Choosing Where to Bet Online in Florida

• Online Gambling In Florida: Are Gambling Sites Legal In FL 2021?
• Florida Online Gambling
• Florida Online Betting Laws

The online sports betting industry is already full of options and increasing all the time. We want to give you more information on what to look for when choosing a sportsbook to bet with. There are a few things to consider when finding the right sportsbook for you.

What to consider when choosing a sportsbook

No Florida law states that online poker, casino games, or sports betting sites are explicitly illegal. Florida is the south-easternmost state in America and is surrounded predominantly by the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean. Its northern border hits Alabama and Georgia, but its coastline is the most expansive of any of the 48 mainland states. Jan 27, 2021 If you came here asking “Is gambling legal in Florida?”, then let’s answer the question: online gambling is legal in Florida. Residents who bet online at a casino site, sportsbook, or play online poker in Florida are neither prosecuted or fined.

So what should you be looking for from an online sportsbook?

One of the main points to check is the sports markets available from the bookmaker. You want to make sure that they offer bets for your preferred sports. Once you have ascertained this, you should also check out the bet types on offer. Again, you want to know that a sportsbook is offering the wagers you would choose.

With the online sportsbook industry being so competitive, you can find many bonus offers available at bookmakers. These will often be sign-up offers, and sometimes recurring bonuses such as free bets. Once you’ve found a sportsbook, check out the bonuses that they offer. Make sure that you’re benefiting from placing bets with that bookmaker.

One last thing to take note of is the operator’s terms and conditions. This includes things like wagering requirements, deposit and withdrawal fees, and any limits for certain payment methods. Don’t sign up for a sportsbook that isn’t offering you transparent and fair options.

Registering to an online sportsbook

Registering to most online sportsbooks is a straightforward process.

1. Once you’ve found one that suits your preferences, you will need to fill in some basic details to create your account. This will usually involve your name, age, and address.
2. Often, you will also need to provide some proof of identification, in the form of a photo of your ID, passport or driving license. You may also be asked for proof of billing address in the form of a recent bank statement or utility bill.
3. Once your account is set up and verified, you’ll be able to start placing your bets!

Understanding Sports Betting Odds

Sportsbook odds are the way that bookmakers tell you how much money you will make from winning a bet. It’s always important to check what odds are available and make sure you’re getting the best offer. Odds can be displayed in a few different ways, as we’ve explained below.

Decimal Odds

Decimal odds are also known as European odds. They are most commonly seen at sportsbooks based in Europe, Australia, and Canada. They are straightforward to understand and compare and are therefore a preferred representation for many sportsbooks around the world.

The odds shown for decimal odds represent the profit you would make from a bet of $1. So the formula for calculating the winnings is as follows:

Stake x Odds = Payout.

For example, if you place a successful $100 bet at odds of 2.75, then the calculation would be:

100 x 2.75 = $275.

Therefore, you would make a profit of $175 on a successful bet.

Fractional Odds

Fractional odds are the original form of odds used in horse racing bets. They are most commonly used in UK or Ireland based casinos.

Fractional odds represent the profit yielded, without the inclusion of the original stake. The denominator represents the amount wagered, and the numerator represents the potential profit, so they would be written as follows:

profit/stake

As an example, let’s say you’re betting on a football game with 10 to 15 fractional odds. This means you would win $10 for a successful bet of $15. Below is an example with a wager of $150:

Odds 10/15: $150 bet + $100 profit = $250 winnings.

American Odds

American odds are the ones you will see the most on sites that offer betting in Florida. These are also known as moneyline odds. American odds are the easiest to understand and compare. The odds shown represent the amount of money required to make a profit of $100.

In the odds for each match, one team will be the favorites and one team the underdogs. The odds for the favorites will be prefixed with a minus (-) and the odds for the underdogs will be prefixed with a plus (+). The higher the number for the favorite, the more likely their chances of winning. The higher the number for the underdogs, the less likely their chances of winning.

If the favorite odds are -$150, then you need to bet $150 to win $100. If the underdog odds are set at +300, then you would win $300 on a successful wager of $100. So remember, for favorite odds you are risking that amount to win $100, and for underdog odds you are risking $100 to win that amount.

Types of Bets

While some sportsbooks will offer special bets for certain events, there are several common bet types that you will find available for most events. We have listed these for you to have an idea of what’s on offer:

Win Bets

These are by far the most common and most wagered bet available. This is the traditional bet where you simply select which player or team you are expecting to win the match.

Point Spreads or Straight Bets

These are a popular bet in the US, and you will find many on offer at Florida sportsbooks. With these bets, the bookmaker will decide on a point spread for both the favorite and the underdog.

The favorite needs to win by a greater margin than the spread for a successful bet. The underdog needs to either win or lose by less than the margin for a successful bet.

Handicap Betting

This form of betting is intended to either increase your chances of winning, but at lower odds, or lower your chances of winning, but at higher odds.

The bookmaker will offer some different options for handicap bets. This will usually involve awarding ‘extra goals’, or removing goals from the final score to change the outcome of the match. Each handicap option will have its own, adjusted odds.

Mobile Betting Apps

Many sportsbooks nowadays will also offer a downloadable app. This will allow you to view the available odds and place your bets from your iPhone or Android device. Most apps will also be available for android devices.

Using a mobile app is a great way to take your online sportsbook on-the-go. It can be especially useful when placing live bets, as you can place your wagers from wherever you are. Some sportsbooks will also offer live streaming of matches through their mobile apps.

Types of Sports to Bet on in Florida

There are many types of sports available to bet on at online sportsbooks. The following sports are those most popular with online bettors in Florida.

Bet on Football

Many sportsbooks will offer a huge range of betting markets for American football. This is the most popular sport for bettors in Florida and the US. You can find betting lines both for Professional level teams and for college football tournaments within the state. There will be a huge range of bet types offered for the majority of football games.

Bet on Basketball

Again, you can find betting lines available for both professional and college basketball tournaments. Basketball is another huge market for US online sportsbooks. You can also find plenty of bet types available for basketball. You will be able to bet on the top Florida teams, including Gainesville Galaxy and the Jacksonville Giants.

Bet on Baseball

Florida has a plethora of teams for Baseball, and all bettors will want the opportunity to back their favorite. Luckily, this is another popular sport at US bookmakers. You will be able to find various bets available on games with the Jacksonville Suns, the Pensacola Blue Wahoos, and the Bradenton Marauders, among others.

Sports Betting Bonuses

All online sportsbooks will offer some kind of bonus to entice or hold onto their customers. These will range from matched deposits to free bets, to bonus cash. It’s always worth checking the current bonuses on offer from a sportsbook, especially when you’re signing up for a new account.

What are welcome bonuses?

Welcome bonuses will be available at the majority of online sportsbooks. These will usually be the most competitive offers available. Sportsbooks want to offer new customers a reason to join them over a competitor.

The most common form of welcome bonus is a matched deposit offer. The bookmaker will offer to give you a percentage of your initial deposit for free. This will then either be available for free bets or can be withdrawn as cash. Bonus money will be subject to wagering requirements, so read the terms and conditions when claiming a bonus offer.

What are Free bets?

Free bets will be offered either as part of a welcome bonus or to continuing customers as a loyalty reward. The sportsbook will offer you a certain amount of money, usually dependent on a deposit, to place on bets.

These allow the customer to have the opportunity to make a profit without losing their stake on an unsuccessful bet. You won’t receive the stake with your winnings on a free bet. The only money you make is profit.

Online Gambling In Florida: Are Gambling Sites Legal In FL 2021?

Often, there will be limits on free bets, such as minimum odds or particular types of bets. This is to encourage bettors to try something new or take a bigger risk with their free bet.

What are Risk-free bets?

This is again usually offered to new sportsbook users. If a player places an unsuccessful bet, then the sportsbook will credit them bonus money of the same amount of the wager. This means that if you have a successful bet, you can keep the stake and the profit. However, if you’re unsuccessful, the bookmaker will return your money so you can try again.

Top Florida Sports Betting Events

There are certain events in the sporting season that bettors do not want to miss. We have listed the most popular events for sports bettors in Florida. Make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to back your favorite.

Super Bowl

Most people won’t need to be reminded of the biggest annual event of the National Football League (NFL). The super bowl is enjoyed by spectators around the world and is hugely popular with sports bettors. This is the championship game of the NFL and is played every year between mid-January and early February.

Many online sportsbooks, particularly those that have customers in the US and Florida, will offer special markets for the super bowl. This gives an even wider range of options than usual. Bettors can be very specific in their choices and have the option to try out new betting types for this significant event in the sporting calendar.

NBA Final

Again, this is a huge event for sports bettors. Anyone who regularly bets on basketball will not miss the opportunity to have their say on the championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The teams will play the best-of-seven game series, which will decide the league champion.

This is the biggest basketball event of the year. Similarly to football, many sportsbooks will offer special bet types for this event. The odds for these prestigious events are often very competitive, so make sure you’re getting the best offer for your wager.

World Series

Florida Online Gambling

The World Series is the annual championship for Major League Baseball (MLB). It is a best-of-seven playoff between the American League (AL) champions and the National League (NL) champions.

This series is played by the best basketball teams from two different leagues. These are extremely competitive matches and so offer huge excitement for baseball bettors. Again, you will often find special markets available for World Series bets.

Florida Top Sports Teams

Florida has teams playing in all major league sports. If you’re interested in betting in Florida, it’s natural to want to show support for your local teams. Here, we’ve given you some more information about the top sports teams in Florida, so you can be sure you’re placing the right bets.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of the most notable names in American Football. The Jaguars compete in the NFL, playing their home games at TIAA Bank Field. The Jaguars originally joined the league as an expansion team in 1995. They were winners of the division championships in 1998, 1999, and 2017. They have also qualified for the playoffs on seven separate occasions.

Orlando City S.C.

Soccer in America has been rising in popularity in recent years. The Orlando City Soccer Club competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the Eastern Conference. Orlando City SC began playing in 2015, becoming the first Florida MLS team since Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny.

Miami Heat

Miami Heat is Florida’s top NBA basketball team. They began playing as an expansion team in the 1988-89 NBA season. The team gained notoriety throughout the 1990s under head coach Pat Riley, whose trades brought the team four division titles in the following years. From 2010 until 2016, Miami Heat attended the NBA Finals every year and has won the championship three times.

Payment Methods for Sports Betting in Florida

Individual online sportsbooks will offer various payment methods for placing betting deposits. However, there are a few payment methods found at most casinos. The most popular payment methods are listed below.

Credit or Debit Cards

The most straightforward and most used form of payment for betting sites. Online sportsbooks will usually support fully secure transactions for both VISA and MasterCard.

Bank Transfer

This is again widely available at online sportsbooks. The downside of bank transfers is that they generally take longer than other methods for withdrawal and deposit.

E-wallets

This is an extremely popular form of payment for online sportsbooks. It includes online payment methods, such as Skrill and Neteller. While a lot of sportsbooks support these methods, they are sometimes excluded from deposit offers.

Prepaid cards

The most common of these is Paysafecard, which you can buy in many local stores. It’s worth knowing that this is only available as a deposit method, and can’t be used for withdrawal.

Florida Online Betting Laws

PayPal

Unfortunately, PayPal isn’t available at all online sportsbooks. However, for those that do support it, it’s an extremely reliable and secure method of payment.

Sports Betting in Florida - the Legal Situation

Face-to-face sports betting is illegal in Florida, due to agreements between the state and the Seminole Tribe. However, placing online bets with bookmakers based outside the state is a grey area in the law. You are not breaking any legal statutes by placing online bets on a variety of sports from the state of Florida.

If you are looking for info on the current state of Florida online sports betting, you have come to the right place. Frankly speaking, the situation is somewhat complex. Currently, Florida online sports betting is not available. This means that you can’t find Florida online sportsbooks (or online casinos) legally operating in this state. However, things could change in the future, as there has been recent developments as sports betting talks have begun with the Seminoles. Read up our article to learn more about what we can expect.

Florida Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a new way to play on major league sports teams and players in Florida. Try your sports knowledge skills by playing DFS, on a variety sports events like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL PGA, MLS, and more.

Most Likely Florida Online Sports Betting Sites

Even though Florida online sports betting scene is at the moment nonexistent, we are hopeful that this changes in the months or years to come. Having in mind that several US states have already legalized online betting, we can expect Florida to follow in their footsteps should it decide to do so. This means that there will potentially be quite a few sports betting websites available.

Take a look at the table below to see which ones we expect to see. All of them feature welcome offers for new customers, so we have no reason to believe things will be different in Florida. Here are the brands we believe are likely to open their doors to FL players once Florida online sports betting becomes legal.

If you want to learn more about these brands that are available in other states with operating sports betting websites, keep on reading. We believe they will offer similar services when Florida online sports betting is regulated.

BetMGM

When you are searching for top sports betting sites, don’t look further than BetMGM. This brand offers lots of online betting opportunities for all those interested in wagering on sports. Like all the major sportsbooks, this brand has a welcome offer for all new customers interested in signing up. Additionally, there are many other promos available on a regular basis for existing players.

At the moment, this online sportsbook is accessible only to players from West Virginia, Michigan, and New Jersey. Not only do registered players have access to online sports betting with this brand, but they can also place their bets in casino and poker rooms, too. As soon as Florida online sports betting becomes regulated, we hope to see BetMGM in this state, as well.

DraftKings

Boasting to be one of the leading sports betting websites in the USA, DraftKings is currently available in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. If Florida regulates online wagering on sports in the future, we surely expect this brand to make an appearance in the Sunshine State, too.

As all reputable top sports betting sites, DraftKings has a welcome offer for new customers in the states it is currently operating in. Additionally, this brand has invested in a top-quality mobile app available for iOS and Android.

A vast selection of betting markets provides countless betting opportunities with this brand. The most popular sports include both American and international favorites, such as professional and college football and basketball, golf, MMA, tennis, etc.

FanDuel

Another brand we expect to see if Florida online sports betting gets regulated is FanDuel. At the moment only players in Michigan, Indiana, New Jersey, and West Virginia can place their wagers online with this sportsbook.

Also, they can redeem various promos available for new and existing players. Signing up with FanDuel is hassle-free and can be finished in a matter of minutes. As soon as you have finished the registration and made your first deposit, you can start placing bets. The variety of available sports is exceptional. So is the quality of customer support and banking options that this brand offers. This, too, is very important for all players.

BetAmerica

When we are talking about top sports betting sites, we have to mention BetAmerica. This brand launched its first online sportsbook in 2019 in NJ. After that, it landed in Pennsylvania, as well.

We needn’t mention that BetAmerica has lots of promotions available to its players. This brand also has pretty competitive odds in comparison to some other online bookies on the market. The types of bets you can place are pretty standard. This means that if you are looking for those more exotic ones, you need to look elsewhere.

On the other hand, the BetAmerica app is one of the highest-rated on the market. Downloadable on iOS and Android devices (currently in NJ and PA only), it mimics the desktop site perfectly.

William Hill

One of the most famous online sportsbooks in Europe, William Hill caused quite a commotion when it opened its doors to NJ players. Claiming to be a premier sports betting destination, it seems that William Hill has managed to utilize the experience overseas perfectly and provide US players with a top-quality betting platform.

Not only does this brand have a sign up offer catering to new players, but there are also lots of those for loyal customers, too. The registration is simple, and so is making deposits and withdrawals. There are quite a few betting markets to choose from, both popular and niche ones.

Also, William Hill provides live streaming of certain sports events. This feature is available to all players who meet the required T&Cs for activating it. Additionally, live betting is available for a multitude of events. We surely hope to see them in the Sunshine State once Florida online sports betting becomes legal.

bet365

One of the biggest players in the online sports betting industry is undoubtedly bet365. This brand is one of the most recognizable bookies in Europe. So coming to the US was a major step in its resume.

The bet365 bonus offers are one of the things this brand is most known for. The betting markets and competitive odds, too. Even though the offer in the brand’s NJ portfolio is not as extensive as overseas, we expect it to grow in the months to come. As soon as you have registered and redeemed your welcome offer, you can start placing your bets and exploring top-quality betting markets. We have no reason to believe this brand won’t feature similar options in FL as soon as Florida online sports betting becomes legal.

Unibet

Another brand famous in Europe, Unibet has proved it means business in the USA. At the moment it’s available only to NJ and PA players. However, it’s pretty likely to appear in Florida, too, when this state regulates online sports betting.

Unibet’s welcome offer typically includes free bets up to a certain amount (T&Cs apply). But this brand is known for changing things up and coming up with many different promotion types. The online casino section is also very popular on the website and is surely worth visiting. Unlike other online bookies, this brand offers a variety of bet types you can place. This is good news, particularly for experienced punters.

Florida Betting Laws

Now, let’s take a look at the current state of Florida online sports betting. At the moment, this activity is illegal in the Sunshine State. In order to become regulated and legalized, Florida needs to overcome several obstacles standing in the way.

One step closer to this is the new bill by Republican State Senator Jeff Brandes. If it passes, it will allow offering tickets at self-serving kiosks by Florida Lottery. Additionally, this bill will offer licenses for taking bets on sports via apps and websites. Businesses that manage to obtain these licenses would divide their proceeds with the state.

However, regulating online sports betting in Florida has a long way to go. First, the 2020 legislative session in Florida is only two months long. This means that it’s highly unlikely that we can expect the passing of this bill in 2020.

Then, there is an ongoing disagreement regarding whether regulating online sports betting should be done via a statewide referendum. Additionally, this would mean that a new agreement with the Seminole Tribe, which controls the majority of gaming activities in FL, needs to be agreed upon.

Taking all these factors into consideration, it’s safe to say that the issue with Florida online sports betting is more than complex. One thing is certain – passing the bill will only be the first step.

States where you can already place an online sports bet today :

Updated on :

Colorado | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Michigan | Nevada | New Jersey | Pennsylvania | Tennessee | Virginia | West Virginia

Florida Online Sports Betting: Events and Betting Markets

As soon as we see the resolution to regulating Florida online sports betting, we will know more details about what we can expect. First and foremost, we will have more details about potential betting markets and events that players could bet on. Right now, we can only make assumptions.

Common Types of Bets

All players from Florida eager to see online sports betting become available can start learning a thing or two about bet types in the meantime. Here are the most common bet types that players in US states, in which online betting is regulated, can place.

• Moneylines – This is the most popular betting type. It shows you the amount you need to wager to get $100 (or how much you can win if you wager $100).
• Totals (Over/Under) – You typically choose if the total number of points that both teams are going to score is going to be over or under a listed total number of points.
• Prop bets – Allow you to wager on events that are going to take place in a game, season, or series. They do not include betting on the outcome though.
• Spread bets – You place this bet on the team you think is going to win or lose by a certain number of points.

Most Popular Sports to Bet On

The online betting community enjoys placing wagers on a multitude of different sports, both popular and niche ones. Here are the sports and leagues that attract the most attention.

• NFL
• NBA
• NHL
• MLB
• Tennis
• Golf
• Soccer

Popular Florida Events

There are many popular sports events that attract a lot of attention in Florida. If Florida online sports betting becomes legal, all those interested in online wagering will surely be able to place their bets on them.

• Super Bowl
• NCAA March Madness
• NBA Championships
• Stanley Cup Finals
• Masters
• US Open Tennis
• Triple Crown

Best Teams to Bet On

Many people like to support their local teams when they are placing their bets. Luckily, Florida has quite a few of them.

• Orlando Magic
• Miami Dolphins
• Miami Heat
• Florida Panthers
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Tampa Bay Rays

Common Payment Options

Let’s take a look at some of the most common payment methods that players have at their disposal when betting online. We expect them to be available at top sports betting sites in Florida when they become legal.

• Credit/debit Cards
• PayPal
• NETeller
• PayNearMe
• Prepaid Cards
• eCheck/ACH

Florida Casinos

Even though there are no online casinos in Florida at the moment, there are quite a few brick-and-mortar ones. We have listed a few of the most famous land-based casinos in Florida below.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

This establishment is owned by the Seminole Tribe that boasts of opening the first brick-and-mortar casino on Indian land in Florida. Casino enthusiasts can visit this casino’s 245,000 square feet gaming space. There, they can find more than 5,000 slots, almost 200 table games, and as many as 46 poker tables.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek

Another establishment run by the Seminole Tribe, this casino is a very popular venue in Florida. Whether you are looking for poker, table games or slots, you’ll find all these and much more in Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.

Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino

Hallandale Beach in Florida is home to Gulfstream Park, a popular racetrack and casino. This venue hosts a significant number of high-profile races from December to October. Additionally, the casino offers 20 live-action poker tables, 64 high limit slots, and more than 700 Las Vegas-style slots.

Hialeah Park Racing & Casino

If you are looking for more establishments that combine racing and casino, Hialeah Park is the place for you. As far as horse racing is concerned, you can watch winter Quarter Horse racing meets. And the casino is open year-round with slots, table games, poker, and lots more at your disposal.

Florida Online Sports Betting FAQ

Here are some of the most common questions people have regarding the Florida online sports betting situation.

Are sports betting sites legal in the United States?

Sports betting sites are legal in several US states, but not all of them. When it comes to Florida online sports betting, there are no sites operating legally in this state at the moment.

What do I need to register at an online betting site in Florida?

As Florida online sports betting is still unregulated, you cannot register in this state at the moment. Once this matter resolves and Florida online sportsbooks become legal, we’ll include all the info you need on registering.

Is it safe to deposit money at sports betting sites in Florida?

Given that Florida online sports betting is not legal, you cannot make deposits at Florida online sportsbooks at the moment.

Can I set betting limits?

All reputable online bookies allow you to set betting limits as they promote responsible gambling. As soon as Florida online sports betting becomes legal, we’ll have more details about this option from legal sportsbooks.

Final Thoughts on Betting in Florida

We are eager to see how the Florida online sports betting matter resolves in the upcoming months. One step in the right direction is for the bill proposed by State Senator Barnes to pass. If this happens, this will facilitate the establishment of Florida online sportsbooks. We’ll make sure to keep you updated on any developments.