Amelia Walker, a J.D. holder and senior content writer at Betting.us, is a legal expert in responsible gambling. Initially skeptical, she now has over six years in professional gambling. She’s studied gambling law and currently educates gamblers on our site in legal and safe play.
Sports Betting in Florida
By Amelia Walker
Senior Content Writer at Betting.us
Updated: December 14, 2023
Are you looking for the complete information on sports betting in Florida State? Well, you are in the right place as we provide a comprehensive overview of the sports betting stance in the sunshine state. Florida is home to more than 20 million residents, so it is natural to expect some form of sports gambling, especially following the abolishment of PASPA laws that prohibited the activity across the nation.
Full List and Map of Sports Betting Locations in Florida
The legality of sports betting in Florida has two parts, which are essential to understand. The state does not authorize any sports betting operators, so there are no government licensed sportsbooks for betting on popular sports. However, you can bet on horse races, and there are a few racetracks that offer various events. Florida is also home to casinos, and you can also bet on sports through offshore sportsbooks. The table below has all sports betting locations in the Florida state map.
The Best Florida Sportsbook
| Name | Type | Website | Full Address | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victory Casino Cruises - Port Canaveral | Off-Track, River Boat | victorycasinocruises.com | B, 180 Christopher Columbus Dr #2, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 | Read Review |
Betting Locations by Type
Sports’ betting isn’t entirely illegal in the state of Florida. However, no operators are authorized to offer sports odds and betting lines. The state has had closed-door negotiations to forge a bill that could include the legalization of sports betting in the East Coast state, but these efforts will wait for another session before they are reactivated. Nonetheless, there are various opportunities for punters looking to bet on sports, so, it is essential to compare the newest and most reputable offers.
Casino Resorts
As a popular destination for those seeking casino experiences, Florida is home to several casinos and high-end resort facilities. Most casino resorts are part of franchise hotels that include casino and gaming facility. Some of the popular casino resorts include Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee and more.
Racetracks
Florida boasts popular racetracks that host annual events to offer opportunities for sports betting. The two popular racetracks are Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach and Tampa Bay Downs. Gulfstream Park is the proud host of Florida Derby, a prestigious event that features three year old thoroughbreds, and Pegasus World Cup, which involves a $12 million price. You can bet on quarterhorse in Tampa Bay.
| Racetracks | Types of Racing | Review link |
|---|---|---|
| Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| Ebro Greyhound Park & Poker Room |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
,
Greyhound
|
Read Review |
| Casino Fort Pierce |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| Creek Entertainment Gretna |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| The Big Easy Casino |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| Hialeah Park Racing & Casino |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| Melbourne Greyhound Park |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
,
Greyhound
|
Read Review |
| Orange City Racing and Card Club |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| Ocala Gainesville Poker |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| Bestbet Orange Park |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| Pensacola Greyhound Track |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
,
Greyhound
|
Read Review |
| Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| Derby Lane |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
,
Greyhound
|
Read Review |
| Tampa Bay Downs Racing Poker Golf |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| Tampa Greyhound Track Poker and Racebook |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
,
Greyhound
|
Read Review |
| Tampa Greyhound Track Poker and Racebook |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
| Victory Casino Cruises - Port Canaveral |
Thoroughbred
,
Standardbred
|
Read Review |
Off-Track Betting
There are three main licensed locations that offer off track betting in Florida. These include Casino Miami Jai Alai, Palm Beach Kennel Club, and Derby Lane. These locations are linked to the existing racetracks as sportsbook partners, so you can find odds and betting lines on live horse races.
- Derby Lane
- Palm Beach Kennel Club
- Fort Pierce Jai-Alai & Poker
- Casino Miami Jai-Alai
- Flagler Dog Track & Magic City Casino
- Bonita Springs Poker Room
- Bestbet Jacksonville
- Bestbet Orange Park
- Creek Entertainment Gretna
- Ebro Greyhound Park & Poker Room
- Pensacola Greyhound Track
- Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino
- Hialeah Park Racing & Casino
- Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park
- The Big Easy Casino
- Casino Fort Pierce
- Orange City Racing and Card Club
- Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club
- Melbourne Greyhound Park (Club 52)
- Ocala Gainesville Poker
- Victory Casino Cruises - Port Canaveral
- Tampa Bay Downs Racing Poker Golf
- Tampa Greyhound Track Poker and Racebook
Cruise ships
Legalized riverboat and cruise ship casinos have existed in Florida for a while and it is one of the few states that provide memorable cruise casino experiences. There are various destinations for bettors seeking to place wagers on a rented cruise boat or ship. The popular choices exist in Immokalee, Tampa and Coconut Creek. Though popular docking locations further abroad such as The United States Virgin Islands do not have legal wagering, so choose your destination wisely!
List of Legal Offline Sportsbooks in Florida
Those looking for where to bet on sports in Florida can visit any of the many land based sportsbooks and casinos in the state. Although the state has no licensed sportsbook, you can place wagers on horse races. Here is the complete list of all legal offline betting locations, offering such odds and sport betting lines.
Search for Sportsbooks in Florida
| Casino Name: | Address: | Secure Link: | City: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | |||
| Bestbet Orange Park | 455 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL 32073 | ||
| Bestbet Jacksonville | 201 Monument Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 | ||
| Creek Entertainment Gretna | 501 Racetrack Drive, Gretna, FL 32332 | ||
| Ebro Greyhound Park & Poker Room | 6558 Dog Track Rd, Ebro, FL 32437 | ||
| Pensacola Greyhound Track | 951 Dog Track Rd, Pensacola, FL 32506 | ||
| Miami | |||
| Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino | 901 South Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 | ||
| Hialeah Park Racing and Casino | 100 E 32nd St, Hialeah, FL 33013 | ||
| Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park | 777 Isle of Capri Circle, Pompano Beach, FL 33069 | Miami | |
| The Big Easy Casino | 831 North Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 | ||
| Casino Miami Jai-Alai | 3500 NW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33142 | ||
| Flagler Dog Track & Magic City Casino | 450 NW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33125 | ||
| Casino Fort Pierce | 1750 S Kings Hwy, Fort Pierce, FL 34945 | ||
| Bonita Springs Poker Room | 28010 Race Track Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 | ||
| Palm Beach Kennel Club | 1111 N Congress Ave, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 | ||
| Orlando | |||
| Orange City Racing and Card Club | 822-4 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763 | ||
| Ocala Gainesville Poker | 4601 W Hwy 318, Orange Lake, FL 32681 | ||
| Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club | 960 S Williamson Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | ||
| Melbourne Greyhound Park (Club 52) | 1100 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL 32935 | ||
| Victory Casino Cruises - Port Canaveral | B, 180 Christopher Columbus Dr #2, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920 | ||
| Tampa | |||
| Derby Lane | 10490 Gandy Boulevard, St. Petersburg, FL 33702 | ||
| Tampa Bay Downs Racing Poker Golf | 11225 Race Track Road, Tampa, FL 33626 | ||
| Tampa Greyhound Track Poker and Racebook | 755 E Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33604 | Tampa | |
Florida Sports Gambling - All Leagues and Bet Types
Although Florida is home to active sports, including basketball, baseball, football, soccer, hockey and more, no operator is licensed to provide odds and betting lines on these events. The only option sports punters have is visiting the racetracks and off track betting locations. Below are all the bet types you can place in the state of Florida.
- SPORTS
-
See AllSoccer - (USL)United Soccer Leagues
- (MLS)Major League Soccer
Tennis - (US Open) United States Open Tennis Championship
- Part of (USTA) which is United States Tennis Association
Rugby - (RSL) Rugby Super League
- (MLL) Major League Lacrosse
Golf - (US Open)United States Open Golf Championship
- (US Amateur)United States Open Golf Amateur Championship
Cycling - (WCL)World Cycling League
Cricket - USA Cricket
Basketball - (NBA)National Basketball Association
- (NCAA)National Colegiate Athletic Association
Football - (NFL)National Football League
- (NCAA)National Colegiate Athletic Association
Baseball - (MiLB)Minor League Baseball
Hockey - (NHL)National Hockey League
- Semi-Pro
MMA - (UFC)Ultimate Fighting Championship
- (WSOF)World Series of Fighting
-
Bet Types:
- HORSES & DOGS
-
- Thoroughbred racing
- Harness racing
- Standardbred racing
Bet Types: - OFF-TRACK (SIMULCAST) BETTING
-
The State Law Allows Off-Track Betting
Where Can I Check the Current Betting Odds and Lines?
To wager on sports, you must receive odds and betting lines from the sportsbook operator. There are two main ways, which are visiting the physical headquarters or using online websites. Our discussions overlook websites since we are focusing on land-based sports betting locations. This leaves one way to receive betting odds and lines, which is to visit your favorite sportsbook. Getting odds from the central physical premise ensures you enjoy accurate odds. Another way to check betting odds is through phone messages. Since sports’ betting isn’t legal in Florida, no licensed operator is allowed to offer odds via text and there is no legal inference on the same.
Legal Sports Betting in Florida
Sports’ betting is not yet legal in Florida as the state has no legislature for authorizing operators to legally provide odds and betting lines on sports. However, you can bet on horse races and there are various restrictions and regulations that govern such offers. Here is a look at key questions and answers pertaining to legal sports betting in the state of Florida.
Is sports betting legal in Florida?
Yes, Supreme Court allowed sports betting in Florida on some sports
Legal age for sports betting?
It is 18 for pari-mutuel betting and poker and 21 for gaming machines.
Can you bet online in Florida?
Yes, The state's laws don't mention online gambling at all, it's technically legal to gamble with offshore-based casino, poker, and sports betting sites.
Is fantasy sports betting allowed?
No, It is unlawful for any person to practice fantasy sports betting
Is off-track betting allowed?
No, Florida law does not permit off-track betting
Are there any restrictions?
Yes, betting is restricted according to age limits
Who regulates FL sports betting?
Florida sports’ betting is regulated by the state.
History of Sports Betting in Florida
Florida legalized pari-mutuel wagering back in 1932, at a time where America was going through the great depression. It was a way to generate more revenue and also led to the increase of gambling and tourism activity in the state. Since then, a lot has changed in the FL gambling scene, which today includes wagering on horse races and playing various casino games. However, Florida is still without a legislature for legalizing sports betting, although interested punters can bet through legal offshore sportsbooks. Here is a brief timeline of FL’s sports betting history.
| Year | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1932 | Legal Pari-Mutuel Betting | Pari-mutuel wagering was the first sign of legalized sports gambling within the state of Florida. The state legalized pari-mutuel to generate more revenue for the great depression. This legalization would result in a diverse sports gambling scene as many operators entered the market. |
| 1935 | Legal Jai Alai and Slots | In 1935, Florida legalized Jai Alai games and also introduced slot machines to casinos. However, slot machines would face various challenges and was ultimately repelled and removed from casinos in 1973. |
| 1970s to 2000 | Legal Bingo, Cruises and Lottery | Florida has their first Native American Bingo in 1979 and would later include provisions for allowing Cruise gambling experiences in 1984. On two separate occasions in 1986 and 1994, the state lottery was opened and shot down in the same year. |
| 2004 | Legal Casino Gambling | Legal gambling in the state of Florida became legal in 2004, which is relatively new compared to other states that have had casinos for several decades. However, it is inseparable for the culture, and there are several betting locations within the state. |
| Current Scene | Active Bills | Sports’ betting is still illegal in Florida, unless you are betting on horse races, Jai Alai games and pari-mutuel. Other than that, gamblers can play poker, casino games and slot machines. However, there are various efforts aimed at legalizing sports gambling and developing frameworks for approving sports betting operators. |
How to Bet on Sports in Florida
If you are looking for how to bet on sports in Florida, you will be interested to know it isn’t different from other parts of the country. Essentially, you need to visit the sportsbook land-based location, get odds and betting lines, choose favorites and place your wager. The operator will provide a ticket, which you can use to claim a win.
General Rules
-
Once both parties accept a wager, it will not be altered or voided prior to the start of the event or championship
-
Winning tickets are void after one year counting from the date of the last event on the wager
-
Winnings of over $10,000 may be delayed until the next regular banking day
-
Betting Limits:
$0.01 Minimum - Maximum depends on the brand
Are Exchanges and Pari-Mutuel Betting Available in Florida?
Pari mutuel wagering is legal in Florida and overseen by the state’s Division of Pari Mutuel Wagering. It has been available for several years, so interested punters can visit their local betting locations for such offers. On the other hand, exchange betting isn’t available in any land based casinos or racebooks operating within the state of Florida.
Taxation of Winnings
Florida is among the few states that do not impose any state taxes on the gambling winning you earn. However, your income will still be subject to federal government taxation, which can be hefty when you win amounts above $6000. Below is a brief look at all the gambling winning taxation regulations in Florida State.
Federal Law:
-
$600 or more - the payor is obliged to provide you with a W-2G form
-
Winnings of 300x the bet or more, must be reported
-
All gambling winnings must be filed under a W-2G form and are subject to 25% federal tax
Additional State Rules:
-
Residents of Florida can wager money on betting lines, odds, and props for all games, teams, and players across all college and professional sports (via Offshore)
About Florida
Florida is one of the most popular states in the USA, located in the south east of the country, with the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico on its sides.
| Capital | Tallahassee |
|---|---|
| Largest City | Jacksonville |
| Population | 21.48 million (2019) |
| Area | 170,304 km² |
| Time zone | (GMT-5) |
| State Nickname(s) | The Sunshine State |
| Motto | In God We Trust |
| Teams | Sport | League |
|---|---|---|
| Miami Marlins | Baseball | MLB |
| Miami Heat | Basketball | NBA |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | Football | NFL |
| Florida Panters | Ice hockey | NHL |
| Inter Miami | Soccer | MLS |
Helping Hand for Players in Florida
Sports’ gambling is illegal in the state of Florida, but the presence of casinos and horse racing betting lines pose various challenges. The state recognizes problem gamblers and provides hotlines as well as health centers for anyone who needs help. Here are all the help centers and hotlines you can use when faced with problem gambling, or if you identify someone that characterizes impulsive gambling symptoms.
Help for Problem Gambling in Florida
- Hotlines National Problem Gambling Helpline, 1-800-522-4700
- Help centres Jed Shlackman, 12965 Southwest 112th Ave Miami, Florida 33176 (305) 834-4818www.psychologytoday.com
Lawyers for Betting Cases
- ROGER P. FOLEY 110 Tower 110 SE 6th St 17th Floor Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301(954) 467-2946www.felonyflorida.com
FAQ
What sports can't you bet on in Florida?
You can bet on Horse races, Grey hound, Jai Alai.
Who is ineligible to place sports bets in Florida?
Anybody below 18 years is ineligible to place sports bet
What other options for gambling are available in Florida?
Casino games, Poker, slot machines
Who can apply for a Florida sports betting license?
Operators approved by the Florida Gaming Divisions.
How much do sports betting operators have to pay in taxes?
Florida has no legal sports betting but charges gaming operators slot machine taxes of up to 35 percent.
How much revenue does Florida sports betting generate?
Florida has no legal sports betting, so there is No report on sports betting revenue from land based locations. Pundits calculate that the state loses about $400 million in annual revenue.