Florida Sports Betting: Best Florida Sportsbooks in April, 2024

Florida relaunched online sports betting in November 2023 after numerous legal issues over the previous two years. There is currently only one online sportsbook in the Sunshine State, Hard Rock Bet, which is legal due to the Seminole Tribe's ownership. On this page, we’ve covered everything you need to know about sports betting in Florida, including all the details of the rollercoaster journey to legalization.

How We Rated the Top Florida Sports Betting Sites

Our methodology is grounded in the simple principle of personal experience. We take the time to test each platform, from signing up to placing bets to cashing out our winnings. This direct approach allows us to truly understand the ins and outs of each sportsbook, ensuring that our reviews are authentic and reflect the real user experience.

Our experts are tasked with committing at least two hours to researching and testing out these six main areas:

1. User Experience: We sign up and explore the sportsbook to assess its ease of navigation and aesthetic appeal. Is the interface smooth and fluid? How intuitive is the platform? We test the performance on the desktop, mobile, and app, if available.

2. Features: We look at the sports and betting markets available. Is there a good mix of mainstream and niche options? We also like to see unique features like DFS platforms, live streaming, picking services, or early cash-out. Anything that makes a sportsbook stand out from the crowd in this category gets a big tick from us.

3. Promotions: We redeem all the bonuses on offer to evaluate their value and fairness, paying particular attention to the terms and conditions. We appreciate generous welcome bonuses, regular ongoing offers, and loyalty schemes. We explain exactly how they work and what kind of player would benefit from claiming them. 

4. Deposits and Withdrawals: From start to finish, we go through the process of making deposits and requesting withdrawals for each available payment method. We assess the number of banking options available, the speed of transactions, and the overall ease of use. 

5. Customer Support: First, we explore the FAQ section to see how detailed it is. Next, we contact the support team using all the available channels. We send off emails, use the live chat, and call the phone number to gauge how responsive, polite, and helpful they are. 

6. Responsible Gambling: We hold sportsbooks in the highest regard when they emphasize responsible gambling. This can include links to organizations, helpful articles, or certain tools like daily limits, session reminders, or a self-exclusion option.

Following this, our post-publication editors must dedicate at least 5 hours per month to ensuring that our reviews are updated according to any changes to each platform. 

Why You Should Trust Us

At WSN, we are committed to being a trusted and reliable source for sports betting information. We go above and beyond by thoroughly investigating each platform personally, providing insights that are authentic and based on our own experiences. We call it all out. The good and the bad stuff. 

Our team has been an active part of the betting industry for decades, so we know all the ins and outs of sports betting. The combination of our expertise and hands-on involvement allows us to create reviews that are personal and credible. 

Ultimately, we aim to be a site that you can rely on to guide you in sports betting. 

Closer Look at the Best Online Sportsbook in Florida

Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook

Best for: All-round platform

As well as being the only sportsbook in Florida, Hard Rock Bet is a fantastic platform overall. If you’re looking for a seamless and excellent betting experience, then Hard Rock Bet is the place to be.

After signing up, new bettors can claim a ‘No Regret First Bet,’ where they can receive up to $100 in bonus bets after losing their first wager. This is my favorite kind of offer, giving me extra reassurance when making my initial bet. There is a minimum deposit of $10, and you can place your bet on any market to qualify. Bettors have seven days to use the bonus bet before it expires. My one minor criticism is that the $100 could be higher, with similar offers available up to $1,000 in other states. 

Aside from this, you can explore frequent promotions like daily odds boosts and competitions, referral bonuses, and a rewarding loyalty scheme. The interface is intuitive and visually pleasing, delivering an enjoyable experience from signing up to exploring the platform to cashing out. Live betting is another standout feature with interesting micro-betting options. What’s more, you can enjoy all of this with the excellent mobile app, which is just as fun to use as the website.

Pros

• Highly-rated mobile app

• Quick withdrawals

• Excellent live betting

Cons

• Fewer sports markets than other sportsbooks

• Could add more payment methods

Check out our in-depth Hard Rock Bet review for more information.

• WSN rating: 4/5

• Sign up offer: $100 Second Chance Bet

• App rating: 4.9/5 (iOS); 4.7/5 (Android)

Full List of Legal Sportsbooks in Florida

Currently, Florida has only one online sportsbook, which is Hard Rock Bet.

Florida Online Sports Betting Sites

Florida Retail Sportsbooks

Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Florida. 

In November 2021, sports betting was briefly legalized when Florida officials and the Seminole Tribe reached an agreement. This led to the Hard Rock Bet app launching on the same day. 

However, legal challenges from smaller casinos within the state resulted in a federal court decision against online sports betting. Federal Judge Dabney Friedrich stated that the agreement violated the Indian Gaming Regulation Act by offering mobile betting outside tribal lands. Thus, online sports betting was short-lived, stopping just three weeks after going live.

The reintroduction of in-person and online sports betting in Florida experienced continuous legal roadblocks. But, in November 2023, the Seminole Tribe announced that in-person sports betting would soon be available. Shortly after, mobile sports wagering also returned with the relaunch of Hard Rock Bet.

How to Get Started

Signing up for a sportsbook and making your first bet is a piece of cake. If you’re a newcomer, we’ve put together a detailed step-by-step guide for you to follow:

1. Select a reputable sportsbook: Firstly, choose a platform that is trustworthy and licensed in Florida, which in this case means Hard Rock Bet. There are many unlicensed, offshore sportsbooks, where player protection is not guaranteed.

2. Register your account: Before placing bets, you must create an account at your chosen sportsbook. You’ll need to provide information like your name, email, date of birth, and address.

3. Verify your identity: Some platforms will ask you to confirm your identity by submitting documentation like your passport, driving license, or proof of address.

4. Claim your welcome bonus: Next, you can claim the welcome offer. You might need to use a promo code or opt-in. It’s important to always thoroughly read the terms and conditions before claiming.

5. Deposit money: Head to the cashier section to deposit funds and place your first bet. Some welcome bonuses require a qualifying deposit or wager. You can typically use bank cards, transfers, e-wallets, and other digital payment methods.

6. Place your first bet: Now, you can explore the sports and betting markets to choose your first bet. Select a bet type and add it to your bet slip before confirming.

7. Withdraw your winnings: Finally, you can cash out your winnings if your bet is successful. The processing times, limits, and fees can vary depending on the platform, and Hard Rock Bet normally lets you access your winnings within a day or two.

Florida Sportsbook Promos

Sportsbooks offer a range of enticing bonuses to attract new players and retain existing users, with welcome bonuses playing a crucial part in drawing in newcomers. Remember to always read the terms and conditions before claiming any bonus.

Below are a few standard bonuses in sports betting:

Bonus Bets

Bonus bets are a type of betting voucher that the sportsbook offers. They have no monetary value and cannot be withdrawn, but they can only be used on the sportsbook. Many sportsbooks offer bonus bets as a welcome bonus after signing up and placing a qualifying bet. For that reason, it is an attractive option for those who don’t want to spend too much right away.

Sometimes, your qualifying bet needs to win in order to trigger your bonus bets. If you win using a bonus bet, you only receive the winnings from the bet, not the value of the take.

Second Chance Bets

With this bonus, you are given a second chance on your first wager if it results in a loss. The sportsbook will reimburse your losing bet up to a specific limit in the form of bonus bets or site. It is essentially a win-win, as you’ll either have a successful first bet or get a bonus. 

The higher your first bet, the higher the refund you stand to receive. This makes second chance bets especially valuable for higher rollers. 

Deposit Match Bonuses

This bonus matches a percentage or the entirety of your initial deposit to a specified limit. So, your bonus amount will increase the more you decide to deposit. It is perfect for bettors who want to make a large deposit from the get-go. 

The matched portion of this bonus is not regular money, but bonus cash or site credit you need to use to gamble with before it can be withdrawn. This type of bonus is actually more common at online casinos than at sportsbooks. 

No-Deposit Bonuses

This is any kind of bonus where no deposit or wager is required from you. Simply signing up will be enough to trigger the bonus, which is usually a bonus bet. As it is a risk-free way to start betting, they tend to be rarer and smaller, ranging between $10 and $20. If you win with a no deposit bonus, there will probably be additional terms and conditions down the line before you can withdraw your winnings. Often, you’ll have to deposit some real money first. 

While this type of bonus is rare with sportsbooks, you'll easily find no-deposit sweepstakes and no-deposit casinos. The sweepstakes come without any additional terms; it's sweepstakes after all, but casinos do come with similar terms and conditions, like sportsbooks.

What Mobile Sportsbooks Are Available in Florida?

Mobile sportsbooks have revolutionized online sports betting, offering unparalleled convenience. You can now place bets from any location and any time with just a few clicks on your phone. 

Thankfully, Florida’s does have a highly-rated sportsbook mobile app. Hard Rock Bet has impressive ratings of 4.9/5 on the App Store and 4.7/5 on the Google Play Store and makes betting on the go in the Sunshine State a breeze.

What Betting Markets Are Available in Florida?

You can access a wide array of sports and betting markets in Florida. The different kinds of bets can seem confusing at first, but you’re in luck as we’ve provided simple explanations of the standard bet types below:

Moneyline

A moneyline bet is a popular wager involving choosing the winner of a game. Odds set by the sportsbook determine the payout, with the positive number representing the underdogs and the negative number showing the favorite. Take a look at this example from college basketball:

• Miami OH (+295)

• Akron (-375)

Here, Akron is the favorite, shown by the negative odds. You would have to bet $375 to win $100, for a payout of $475 if they win. Meanwhile, for Miami OH, a bet of $100 would result in a profit of $295 and a total payout of $395.

Point Spreads

Rather than betting directly on the winner, point spread bets are placed on the margin of victory. Sportsbook will set a spread of points which the favored team must win by, known as covering the spread. An underdog can cover the spread by simply not losing by that number of points. It can look like this:

• Miami OH +7.5 (-105)

• Akron -7.5 (-115)

If you bet on Akron, they would have to win by 8 points or more. For Miami OH, they either have to win the game or avoid losing by 8 points. For each side, the standard odds tend to start at around -110 for point spread betting.

Totals

A total bet focuses on predicting whether the total number of points scored in a game will be over or under a number set by the sportsbook. For that reason, it is also called an Over/Under bet. Check out this example:

Miami OH vs Akron:

• Over +130.5 (-110)

• Under -130.5 (-110)

Again, the odds with Totals bets generally start at around -110 odds for both the Over and the Under. 

Futures

This bet is a long-term wager on future events, like championship winners in any sport. To win a futures bet, there are usually several variables that need to go in your favor over time.

Futures are often placed before the season starts or at the beginning of a competition, but they are available all year round. Examples of future competitions:

• Super Bowl Futures

• Stanley Cup Futures

• NBA Championships

• MLB Word Series Winner

• NFC Championships

• NCAAM Championships

Prop Bets

Prop bets are related to specific things that happen in a game unrelated to the final score, such as player performance, team stats, or in-game achievements. They are often split into two categories: player props and team props.

Popular prop markets include the first player to score a touchdown in football, the number of strikeouts a pitcher will throw in baseball, or the number of assists, rebounds, and three-pointers made in a basketball game. There are also more novelty prop bets available, like the color of the Gatorade thrown over the winning coach in the Super Bowl.

Parlays

Parlays let you combine several bets on one betting slip. All selections must win for the parlay to be successful. They offer high rewards but at an increased risk, with the odds of each individual selection multiplied together for a higher payout. Teasers are a variation of parlays that allow you to adjust spreads or totals in your favor for a reduced payout. 

Live Betting

Live betting allows you to place bets during a game, updating the odds in real-time based on the unfolding action. It is an immersive form of betting that is different from traditional. Hard Rock Bet has an excellent live betting section that you can explore, plus an excellent mobile app which is important for betting live. 

What Can’t You Bet On in Florida?

Sports betting in Florida is subject to the following restrictions:

• Betting on eSports is not allowed.

• For college sports betting, you cannot make individual player prop bets.

• Wagers on politics, entertainment or award ceremonies are forbidden.

Betting on College Sports in Florida

Aside from individual player prop bets, betting on college sports is legal in Florida. The state has a vibrant college sports scene, offering a range of programs for bettors to follow and wager on.

The list of of NCAA Division 1 College Programs:

• Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

• FAU Owls

• FGCU Eagles

• FIU Panthers

• Florida Gators

• Florida A&M Rattlers and Lady Rattlers

• Florida State Seminoles

• Jacksonville Dolphins

• Miami Hurricanes

• North Florida Ospreys

• South Florida Bulls

• Stetson Hatters

• UCF Knights 

Florida Sports Betting Facts

How Does Florida Online Sports Betting Compare to Other States?

Florida is the largest state in terms of population offering online sports betting. However, sports betting has only recently become available in Florida, and since there is only one online sportsbook, it is difficult to compare it to other states. It is safe to say that Florida is firmly on the lower side regarding total sports betting revenue. 

In Florida, online and retail sports betting offered by the Seminole Tribe is subject to a tax rate of 13.75%. This is pretty average; it is not as high as Pennsylvania’s tax rate of 36% and New York’s 51%, but it is more than Nevada’s 6.75% and Michigan’s 8%.

Thanks to its large population and the number of iconic major league teams in Florida, the industry is ripe to expand massively if Florida’s betting laws become more accessible to top US sportsbooks in the future.

Florida Sports Betting Updates

The legalization of sports betting in Florida has been rocky. Sports betting was briefly legal in 2021, but faced legal challenges and was shortly overturned. However, at the end of 2023, retail and online sports betting returned with the six Seminole Casinos and Hard Rock Bet.

• Feb. 16, 2024 - Florida and other states formally warn DFS companies, such as Underdog, Betr, and PrizePicks, for operating without proper licenses.

• Feb. 3, 2024—Progress in fantasy sports regulation is being made as Senate Bills 1566 and 1568 receive positive feedback in state committee discussions.

• Dec. 26, 2023 - West Flagler Associates continues its legal battle for sports betting, invoking voter rights under Amendment 3.

• Dec. 7, 2023 - All six retail sportsbooks are now open.

• Dec. 5, 2023 - Hard Rock Bet is available for everyone in the state.

• Dec. 1, 2023 - Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and lawmakers dismiss a challenge against Florida sports betting.

• Nov. 17, 2023 - Florida’s Supreme Court rejects a proposal by two gaming companies to maintain a restricted version of online betting.

• Nov. 7, 2023 - Hard Rock Bet returns, offering its sports betting app in Florida after a two-year hiatus for those who have existing accounts. 

• Nov. 1, 2023 - The Seminole Tribe announces the return of in-person betting at three casinos.

• Oct. 25, 2023 - The Supreme Court decides against preventing the pact between Florida and the Seminole Tribe, allowing for legal sports wagering.

Is Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Florida?

DFS is unregulated in Florida; no specific legalization covers it. This means that DFS platforms can technically be accessed in Florida. Progress is currently being made to legalize DFS fully in the state. 

Sports Teams in Florida

Florida is a sports lover’s paradise, boasting a variety of professional teams across the major leagues: the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS, as well as thriving college programs. Here’s a rundown of the major franchises in the Sunshine State for you to place bets on:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Buccaneers have recent success in the NFL, winning the Super Bowl in 2002 and 2020.

• Miami Dolphins - Established in 1966, the Dolphins have a storied history in the NFL and two back-to-back Super Bowl successes under their belt in the 70’s.

• Jacksonville Jaguars - The Jaguars joined the NFL in 1995 but have not yet secured a Super Bowl win.

• Miami Marlins - The Marlins have won the World Series twice, in 1997 and 2003. They were considered pretty sizable underdogs on both occasions.

• Tampa Bay Rays - The Rays reached the World Series in 2008 and 2020 but have yet to win a championship. 

• Miami Heat - The Heat have enjoyed significant success in the NBA, winning championships in 2006, 2012, and 2013, when they were led by Lebron James.

• Orlando Magic - The Magic has reached the NBA Finals twice but is still waiting to get their hands on some rings.

• Tampa Bay Lightning - Winning three Stanley Cups in 2004, 2020, and 2021, this team has become a powerhouse in the NHL since the turn of the millennium.

• Florida Panthers - Since joining the NHL in 1993, the Panthers have not seen much success during their time.

Florida Sportsbook Partnerships

Due to Florida's precarious legal situation, there are no sportsbook partnerships with specific teams in the Sunshine State.

Getting Help: Responsible Gambling in Florida

The Florida Gaming Control Commission oversees gambling in the state and creates a responsible betting environment. For those struggling with problem gambling, several resources can be consulted:

• The Florida Gambling Helpline can be reached by calling or texting 888-ADMIT-IT, chatting at gamblinghelp.org, or emailing [email protected]. 

• The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling has informative resources and a self-assessment quiz to help identify at-risk behavior.

Online sportsbooks also have specific tools to manage your betting.

• Deposit/bet limits: You can limit the amount you want to deposit or wager.

• Time alerts: Alerts can be made to remind you of how much time you’ve been spending on a platform.

• Time-outs/self-exclusion: You can have a break from the sportsbook for a certain period of indefinitely.