Florida sports betting has experienced many legal twists and turns over the past few years. The Seminole Tribe is battling with competing interests over the right to offer its betting app. While this drama continues with no end in sight, you can still legally use offshore Florida sportsbooks.
Our Techopedia team breaks down the best FL sports betting sites in terms of markets, features, odds, rewards, reputation, and more. We’ll also expand on the regulated Florida sports betting market, and why you can use offshore betting sites with no worries.
List of the Top Florida Sports Betting Sites
Our Techopedia reviewers have collectively evaluated many betting sites to find the best online sportsbooks in Sunshine State. The following Florida sportsbooks consistently rate the highest based on several of our experts’ opinions.
- BetOnline – Best FL sportsbook with 20+ markets, niche sports coverage, and lifetime reload bonuses.
- Bovada – Features 25+ sports markets and ultra-low 5x bonus rollover.
- BetUS – Boasts several huge bonuses, including one worth up to $5,000.
- Everygame – Offers many futures bets and covers several leagues with its promotions.
- MyBookie – Has dedication to niche markets and offers plenty of betting contests.
- SportsBetting.ag – BetOnline sister site, with lifetime reload bonuses.
- XBet – Large live betting section and low wagering requirements on bonuses.
- BUSR – Offers the perfect blend of sports betting and horse racing markets.
- Jazz Sports – Makes same-day payouts and features a bonus worth up to $3,500.
Comparing Florida Online Sportsbooks
The top FL sportsbooks have general qualities in common, like reliability, consistent payouts, worthwhile promotions, and solid reputations. But they differ in certain ways too, especially with their top attributes and welcome bonuses.
You can see the differences among the best Florida sports betting sites below.
Sportsbook
Best For
Sign-Up Bonus
Bonus Code
BetOnline
All-around offerings (markets, bonuses, odds)
100% up to $1,000
CRYPTO100
Bovada
25+ sports markets
75% up to $750
BTCSWB750
BetUS
Big bonuses & promotions
200% up to $5,000
JOIN200
Everygame
Countless futures bets
50% up to $1,000
CRYPTO1K
MyBookie
Niche markets like water polo
50% up to $1,000
MYB50
SportsBetting.ag
Lifetime reload bonuses
100% up to $1,000
100CRYPTO
XBet
Big live betting section
100% up to $500
XBET50
BUSR
Excellent horse betting selection
100% up to $2,500
SPORTS100FP
JazzSports
Same-day payouts
100% up to $3,500
JAZZ100
Reviews of the Best Florida Sports Betting Sites
By now you’ve likely seen our list of the best offshore sportsbooks in Florida. But you’re probably wondering why these bookmakers excel. The following Florida sports betting reviews discuss the pros and cons of each top online sportsbook and our experiences with them.
1. BetOnline – Best all-round Florida sports betting site
- Payout time: 1 – 2 days
- Established: 2004
- License: Panama Gaming Control Board
- Headquarters: Panama City, Panama
- Available in Florida: Yes
Our Verdict: 9.6/10
BetOnline has one of the widest selections of markets in Florida sports betting. You’ll find over 20 sports, ranging from football and basketball to handball and wrestling. The wrestling and handball examples show BetOnline’s commitment to niche sports in addition to popular markets (e.g., NFL, MLB).
Unfortunately, you won’t earn VIP rewards when wagering on these sports—at least not right away. BetOnline notes that its loyalty program is only for those who “demonstrate an unwavering commitment” to their sportsbook. On the bright side, you can pick up lifetime reload bonuses with 25% (credit card) and 35% (crypto) matches anytime.
The BetOnline promos start with a 100% match on your first crypto deposit up to $1,000 (code CRYPTO100). Alternatively, you can opt for the credit card BetOnline bonus, which is a 50% match up to $1,000 (code BET1000).
Be careful with the second offer, though, because it comes with a 9.75% fee on credit card deposits. We recommend going for the crypto bonus to avoid this high fee.
Features Overview
- Betting Options: 10/10
- Betting Odds: 10/10
- Streaming & Features: 8/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
- Desktop Experience: 10/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 10/10
- Registration Process: 10/10
- Payment Methods: 10/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Top Sign-Up Offer: 100% up to $1,000 on first crypto deposit
Offer
Description
Promo code
Rollover
Minimum deposit
Sports sign-up bonus
100% up to $1,000
CRYPTO100
14x
$20
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- 20+ sports markets
- Multiple welcome bonus options
- Lifetime 25% reload bonus
- Wide variety of banking options
- Successful industry veteran since 2004
Cons:
- 9.75% credit card deposit fees
- VIP program by invite only
2. Bovada – Offers lots of markets
- Payout time: 1 – 2 days
- Established: 2011
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: Costa Rica
- Available in Florida: Yes
Our Verdict: 9.4/10
Bovada is Florida’s most popular offshore sportsbook, offering 27 sports at the time of review. As well as the classics it also includes less-common markets like chess, darts, and volleyball.
Bovada’s easy-to-naviagte site on both desktop and mobile is another thumbs up from us. With clean layouts and fast-loading pages you’ll feel inclined to bet with them and snap up their bonuses.
The top Bovada bonus matches your first crypto deposit by 75%, up to $750 (code BTCSWB750), which is actually among the lowest on our list. But at 5x, they save it with the lowest rollover requirements, further boosted by horse betting (5x) and casino play (30x) contributing to sports wagering requirements.
Bovada Florida doesn’t feature many promotions beyond the welcome bonus. The non-crypto offers aren’t great either because they involve outrageous 15.9% credit card fees when depositing. But the good news is that Bovada Rewards makes up for the limited promos with continuous cash rewards. All sports bets generate points, which you can exchange for cash.
Features Overview
- Betting Options: 10/10
- Betting Odds: 10/10
- Streaming & Features: 8/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
- Desktop Experience: 10/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 10/10
- Registration Process: 10/10
- Payment Methods: 9/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Top Sign-Up Offer: 75% match up to $750 on first crypto deposit
Offer
Description
Promo code
Rollover
Minimum deposit
Sports sign-up offer
75% up to $750
BTCSWB750
5x sports/ 5x horse/ 30x casino
$20
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Over 25 sports markets
- Smooth mobile site with nice design
- Only 5x rollover on sports bonuses
- Casino & horse betting count towards sports rollover
- Continuous cash through Bovada Rewards
Cons:
- Industry-worst credit card fees at 15.9%
- Limited number of promotions
3. BetUS – Best Florida sportsbook for big bonuses
- Payout time: Up to 24 hours
- Established: 1994
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: San Jose, Costa Rica
- Available in Florida: Yes
Our Verdict: 9.3/10
BetUS impresses immediately with one of the industry’s best sportsbook bonuses. It matches your first crypto deposit by 200%, up to $5,000. This offer includes 150%, up to $3,750, for the sportsbook, and 50%, up to $1,250 for the casino.
You only have seven days to meet the 15x rollover on the bonus, depositing $100 minimum, while using code JOIN200. Despite these constraints it’s still worth considering if you’re after a massive welcome bonus. Also note that BetUS offers multiple welcome promos in case you’re interested in something else.
Like most FL sportsbooks we recommend, the sports market is big. You can wager on 20+ sports, including obscure games, like darts and handball. With a dedicated YouTube channel, BetUS TV, you can catch betting tips, plus shows with experts on everything from the NBA to Bundesliga soccer.
Features Overview
- Betting Options: 10/10
- Betting Odds: 10/10
- Streaming & Features: 8/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 10/10
- Desktop Experience: 9/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 9/10
- Registration Process: 9/10
- Payment Methods: 9/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Top Sign-Up Offer: 200% crypto match up to $5,000 ($3,750 sports + $1,250 casino)
Offer
Description
Promo code
Rollover
Minimum deposit
Sports sign-up offer
200% up to $5,000 (150% up to $3,750 sports; 50% up to $1,250 casino)
JOIN200
15x
$100
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Bonuses worth up to $5,000
- Up to $2,500 crypto reload bonuses
- Get tips and advice from BetUS TV
- 20+ sports markets
- Operating successfully since 1994
Cons:
- $100 min. deposit for bonus
- 7-day bonus expiration
4. Everygame – Wide range of futures bets
- Payout time: 2 – 3 days
- Established: 1996 (previously Intertops)
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: St Kitts and Nevis
- Available in Florida: Yes
Our Verdict: 9/10
Launched as Intertops in 1996, Everygame is one of the oldest operators in the business. One recipe to its success includes offering many markets and betting options. Everygame usually features around 20 sports, varying from the NFL to table tennis.
You can also expect lots of futures among this wide betting selection. Just about any league or sport that you click on will offer futures. We like how Everygame writes little blurbs and questions next to some of these bets.
The top Everygame welcome bonus matches your initial crypto deposit by 50%, up to $1,000 (code CRYPTO1K). The 50% match isn’t anything special, but the 8x rollover (-200 min. odds) is more than reasonable. This Florida online sportsbook features plenty of promos afterward, spanning different sports like football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and tennis.
We do think that the Everygame desktop experience could improve. Little icons on the left-hand side represent the markets and when we scrolled through, they spun by too fast making it difficult to find specific choices. We eventually got the hang of this process, though, and were able to focus on the good aspects of Everygame.
Features Overview
- Betting Options: 9/10
- Betting Odds: 10/10
- Streaming & Features: 8/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 10/10
- Desktop Experience: 7/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 9/10
- Registration Process: 10/10
- Payment Methods: 8/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Top Sign-Up Offer: 50% crypto match up to $1,000
Offer
Description
Promo code
Rollover
Minimum deposit
Sports sign-up bonus
50% up to $1,000
CRYPTO1K
8x
$20
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Excellent for futures
- Reasonable 8x bonus rollover
- Promotions cover several sports
- Successful history dating back to 1996
- Covers 20 markets on average
Cons:
- Desktop version isn’t user-friendly
- Average odds compared to top bookmakers
5. MyBookie – Strong coverage of niche markets
- Payout time: 2 – 3 days
- Established: 2014
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: San Jose, Costa Rica
- Available in Florida: Yes
Our Verdict: 8.9/10
MyBookie is another top FL betting site offering 20 markets, and stands out due for its coverage of niche sports, including water polo, NCAA hockey, futsal, and biathlon. These are markets that you don’t see at most Florida betting sites.
You can also expect plentiful bet types at this bookmaker. MyBookie features an excellent variety of props, futures, quarter bets, and halftime wagers. It also provides the chance to create your own props through a Prop Builder tool.
If you like betting contests, you’ll appreciate what MyBookie offers in this regard. Contest types include Survivor (survive & advance with correct picks), Super Contest (pick spreads), and Squares (score points with correct quarter predictions).
The MyBookie bonus matches your initial deposit by 50%, up to $1,000 (code MYB50). You can also score reload bonuses with up to 50% matches. MyBookie notes that match percentages are tiered, but gives few details on how. Nevertheless, it’s nice that you can keep getting reload bonuses.
Features Overview
- Betting Options: 10/10
- Betting Odds: 8/10
- Streaming & Features: 8/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
- Desktop Experience: 8/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 8/10
- Registration Process: 10/10
- Payment Methods: 9/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Top Sign-Up Offer: 50% up to $1,000
Offer
Description
Promo code
Rollover
Minimum deposit
Sports sign-up offer
50% up to $1,000
MYB50
8x
$50
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Covers niche sports well
- Offers 20+ markets
- Plenty of bet types
- Runs regular betting contests
- 8% horse rebate
Cons:
- Loyalty program by invite only
- Details on tiered reload bonus are murky
6. SportsBetting.ag – Delivers reload bonuses anytime
- Payout time: Up to 24 hours
- Established: 2003
- License: Panama Gaming Control Board
- Headquarters: Panama City, Panama
- Available in Florida: Yes
Our Verdict: 8.8/10
SportsBetting.ag has the distinction of being a sister site of BetOnline, the best Florida online sportsbook. Therefore, it’s no surprise that SportsBetting.ag lands in our top list.
This bookmaker shares similar advantages to BetOnline. For starters, the top SportsBetting.ag bonus is a 100% crypto match up to $1,000 (code 100CRYPTO). You can enjoy the same lifetime reload deals here as at BetOnline, including 25% (credit card), and 35% (crypto) matches.
SportsBetting.ag also compares favorably with over 20 markets available. Its esports betting section is notable, with an entire section dedicated to markets like CS:GO, FIFA, GT League, Dota 2, and more.
Despite all SportsBetting’s advantages, we can’t help but feeling that something is off when using it versus BetOnline. The SportsBetting.ag desktop and mobile sites feel plainer than BetOnline and, thus, aren’t as entertaining to use. Nevertheless, this sportsbook still has all the other elements to be a top FL betting site.
Features Overview
- Betting Options: 9/10
- Betting Odds: 8/10
- Streaming & Features: 8/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
- Desktop Experience: 8/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 8/10
- Registration Process: 10/10
- Payment Methods: 10/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Top Sign-Up Offer: 100% crypto match up to $1,000
Offer
Description
Promo code
Rollover
Minimum deposit
Sports sign-up bonus
100% up to $1,000
100CRYPTO
14x
$20
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Has much of what makes BetOnline successful
- Lifetime reload bonuses
- Nice esports section
- Offers over 20 markets
- Features betting contests
Cons:
- Website more vanilla than BetOnline
- Charges 9.75% on credit card deposits
7. XBet – Plenty of live betting opportunities
- Payout time: 2 – 3 days
- Established: 2014
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: San Jose, Costa Rica
- Available in Florida: Yes
Our Verdict: 8.6/10
In keeping with the sister sites theme, XBet is related to MyBookie (#6 on our list). It has a similarly large selection of markets and plenty of niche sports just like its sister site. XBet also excels with live betting, offering six to ten sports, and plenty wagering opportunities in its in-play section.
The XBet bonus matches your first deposit by 50%, up to $500 (code XBET50). It also throws a $10 casino chip into the deal. For good measure, XBet even has lower rollover at 7x (versus 8x at MyBookie).
This FL betting site does fall short regarding the size of its promotions. Again, XBet has much of what makes MyBookie special—only on a smaller scale. Everything from the welcome bonus ($500 max), to the horse rebate (7%) are worth less.
Ending on a positive note, we like how the XBet reload bonus rules are clearer. You qualify for 25%, up to $250 bonuses (5x rollover), on each reload deposit. One of our complaints about MyBookie is the lack of information regarding their tiered reload offers.
Features Overview
- Betting Options: 9/10
- Betting Odds: 8/10
- Streaming & Features: 8/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
- Desktop Experience: 7/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 8/10
- Registration Process: 10/10
- Payment Methods: 9/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Top Sign-Up Offer: 50% match up to $500 + $10 casino chip
Offer
Description
Promo code
Rollover
Minimum deposit
Sports sign-up offer
50% up to $500
XBET50
7x
$45
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Nice live betting section
- 20+ sports available
- $10 casino chip with welcome bonus
- 7x rollover on welcome offer
- 5x rollover on reload bonuses
Cons:
- Promos smaller than at MyBookie
- Not many betting contests
8. BUSR – Nice combo of sports & horse betting
- Payout time: 2 – 3 days
- Established: 2014
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: Costa Rica
- Available in Florida: Yes
Our Verdict: 8.5/10
BUSR is the perfect site if you like sports and horse race betting—or if you just enjoy wagering on horses by themselves. This bookmaker covers action on over 200 international racetracks and has the biggest online horse betting scene we’ve come across.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to bet on ponies, BUSR provides a beginner’s section. You might also appreciate how this sportsbook offers promos specifically for horse betting, such as a $150 racebook bonus.
Speaking of bonuses, you can get a massive BUSR sportsbook bonus. This offer provides a 100% match on your first deposit up to $2,500 (code SPORTS100FP). While we like the size of this bonus, the 20x rollover dampens the mood. You also won’t find many sportsbook promos here, but you can earn crypto rewards, and refer-a-friend bonuses.
As for the sportsbook, BUSR features over 20 sports markets. Some of its niche sports include Aussie rules, darts, futsal, and table tennis. Of course, you’ll also have access to many popular sports and leagues (e.g., NBA, NFL).
Features Overview
- Betting Options: 10/10
- Betting Odds: 9/10
- Streaming & Features: 7/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 7/10
- Desktop Experience: 9/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 8/10
- Registration Process: 9/10
- Payment Methods: 9/10
- Customer Support: 9/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer
Description
Promo code
Rollover
Minimum deposit
Sports sign-up bonus
100% up to $2,500
SPORTS100FP
20x
$100
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Covers races at 200+ horse tracks
- How-to section for horse betting
- Provides 20+ sports markets
- Up to a $2,500 sports bonus
- Special horse racing promos
Cons:
- 20x rollover on bonus
- $100 min. deposit to qualify for bonus
9. Jazz Sports – Get same day payouts
- Payout time: Up to 24 hours
- Established: 1994
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: Antigua and Barbuda
- Available in Florida: Yes
Our Verdict: 8.4/10
JazzSports proves attractive in the Florida sports betting market right away thanks to same-day crypto payouts. By comparison, most FL online sportsbooks take at least 24 hours to process payouts. The slight catch is that you need to request your withdrawal before 11am EST.
The JazzSports bonus matches your first credit card or P2P deposit by 100%, up to $3,500 (code JAZZ100). This offer breaks down into 75%, up to $2,500 for sports, and 25%, up to $1,000 for casino games. 12x rollover applies to the sports bonus, which is high for a 75% match offer.
This FL betting site doesn’t offer many markets, featuring only 12 at the time of review. But it does provide nice coverage of the main sports like football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. We also appreciate the betting contests for multiple sports/leagues like the NFL, NBA, and soccer.
JazzSports offers an aesthetically pleasing look, opting for a mixture of dark colors and subtle designs. It looks better than almost every online sportsbook on this list.
Features Overview
- Betting Options: 8/10
- Betting Odds: 8/10
- Streaming & Features: 7/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
- Desktop Experience: 8/10
- Mobile & App Experience: 8/10
- Registration Process: 8/10
- Payment Methods: 8/10
- Customer Support: 8/10
Top Sign-Up Offer:
Offer
Description
Promo code
Rollover
Minimum deposit
Sports sign-up offer
100% up to $3,500 (75% up to $2,500 sports; 25% up to $1,000 casino)
JAZZ100
12x
$50
Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Same-day payouts with crypto
- Up to a $3,500 bonus
- Nice-looking sportsbook
- Props Builder tool
- Contests for multiple sports
Cons:
- 12x rollover is high for a 75% match bonus
- Limited sports markets
The mini reviews above provide a good idea on why these are the best Florida sports betting slots. But you may want to know more about how we review FL online sportsbooks. For more information on this process, check out how we rate sportsbooks.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida?
The status of regulated Florida sports betting is currently up in the air. The Seminole Tribe worked out a gambling expansion compact with Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021.
Under the compact, it would hold a quasi-monopoly on sports betting in Florida. The tribe stands to have sole rights to offer FL sports gambling, but it could approve additional operators in exchange for part of their revenues. Florida would get $2.5 billion within the first five years of the compact, plus billions more over the 30-year deal.
Regulated Florida online sports betting may not be coming anytime soon. But luckily, you can still use the top offshore sportsbooks in this state. Florida has allowed offshore bookmakers since the industry’s earliest days in the mid-1990s. No offshore sportsbook or Florida gambler has ever been prosecuted by state authorities.
Furthermore, the Florida gambling statutes don’t mention anything about online betting. You’re safe using online Florida sportsbooks until the lawsuits conclude.
When will Florida Sports Betting be Legal?
The legal situation between the Seminoles and competing interests has gone on for two years. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly when online sports betting in Florida will be regulated.
The latest Florida sports betting news suggests that nothing will resolve in the near future. Our guess is that this court battle could draw out for years, much like New Jersey’s lengthy fight against PASPA.
In the meantime, you can enjoy offshore FL sportsbooks. These betting sites hold licensing from abroad (e.g., Panama). The offshore industry has collectively served the Sunshine State for nearly three decades.
How to Sign Up to Florida Sportsbooks
FL sportsbooks make it easy to sign up and deposit. You can see the general process for joining the best sports betting sites in Florida below.
1. Choose a top Florida sportsbook
You can use our top list to quickly find one of the best Florida sports betting sites. Of course, you could always put your own research into the matter too. Whatever the case, make sure you pick a high-quality online sportsbook to get the best bonuses, support, sports selection, and more. Also note that you can bet at our recommended sportsbooks through a desktop or mobile device.
2. Select to join
Once on a sportsbook’s landing page, you need to choose the Join/Sign Up option to start registration. Most online sportsbooks put this prompt in the middle and/or top-right corner of the page.
3. Fill out your account info
Upon opening the sign-up sheet, you’ll need to fill in all requested information. Florida sportsbooks ask for basic details like your name, email, password, address, country, phone number, and birth date. Complete the registration form so that you get an account.
4. Place your first deposit
You don’t necessarily need to deposit right away, but you’ll have to fund your account eventually before placing bets. When depositing, make sure to enter the proper bonus code to get the relevant welcome offer.
FL Sports Betting Bonuses
The Florida sports betting market offers multiple types of bonuses. You can check out the different promotions below.
- Welcome Bonuses – A welcome bonus is available to new depositors, and it’s typically the best offer at a sportsbook.
- Deposit Match Bonuses – A match bonus matches your deposit by a certain percentage (e.g., 100% up to $500).
- No Deposit Bonuses – Some FL sportsbooks offer you a bonus just for signing up.
- On-going Promotions – Promo that’s available to existing bettors and normally lasts for a long time.
- Bonus Bets – Bonus wagers don’t require you to risk anything, and they pay winnings minus the bet (e.g., $50 bet wins $55—you get $55 total).
- Reload Bonuses – You receive this type of bonus when making a reload deposit.
- Crypto Bonuses – An offer that’s only available through a cryptocurrency deposit.
- Odds Boosts – One side of a matchup has improved odds (e.g., Miami Dolphins move from -215 to -175).
- Parlay Insurance – Refunds the bet if your parlay loses through certain conditions (usually a loss by one leg).
- Loyalty Bonuses: Offers that are only available to a specific VIP level.
Florida Sports Betting Apps & Mobile Wagering
There are no sports betting apps in Florida, but luckily, offshore sportsbooks fill the Florida mobile sports betting void.
These bookmakers let you sign up, deposit, and place wagers through a mobile browser like Safari. In-browser betting is quite comparable to apps regarding loading speed and navigation. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about having a FL sports betting app.
Pros & Cons of Florida Mobile Sports Betting over Desktop Wagering
Mobile devices and desktop computers both provide the chance to enjoy Florida sports betting. But you’ll experience some unique benefits when wagering through your smartphone or tablet versus a desktop setup.
Pros:
- Place bets without being confined to a computer
- Use a smartphone or tablet
- Smartphone is an all-in-one device (e.g., social media, texting)
- Reach customer service anytime, anywhere
Cons:
- Smaller screen vs desktop
- Convenience may tempt you to bet more
Payment Methods in Florida
The Florida online sports betting market offers three types of payment methods, including crypto and more traditional options. Here’s a look at what’s available for the best online sportsbooks payouts.
- Cryptocurrencies – Crypto has become very popular for Florida sports betting because it offers quick transactions and doesn’t require fees.
- Traditional Payment Methods – Credit cards (deposits), checks (withdrawals), and bank wires (both) fit into this category. Traditional methods are easy to use, but they often come with high fees.
- eWallets – None of our top recommended FL sports betting sites accept eWallets. But you might find Neteller and Skrill available elsewhere in the market.
Teams to Bet on in Florida
The Sunshine State ranks second in the US with nine pro sports teams. It also has 13 schools with NCAA D-1 sports. You can see the most popular of these pro and college teams to bet on below.
Pro Sports
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are one of the most-iconic NFL teams. Everything from their unique team colors to the tropical atmosphere of their home city sets the Dolphins apart. Of course, being the only team to go undefeated in the regular season and playoffs (1972) also helps their profile. The Dolphins were also the first team to earn back-to-back Super Bowls victories, completing this feat with another win in 1973.
Miami Heat
Starting as an expansion team during the 1988-1989 NBA season, Miami struggled to find success in the early days. However, the Heat became a perennial Eastern Conference contender in the 1990s under Pat Riley. Miami’s success has only grown since then, with the team capturing seven conference titles and three NBA championships since 2006.
Miami Marlins
Previously the Florida Marlins, this MLB club launched in 1993. The Marlins haven’t had much regular season success with a .462 win percentage all time. But the team has won two World Series (1997, 2003) and became the first Wild Card team to take the Series.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Joining the NFL in 1976, the Buccaneers only made the playoffs three times up until 1997. Since then, Tampa Bay has made the postseason 10 times, and won two Super Bowls (2002, 2020). Now-retired legend Tom Brady led the Bucs to the most-recent Super Bowl victory in 2020.
College Sports
Florida Gators
The University of Florida has produced three national football championships (1996, 2006, 2008). The Gators have also won two basketball championships, going back-to-back in 2006 and 2007. That said, Florida has a balanced history of success in the two most popular NCAA sports.
Florida State Seminoles
The Seminoles rose to prominence in football in the 1990s. They played for the national championship five times in this decade—winning twice—and had an 89% win percentage. Florida State added a third football title in 2013, beating Auburn 34-31 in the BCS National Championship Game.
Miami Hurricanes
Miami had a highly successful football era that overlapped with Florida State. It won five national championships between 1983 and 2001 and produced many NFL players during this time. It has enjoyed some success in basketball too, making the Sweet Sixteen five times since 2000, and playing for the national title in 2023.
Types of Bets in Florida
You can place eight types of wagers through online sports betting in Florida. These bet types range from simple moneylines to the more complex teasers.
- Moneylines – You try to pick the game winner, with both sides paying at different odds.
- Points spreads – You select the favorite or the underdog to cover their respective spread.
- Totals – Decide if two teams will score over or under a specific point total.
- Player props – Prop bet on a player’s performance, e.g., Jared Goff over/under 275.5 yards.
- Team props: Prop wager on a team’s performance, e.g., Buffalo Bills over/under 3.5 touchdowns.
- Parlays – You put multiple outcomes in the same bet, and all outcomes must win for a successful wager.
- Same game parlays – SPGs are parlays where all outcomes must be from the same game.
- Teasers – Similar to a parlay, except that you can “tease” point spreads to boost your odds.
- Live Betting – Wagers that are available live in-game, unlike pre-game bets.
How to Place a Bet
The process of placing bets at Florida sportsbooks only requires five simple steps. Here’s how you make an online wager in the Sunshine State:
- Sign up at a Florida online sportsbook.
- Make a deposit using an available method.
- Visit the sportsbook section.
- Add a wager(s) to your betting slip.
- Enter your bet size and confirm the wager.
Popular Sports to Bet on in Florida
Sports betting in Florida provides the chance to wager on many leagues and sports. Here are the most popular markets to bet on in the Sunshine State.
- NFL – Draws the most betting action of any American sport and features the famed Super Bowl.
- NBA – Highly popular in Florida thanks to the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.
- MLB – Offers numerous opportunities to bet thanks to 2,430 total regular season games.
- NHL – FL’s a surprising hotbed for hockey betting due to the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.
- NCAA Football/Basketball – Many Floridians like college sports betting, especially when it comes to Florida State, Florida, and Miami U.
- Golf – Solid state for golf betting, and hosts The Players Championship.
- Horse Racing – Has a good horse racing following fueled by Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs.
- Esports – Like anywhere these days, the Sunshine State draws plenty of esports betting action.
- Soccer – Soccer has grown here in both participation and fanfare for Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF.
Florida Sports Betting Legislation Timeline
FL sports betting has experienced many recent developments due to the Seminole Tribe’s fight to corner Florida sports betting. Here are the main legal highlights since 2021.
- October 12, 2023 – Chief Justice Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court issues an order to stay a June appeal mandate. The Hard Rock Bet app remains on ice after this order.
- June 30, 2023 – The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals reverses Judge Friedrich’s previous ruling that struck down the 2021 gaming compact.
- April 27, 2022 – The Seminoles quit sharing gaming revenue with the Sunshine State. They begin delivering payments into escrow until the legal action settles.
- January 28, 2022 – Florida Education Champions gives up a failed attempt to amend the state constitution for commercial sports betting.
- December 4, 2021 – The Seminole Tribe stops running the Hard Rock Bet app amid legal issues, thus bringing regulated Florida online sports betting to a close.
- November 22, 2021 – D.C. District Judge Dabney Friedrich halts the Seminole-Florida gaming compact on grounds that it violates Amendment 3 and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
- November 1, 2021 – The Seminole Tribe launches the Hard Rock Bet app despite legal challenges.
- September 27, 2021 – Anti-gambling advocate No Casinos, and two Florida business entities file a lawsuit in Washington D.C. Their litigation contends that the Florida-Seminole compact bypasses the state’s Amendment 3 (gaming expansion requires voter approval).
- August 17, 2023 – West Flagler Associates (Magic City Casino) and Bonita Springs Poker Room file a lawsuit, alleging that the tribal sports betting compact violates federal laws.
- April 23, 2021 – Gov. Ron DeSantis signs a tribal compact (SB 2-A) with the Seminole Tribe, giving the tribe control over Florida sports betting. In exchange, the Seminoles would pay billions to the state over a 30-year compact.
Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in Florida
Florida doesn’t tax sports betting winnings, but the federal government does tax them at a flat rate of 24%. Therefore, you’re supposed to report any betting profits over a single year.
Regulated sportsbooks in states like Illinois, New Jersey, and Ohio must report winnings worth over $600 to the IRS. They issue you a W–2G form in this event. But offshore Florida sportsbooks don’t report your winnings to the IRS, nor issue a W-2G. We still recommend paying your taxes by law, but no info on offshore winnings goes to the government unless you share it.
Online Sportsbooks vs Land-Based Sports Betting in Florida
The Sunshine State doesn’t currently offer retail sportsbooks, but this situation could change if regulated betting takes effect. That said, you might want to know how Florida online sports betting would compare to land-based wagering. Check out the advantages and drawbacks of Florida mobile sports betting compared to land-based sportsbooks below.
Pros:
- Place bets at home or anywhere else
- Large welcome bonuses worth $1k on average
- Regular promotions after the welcome bonus
- Quickly move between online sportsbooks
- Arbitrage bet with more ease online
Cons:
- Can’t watch games in style like at retail sportsbooks
- No surrounding resort entertainment & amenities
How Florida Sports Betting Compares to its Neighboring States
The Sunshine State only has two neighbors, including Alabama and Georgia. Neither bordering state has legalized sports gambling, making this southeastern corner of the US very non-progressive towards betting.
Georgia (SB 57) and Alabama (SB 294) have both introduced sports betting legislation within recent years. Georgia’s bill actually received a Senate vote in 2023 before failing. Alabama’s latest sports gambling bill from 2022 didn’t even draw a vote.
The Peach State and Cotton State are going the traditional routes of introducing legislation, then voting on it. Florida differs because of its heavy tribal element with the Seminole Tribe. Much of the regulated Florida sports betting situation hinges on the Seminoles.
The Sunshine State is currently just like its neighbors regarding online betting. Offshore sportsbooks are currently the only available options in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. This situation will likely remain the status quo until regulation comes along in these states.
Responsible Betting in Florida
Most offshore betting sites—include those we recommend—offer Floridians tips and resources on responsible gambling. You can normally find an online sportsbook’s responsible betting section at the bottom of their homepage.
General resources to help combat problem gambling in the Sunshine State include:
Best Florida Online Sports Betting Site for December 2023 – BetOnline
We recommend any of the FL betting sites appearing in our top 10 list. But BetOnline is the best of the best and gets our highest recommendation. This online sportsbook rates so highly due to its collective strengths.
You can expect multiple sign-up bonus options, 20+ sports, many banking options, and lifetime reload bonuses. The sports markets and lifetime bonuses really help separate BetOnline from the pack. Add in great customer support and many deposit methods, and you have a top-tier online sportsbook.
Our Rating:
9.6/10
Accessible via:
iOS, Android, Desktop
Sports to Bet on:
20-25 (varies by season)
Welcome Offer:
100% up to $1,000 on first crypto deposit
Top Pros:
✔️ Great reputation, lucrative promotions, lots of banking options, large sign-up bonus
Cons:
❌ 9.75% fees on credit card deposits, invite-only loyalty program
FAQs
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Resources
- https://www.seminolecompact.com
- https://ballotpedia.org/Florida_Amendment_3,_Voter_Approval_of_Casino_Gambling_Initiative_(2018)
- http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0849/0849ContentsIndex.htm
- https://scholars.law.unlv.edu/glj/vol2/iss2/7/
- https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021A/2A
- https://www.nigc.gov/general-counsel/indian-gaming-regulatory-act
- https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc419
- https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/63793
- http://alisondb.legislature.state.al.us/ALISON/SearchableInstruments/2022RS/PrintFiles/SB294-int.pd
- https://www.ncpgambling.org/state/florida/
- https://gamblinghelp.org/rgppp/