Florida Sportsbook
With 21 million residents it should come as no surprise that a significant portion of the sports betting in the United States takes place in the State of Florida.
Florida does not allow betting within the State, but that does not stop Florida from being a hotbed for sports betting on the East Coast. Florida residents simply use offshore sports betting sites that are licensed outside of the USA in order to legally place their wagers.
On this page I’ll talk about the legality of sports betting in the State of Florida, give you a list of some of my favorite betting sites that accept Americans, and also touch on sports betting in some of the bigger metropolitan areas within Florida.
Is Online Sport Betting Legal in Florida?
This question needs a two part answer.
At this time, local sportsbooks are not legal in the state of Florida, but FL gambling laws do not prohibit placing bets at offshore sports betting sites that are operating legally outside of the United States. 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. Tampa Sports Betting 2021 - Sportsbooks in Tampa, FL No matter if you start your day at Hyde Park or eating a Cuban sandwich, Tampa is an exciting city for all of its residents. In light of that, one of the. SPORTSBOOK The only Sportsbook in Florida. Sit and watch the games on big screen TVs. Las Vegas lines to wager on all sports activities — pro and college — including basketball, football, baseball. Florida Hard Rock Casino Sportsbook The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tampa, Florida opened its doors around eight years ago, back in 2004. This operation happens to be one of the biggest casinos.
The first part is to say that it is not legal to accept bets in the State of Florida. This is because Florida does not license or authorize anyone to be a sports betting operator within the State. If you see any online betting sites claiming to be licensed within Florida you can be certain that site is not legitimate.
The second part of the answer is to say that it is NOT illegal for Florida residents to bet on sports through betting sites licensed outside of Florida. These offshore sportsbooks do not violate Florida’s gambling laws because they are licensed and regulated by a separate governing body in a separate jurisdiction. So in conclusion, it is legal for Florida residents to open betting accounts and place wagers with offshore sportsbooks that accept American sign ups.
Best Sportsbooks for Florida Residents
These are my two favorite sportsbooks for Florida residents.
| Sportsbook | Rating | Bonus | Review | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% up to $1000 | ||||
| 100% up to $250 |
Offline Sports Betting in Florida
There is currently no offline sports betting allowed or available in Florida. If you do come across a bookie operating in the State you should realize that the bookie is running their business illegally.
The only way to place sports wagers in the State of Florida is through an offshore betting site, like I outlined above.
Even Florida Casinos are unable to take sports bets.
Major Sports Teams in Florida
Florida is a hotbed for sports in the south east and as such there is a long list of professional sports teams that reside in Florida. Below I’ve included a list of all of the top professional teams from the State and which city they play out of. Click on the city name for more specific information about sports betting in that particular location.
- Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
- Florida Panthers (NHL)
- Miami Dolphins (NFL)
- Miami Heat (NBA)
- Miami Marlins (MLB)
Florida Online Sportsbook
- Orlando City FC (MLS)
- Orlando Magic (NBA)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Horse Racing in Florida
It is legal to bet on horse races at the track in Florida. Below I’ve listed the two major tracks located in Florida, and two of the most prestigious races you will find in the State each year.
I should note that you can also place wagers for any races at either of the tracks below at our recommended betting sites I’ve listed above.
Major Tracks
- Gulfstream Park, Hallandale Beach
- Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa
Florida Draftkings Sportsbook
Major Races
- Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. A prestigious Grade 1 race for 3-year-olds with the winner usually going on to compete at the Kentucky Derby.
- Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park. With a purse of $3 million the Pegasus World Cup is one of the richest races in USA horse racing each year.