Florida Sports Betting Guide 2024
Florida sports betting is available in two main forms - domestic and offshore. Anywhere inside state boundaries, you can fire up your laptop, tablet, or smartphone and access any of our top Florida online sportsbooks and place a wager.
Although sportsbook betting on your favorite teams at a brick-and-mortar facility is currently not allowed in the Sunshine State, Internet access provides 24/7 sports wagering excitement legally to websites that have their base of operations outside the US.
Many online sports betting sites either include Florida online horse race betting in their lineup or offer a separate racebook at which to enjoy betting on horses. You will find Florida poker available at many of these destinations.
What is the Legal Status of Betting on Sports in Florida?
Florida gambling laws are on the books that permit land-based sports betting and online/mobile sportsbooks to operate. In 2021, the legality of the state's compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida was called into question in federal court. This resulted in the closure of all domestic sports betting in FL until the case is settled.
A preferred alternative for Florida bettors is to access legally licensed and regulated offshore sportsbook sites that are located outside of the United States. There are a number of reputable and legitimate online sports betting sites that have been legally offering their services to bettors in Florida and the USA in general.
Below we've provided a listing of those options which have been vetted by our team of review specialists and have been found to deliver a legally licensed, certified, and regulated betting experience with a wide range of betting lines and wagering options on offer.
We have evaluated each of them thoroughly and have determined that they are among the best that the industry has to offer. Because they are regulated and located within a governing jurisdiction that has already legalized online sports betting for their region, they can legally offer their services to bettors anywhere in the world they choose to, including the US.
Top 5 Legal Florida Online Sportsbooks For 2024
These online sports betting sites gladly welcome players from Florida and are some of the most reputable sites still accepting USA players today.
| Rank | Site Name | Promotion | Category | USA | Play Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Bovada Sportsbook | 50% Max $250 | Sports Betting | Play Now | |
#2 | Mybookie | 50% Max $1,000 | Sports Betting | Play Now | |
#3 | Betus Sportsbook | 100% Max $2,500 | Sports Betting | Play Now | |
#4 | Bookmaker | 20% Max $500 | Sports Betting | Play Now |
What is the Likelihood That Local Sports Betting In Florida Returns?
At some point in 2024, a legal challenge to the gaming compact between Florida and the Seminole Tribe of FL will be resolved in federal appellate court. If the compact is upheld, it can be assumed that the Seminole Hard Rock Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood will resume in-person sports betting. The Hard Rock Sportsbook App and online sportsbook would also be able to begin operation once again.
If the gaming compact is deemed illegal, three things could happen:
- FL domestic sports betting could shut down forever
- A new compact could be drawn up that adheres to judicial demands
- More domestic vendors could be allowed to operate in Florida
Mobile Florida Sports Betting Apps
For a hot minute in 2021, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino Sports Betting App was available for download in Florida. Domestic mobile sports betting was shut down due to a legal challenge that is still ongoing as of July 2024. Mobile domestic options could return soon, but there are other Florida sports betting apps that are available for Apple and Android right now.
Mobile gambling is available right now in Florida when doing business with offshore sportsbook sites. They operate outside of the jurisdiction of Florida or the United States and are able to lawfully accept members in the area and let them gamble on sports remotely.
These offshore sportsbook apps are the best options in Florida at the moment. Their online casino games and poker rooms are also included when accessing on the go.
Floating Sportsbook Options Located in Florida
While poker, slot machines, and table games are offered at the Native American-run brick-and-mortar casinos in the state, like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, which is one of the 10 largest casinos in the world, you have to go offshore for some physical Florida sports betting. Florida law allows for casino and sportsbook wagering on boats that are located offshore past the three-mile limit, which marks international waters, and this wagering-friendly interpretation of maritime law has delivered access to exciting ocean-going casino cruises throughout the state.
Victory Casino Cruises
Victory Casino Cruises is located in central Florida and operates gambling boats in Port Canaveral, and they offer a full experience aboard their floating casinos. With day and night cruises available and the full casino offering of Las Vegas-style table games, poker games, slots, and electronic games, Victory Casino Cruises also delivers access to a full sportsbook that makes Florida sports betting accessible year-round while you enjoy the sights and sounds of an ocean cruise.
All major sports are covered, and true Las Vegas lines are updated frequently. And the NFL Ticket gives you flat-screen viewing access to all your favorite professional football teams and games.
Jacks or Better Casino
Located approximately 30 minutes from downtown Jacksonville in Northeast Florida is Atlantic Beach, home to the Jacks Or Better floating casino. Florida sports betting is offered in a sportsbook that supports future and current betting on any sporting event in the world. The Jacks Or Better management team boasts that all professional and collegiate sports are available for wagering, and the two brand-new sports bars are divided among the upper and lower decks so you will never miss a play or betting opportunity.
And if you don't happen to be near one of the many casino cruise boats that combine peaceful ocean breezes with sports gambling excitement but would still like to place a bet on your favorite team, Florida sports betting is also offered in the Florida online betting arena.
Sites like Lucky Red, Bovada Poker, and BetOnline are only a mouse click away and offer generous welcome bonuses that match a portion of your bankroll deposit, delivering an advantage that you simply will not get in a physical sportsbook. Whether floating leisurely on an ocean cruise or firing up your mobile betting apps, Florida sports betting offers access to some responsible sports wagering in the Sunshine State.
Learn more about the laws surrounding land-based and online gambling on our page covering Florida betting laws.