Best Sports Betting Sites in Florida in July 2025

Written by: Declan Willis

Fact checked by: Katerina Valcheva

Map of USA, where state of Florida is pinned.

Are you looking for the best sports betting sites Florida has to offer? The truth is that, for now, you’ll be limited to one option. The state’s gambling landscape is highly regulated. After years of legal battles and shifting policies, sports wagering has now become fully lawful. What about legal betting sites in Florida? The thing is that currently and for a while Hard Rock Bet, operated by the Seminole Tribe, is your only choice.

You can place wagers online or in person at Seminole casinos, using a wide range of sports and markets only through the Hard Rock Bet platform. Indeed, the FL market remains closed to other major sportsbooks. But don’t worry. Hard Rock Bet offers a secure, user-friendly, and fully licensed experience. As the legal environment continues to change, this platform stands as the exclusive destination for safe and legal wagering in the Sunshine State.

Below we compare the best Florida betting sites, explain the legal options and restrictions. We also cover the history of legalization, outline the key laws and ages, and offer practical guidance for bettors. So, let’s dive in!

The best sites legal in Florida

Verified by: Declan Willis Author at GameZinger.com
Last updated: 17.07.2025
Online casinoExpert ratingWelcome BonusDistinctive featuresPayment MethodsRead full casino reviewSecure linkSignificant Terms
4.8/5 Up to $100 back in bonus bets
  • Highly rated Sportsbook
  • Generous betting bonus
  • Hard Rock global rewards program
Claim Bonus! Read Sportsbook Review Terms & Conditions apply

Florida currently has just one legal online sportsbook, namely Hard Rock Bet. The reason for that is that the law currently blocks all other major bookmakers (BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, etc.) from operating. Seminole Compact exclusivity means Hard Rock Bet is the only lawful app for online sports betting in Florida. Experts rate the Seminole Tribe’s platform well. Its welcome offer is first-bet insurance up to $100 back in bonus bets if your first wager loses. Distinctive features of the bookmaker include live in-play betting, same-game parlays, and early cash-out option. The brand also offers a loyalty rewards program and frequent odds-boost promos.

What Florida online sports betting and in-person gambling options do you have? At the moment the law now permits several forms of sports wagering, but with limits. Check them out:

  • Florida online sports betting – Legal (monopoly)

    You can place wagers on the sports and activities you like exclusively through Hard Rock Bet, which is operated by the Seminole Tribe. Feel free to use the app or the website without restrictions. Under the 2021 compact’s terms and the Peninsula State laws, bettors can gamble via Hard Rock Bet only. The wagers are legally tied to the tribe’s servers on their own lands. Federal courts ultimately confirmed this arrangement.

    So, currently, FL’s only authorized online sportsbook is Hard Rock Bet. It was launched in early November 2023 and officially reopened on December 5, 2023. There are no other legal betting sites in Florida now. Hopefully, this will change in the future.

  • Land-based Betting – Legal

    In-person sports gambling is allowed, but exclusively at Seminole tribal casinos only. Six of these facilities offer retail bookmakers, including kiosks and wagering windows since December 2023. They accept bets on professional and college sports. Betting at these venues is restricted to anyone aged 21 or older. The activity must take place on-site at the casino or via Hard Rock Bet’s app through geolocation.

The most popular retail sportbooks in Florida
Verified by:Declan WillisAuthor at Gamezinger.com
Last updated: 28.06.2025
SportsbookLocationOwnerLaunch dateOnline betting / Gambling website
Hollywood, FLSeminole Tribe of Florida (Seminole Gaming)Dec. 7, 2023Yes
Hollywood, FLSeminole Tribe of FloridaDec. 7, 2023Yes
Coconut Creek, FLSeminole Tribe of FloridaDec. 7, 2023Yes
Tampa, FLSeminole Tribe of FloridaDec. 8, 2023Yes
Naples (Immokalee), FLSeminole Tribe of FloridaDec. 11, 2023Yes
Immokalee, FLSeminole Tribe of FloridaDec. 11, 2023Yes
Load More

The above six tribal casinos operate under the state-approved 2021 Compact, which authorized traditional casino gambling and sports betting in Florida. This agreement allowed the tribe to offer craps and roulette at its locations for the first time. The Seminole tribal government controls in-person wagering under this deal. No other land-based sportsbooks can open without new legal permission as any has not been passed yet.

  • Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) – Available, not regulated

    DFS platforms (DraftKings, FanDuel, ProphetX, Kalshi, Thrillzz) are at residents’ disposal in Florida, but not explicitly lawful. Despite being widely used, they still operate in the gray area. Pure “peer-to-peer” DFS contests like FanDuel and DraftKings’s traditional ones are generally permitted in the Sunshine State. Although the law does not regulate them, providers have operated in FL for years without problems.18 and years and older people in the Everglade State can play DFS

    Keep in minds that the newer “pick ’em”-style games, also called DFS 2.0, have been targeted by regulators. As a result, in 2024 the Florida Gaming Control Commission forced sites like PrizePicks, Underdog and Betr to stop offering them. Currently, traditional fantasy contests, where players compete against each other for a fixed entry fee, are still in use.

  • Esports Betting – Not Legal

    Wagering on e-sports is neither allowed by the law online nor in-person. Florida’s legislation does not authorize betting on such video game competitions. Hard Rock Bet does not offer such markets and casinos have not opened e-sports betting either. For the moment, fans of this activity are not allowed to legally place wagers on games such as League of Legends or Fortnite in the Peninsula State.

History of sports betting in Florida

Southern state’s journey to legal sports wagering has been convoluted and complex. Since the 2021 deal with the Seminole Tribe, law battles have shaped the current gambling scene. As of mid-2025, this tribe holds exclusive rights to operate sports betting in the state. Here’s a quick look at how all this happened.

The most important sports betting laws in FL state

Wagering on sports and competitions is determined by federal and state law, and the state constitution. Here are the essential law developments so far:

  1. Amendment 3 (2018): Expands casino gambling only with voter approval, with the exception of tribal gaming under federal law. The Seminole compact fits this exception by providing bets through tribal land servers.
  2. 2021 Compact Law (CS/SB 2-A): Officially permitted the Seminole Tribe to offer sports betting, roulette, and craps. It sets the legal age at 18 for DFS and 21 for sports gambling.
  3. Federal IGRA Law: Allows and limits tribal gaming to Indian lands. Courts accepted Florida’s model with wagers placed across the state but processed on tribal servers.
  4. Tribal Exclusivity: Only the Seminole Tribe has the legal right to offer sports betting in Florida. No commercial bookies can do that unless the constitution is amended by voters.
  5. Penalties: Any unlicensed sports gambling remains illegal under the FL law and only the Tribe may operate.
  6. Mid-2025 – The Seminole Tribe with exclusive.
  7. Betting rights in the Gulf Coast State: As of mid-2025, the tribe remains the only legal provider of wagering in Florida. It holds rights until 2051, unless a statewide referendum changes the laws.
  8. Legal Age: Sports enthusiasts, both online and in person, must be 21+.

The legal age for both in-person and online wagering is 21+. Tribal and pari-mutuel casinos also have 21+ age requirement for slots, table games, and poker. Daily fantasy games (peer contests) have been allowed to 18+ aged, but pick’em-style DFS was chased in 2024. The Florida Lottery, pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dog races also demands players to be 18+.

Legal sports betting age

Betting typeLegal age at land-based establishmentLegal age onlineLegal since
Sports Betting2121December 2023 (relaunch under 2021 law)
Daily Fantasy Sports1818long-standing de facto legality
Casino Games (Slots/ Tables)212000s (tribal casino/parimutuels)
Live Poker (at casinos)21N/A2000s (under pari-mutuels/tribe)
Florida Lottery18N/A1988 (state lottery inception)
Horse/Dog Racing18181930s (pari-mutuel wagering)
Bingo & Charitable Games181960s (regulated bingo laws)

How to choose the best sports betting sites in Florida

In many other states you might have options like FanDuel, DraftKings, etc., but the Everglade State’s only licensed sportsbook is currently Hard Rock. Potential future legal expansion could introduce new brands. Residents of the Peninsula State have quite limited options. However, in general when choosing gambling platforms to register in and use, we recommend you consider multiple factors. Here’s what to look for:

Bonuses

Check the section with promotions every sportsbook has. Make sure to look at the size of the welcome offer first. The sign-up bonus is usually the most generous deal of all casinos and bookmakers. By taking the time to assess it, you can figure out what do the platforms offer as extra money. Pay attention to any bonus terms (rollover requirements, first-bet insurance, etc.) and read them carefully to understand them well. Hard Rock Bet’s current bonus is relatively modest.

Safety & Legality

Also, check that each of the sportsbooks you consider using is fully licensed and regulated. Don’t make any compromises with safety. Place bets only on platforms with fully legal and secure operations in Florida. This will protect you in cases of disputes and other issues.

Betting Options

Consider the variety of markets offered at online bookmakers. Check the available sports and leagues, as well as the bet types (e.g. props, parlays, futures, live in-play). A broader menu of these translates to more ways to gamble and freedom of choice. We have extensive betting guides where you can learn more about prop bets, parlay wagers, point spreads, future bets, total wagers and the like. Whether you are a newbie in gambling or an experienced gambler, check them out! There’s something for everyone!

Odds & Payouts

Take the time to learn if the odds of your chosen sportsbooks are competitive compared to others’ proposals. Even small differences in line payouts can add up over time and make a difference.

Mobile Experience

Nowadays, a strong, user-friendly sportsbook app or at least a mobile site is essential. Prioritize good performance, ease of navigation, and full feature integrity with the desktop version. These will ensure comfort you and you will have a pleasant experience.

Live (in-play) betting options

If you love wagering live during games, matches and competitions, make sure to finds bookmakers where live gambling is well supported. Look for lots of real-time markets and updated odds to be able to make informed decisions and have success.

Payments & Withdrawals

These days fast, convenient deposit and withdrawal options are a must. What you should look for are lots of payment methods and quick turnaround on payouts. Options such as MasterCard, Amex, Visa, bank transfer and the like are in high demand and should be available at the best betting sites in Florida.

Customer Service

Whatever problems and questions you may have, you need to know who to address them to, so you learn how to deal with them. Helpful 24/7 support through online chat, email and/or phone can be crucial for resolving them. Having convenient contact channels is determining for the overall betting experience too.

Reputation & UX

A clean, intuitive user interface nurtures confidence. Also consider customer and sportsbooks reviews or ratings from other users. These will help you learn what to expect from the platform, its perks and drawbacks and other information that may be useful to you.

So, which are the best sites legal in Florida? For the moment, Hard Rock Bet dominates all categories as it’s the only lawful provider. Below is a quick table of categories and the recommended sportsbook.

Top 3 most popular sports for betting in the Everglade State

In the Vacation State, betting is dominated by three major sports. These are as expected football, basketball, and baseball, which have plenty of professional and college teams. So, residents of the Sunshine State can relish a wide variety of wagering opportunities year-round. Football, of course, leads the pack, driven by the NFL and strong college programs. It is followed closely by basketball and baseball. Both of them attract significant betting interest inspired by local teams and extensive seasons.

Football (NFL & NCAA)

King football is by far the most popular sport with wagering interest in Florida as well as globally. The state is home to three NFL franchises. These are the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars, each with a passionate fan base. Additionally, college football is in high demand in the state, boosted by powerhouse programs like the University of Florida Gators, Miami Hurricanes, and Florida State Seminoles. The NFL and NCAA seasons drive great betting activity, especially during the playoffs and bowl games. Football is definitely the dominant force in the Vacation State’s sports gambling scene.

Basketball (NBA & NCAA)

Basketball is another major betting favorite for Floridians. They have two NBA teams – the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic. Both attract significant wagering activity throughout the regular season and playoffs. College basketball also enjoys lots of attention, particularly during March Madness, when betting volume has dramatic spikes. The fast-paced nature of basketball and the diversity of gambling markets (spreads, props, totals, live betting) make it rather appealing to the Peninsula State residents.

Baseball (MLB)

Baseball is the third sport that relishes huge activity among bettors. It is presented by the Miami Marlins and Tampa Bay Rays in Florida’s Major League Baseball. The state’s strong tradition of hosting MLB spring training boosts interest even further. The game’s long season and daily matches provide almost endless betting opportunities (money-lines, run lines, player props, futures, etc.). Baseball has a deep statistical base and tradition, making it a great option for both casual and serious fans in Florida.

Popular sports events you can bet on

The most renowned competitions you can place wagers on in Florida include a wide range of professional, college, and international ones. They attract strong interest from local fans and bettors, giving them access to a diverse calendar of high-profile events. These are led by NFL games and the Super Bowl, NBA and March Madness, MLB, NHL playoffs, major soccer tournaments, and marquee horse races. Here they are:

  • NFL Games and the Super Bowl: The top sport for betting in the Everglade State undeniably is football. The Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers teams draw major action throughout the entire NFL season. The Super Bowl is the biggest annual event. Floridians place wagers on everything, from the outcome to in-game events and player props.
  • NBA and March Madness: Basketball gambling is huge, especially during the NBA season and playoffs on Orlando Magic and Miami Heat games. College basketball’s March Madness tournament is also a significant highlight. The Florida Gators’ 2025 championship run make them a focal point for bettors. March Madness regularly ranks among the most wagered-on sporting contest in the Gulf Coast State.
  • MLB and the World Series: Baseball fans in Florida consistently bet on the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins during the MLB season. The World Series and MLB playoffs enjoy significant interest. Spring training games do too as FL hosts the Grapefruit League every year.
  • NHL Playoffs and Stanley Cup: Hockey betting continues to expand. This may be also thanks to the recent success of the Florida Panthers and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The latter have been Stanley Cup winners in 2020 and 2021, while the Panthers – Stanley Cup champions in 2023 and finalists in 2024. NHL playoffs and the Stanley Cup Finals attract immense wagering volumes.
  • Soccer Events: Soccer is becoming more and more popular in the Peninsula State, thanks to Major League Soccer teams like Inter Miami CF and Orlando City SC. Other factors for its success are major international tournaments such as the Copa America and World Cup matches held in Miami. The attracting of global stars and the major tournaments has led to increased soccer betting as well.
  • Horse Racing: the Peninsula State has a rich horse racing tradition. Events like the Florida Derby and other Triple Crown prep races at Gulfstream Park are major betting attractions. Thankfully, on-site and online wagering are allowed and possible for these races for Sunshine Staters.
  • Other Major Events: Residents of Southern state also enjoy a wide range of wagering on competitions. Such are the PGA Tour (especially The Players Championship and Arnold Palmer Invitational), Grand Slam tennis tournaments, NASCAR races (like the Daytona 500), and the Olympics during Olympic years.

Most important sports teams from Florida

There may not be a satisfactory selection of legal FL betting sites, but the state has enough teams. It is home to many prominent professional and collegiate ones, which have significantly influenced their respective leagues. Notable teams in the state are Orlando Magic (NBA), Florida State Seminoles (college football) and many others. These five illustrate the Peninsula State’s sporting highlights.

Florida Panthers logo

Florida Panthers (NHL)

This is the state’s top sports team in 2025. Heading to their third consecutive Stanley Cup Final and defending Stanley Cup champions, they won their first title in 2023. The Panthers have dominated the NHL postseason with wins in 10 of their last 11 playoff series since 2023, consistently outscoring their opponents. The team’s run has made them a focal point for hockey fans and bettors within the state. Captain Aleksander Barkov, forward Matthew Tkachuk, and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky have been pivotal in their success. The team has helped solidify Florida’s hockey state status, which is a great achievement.

Florida Gators logo

Florida Gators (football and basketball)

The Gators, representing the University of Florida, are among the most triumphant and influential college sports programs in the USA. They excel in both football and men’s basketball.

The Florida Gators Football is a powerhouse at the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team has a tradition of producing top NFL talent and has won three national championships (1996, 2006, 2008) as well as numerous SEC titles. It is popular with its intense rivalries, legendary players, passionate fan base, and top coaches like Tim Tebow, Steve Spurrier, and Urban Meyer. Gators football games are major events for sports fans in the Sunshine State. They consistently attract significant betting interest.

Gators Men’s Basketball has also achieved elite status, highlighted by back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007, and another national title in 2025. The program is known for its deep tournament runs, strong recruiting, and energetic fan support. The Gators’ recent 2025 championship run made them one of the most popular teams for college basketball wagering in FL.

Miami Dolphins logo

Miami Dolphins (NFL)

The oldest and one of the most recognized professional sports teams in the Gulf Coast State has had a rich history. The Miami Dolphins features two Super Bowl victories and the NFL’s perfect season in 1972. Today they continue to be a significant presence in Florida’s gambling landscape. The Dolphins have a massive fan base and are consistently among the top teams for betting in the Atlantic Coast State.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)

The Buccaneers have cemented their place in FL sports culture, especially after their second Super Bowl title in 2021. They finished the regular 2024 season with a 10–7 record, which secured the NFC South division title for the fourth consecutive year. During the playoffs, the team was eliminated in the NFC Wild Card round by the Washington Commanders. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers players continue to include a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers. Their recent success and high-profile players keep them at the center of NFL betting attention throughout the state.

Tampa Bay Lightning logo

Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)

The Lightning have become one of the NHL’s elite teams, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. They finished the regular season with a 47–27–8 record, having secured the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division in the 2024–25 regular season. The Tampa Bay Lightning was defeated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Florida Panthers in five games. Key players for the team are Nikita Kucherov, who scored 37 goals and 84 assists, Brayden Point (42 goals), and Andrei Vasilevskiy (37 wins with a 2.14 goals-against average).

What other types of gambling are legal in FL?

Permitted gambling in Florida is limited to lotteries, tribal casinos including sports betting, pari-mutuel racing, and regulated charity games. Not allowed by the law are presently online casinos, unlicensed bookmakers, and other forms.

Online casino gambling FL – illegal

Florida law does not allow any online casino games (in this number slots, poker, table variants, etc.) for state residents. The only permitted form is the sports betting Hard Rock Bet app. All other forms of virtual casino gambling remain prohibited. That leaves Sunshine Staters with no other choice but to visit physical casinos for slots or table play.

Online poker – illegal

Online poker in Florida is not allowed either. The table game is only permitted at approved locations, namely Hard Rock Bet’s retail gambling facilities.

Casino poker – legal but limited to casinos

Live poker games are allowed at licensed casinos and pari-mutuel venues with slot machines. These include the Seminole Tribe’s facilities and a few racetracks (“racinos”). Home games or any poker websites are not permitted.

Lottery – legal

The Florida Lottery operates in Everglade State. Players aged 18 or over can buy draw tickets or scratch-offs at retail outlets. Lottery games betting is not only fully legal, but it funds education. You won’t find any state-run online casino, only limited lottery ticket subscriptions and fantasy drawings, which are allowed in the Sunshine State.

Horse/Dog Racing (Pari-Mutuel Betting) – legal

Wagering on horse and dog races is lawful only at all licensed pari-mutuel facilities (racetracks and off-track venues). Anyone who is 18 or older in Florida can legally place bets on them. This includes traditional win, place, and show bets, as well as more complex exotic ones such as exactas and trifectas.

Wagering is common both at live racetracks and at off-track betting locations (OTBs) thanks to the state’s strong horse racing tradition. It is highlighted by major events such as the Florida Derby. State regulations also allow for simulcast and online gambling via approved platforms. This means that players can bet on races held in FL or other states from anywhere within FL.

Bingo and charitable games – legal (in-person)

Bingo games and raffles are allowed but only when conducted under strict regulations. Typically, this means games and raffles for charitable fundraising or at authorized parlors by entities with a license. Players must usually be 18+. Online or remote bingo/poker games are not permitted currently.

Sweepstakes/skill games – not permitted

Florida has taken strong action against “sweepstakes cafes” and similar game-of-skill platforms that mimic casino games. Lawmakers have introduced bills that make operating or even playing at these venues a felony. They have closed all legal loopholes to protect the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive gaming rights. Presently, the state continues to target these unregulated gambling businesses, maintaining control over gaming and protecting consumers.

FL online sports betting sites – The conclusion

So, are you still looking for the best betting sites Florida has to offer? Sadly, you don’t have much of a choice. As of May 2025, residents can only use the Seminole Tribe’s venues and app. Hard Rock Bet and retail bookmakers at Seminole casinos remain the state’s exclusive providers. This situation stems from the 2021 tribal compact and later court rulings. All other potential gambling sites are still off-limits unless state law changes or voters approve a new framework.

Floridians can wager on pro and college sports through Hard Rock Bet (21+), get bonuses, and visit six tribal casinos for in-person gambling. But they cannot use BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, or any non-tribal bookie. Other gambling forms have their own rules. For example, lottery and pari-mutuel betting are legal, while online casinos and sweepstakes platforms are not. Make sure to check age and location requirements.

Currently, there’s no point in learning which are the best Florida betting sites as the state’s sports betting market is legal but closed. There’s only one provider with tight regulation – you can use the Hard Rock Bet app and the Seminole bookie. Keep an eye on local news, though, as future legislation or ballot measures could expand the landscape.

Declan WillisAuthor at Gamezinger.com

Florida sports betting FAQ

What is the Seminole gaming compact?

It’s a 30-year agreement between Florida and the Seminole Tribe, approved in 2021. It grants the Tribe the right to run sports betting and new casino games within the state under specified conditions. The compact is valid through 2051, so the tribe’s exclusive rights continue for decades unless the authorities change the law.

Is sports betting legal in Florida?

Yes, but only the Hard Rock app (mobile/online), gambling windows and kiosks at Seminole casinos are. All other Florida betting sites and retail operators remain banned under current law.

Can I use DraftKings, FanDuel or BetMGM in Florida?

No, the legislators have upheld the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive rights. If you are a Sunshine Stater, you must use Hard Rock Bet or go to an authorized land-based casino run by the same tribe. No other Florida online betting sites are permitted.

What is the minimum age to bet on sports in FL?

You must be at least 21 years old for online and in person wagers.

Can I wager on college sports in the Citrus Capital?

Yes. Thankfully, the state allows wagering on college football and basketball among other NCAA sports at Florida betting sites and land-based operators.

Are daily fantasy sports legal?

Traditional DFS contests have operated in FL without a specific law prohibiting them.

Players 18+ can continue to play such games like DraftKings/FanDuel. However, newer pick’em style games (e.g. PrizePicks, Underdog) were considered illegal in the Southern state as of 2024.

Are online casinos or poker allowed in Florida?

No, online gaming and poker for real money are currently not permitted. Poker is legal only at licensed brick-and-mortar venues (tribal casinos or racetracks) for 21+olds.

What betting sites are legal in Florida?

As of May 2025, the only lawful online sportsbook is Hard Rock Bet, operated exclusively by the Seminole Tribe of the Gulf Coast State.

Will other bookmakers become legal in Florida?

Any future legalization of commercial sports betting requires changing of the FL law or a voter referendum. In 2025 legislators have discussed new gambling bills (for “integrity” measures, etc.), but none have become part of the legislation so far.