Florida doesn’t have any online sports betting laws, meaning it can’t license any operator to run online sports betting sites in the state. Does FanDuel sportsbook work in Florida? FanDuel and DraftKings currently accept Florida players and allow daily fantasy sports betting. What are the major sports teams in Florida? Online Betting in Florida as we look at the legal online sportsbooks in FL and tell you where you can sign up to bet on the internet.
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.
Many are now asking how to bet on Super Bowl LV in Florida online. Here’s a quick article that explains exactly how place bets online in FL. Online betting in Florida is also allowed in the form of daily fantasy sports and online racing betting. Online sports betting, casino games and poker are prohibited – but we are hopeful that will change soon. Where it gets confusing is understanding exactly when and where the various forms of gambling are legal in Florida.
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.
Florida Online Horse Betting
Best Sportsbooks for Florida Residents
These are my two favorite sportsbooks for Florida residents.
| 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)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
- Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
Horse Racing in 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.
Other Florida Betting Articles
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Florida Online Betting
Florida Horse Racing
The sunny state of Florida is host to many horse tracks that are popular during the winter months.
Calder Race Course
This is a thoroughbred horse racing track in Miami Gardens, Florida. It's located on the Miami-Dade/Broward County line, approximately 15 miles from the centers of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.
Gulfstream Park
This is one of the most important venues for horse racing in the United States. It opened on February 1, 1939. It is the premier East Coast track that operates during the winter months.
Hialeah Park
This race Track originally opened in 1921. It offers Quarter Horse races from November to January.
Pompano Park
This track is known as 'The Winter Home of Harness Racing'and it has been the home of world-class standardbred racing since 1964.
Tampa Bay Downs
It first opened its doors in 1926 and is the only thoroughbred race track on the West Coast of Florida. It hosts two Kentucky Derby prep races, The Sam F. Davis Stakes and The Tampa Bay Derby every year.