If you want to combine your love for sports with some added thrill, sports betting in Florida is making waves.
That’s right. The Sunshine State isn’t just home to world-famous beaches, endless amusement parks, and incredible wildlife—it’s also home to a deeply passionate sports culture.
And we’ll explore the ins and outs of the Florida sports betting industry in this guide.
Can You Sports Bet in Florida for Real Money?
For those eager to wager on sports in Florida, the answer is—yes, but with a catch. Currently, the situation around Florida online sports betting is a bit like waiting for a close call at home plate. While the framework for sports betting is in place, there are still some hurdles to overcome before it becomes a permanent fixture for all Floridians.
In 2021, Florida entered into an agreement with the Seminole Tribe, which briefly allowed the Hard Rock Sportsbook to operate. However, this deal hit a snag in the courts. Despite the temporary halt, hopes are high that sports betting will return to the state soon.
At the moment, betting on daily fantasy sports and horse racing are well-regulated.
For now, Floridians interested in sports betting can either cross state lines, or they can explore online betting platforms based offshore.
These offshore betting sites offer various options for sports betting enthusiasts looking to put real money on the line. However, it’s crucial that you only consider legit and licensed sports betting sites.
How to Find the Best Florida Sports Betting Sites for Real Money
The main challenge is figuring out how to choose the best Florida online sports betting site. Here’s a checklist to help you pick the right platform to place your real money bets:
Reputation and Licensing
A sports betting site’s reputation can tell you a lot about its trustworthiness. Make sure to choose a platform that’s licensed by a reputable gaming authority. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews and check out user feedback about their payout reliability and customer service.
Look for sites that have been around for a while and have built a solid reputation among Florida bettors.
Competitive Odds
One of the most important factors in choosing a sports betting site is the odds they offer. Better odds mean higher potential payouts. Don’t be afraid to compare different platforms to see which one offers the most competitive odds for the sports you’re interested in.
Whether you’re betting on the Miami Dolphins or the Florida Panthers, having favorable odds can make a big difference.
Bonuses and Promotions
Who doesn’t love a little extra bang for their buck? Many sports betting sites offer welcome bonuses or promotions for new and existing players. These can include free bets, deposit matches, and risk-free wagers. Make sure to read the terms and conditions to fully understand the requirements for unlocking these bonuses.
User Experience and Mobile Compatibility
A clean, easy-to-navigate site or mobile app can make your betting experience much more enjoyable. You’ll want to ensure that the platform you choose is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, especially if you plan to place bets on the go. Features like live betting, cash-out options, and in-depth statistics can enhance the overall experience.
Payment Methods and Payout Speed
When you’re placing real money bets, you want to make sure you can deposit and withdraw your funds quickly and securely. Look for sports betting sites that offer a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrencies. Additionally, check how quickly they process payouts—nobody likes to wait weeks to collect their winnings.
Variety of Sports and Betting Markets
If you’re betting in Florida, chances are you’re interested in more than just one sport. The best sports betting sites will offer a wide variety of sports and betting markets, from football and basketball to niche sports like golf or even esports.
Sites that provide multiple betting options, such as moneylines, spreads, over/under bets, and prop bets, can give you more flexibility in your wagers.
By considering these factors, you can ensure that you’re placing your bets on a site that’s safe, reliable, and optimized for Florida online sports betting.
Top 5 Most Popular Sports Teams to Bet On in Florida
Florida is home to several professional and collegiate sports teams that attract plenty of betting action. Here’s a look at the top five teams that dominate the sports betting scene in the state:
1. Miami Dolphins (NFL)
The Miami Dolphins have long been one of the most popular NFL teams in Florida. Known for their rich history, including a perfect season in 1972, the Dolphins attract a lot of betting interest from Floridians and football fans alike. NFL betting is huge, and Dolphins fans can often find great betting opportunities on game days.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL)
Since the arrival of Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers have become a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. Their Super Bowl win in 2021 made them a fan favorite for bettors looking to wager on football games. Tampa Bay games often feature high-stakes betting, especially when they go up against top NFL teams.
3. Miami Heat (NBA)
The Miami Heat has been a powerhouse in the NBA for years, thanks to a history of strong playoff performances and superstar players like Dwyane Wade and LeBron James.
Basketball betting is particularly popular during the NBA playoffs, and the Heat is often a go-to team for Florida bettors. With a solid fanbase, their games draw a lot of betting action, especially when they’re competing for a championship.
4. Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
Hockey might not be the first sport you think of when you picture sunny Florida, but the Tampa Bay Lightning have proven that the Sunshine State knows how to bring the heat on the ice.
The Lightning’s back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021 have made them a popular choice for NHL betting. Whether you’re betting on regular-season games or playoff series, the Lightning are always an exciting option.
5. Florida Panthers (NHL)
Another Florida-based hockey team, the Florida Panthers, have been making waves in recent seasons. With a dedicated fanbase and solid performances on the ice, the Panthers are an appealing choice for NHL betting enthusiasts. As hockey grows in popularity across the state, betting on the Panthers is becoming more common among Florida sports fans.
These teams aren’t just popular with Florida sports fans—they’re also among the most bet-on teams in the state. Whether it’s football, basketball, or hockey, Floridians have plenty of exciting options for real money wagers.
Florida Online Sports Betting FAQs
To clear up some common questions surrounding Florida online sports betting, here are a few frequently asked questions:
Is sports betting safe in Florida?
Yes, sports betting is safe in Florida as long as you place your wagers at properly licensed online sportsbooks.
Can I bet on college sports in Florida?
Yes, if and when sports betting becomes fully regulated in Florida, betting on college sports, including NCAA football and basketball, will likely be available.
Some offshore betting sites also allow betting on college sports. Just keep in mind that there might be restrictions on prop bets involving individual college athletes.
What types of bets can I place on sports in Florida?
Sports betting offers a wide range of betting types, including moneyline bets (picking the winner), point spreads (betting on margin of victory), totals (over/under on total points scored), prop bets (specific events within a game), and futures (betting on long-term outcomes like championship winners).
Ready to Place Your Bets at Real Money Florida Betting Sites?
Although the journey to fully regulate Florida online sports betting has had its share of twists and turns, the excitement is building for sports fans across the state.
While they’re working out the details of making it fully official, offshore betting sites provide a viable alternative for Floridians.
As sports betting evolves in Florida, the key to success will be finding trustworthy platforms, managing your wagers wisely, and enjoying the thrill of the game.
So, good luck and happy betting!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Online gambling comes with risks. There’s no guarantee of financial gain, so you should only gamble with what you can afford to lose.
While gambling can be fun, it can also be addictive. If you or anyone you know suffers from a gambling addiction problem, we recommend that you call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 to speak with an advisor. Please remember that our guides and all gambling sites are only for people who are 21+. Also, check with local laws to find out if online gambling is legal in your area.
For free online gambling addiction resources, visit these organizations:
