As of 2024, the legal status of sports betting in Florida remains in a state of flux. Despite multiple legislative attempts and considerable interest from the public and various stakeholders, establishing a regulated sports betting market in Florida has faced legal challenges and setbacks. Here’s an overview of the current situation and what might be expected moving forward.
Hard Rock Bet reintroduced its app to all eligible bettors on December 5, 2023, following a protracted legal struggle that led to the app’s closure in December 2021. Currently, Hard Rock Bet is the sole legal betting app in the state. The app was initially pulled by Hard Rock after judicial decisions challenged the legality of sports betting in Florida. However, the Seminole Tribe, which manages Hard Rock Bet, successfully overturned this decision on appeal, and subsequent efforts to contest this ruling have failed.
The newest Florida betting promotion and bonuses: Sign up with Hard Rock Bet and get up to $100 back if your first bet doesn’t win. Additionally, get a $25 Bonus for every friend you refer. T&Cs apply.
Recommended betting apps for Florida (Android, iOS): DraftKings and FanDuel app.
Florida betting options are limited as there are regulations against betting on the leading sports in the USA. However, if you’re hoping to wager in Florida, horse racing betting is allowed in the region at racetracks and off-site betting parlors in-person or online through regulated websites.
Pari-mutuel wagering is also permitted on jai alai games. Daily fantasy sites are active in the Sunshine State, although the practice is unregulated, so it is a gray area.
Florida Betting Bonuses
Hard Rock Bet stands as the sole authorized sportsbook in Florida, offering a straightforward welcome bonus to new players: If your first bet doesn’t win, you can get up to $100 back.
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook Bonus Details:
- Bonus Offer: Up to $100 back if your first bet doesn’t win
- Minimum Bet: $10
- Maximum Bonus: $100
- Eligibility: New players only, 21+
- States Available: AZ, FL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, VA
- Promo Code: None required, simply click to activate
- Offer Validity: Verified as of May 4, 2024
If your initial bet is successful, you simply collect your winnings. If not, Hard Rock Bet will credit your account with a Bonus Bet equal to your stake, up to $100. This Bonus Bet is issued if the first qualifying bet of at least $10 loses, regardless of the amount over $100 that might have been wagered.
Top Horse Racing Betting Sites in Florida
The best ones available offer pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing.
- TVG: A leading horse racing betting site that offers live streaming of races, expert analysis, and a wide range of betting options. TVG is known for its comprehensive coverage of domestic and international races.
- TwinSpires: Operated by Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company, TwinSpires offers an intuitive betting interface, free race replays, and exclusive handicapping tools. The site also features promotions like free bet offers and loyalty rewards.
- BetAmerica: Owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated, BetAmerica covers a vast array of horse racing events including harness and greyhound racing. It provides detailed betting guides for beginners and advanced bettors alike.
- Xpressbet: Known for its user-friendly platform, Xpressbet offers live video streaming of races, a robust mobile app, and a variety of wagering options. They also feature a rewards program that allows bettors to earn points on every bet.
- DRF Bets (Daily Racing Form): DRF offers a wealth of resources including race analysis, expert picks, and detailed form guides. Their betting site, DRF Bets, provides exclusive promotions and seamless integration with DRF’s handicapping data.
Retail Sportsbooks in Florida
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa: One of the largest casinos in the U.S., known for its vast gaming floors and extensive slot and table game offerings.
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood: Famous for its guitar-shaped hotel, this resort offers a wide range of gaming alongside entertainment and dining experiences.
- Seminole Casino Coconut Creek: Offers a vibrant gaming scene with slots, table games, and potentially sports betting in the future.
- Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood: Known for slots and table games, it could expand to include sports betting if regulations permit.
If you’re wagering in Florida on horse racing, you can place a wager at the track or off-site betting facilities available across the state for in-person and online bets. Notable tracks include:
- Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, known for hosting prestigious races like the Florida Derby.
- Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa, offering thoroughbred racing.
- Pompano Park in Pompano Beach, known for harness racing.
Professional Teams in Florida
Florida boasts several professional sports teams. The Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars play in the NFL. The Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins in the MLB. The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning from the NHL. The Orlando Magic and Miami Heat from the NBA.
What is the Legal Betting Age in Florida?
To participate in horse racing betting in Florida, you must be at least 18. However, to visit one of the many casinos in the Sunshine State to play slot, card, and table-based cards, you must be 21 or over.
Florida Sports Betting FAQ
No. You can only place a pari-mutuel bet on horse racing and jai alai games. Wagering in Florida is limited due to a sports betting legal limbo.
You must be at least 18 years old to bet on horse racing in Florida, either at the track or in an off-site betting parlor.
Florida online betting apps are restricted to daily fantasy operators such as FanDuel and DraftKings, along with horse racing betting providers.
Florida is one of the few states that does not require you to pay income tax on your winnings on horse racing betting. However, should the winnings exceed over $5,000, then you are liable to pay up to 24% in federal tax, depending on the amount gained.