Our Best Florida Sports Betting Offers

 

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Florida?

 

Yes, online sports betting is legal in Florida — but only in a limited capacity. Currently, wagering is available exclusively through Hard Rock Bet, the sportsbook operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida under a tribal gaming compact approved in 2021.

 

The agreement was negotiated under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and grants the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to conduct sports wagering in the state. Under the terms of the compact, bets placed online are legally considered to occur on tribal land, as long as the betting servers processing those wagers are physically located on tribal property.

 

As a result, national sportsbook operators such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars are not authorized to offer online sports betting in Florida.

 

Due to this exclusivity structure, many Florida residents turn to alternative options like Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms and pick’em contests. These services operate statewide and allow users to compete for real-money prizes based on player performance, rather than traditional sportsbook promos markets such as point spreads or moneylines.

 

Best DFS Apps in Florida Reviewed

Below are the top Florida DFS pick’em and fantasy apps, each with standout features and current welcome offers.

 

 

DraftKings Fantasy: A Top Florida DFS App for Large Contests

 

Welcome Offer: New customers can play free for a share of millions in prizes with their first deposit.

DraftKings Florida Promo Code: No promo code required.

Best Known For: Massive prize pools and a wide variety of DFS contest formats.

 

 

App Experience & Features

 

DraftKings Fantasy offers one of the largest contest lobbies in the industry, featuring salary-cap DFS games, single-game showdowns, and multi-entry tournaments. The platform also includes beginner-friendly contests with entry limits designed to level the playing field for new players.

 

DraftKings Fantasy stands out as a leading DFS option in Florida for users seeking access to large-scale contests and nationally recognized prize pools. As one of the most established brands in daily fantasy sports, DraftKings offers competitions across nearly every major sport, with formats that cater to both casual players and experienced DFS competitors.

 

 

Florida Sports Betting News & Legislative Timeline

 

📅 May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to legalize sports betting individually. In Florida, lawmakers begin exploring sports wagering through tribal gaming agreements rather than a traditional commercial licensing model.

 

📅 April 2021: Governor Ron DeSantis signs a new gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The agreement includes sports betting and grants the tribe exclusive rights to operate retail and online sportsbooks statewide.

 

📅 November 2021: Legal challenges pause the launch of online sports betting after a federal court ruling raises questions about the structure of the compact.

 

📅 2023–2024: Subsequent court decisions allow the Seminole Tribe to proceed under the compact framework, effectively reaffirming tribal exclusivity for sports wagering in Florida.

 

📅 Present: Hard Rock Bet remains the only authorized sportsbook operating in Florida. No legislation has been enacted to permit commercial sportsbook operators to enter the market.

 

What This Means for Florida Bettors

 

Because sports betting in Florida is governed through a tribal compact rather than a commercial licensing system, any major market expansion would likely require a renegotiated compact, voter approval, or significant legal action.

 

 

Florida Sports Betting Laws

 

Florida’s sports betting laws are structured around tribal gaming agreements, rather than a traditional state-run or commercial licensing model. Unlike many states that passed standalone sports betting legislation, Florida legalized wagering through a state–tribal compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

 

Under current law, the Seminole Tribe holds exclusive authority to offer sports betting in the state. Florida has not enacted legislation permitting multiple sportsbook operators or creating a competitive online betting marketplace. As a result, sports wagering access is limited to tribal operations, including approved retail casino locations and the tribe’s online platform.

 

Although the 2018 repeal of PASPA allowed states to legalize sports betting individually, Florida chose a tribal exclusivity framework rather than a commercial model. This decision continues to shape the state’s limited sportsbook landscape.

 

 

Recent Florida Sports Betting Agreements & Legal Developments

 

Below is a timeline of key agreements and legal actions that have defined Florida’s sports betting framework:

 

• Seminole Gaming Compact (2021): Legalized sports betting under a tribal compact and granted the Seminole Tribe exclusive operating rights statewide.

• Federal Court Challenge (2021): A federal ruling temporarily halted online sports betting, citing concerns regarding wagers placed outside tribal land.

• Appellate Court Decisions (2023): Higher court rulings allowed the compact structure to proceed, reaffirming the legal foundation for tribal exclusivity.

• Hard Rock Bet Relaunch (2023): Online sports betting resumed under Seminole Tribe control.

• No Commercial Sports Betting Legislation: Florida lawmakers have not passed bills authorizing non-tribal or commercial sportsbook operators.

 

What Betting Options Are Legal in Florida Right Now?

 

Florida currently offers a limited range of legal betting and gambling options. Traditional sports betting is permitted exclusively through Hard Rock Bet, the online sportsbook operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida under its state gaming compact. At this time, national sportsbook apps such as FanDuel, DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM, and Caesars are not authorized to offer standard sports wagering in the state.

 

However, Florida residents still have access to several other legal gaming alternatives. These include Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests, pick’em-style platforms, the Florida Lottery, pari-mutuel wagering (such as horse racing), and gaming at approved tribal casino locations.

 

Below is a breakdown of the currently permitted options and how each operates under Florida law.

 

 

Florida Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) and Pick’em Apps

 

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) remains one of the most accessible and widely used legal sports gaming options in Florida. Unlike traditional sportsbooks, DFS contests center on individual player performance, rather than predicting game winners, point spreads, or totals.

 

Florida does not currently have legislation that specifically licenses or formally regulates DFS platforms. As a result, major DFS and pick’em operators have continued to offer contests statewide for years without significant enforcement action. While availability can vary by operator and contest format, Florida users generally have access to many of the same DFS platforms available in other states.

 

 

Common DFS Contest Types Available in Florida

 

• 50/50 Contests: Approximately half of the participants win and half lose. These lower-variance contests typically pay close to double the entry fee to winners.

• Head-to-Head (H2H): One user competes against a single opponent. The lineup with the higher fantasy score wins the prize pool.

• Tournaments (GPPs): Large-field contests with significant prize pools. Only a small percentage of entries cash, but payouts can be substantially higher.

• Pick’em Contests: Users select multiple player stat projections and choose whether each outcome will go over or under the listed line.

• Best Ball: Participants draft a roster once, and the platform automatically counts the highest-scoring players each week or round — no weekly lineup adjustments required.

 

 

Florida Lottery

 

The Florida Lottery is one of the most widely used forms of state-regulated gambling. Residents can purchase lottery tickets in person at authorized retailers across the state, including convenience stores and supermarkets.

 

The official Florida Lottery mobile app allows users to check winning numbers, scan tickets, and locate nearby retailers. However, lottery tickets must still be purchased in person, as online ticket sales are not currently permitted under Florida law.

 

 

Florida Horse Racing & Pari-Mutuel Betting

 

Florida permits pari-mutuel wagering at licensed facilities. This includes betting on horse racing, jai alai, and other approved events at authorized venues. Some locations also provide simulcast wagering, allowing bettors to place wagers on races held in other states.

 

All pari-mutuel bets must be placed through approved operators and licensed facilities, either on-site or through authorized betting platforms connected to those locations.

 

 

Are Casinos Legal in Florida?

 

Florida does not permit commercial casinos like those found in Nevada or New Jersey. Instead, casino gaming operates under federal tribal gaming law.

 

The Seminole Tribe of Florida operates multiple casino properties statewide. These venues offer slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and retail sportsbook access. Sports wagering at tribal casinos is conducted exclusively through the Hard Rock Bet platform, under the tribe’s gaming authority.

 

 

Most Popular Sports and Teams to Bet On in Florida

 

Florida is home to one of the most active sports markets in the United States. With professional franchises across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS, along with a powerhouse college football presence, fan engagement remains strong year-round. Even under the state’s limited sportsbook structure, interest in sports wagering continues through Hard Rock Bet and Daily Fantasy Sports platforms.

 

 

NFL Betting in Florida

 

Football is the most popular sport to bet on in Florida. The state features three NFL franchises, each with a loyal and established fan base.

 

The Miami Dolphins command the largest national following and consistently generate heavy betting interest, particularly during playoff races and prime-time matchups. South Florida is widely regarded as one of the league’s most active viewing and wagering markets.

 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers experienced a surge in betting activity during the Tom Brady era and continue to draw attention as competitive playoff contenders. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars have emerged as a rising AFC team, with growing betting engagement as their roster strengthens.

 

Because the NFL drives the highest weekly betting volume nationwide, these teams collectively account for the most consistent wagering activity in Florida throughout the season.

 

For more information, see our guide to the best NFL betting apps.

 

 

NBA Betting in Florida

 

Basketball generates steady betting interest across Florida’s two NBA franchises.

 

The Miami Heat are one of the league’s most recognizable teams, with multiple NBA Finals appearances and a strong national following. Deep playoff runs typically lead to spikes in wagering activity, particularly on futures, series prices, and player props.

 

The Orlando Magic maintain strong regional support. During rebuilding phases featuring emerging young talent, betting interest often centers on player props, season win totals, and developmental futures markets.

 

 

MLB Betting in Florida

 

Baseball remains a popular wagering option thanks to its long regular season and near-daily schedule.

 

The Tampa Bay Rays frequently contend for postseason spots and are known for their analytics-driven approach. Value-focused bettors often gravitate toward the Rays due to disciplined roster management and strategic pitching usage.

 

The Miami Marlins draw regional support, especially during divisional matchups within the NL East. Because MLB games are played almost daily during the summer, baseball becomes one of the most active betting markets throughout the season.

 

 

College Sports Betting in Florida

 

College football is deeply ingrained in Florida’s sports culture and, in many regions, rivals the NFL in overall fan engagement.

 

Programs such as the Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, and Miami Hurricanes command national recognition and passionate followings. Rivalry games, conference championships, and bowl season typically generate the highest levels of betting interest each year.

 

College basketball also sees increased activity during conference tournaments and March postseason play, particularly when Florida programs make tournament runs.

 

 

Florida Responsible Gaming Resources

 

Whether wagering through Hard Rock Bet, participating in Daily Fantasy Sports, or entering pick’em contests, responsible play is essential. Sports betting and gaming should always be treated as entertainment — not as a guaranteed way to earn income.

 

If gambling stops being enjoyable or begins to create financial, emotional, or personal challenges, confidential help is available.

 

Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG)

Website: gamblinghelp.org/florida

Phone: 1-888-ADMIT-IT (1-888-236-4848)

 

National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)

Website: ncpgambling.org

Phone: 1-800-522-4700

Text: “HELP” to 800-522-4700

Live Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat

 

Gamblers Anonymous

Website: gamblersanonymous.org

Phone: 1-855-222-5542

 

Support services are free, confidential, and available to Florida residents.