- Betting Sites In Florida
- Online Sports Betting Florida
- Sports Betting Sites Florida
- Online Betting Sites Florida
- Florida Betting Games
The legality of sports betting for our Florida residents is frequently debated, particularly due to the rise and popularity of Internet-based offshore sportsbooks that nominally fall into a gray area of US legal jurisdiction. The lack of accurate information surrounding online sports gambling in Florida can be disconcerting and even off-putting to potential players, but that doesn’t need to be the case, because once you understand the ins and outs of FL sports betting law, you’ll be able to place your wagers with confidence.
Most Likely Florida Online Sports Betting Sites BetMGM. When you are searching for top sports betting sites, don’t look further than BetMGM. This brand offers lots of. Boasting to be one of the. Ultimate Guide to Florida Sports Betting Sites. Florida is widely viewed as the most gambling-friendly state in the South. That may be true, yet major restrictions still exist over most traditional forms of gambling here. Fortunately, there are a number of incredible Florida sports betting sites. Best Betting sites for Florida Bovada Sportsbook Review When it comes to sportsbooks geared to American bettors, Bovada offers everything you need to bet on the NFL, NBA, MLB and college sports. The hottest betting odds – and highest betting limits – await Florida sports bettors at SportsBetting. With action on just about every national and international sport, this betting site is considered the go-to.
If it seems daunting to navigate all the state and federal laws surrounding sports betting in FL, don’t worry – it’s not. The laws and rules are fairly straightforward when it comes to betting on sports in the Sunshine State, and once you know what to look for, you’ll be able to wager safely and with peace of mind, no matter where you are in the state.
Legal Florida March Madness Betting
Florida is known to have big players betting on big sporting events and March Madness is around the corner. Players know it is legal to bet on sports here and this only makes players more interested in these games. These are the most interesting games that will go on all year long and the biggest thing is there will be upsets that will happen often and more players will win big. Sites like Bovada, SportsBetting, and MyBookie are the sites that players will be able to go to and bet on college basketball. Betting on March Madness in Florida will always be popular and these sites will be the ones that many players will gravitate to. Live betting and mobile options are the main options and there are other betting types like prop bets, live bets, and parlay bets. Florida has a lot of teams that could be in March Madness so players will possibly see their favorite teams here as well.
Legal Sports Betting Sites Accepting Florida Residents
While there are many legal sports betting sites accepting Florida residents out there, they are definitely not all created equal. If you’re going to risk your hard-earned money to place bets on your favorite players and teams at an online, offshore sportsbook, you owe it to yourself (and your bankroll) to make sure you pick only the most reputable Florida sportsbook service providers.
With decades of experience serving the Sunshine State, sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, and other top books (BetDSI, 5Dimes, BookMaker, etc.) are always your best bets to finding and placing winning wagers on their robust, comprehensive betting boards.
Bovada - Live Betting On Football, Basketball, Baseball, Etc
The Sunshine State has a lot to offer those who live there, with its great weather, sunny vistas, and sandy beaches. Even better, Bovada – the state’s top online sportsbook – lets you enjoy the tropical outdoors while you wager on your favorite sports matchups. Thanks to Bovada’s top-of-the-line, industry-leading mobile sportsbook portal, you can put money on sporting events no matter where in the state you happen to be.
One of the top reasons to go with Bovada as a Florida player is the betting odds that are available on their always-updated betting boards. After all, options are important, as most FL bettors aren’t strictly going to bet on their local home teams. So, while all of the Florida teams are represented at Bovada, all of the other professional and amateur US teams of note are also on their boards, with international wagering options to choose from as well as sports like soccer, rugby, cricket, and more. New FL residents signing up at Bovada today can even get a generous, low-rollover $250 Welcome Bonus to pad their online betting accounts.
BetOnline - Features Live Dealer Casino + Poker
Florida isn’t the cheapest place in America to call home, but there’s no state income tax, so that’s a huge draw for residents of all age groups. After all, in the current economy, saving as much money as possible while enjoying a casual lifestyle is more important than ever. BetOnline also believes in this philosophy and it can be seen by how they give away so many free-play bonuses. Anyone living in Florida that signs up for free at BetOnline will be able to qualify for their lifetime bonus. Just enter the promo code LIFEBONUS on every qualifying deposit and earn up to 25% on top of your deposit.
In addition to reload bonuses, BetOnline offers several other valuable perks for both new and returning members. And while their sportsbook is the site’s number-one draw, it’s definitely not the only way to gamble at BetOnline. BetOnline features a fully-fledged, Vegas-style live dealer casino, a popular online poker lounge, dozens of table games, hundreds of digital slots, and a thorough international Thoroughbred racebook.
SportsBetting - Spread + Over/Under Can Be Wagered
The hottest betting odds – and highest betting limits – await Florida sports bettors at SportsBetting. With action on just about every national and international sport, this betting site is considered the go-to sportsbook for Florida high rollers. However, with the most deposit and withdrawal options of any FL sportsbook, SportsBetting is just as well suited to the gambling novice as to the wily old vet.
SportsBetting accepts both traditional and alternative payment options, from credit cards, debit cards, and bank wires to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and DASH. Even better, all of these financial options carry high deposit and withdrawal limits at SportsBetting, meaning that – no matter how much money you have to wager – you can load up your SportsBetting account in a hurry. As with most other sites, SportsBetting.ag also offers new and returning FL customers plenty of valuable bonuses and perks to keep them coming back for more.
MyBookie - Top Sportsbook for Florida Wagering
MyBookie is an excellent online sportsbook for all of your Florida betting needs, which means that it is a top tier sportsbook full stop. At MyBookie, you can place all the wagers you need, no matter what. MyBookie’s sportsbook offerings extend past Dolphins moneylines, Jaguars spreads or Bucs Over/Unders, and well into the esoteric. If you want to bet on the presidential election, you can! If you want to bet on whether or not Lizzo will wear a thong to the Super Bowl, you can!
MyBookie also increases betting access by offering both mobile betting and live betting. Mobile betting and live betting go together like peanut butter and jelly, and they work in concert to provide bettors with access to betting at all hours of the day, even after the game has started. Overall, MyBookie is an excellent sportsbook, and well worth engaging with.
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Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida?
Sports betting legality in Florida is a tricky thing on the surface. There are no laws explicitly banning the activity, but there are also no regulatory laws allowing it, either. That said, laws in the US are based on what is prohibited, not on what is allowed. As such, you can assume – rightfully so – that sports betting is in fact allowed in the state. In other words, FL residents can freely wager on athletics without fear of government reprisal, provided they use a reputable online sportsbook.
Whether you're simply betting for your favorite team like the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Panthers, Miami Hurricanes, FSU Seminoles, UF Gators, Tampa Bay Bucs, or even theJacksonville Jaguars, you can do so without worrying about governmental repercussions of any kind. To add to that, by using an online sportsbook instead of a shady local bookie, you know the lines on top local teams will be unweighted (i.e. have reasonable vigs, or house takes) and that your winning payouts are always guaranteed.
Best Banking Methods At Legal Florida Sports Betting Sites
All of the top sportsbooks serving FL have similar – but not necessarily identical – payment options for deposits and withdrawals. However, the best banking methods at legal Florida sports betting sites are fairly universal between them, and it comes down to exactly how much and how soon you wish to bet. If you need to place your bets right away and have to load up your online sportsbook account ASAP, credit or debit charges process instantly.
Be warned, however, that credit/debit payments carry lower transfer limits than some bigger bettors like. In their cases, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (accepted everywhere, with different books accepting different altcoins as well) are superior, given that they process the same day and carry the highest limits of all options at most books. However, some folks prefer to deposit and withdraw their funds via older, more traditional methods like check, bank wire, or money order.
In these cases, the limits are often quite high, but the associated processing times (1-2 weeks) and added fees make them more expensive options than Bitcoin and other altcoins like Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, DASH, Cardano (ADA) and other methods (where accepted).
Mobile Online Sports Betting In Florida
Betting Sites In Florida
Mobile online sports betting in Florida is the wave of the future, and – once the state institutes a sports betting law and local sportsbooks open for business – you will shortly thereafter likely be able to use their online portals via your mobile phone or tablet to wager from anywhere inside the state. Additionally, with legalization, it is likely you will eventually be able to download official iPhone apps and Android apps for your Florida sports betting facility of choice.
However, any mobile web portal or app-based sports betting solution from an FL-based sportsbook will be geo-fenced, meaning that you will always have to physically be inside the state of Florida to place your wagers.
Right now, with offshore sportsbooks already being online and operational for Florida sports bettors, you can use your iPhone, iPad, or Android device to wager at Bovada, SportsBetting, BetOnline, and all the other top legal books serving FL residents. Another advantage of using these overseas sportsbooks is that they are not geo-fenced, meaning that FL residents who sign up for these services can continue to use them even when they are outside of FL’s borders. Each one of these sites is optimized for mobile browsers and some even have apps that you can download straight from their site.
Florida Sports Betting Laws
There are actually no current Florida sports betting laws to speak of, as the state has traditionally relied on the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992) to govern their gambling laws in the athletic arena. Now that PASPA has been overturned by the Supreme Court, however, the FL legislature will have to institute its own sports betting regulations and licensing schemes before any physical brick-and-mortar or online facility in the state can offer sports betting inside FL’s borders.
That said, there is a passage in FL law that could be construed to be a nominal sports betting ban. Florida Statutes 849.14 states the following:
“Whoever stakes, bets or wagers any money or other things of value upon the result of any trial or contest of skill, speed or power or endurance of human or beast...shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree...”
Of course, there are plenty of semantic technicalities in the above statement that effectively ban this “ban” from being an effective ban. As such, though the state sees some 3-4 million residents turn a sports betting handle of roughly $12 billion each year, not one single person has ever been arrested, fined, imprisoned, or otherwise harassed by the FL government for placing a sports bet locally or over the Internet at a legal online offshore sportsbook.
When Will Florida Offer Legal Sports Betting In-State?
With voters getting the final say on this decision on sports betting, there may be some time until we see legalize sports betting in Florida. Because of this, voters will have their final decision and even if the bill is being passed they could vote against it and that means that it can take longer than the need to legalize sports betting in Florida. With voters being on the fence and amendment 3 being passed on a recent ballot, land-based sports betting won't be legal anytime soon. This will probably take some time and maybe in the year 2022, we will finally see land-based sports betting in the state of Florida. Online sportsbooks will be the way to go for a while for most players until this problem gets resolved. With many online sportsbooks already set up and having no legal repercussions towards them, most bettors will gear towards them in the meantime.
Legal Gambling Age For Florida Residents
The State of Florida is fairly progressive when it comes to gambling, with some types of gambling available as soon as you turn 18. For wagering on sports online, however, it’s advisable (but by no means mandatory) that you be at least 21 years of age in order to participate. When land-based sportsbooks open in FL now that PASPA has been overturned, however, those facilities will likely require their participants to be 21 or older.
What Cities In Florida Have Sportsbooks?
Currently, no cities in Florida have sportsbooks to offer the gaming public. However, there are a number of potential locations for land-based sports betting in Florida once the state passes formal sports wagering regulations, and though it’s not a sure thing that each of the possible venues will open their own sportsbooks, the majority of them likely will.
These locations include the following, in order of their likelihood to offer sports betting upon formal legalization by the state (with Tampa and Hollywood being first up, as they’re home to the state’s two largest casinos, both of which are Seminole Hard Rock properties):
- Hallandale Beach, FL
- Okeechobee, FL
- Immokalee, FL
- Pompano Beach, FL
- Dania Beach, FL
- Coconut Creek, FL
- Miami, FL
- Fort Lauderdale, FL
In addition to the casinos listed above, there are also various card rooms and pari-mutuel facilities scattered around Florida. Whether or not these will be included in the sports betting movement going forward remains to be seen, and much of that will depend on how the sportsbook taxation and application/licensing fees are established by the Florida state government.
Florida Sports Betting FAQs
What is live betting?
Live betting, also called in-game wagering, is a recent development from various online sportsbook providers that allows bettors to wager on sports as the contests themselves unfold in real-time. Thanks to mobile devices with persistent internet connections, it’s easier than ever to participate in live betting, adding thousands of daily chances to win to your standard sports betting docket.
What are the consequences of wagering on sports over the Internet under the age of 18?
All of the top online FL sportsbooks only require their customers to be 18 years old or older to use their services, including all of their casino games and racebook options. However, once you attempt to claim your funds, you will have to provide proof of your identity. If you are underage, or if you signed up underage and since turned 18, your account will be terminated and your winnings – and account balance – will be forfeited. However, in order to remain safest, we recommend that you wait until you are 21 to start using these sites. The reason being is that it is the highest required gambling age in the state of Florida and ensures that you can properly avoid any possible trouble with the state down the line.
How can I fund my online sports betting account if my credit card fails to process?
There are numerous alternate methods via which you can fund your Florida sports betting account if your credit card fails to process. For rapid transfers, however, cryptocurrency is the only viable alternative to card payments, as other options (money orders, bank wires, etc.) can take up to 14 days to process and show up in your sportsbook wallet. Seeing as how Florida has sports teams in every major sport, there is always an event happening at some point in the year and those 14 days could mean the difference in cashing in on a game and not.
Do I have to pay to sign up with an online sports betting site?
No, you never have to pay to sign up with an online sports betting site. If you ever come across any sportsbook that requires this, avoid them, as they are almost certainly untrustworthy and may be outright scams. The top online offshore sportsbook sites that accept Florida residents are free to join and many of them actually offer a welcome bonus. This will give an extra cushion for when you want to bet on the Dolphins or other teams for the first time.
Do I have to pay taxes on my online Florida sportsbook winnings?
Yes, you have to pay taxes on your online Florida sportsbook winnings. The requisite government forms and instructional overviews are available here. While this may seem like an annoying process to do, it is the best way to remain safe from any penalties in the future. Florida also does not have a state income tax which is one less expense you have to worry about when filing your taxes.
Is online sports betting a federal offense?
No, at least not with offshore sportsbooks. The Wire Act is the only federal law in place that has something to do with online sports betting and it only prohibits people in one state from using an online sportsbook housed in another state. For example, if you were enjoying a day in South Beach and wanted to place a sports bet, you can’t use one housed in New Jersey. However, the law has no jurisdiction over the operations of sports betting sites located in other countries or users of these sites.
How do I join a legal Florida sports betting site?
In order to join a legal Florida sports betting site, you simply have to enter your name and some basic personal information into your betting site of choice’s automatic membership portal. This is no different than, say, signing up for a Netflix or Amazon account, and your personal information is secured with state-of-the-art encryption. Even better, the whole process only takes about five minutes or less! You could sign up for one in less time than it would take to arrives at one of Florida’s sandy beaches.
When a Florida sports betting site payout is transferred via check, do I have to do anything special with it?
No. However, due to the nature of overseas checks of this sort, it is advisable that you do not attempt to cash the check immediately, as on rare occasions, such checks need additional time to clear. Simply deposit your check into your bank account, and then once it clears, you can draw it out as cash at your convenience. This applies to any bank you use or any Florida credit union you may be apart of.
Can I gamble online in Florida?
The simple answer is yes, but in this guide to Florida online gambling we go into much more detail. We also list the best Florida gambling sites, explain the relevant laws, and more.
Rank | DE Gambling Site | Exclusive Bonus | Products | Get Started | |
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#1 | Las Atlantis | 280% Up To$14,000 |
| Visit Site | Las Atlantis |
#2 | Super Slots | 300% Up To$6,000 |
| Visit Site | Super Slots |
#3 | BetUS | 125% Up To$3,125 |
| Visit Site | BetUS |
#4 | MyBookie | 50% Up To$1,000 |
| Visit Site | MyBookie |
#5 | BetNow | 100% Up To$1,000 |
| Visit Site | BetNow |
You should be aware that, as with so many other American states, the situation regarding gambling online in Florida is not as clear-cut as it could be. The legal issues are confusing, as Florida online gambling laws are effectively non-existent at this moment in time.
Florida does not currently regulate real money online gambling in any form. This is likely to change, probably soon, but there are no firm timelines in place just yet.
This means there are no Florida gambling sites operating within state lines. However, there are other safe and trustworthy gambling sites accepting customers from Florida. There are also some sites that AREN’T safe and trustworthy, so you need to careful about where you sign up.
We can help you with that, as our list of the best Florida online gambling sites has been carefully compiled and only includes legitimate and reputable sites. Read on to find how we select which sites to recommend, along with more information on online gambling in Florida.
These Florida online gambling sites have been ranked and reviewed by our team of experts. They offer a variety of online gambling options such as casino games, sports betting, and poker.
We have closely examined all of the real money gambling sites that accept players from the Sunshine State. Most of them get sub-par marks, because we apply exacting standards on every level. Only those that make the grade are featured here. We are confident they are genuinely the best online gambling sites for Florida and can be relied upon to provide a world-class experience.
In addition to the top FL gambling sites listed above, you can find more specific recommendations on the following pages.
Ranking the Best Sites for Online Gambling in Florida
Our team members are very thorough when they evaluate real money gambling sites for the benefit of our readers. Over the years, we have developed a step-by-step process that has allowed us to accurately, efficiently, and effectively gauge the overall strength of each online gambling site we asses.
We compare the results, and the websites that score consistently well across the board in key areas get our seal of approval. Here are some details on a small number of the factors we look at.
One of the first facets that we look at is the country of focus. Of course, if a site is in a language other than English, it is clearly not going to be targeting American players.
We like to see sites that are specifically designed to serve US players. The betting and gaming options that people in America are familiar with should take center stage, and the main currency should be the US dollar.
Deposit and withdrawal methods will be custom crafted to suit the needs of people that bank in the states. The best Florida gambling sites are tightly focused on the needs of American players, and this is an attribute that is shared by every site that has made our list of approved operators for FL.
Regulatory Oversight and Reputational Factors
Once we establish that a given site is built to accommodate US gamblers, we move on to the most important step in the evaluation process. When you are going to deposit real money into an online casino or betting account, you have to be absolutely certain that the company is 100% legit.
This is obviously a valid concern, and we answer the legitimacy questions for you when we are conducting our research.
We have a solid understanding of the licensing requirements for online gambling operations in most countries and territories around the world. Since there is no regulatory body for online gambling in Florida, we take a long hard look at the origin of the licenses held by respective gambling sites that we are rating.
Once we are comfortable with the license that is held by a gambling website, we move on to the next item on our checklist.
The reputational insight that we garner from our peers is invaluable. Sometimes we will hear about a traditionally well-regarded site that is taking a downturn because of a change in management or some other factor.
On the other side of the coin, our connections inform us about emerging gambling websites that are attracting positive attention. We do value longevity, but sometimes a relatively new entrant into the marketplace can do everything right from the start.
There are forums and message boards that are frequented by regular online gamblers. Our team members follow these threads daily, so we know what objective players have to say about their online gambling experiences. Sites that are getting lambasted will fall off our radar.
When you have an ongoing monetary relationship with a business, you have to be certain that you can get in touch with someone when you need assistance. This is true for every player, but the high rollers have some big bucks in play, so their concerns are magnified.
You can rest assured that all of the operators that have made our list of the best FL online gambling sites provide friendly, attentive, and results-oriented customer service.
They can be reached by phone, and they quickly resolve questions and concerns through email communication and live online chat.
Florida Online Gambling Laws and Regulation
FL gambling laws do not mention online gambling at all. So, what does this mean for the legalities of gambling online in Florida? Can you legally gamble online from Florida?
There isn’t really a definitive answer, precisely because of the lack of Florida online gambling laws. However, this lack of laws means that it’s not explicitly illegal to gamble online in the state. We’ve certainly found no evidence of anyone ever being prosecuted for doing so.
With that said, Florida online gambling is likely to be officially legalized and regulated in due course. New legislation was proposed by FL lawmakers in 2019 that could legalize at least some forms of online gambling and introduce regulation at state level. It could also make land-based sports betting legal.
This legislation is to be considered by committees at some point in 2020. It will then be put to a state-wide vote. Check our page dedicated to Florida gambling laws for more information and the latest updates. For a quick snapshot of all current Florida gambling laws, see below.
Overview of Florida Gambling Laws | |
---|---|
Type of Gambling | Legal Status |
Casino Gambling | Legal |
Poker | Legal |
Horse Racing Betting | Legal |
Dog Racing Betting | Legal |
Lottery | Legal |
Daily Fantasy Sports | Unspecified |
Charitable Gaming | Legal |
Social Gambling | Restricted |
Online Gambling | Unspecified |
Florida is not completely restrictive when it comes to legal and regulated forms of gambling. There are a handful of Native American casinos, and there are legal poker rooms at the dog and horse racing tracks throughout the state.
They have approved slot machines at Gulfstream Park, which is by far the most popular horse racing track in Florida, and some other existing pari-mutuel wagering facilities. But although there are brick-and-mortar possibilities, there are still several very good reasons to gamble online in Florida. Here are some of the main benefits.
Access for Everyone
There are only seven Native American casinos in the state, so even if you would be content gambling at one of them exclusively, you may not have one nearby. The same thing can be said about the race tracks with slots and poker rooms.
Online Sports Betting Florida
For people with physical limitations, the word “accessibility” has a very profound meaning. Yes, there are laws in place that mandate accessibility for disabled people in businesses and other public places. This being stated, when it’s hard for you to get around, casino visits can be out of the question.
Online gambliing is perfect for seniors that are in this position, and there are many of them because Florida is the premier retirement destination in the United States.
You would probably think that you were the target of a practical joke if an employee walked up to you in a casino and handed you a wad of cash out of appreciation for your business.
This is simply not going to happen in the brick-and-mortar gaming universe, but things are entirely different at the best Florida online gambling sites.
Sports Betting Sites Florida
The size of the bonus you receive will depend on the structure at a given site and the amount of your initial deposit. Sign up bonuses will typically be anywhere from $100 to $1000. This is a meaningful infusion of gambling cash to start you off, and you can expect to see ongoing promotions.
Once you collect on one bonus offer, there is nothing forcing you to call it quits. There are a number of FL gambling sites that have gotten our seal of approval, so you can safely open accounts at multiple places. In so doing, you can snag a series of nice bonuses.
If you make the trek to a casino with a physical presence, you simply have to grin and bear it if other customers around you are ruining your time. At the gaming tables, there can be very rude and annoying people, and losers that drown their sorrows are usually not going to be on their best behavior.
Short of this, a lot of people flock to the casinos on Friday and Saturday nights. If you work standard hours, this may be the time that is right for you as well. When there is a crowd, the odds of running into an obnoxious customer increase exponentially, and you can start to feel cramped in a general sense.
Even if you can tolerate the volume of human beings around you, there is another major drawback that will often confront you on a packed casino floor. Seats at gaming tables will fill up quickly, and you can do laps around that area and come away empty. Even if you can get a seat, the betting limits may not suit your budget.
You are also stuck with the food and drink prices, and outside of Las Vegas, casinos are not known for giving out free cocktails to players. In fact, they charge as much as they can because patrons have no nowhere else to turn.
If you want to hang out at home and play, everything that is in the refrigerator is just a few steps away, and you will not be dealing with any unsavory strangers.
Since we have shared so much information about online gambling in Florida, we should close with a brief summary so you can keep the key points fresh in your mind.
A lot of people that have an interest in online gambling have legitimacy concerns. That’s understandable, buy you can set them aside such concerns if you stick to our list of the best Florida gambling sites.
Online Betting Sites Florida
Our research team has put all of the sites that want your business under the microscope, and we apply high standards, so you can go forward with total confidence at any of our approved real money gambling sites.
Florida Betting Games
These sites are also much more accessible and convenient than traditional gambling options, and offer have a wide range of choice. In addition to the classic casino-style gaming, you can also bet on sporting events and horse races at all of our recommended FL sites. And remember, you get some free bonus money to give you a boost at the outset.