This page takes a look at Florida sports betting and the history of its legality in the state. We intend to keep this page constantly updated with news regarding sportsbooks in FL.
History Behind Proposed Sports Betting Bill
The southern portion of the United States is collectively behind the rest of the country when it comes to legal sports betting. Many states in the South are beginning to pass sports betting legislation. However, not as quickly as the northern portion of the United States after the repealing of the Professional, and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).
Legislated in 1992, PASPA was ruled unconstitutional in a 6-3 decision by the Supreme Court in 2018. Previously, this law banned sportsbooks throughout the United States except for a few areas of the country, including Las Vegas.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe that allows sports betting at its tribal casinos and on mobile apps. It also added craps and roulette to Hard Rock Casinos. These new games went live briefly but were pulled due to legal battles in state and federal courts.
After a long court battle, Florida’s gaming compact was upheld. Sports betting, craps, and roulette relaunched in November 2023. Hard Rock has a statewide monopoly thanks to that gaming compact.
What the Sports Betting Law in Florida Says
The Florida sports betting law was created through a gaming compact between Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe. It was entered into in 2021. However, it did not go into effect until November 2023, after a long court battle. Now, all types of bets are permitted on professional and college sports. The types of bets include straights, parlays, teasers, props, futures, and in-play. Additionally, there are no college betting restrictions.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida receives a monopoly for sports betting. The tax rate is 15% of revenue. It may license competitors at a higher tax rate. The gaming compact also permits craps and roulette at the six Hard Rock Casinos in Florida.
Sports Teams to Bet on in Florida
Florida has a very large population, and the number of professional sports teams reflects the size of the state. It has a total of nine professional sports teams from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL.
Florida is home to three NFL franchises, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Jaguars and Dolphins are members of the AFC while the Buccaneers are part of the NFC. The Buccaneers are probably the most popular team in the state as of 2020, followed by Miami. Tom Brady coming to Tampa Bay made the excitement around the team grow drastically.
The Miami Heat and Orlando Magic are the two NBA teams that play in the state. The Heat lost in the NBA Finals in 2020. The Magic haven’t had the same amount of success as the Heat. Although, they did win the Eastern Conference Southeast Division title in 2019.
The MLB and the NHL each have two teams that compete in the state. The Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays are the two MLB teams in the state. The Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lighting are the NHL franchises. The Tampa Bay Rays lost in the World Series in 2020 to the Dodgers. Despite this, the Tampa Bay Lighting brought a Stanley Cup back to the city.
Florida is home to several popular NCAA teams. This includes the Miami Hurricanes, Florida Gators, and Florida State Seminoles.
Florida Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Florida?
Yes, bets may be made at six Hard Rock Casinos and on the Hard Rock mobile betting app.
When did Florida sports betting launch?
Florida sports betting briefly launched in 2021. After a two-year court battle, it went live again in November 2023.
Can you bet on college teams in Florida?
There are no college betting restrictions in Florida.
What’s the legal betting age in the state of Florida?
To bet on a casino floor or mobile app, you must be 21 years of age.