Florida Online Betting
Florida law allows online betting on horses, greyhounds, and fantasy games, as well as few others including games of skill. Online betting is considered anything that you can place an online wager on and that is neither legal nor prohibited in the law. No Florida law states that online poker, casino games, or sports betting sites are explicitly illegal. Florida is the south-easternmost state in America and is surrounded predominantly by the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Its northern border hits Alabama and Georgia, but its coastline is the most expansive of any of the 48 mainland states. Florida Online Casinos View Top Florida Picks Florida is no stranger to legalized gambling, having hosted different forms of betting since 1931. Wagering in Florida all began with dog and horse racing, followed by jai alai, all in the 1930s. All three of these sports still operate today and allow betting.
With 20 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.
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.
Sports Betting In Florida
| 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. The closest place for Florida residents to legally place offline sports bets would be Nevada, which is quite the hike for Florida residents.
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)
- Orlando City FC (MLS)
- Orlando Magic (NBA)
Florida Online Horse Betting
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Horse Racing in Florida
Legal Sports Betting Online 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
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 $12 million this race will become the richest horse race in the world when it is inaugurated in 2017.