of bets you can place are pretty standard. This means that if you are looking for those more exotic ones, you need to look elsewhere.

On the other hand, the BetAmerica app is one of the highest-rated on the market. Downloadable on iOS and Android devices (currently in NJ and PA only), it mimics the desktop site perfectly.

William Hill

One of the most famous online sportsbooks in Europe, William Hill caused quite a commotion when it opened its doors to NJ players. Claiming to be a premier sports betting destination, it seems that William Hill has managed to utilize the experience overseas perfectly and provide US players with a top-quality betting platform.

Not only does this brand have a sign up offer catering to new players, but there are also lots of those for loyal customers, too. The registration is simple, and so is making deposits and withdrawals. There are quite a few betting markets to choose from, both popular and niche ones.

Also, William Hill provides live streaming of certain sports events. This feature is available to all players who meet the required T&Cs for activating it. Additionally, live betting is available for a multitude of events. We surely hope to see them in the Sunshine State once Florida online sports betting becomes legal.

bet365

Florida Online Sportsbook

One of the biggest players in the online sports betting industry is undoubtedly bet365. This brand is one of the most recognizable bookies in Europe. So coming to the US was a major step in its resume.

The bet365 bonus offers are one of the things this brand is most known for. The betting markets and competitive odds, too. Even though the offer in the brand’s NJ portfolio is not as extensive as overseas, we expect it to grow in the months to come. As soon as you have registered and redeemed your welcome offer, you can start placing your bets and exploring top-quality betting markets. We have no reason to believe this brand won’t feature similar options in FL as soon as Florida online sports betting becomes legal.

Unibet

Another brand famous in Europe, Unibet has proved it means business in the USA. At the moment it’s available only to NJ and PA players. However, it’s pretty likely to appear in Florida, too, when this state regulates online sports betting.

Unibet’s welcome offer typically includes free bets up to a certain amount (T&Cs apply). But this brand is known for changing things up and coming up with many different promotion types. The online casino section is also very popular on the website and is surely worth visiting. Unlike other online bookies, this brand offers a variety of bet types you can place. This is good news, particularly for experienced punters.

Florida Betting Laws

Now, let’s take a look at the current state of Florida online sports betting. At the moment, this activity is illegal in the Sunshine State. In order to become regulated and legalized, Florida needs to overcome several obstacles standing in the way.

One step closer to this is the new bill by Republican State Senator Jeff Brandes. If it passes, it will allow offering tickets at self-serving kiosks by Florida Lottery. Additionally, this bill will offer licenses for taking bets on sports via apps and websites. Businesses that manage to obtain these licenses would divide their proceeds with the state.

However, regulating online sports betting in Florida has a long way to go. First, the 2020 legislative session in Florida is only two months long. This means that it’s highly unlikely that we can expect the passing of this bill in 2020.

Then, there is an ongoing disagreement regarding whether regulating online sports betting should be done via a statewide referendum. Additionally, this would mean that a new agreement with the Seminole Tribe, which controls the majority of gaming activities in FL, needs to be agreed upon.

Taking all these factors into consideration, it’s safe to say that the issue with Florida online sports betting is more than complex. One thing is certain – passing the bill will only be the first step.

States where you can already place an online sports bet today :

Updated on :

Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa Michigan Nevada New Jersey Pennsylvania Tennessee Virginia West Virginia

Florida Online Sports Betting: Events and Betting Markets

As soon as we see the resolution to regulating Florida online sports betting, we will know more details about what we can expect. First and foremost, we will have more details about potential betting markets and events that players could bet on. Right now, we can only make assumptions.

Common Types of Bets

All players from Florida eager to see online sports betting become available can start learning a thing or two about bet types in the meantime. Here are the most common bet types that players in US states, in which online betting is regulated, can place.

• Moneylines – This is the most popular betting type. It shows you the amount you need to wager to get $100 (or how much you can win if you wager $100).
• Totals (Over/Under) – You typically choose if the total number of points that both teams are going to score is going to be over or under a listed total number of points.
• Prop bets – Allow you to wager on events that are going to take place in a game, season, or series. They do not include betting on the outcome though.
• Spread bets – You place this bet on the team you think is going to win or lose by a certain number of points.

Most Popular Sports to Bet On

The online betting community enjoys placing wagers on a multitude of different sports, both popular and niche ones. Here are the sports and leagues that attract the most attention.

• NFL
• NBA
• NHL
• MLB
• Tennis
• Golf
• Soccer

Popular Florida Events

There are many popular sports events that attract a lot of attention in Florida. If Florida online sports betting becomes legal, all those interested in online wagering will surely be able to place their bets on them.

• Super Bowl
• NCAA March Madness
• NBA Championships
• Stanley Cup Finals
• Masters
• US Open Tennis
• Triple Crown

Best Teams to Bet On

Many people like to support their local teams when they are placing their bets. Luckily, Florida has quite a few of them.

• Orlando Magic
• Miami Dolphins
• Miami Heat
• Florida Panthers
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Tampa Bay Rays

Common Payment Options

Let’s take a look at some of the most common payment methods that players have at their disposal when betting online. We expect them to be available at top sports betting sites in Florida when they become legal.

• Credit/debit Cards
• PayPal
• NETeller
• PayNearMe
• Prepaid Cards
• eCheck/ACH

Florida Casinos

Even though there are no online casinos in Florida at the moment, there are quite a few brick-and-mortar ones. We have listed a few of the most famous land-based casinos in Florida below.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

This establishment is owned by the Seminole Tribe that boasts of opening the first brick-and-mortar casino on Indian land in Florida. Casino enthusiasts can visit this casino’s 245,000 square feet gaming space. There, they can find more than 5,000 slots, almost 200 table games, and as many as 46 poker tables.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek

Another establishment run by the Seminole Tribe, this casino is a very popular venue in Florida. Whether you are looking for poker, table games or slots, you’ll find all these and much more in Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.

Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino

Hallandale Beach in Florida is home to Gulfstream Park, a popular racetrack and casino. This venue hosts a significant number of high-profile races from December to October. Additionally, the casino offers 20 live-action poker tables, 64 high limit slots, and more than 700 Las Vegas-style slots.

Hialeah Park Racing & Casino

If you are looking for more establishments that combine racing and casino, Hialeah Park is the place for you. As far as horse racing is concerned, you can watch winter Quarter Horse racing meets. And the casino is open year-round with slots, table games, poker, and lots more at your disposal.

Michigan Sportsbook

Florida Online Sports Betting FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions people have regarding the Florida online sports betting situation.

Are sports betting sites legal in the United States?

Sports betting sites are legal in several US states, but not all of them. When it comes to Florida online sports betting, there are no sites operating legally in this state at the moment.

What do I need to register at an online betting site in Florida?

As Florida online sports betting is still unregulated, you cannot register in this state at the moment. Once this matter resolves and Florida online sportsbooks become legal, we’ll include all the info you need on registering.

Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting sites in Florida?

Given that Florida online sports betting is not legal, you cannot make deposits at Florida online sportsbooks at the moment.

Can I set betting limits?

All reputable online bookies allow you to set betting limits as they promote responsible gambling. As soon as Florida online sports betting becomes legal, we’ll have more details about this option from legal sportsbooks.

Final Thoughts on Betting in Florida

We are eager to see how the Florida online sports betting matter resolves in the upcoming months. One step in the right direction is for the bill proposed by State Senator Barnes to pass. If this happens, this will facilitate the establishment of Florida online sportsbooks. We’ll make sure to keep you updated on any developments.