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Exploring Florida's Sports Betting Landscape: A Comprehensive Guide to the Sunshine State's Sportsbook Scene in 2023

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Florida, affectionately known as the Sunshine State, attracts tourists and sports enthusiasts from across the globe. Although sports betting is not yet legalized within the state, the landscape is ever-changing. In this all-encompassing article, we’ll explore Florida’s sports betting environment, including the legalities, potential sportsbooks, and future prospects.

A Snapshot of Florida’s Sports Betting Journey: Key Milestones and Background Information

Online sports wagering in Florida experienced a brief period of legality, lasting less than a month in November 2021.

On November 22, 2022, Federal Judge Dabney Friedrich sided with the plaintiff, West Flagler Associates, a casino-owner, ruling that the Seminole Tribe and Hard Rock Sportsbook’s allowance of mobile sports betting was illegal. The decision stated that providing mobile betting to individuals not on tribal land violated the provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulation Act.

Prominent sports betting lawyer Dan Wallach argued that the ruling was evident, stating, “It’s obvious to any law school student, if you divorce the political realities going on here, that 100 out of 100 times, they’d call what was done illegal.”

In November 2021, Florida officials and the Seminole Tribe of Florida announced a groundbreaking deal to introduce online and retail sports betting in the state. The Hard Rock Sportsbook subsequently launched mobile betting through its app on November 1, 2021.

However, sports bettors only enjoyed a month of legal wagering on the Hard Rock app. Betting was suspended in early December after an appellate court ruling denied the Seminole Tribe’s request to continue online sports betting. So far, appeals have been unsuccessful.

Hard Rock Sportsbook was the sole operator at the time. When sports betting was legal, Florida did not require in-person sign-ups. The tribe’s sports betting app remains available for download on iPhones and Android phones, but betting is currently disallowed.

Tracing Florida's Legalization Efforts

The path to legalizing sports betting in Florida is ongoing, with various milestones marking the way. While sports fans may be more interested in the games themselves, understanding the legal history can provide valuable context:

July 2022

The D.C. Circuit plans to revisit discussions on the tribal sports betting compact case in August 2023. Once these discussions conclude, responses will be open sometime in Fall 2023. If all goes well, sports betting could make a comeback in Florida by late 2023. [Action Network, July 13].

January 2022

Sports betting initiative #21-13 failed to make the November 2022 ballot. The FanDuel and DraftKings-supported initiative could not secure the required signatures for the upcoming November 2022 ballot, delaying legalization until at least 2024.

December 2021

The Hard Rock Sportsbook app temporarily shuts down. After the FL sports betting compact with the Seminole Tribe was halted in November, the Hard Rock Sportsbook suspended sports betting on its app on December 4. An appellate court rejected the tribe’s request for the Hard Rock app to continue accepting bets while the Seminoles appealed Judge Dabney Friedrich’s November decision. [Hard Rock Suspends Betting on Sportsbook App, Dec. 4]

November 2021

Florida’s sports betting compact with the Seminoles invalidated. On November 22, 2021, Federal Judge Dabney Friedrich agreed with the plaintiff, West Flagler Associates, which owns casinos in the state. The judge ruled that allowing the Seminole Tribe (partnered with Hard Rock) to offer mobile sports betting to individuals not on tribal land violated the Indian Gaming Regulation Act’s provisions. The Department of the Interior and the Seminole Tribe are expected to appeal. [FL Online Sports Betting Halted, Nov. 23]

Florida’s online sports betting launches with a surprise Hard Rock Sportsbook introduction. On November 1, the Hard Rock Sportsbook announced the launch of online betting through its mobile app. Initially, the Hard Rock Sportsbook, also operating in New Jersey and Iowa, was the sole operator in Florida. The state did not require in-person sign-ups. [Hard Rock Sportsbook Launches, Nov. 1]

September 2021

Gov. DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe both filed briefs in support of Florida’s gaming compact. They submitted briefs in both Florida and Washington D.C., arguing that the measure’s opponents did not have the law on their side. [Sept. 1]

August 2021

Magic City Casino and Bonita Springs Poker Room’s owner filed another lawsuit in the US District Court in D.C., home to the Department of Interior. The lawsuit claimed that Deb Haaland exceeded her authority when approving the compact. [Dockets and Filings, Aug. 12]

The United States Department of the Interior approved the compact. As they took no action to approve or disapprove the Compact before the August 5 deadline, the Compact was considered approved. [US DOI, Aug. 6]

July 2021

The owner of Magic City Casino and the Bonita Springs Poker Room filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Florida gaming compact. The lawsuit claimed that the compact authorizing sports betting outside of tribal lands violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The central question was whether a bet is considered placed on tribal land solely because of the server’s location. [Dockets and Filings, July 2]

June 2021

DraftKings and FanDuel formed the Florida Education Champions coalition. The goal was to gather the necessary signatures for their initiative to legalize sports betting and have it appear on the 2022 ballot in front of Florida voters. [Florida Education Champions Site, June 23].

Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber wasn’t pleased with the compact. He wrote a letter to the Secretary of Interior asking her to reject the compact. Since the compact involved tribal issues, it required approval from the Department of Interior. [Mayor Gelber Letter, June 3]

May 2021

Gov. DeSantis signed the Compact. After the Florida legislature body approved the compact, the Governor signed it, providing Florida with a minimum of $2.5 billion in new revenue over five years.

The Florida House approved the agreement one day after the Senate did so. [SB 2-A, May 19]

The Florida Senate voted to approve the agreement. With a 38-1 vote, the Senate greenlighted the agreement between the state government and the Seminole Tribe. [May 18]

The special session to consider the legal sports betting bill opened. This bill incorporated the Gaming Compact’s provisions reached with the Seminole Tribe. [May 17]

The draft of the sports betting bill was introduced just before the Senate’s special session, scheduled for May 17. [May 14].

April 2021

An agreement with the Seminole Tribe was reached. Gov. DeSantis announced the details of a highly anticipated agreement between the state and the Seminole Tribe, paving the way for legal sports wagering. [Gaming Compact, April 23].

March 2021

Gov. Ron DeSantis stated that they were “getting close” to an agreement with the Seminole Tribe. Government officials engaged in closed-door discussions with the tribe over a gaming deal that would expand the industry and legalize sports betting. They hoped to reach an agreement before the legislative session ended on April 30. [Miami Herald, March 18].

March 2020

The 2020 legislative session concluded without a new sports wagering law. Lawmakers did engage in negotiations with the Seminole Tribe, but that only occurred 10 days before the session was set to end. [Sun Sentinel, March 13].

How to Place a Sports Bet in FL - On Hold

Sports fans in Florida with a mobile phone were able to place their first legal bets in November and early December. Although new wagers on the Hard Rock Sportsbook have been suspended for now, here’s how you can register a new account when it returns:

Step 1: Choose a Legal Sportsbook (when Hard Rock Sportsbook relaunches)

In sports betting, “line shopping” is the best practice to have accounts at multiple sportsbooks to get the best price on every game you bet on.

Step 2: Sign Up & Verify

Fill out all the required fields for a new sports bettor in the state: full legal name, email address, home address, phone number, and date of birth. Hard Rock may ask you for a driver’s license or social security number to verify your identity. These questions and details are all standard measures sportsbooks take to protect you.

Step 3: Deposit with Preferred Payment

The Hard Rock will take you to the deposit screen once you’ve entered your personal information. Select your payment method, then click deposit.

Our preference is direct deposit via a bank account for speed. This way, when you cash out, the money will be accessible in your checking account right away instead of being credited back to a card in a few days.

Step 4: Place an Online Bet

Here’s how to place your first wager. Remember — the app or website will geo-locate you to confirm you’re actually in FL before you’re able to bet.

Navigate to your desired sport
Head to your bet slip
Select your bet type
Enter your bet amount
Submit

That’s it! You’ve just placed your first legal sports bet.

Florida Sports Betting Tips

If you're new to sports betting in Florida, you likely have questions: Where should you be betting on Miami win totals? How do you find the best odds for a Panthers game? Our betting education hub can help you make savvier decisions come game time. Sports betting comes with its language and terminology. It can all be a bit overwhelming and intimidating for newer betting enthusiasts, so be sure to consult our sports betting glossary for detailed definitions of all the main terms. Sports betting isn't easy, whether you're betting on Miami Heat game totals or Jacksonville Jaguars futures. If you stay true to our betting mistakes to avoid, your sports betting experience will be much more enjoyable.

Florida Teams

– Miami Dolphins: NFL

– Tampa Bay Buccaneers: NFL

– Jacksonville Jaguars: NFL

– Miami Heat: NBA

– Orlando Magic: NBA

– Miami Marlins: MLB

– Tampa Bay Rays: MLB

– Tampa Bay Lightning: NHL

– Florida Panthers: NHL

– Orlando City: ML

MLS Betting in Florida

Orlando City SC

Orlando City SC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as an expansion team in 2015. In six seasons, the team has qualified for the playoffs only once, which happened during the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament. Orlando City made it to the championship match, but ultimately lost to the Portland Timbers, 2-1. The team plays its home games at Exploria Stadium and is coached by Óscar Pareja.

Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami CF joined the MLS as an expansion team in 2020. During its inaugural season, which was shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Inter Miami played 23 games and finished with a record of 7-13-3. The team competes in the Eastern Conference and plays its home games at DRV PNK Stadium (formerly known as Inter Miami CF Stadium). Inter Miami CF is coached by Phil Neville and co-owned by legendary English soccer player David Beckham.

NCAA Betting in Florida

In addition to professional sports, Florida is also home to several prominent college sports programs that fans can bet on. Here are some of the top college teams to keep an eye on in Florida:

Florida Gators

Representing the University of Florida, the Florida Gators are a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA, particularly in football and basketball. The Gators football team has won three national championships (1996, 2006, and 2008) and eight Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles. The men’s basketball team has two national championships (2006 and 2007) and has consistently been competitive in the SEC.

Florida State Seminoles

The Florida State Seminoles, representing Florida State University, are another powerhouse in college sports. The Seminoles football team has won three national championships (1993, 1999, and 2013) and has been a dominant force in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The men’s basketball team has also seen success, frequently making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament.

Miami Hurricanes

The University of Miami’s Hurricanes are well-known for their football program, which has won five national championships (1983, 1987, 1989, 1991, and 2001). The Hurricanes have a storied history, producing numerous NFL stars, and have consistently been competitive in the ACC.

UCF Knights

The University of Central Florida Knights have made a name for themselves in recent years, particularly in football. The Knights claimed a National Championship in 2017 after completing an undefeated season and have been a competitive force in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).

USF Bulls

The University of South Florida Bulls, although not as storied as some of the other Florida college programs, have had their moments of success. The Bulls football team has made several bowl game appearances and has been competitive in the AAC.

Remember that betting on college sports can be a bit different from betting on professional sports. Make sure to do your research and familiarize

NCAA Football Betting in Florida

Florida Gators

Representing the University of Florida, the Florida Gators are a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA, particularly in football. The Gators football team has won three national championships (1996, 2006, and 2008) and eight Southeastern Conference (SEC) titles.

Florida State Seminoles

The Florida State Seminoles, representing Florida State University, are another powerhouse in college football. The Seminoles football team has won three national championships (1993, 1999, and 2013) and has been a dominant force in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Miami Hurricanes

UCF Knights

The University of Central Florida Knights have made a name for themselves in recent years, particularly in football. The Knights claimed a National

NHL Betting in Florida

Tampa Bay Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning entered the NHL as an expansion team in 1992. The team found moderate success early on, making the playoffs in 1996 and 2003. However, it was the 2003-2004 season that put the Lightning on the map, as they won their first Stanley Cup. Since then, the team has become a perennial contender in the league.

The Lightning have continued their success in recent years, winning back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021. They play in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference and are coached by Jon Cooper. The team’s home games are held at Amalie Arena.

Florida Panthers

The Florida Panthers joined the NHL as an expansion team in 1993. The team experienced a fast start, making it to the Stanley Cup Finals in just their third season (1995-1996). However, they were unable to capture the championship, losing to the Colorado Avalanche.

In the years since, the Panthers have struggled to find consistent success, making the playoffs only sporadically. The team competes in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference and has yet to win a division title. The Panthers are coached by Joel Quenneville and play their home games at the BB&T Center.

MLB Betting in Florida

Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays, formerly known as the Devil Rays, joined the MLB as an expansion team in 1998. After a decade of struggling, the team saw a turnaround under new ownership in 2007. The Rays have since made several playoff appearances, winning division titles and even reaching the World Series in 2008 and 2020. Managed by Kevin Cash, the team is known for its analytical approach to the game. Home games are played at Tropicana Field.

Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins entered MLB in 1993 as the Florida Marlins. Despite having only three playoff appearances, the Marlins have won two World Series titles, in 1997 and 2003. The team rebranded as the Miami Marlins in 2012 and moved to Marlins Park. Led by manager Don Mattingly, the Marlins made their most recent playoff appearance in 2020. They also recently hired Kim Ng as their general manager, making her the first female GM in North American men’s sports

College Football Betting in Florida

Florida Gators Football

The Florida Gators football team has a storied history, with three National Championships and three Heisman winners. Competing in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), they are currently coached by Dan Mullen and play home games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville.

Florida State Seminoles Football

The Florida State Seminoles have also won three National Championships and produced three Heisman winners. Competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), they are coached by Mike Norvell and play their home games at Doak Campbell Stadium.

Miami Hurricanes Football

The Miami Hurricanes, known as “The U,” have claimed five National Championships and produced two Heisman winners. They currently compete in the ACC, are coached by Manny Diaz, and play their home games at Hard Rock Stadium.

UCF Knights Football

UCF quickly established itself as a strong college football program despite its relatively recent entry into Division I. The Knights, who compete in the American Athletic Conference, have won four conference championships and claim one national championship. They play their home games at the Bounce House and are coached by Gus Malzahn.

USF Bulls Football

The USF Bulls football program, part of the American Athletic Conference, has made 10 bowl appearances. They are coached by Jeff Scott and play home games at Raymond James Stadium, shared with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Florida International (FIU) Panthers Football

The FIU Panthers, the newest Division I football program in Florida, currently compete in Conference USA. They have competed in five bowl games and won a Sun Belt Conference title in 2010. Coached by Butch Davis, the Panthers play their home games at Riccardo Silva Stadium in Miami.

Florida Atlantic (FAU) Owls Football

The FAU Owls, who moved to Conference USA in 2013, have won three conference championships and are 4-1 in bowl games. Led by former Florida State head coach Willie Taggart, they play their home games at FAU Stadium.

College Basketball Betting in Florida

Florida Gators Men’s Basketball

The Gators, under former head coach Billy Donovan, turned into an SEC powerhouse, winning back-to-back NCAA Tournament championships in 2006 and 2007. Currently coached by Mike White, they play their home games at the Exactech Arena.

Florida State Seminoles Men’s Basketball

Despite 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, the Seminoles have yet to win a championship. Coached by Leonard Hamilton, they compete in the ACC and play home games at Donald L. Tucker Center.

Miami Hurricanes Men’s Basketball

The Hurricanes, with a history of 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, compete in the ACC. Coached by Jim Larranaga, they play home games at the Watsco Center in Coral Gables.

UCF Knights Men’s Basketball

The Knights, part of the American Athletic Conference, have five NCAA Tournament appearances. Coached by Johnny Dawkins, they play their home games at Addition Financial Arena in Orlando.

USF Bulls Men’s Basketball

With one conference win and three NCAA Tournament appearances, the USF Bulls compete in the American Athletic Conference. Coached by Brian Gregory, they play home games at the Yuengling Center.

Florida Gulf Coast Eagles Men’s Basketball

The Eagles, having made three NCAA Tournament appearances, are part of the Atlantic Sun conference. Coached by Michael Fly, they play home games at Alico Arena.

Florida Atlantic (FAU) Owls Men’s Basketball

The Owls, competing in Conference USA, have only one NCAA Tournament appearance. Coached by Dusty May, they play home games at FAU Arena in Boca Raton.

Florida International (FIU) Panthers Men’s Basketball

The Panthers, with just one NCAA Tournament appearance, struggle to find their footing. Coached by Jeremy Ballard, they play home games at Ocean Bank Convocation Center.

North Florida Ospreys Men’s Basketball

The Ospreys, part of the Atlantic Sun Conference, have only one conference tournament win. Coached by Matthew Driscoll, they play home games at UNF Arena.

Jacksonville Dolphins Men’s Basketball

The Dolphins, with five NCAA Tournament appearances, have not returned to the NCAA Tournament in the last 35 years. Coached by Tony Jasick, they play home games at Swisher Gymnasium.

Bethune-Cookman Wildcats Men’s Basketball

The Wildcats, part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, have never reached the NCAA Tournament. Coached by Ryan Ridder, they play their home games at Moore Gymnasium.

Florida Open Tennis Championship

The Florida Open Tennis Championship is an annual tournament held in Sarasota, Florida. Established in 2018, the tournament is part of the ITF World Tennis Tour and takes place on outdoor clay courts. The Florida Open has singles and doubles competitions for both men and women. The most recent champions include Christopher Eubanks in the men’s singles and Whitney Osuigwe in the women’s singles.

Sarasota Open

The Sarasota Open is a professional men’s tennis tournament played on outdoor clay courts. Established in 2009, the event is part of the ATP Challenger Tour and takes place at the United Tennis Club in Bradenton, Florida. Past champions include Tommy Paul and James Duckworth.

Hockey Events in Florida

NHL All-Star Game

Florida has hosted the NHL All-Star Game twice in the past. The 2003 NHL All-Star Game was held at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Florida, home of the Florida Panthers. In 1999, the game took place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The NHL All-Star Game brings together the best players in the league for a weekend of festivities and competition.

ECHL All-Star Classic

The ECHL All-Star Classic is an annual ice hockey event that showcases the best talent in the ECHL, a mid-level professional hockey league. Florida has hosted this event once in the past when the 2011 ECHL All-Star Classic was held at the Germain Arena in Estero, Florida, home of the Florida Everblades.

Running Events in Florida

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend

The Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is an annual event held at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The event features various races, including a marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K, and kids’ races, as well as a health and fitness expo. The weekend attracts runners from all over the world to participate in these races through the Disney theme parks.

Gate River Run

The Gate River Run is an annual 15-kilometer road race held in Jacksonville, Florida. Established in 1978, the event is the largest 15K race in the United States and has been the USATF 15 km National Championship since 1994. The race attracts both elite and recreational runners, with thousands of participants each year.

Florida is also home to a variety of other sporting events, including Ironman triathlons, international soccer matches, and sailing regattas. These events attract a diverse audience of sports enthusiasts, making Florida a popular destination for sports fans and bettors alike.

Florida A&M Rattlers Men’s Basketball

Florida A&M basketball has made a name for itself in Division I as a member of the MEAC since 1979. With three NCAA Tournament appearances and four conference tournament championships, the Rattlers continue to strive for success. Coached by Robert McCullum, the team hosts their home games at the Alfred Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center.

Stetson Hatters Men’s Basketball

Despite not achieving an NCAA Tournament berth in over 50 years, the Stetson Hatters remain determined in Division I. Competing in the Atlantic Sun Conference, the Hatters are coached by Donnie Jones and play their home games at the Edmunds Center.

Other Sporting Events in Florida

Florida offers an array of sporting events beyond the college and professional teams located in the state. From NCAA bowl games to PGA, ATP, and NASCAR events, Florida has something for every sports fan and bettor.

Football Events in Florida

Orange Bowl

This prestigious NCAA college football bowl game is held at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. As part of the New Year’s Six and the second-oldest bowl game, the Orange Bowl often features top-ranked teams. Texas A&M secured victory in the most recent edition.

Gator Bowl

One of the oldest college football bowl games, the Gator Bowl takes place at Jacksonville’s TIAA Bank Field. With an ACC or Big 10 team usually competing, the most recent winner was Kentucky.

Citrus Bowl

Hosted at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, the Citrus Bowl is an annual college football bowl game that showcases an SEC-Big 10 matchup. Northwestern emerged victorious in the most recent game.

Outback Bowl

Featuring an SEC and Big 10 matchup, the Outback Bowl occurs at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium. Ole Miss claimed the latest Outback Bowl title.

Cheez-It Bowl

With ACC and Big 12 teams competing, the Cheez-It Bowl is held at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. Oklahoma State emerged victorious in the latest contest.

Gasparilla Bowl

Taking place at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium, the Gasparilla Bowl can feature any two teams from eight conferences, Army, or BYU. UCF claimed the most recent victory.

Boca Raton Bowl

At FAU Stadium, the Boca Raton Bowl hosts teams without specific conference affiliations. BYU won the most recent edition of the event.

Cure Bowl

Held at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, the Cure Bowl typically features a Sun Belt Conference team. Liberty Flames are the current back-to-back champions.

Golf Events in Florida

Arnold Palmer Invitational

Played at the Bay Hill Club and Lodge, the Arnold Palmer Invitational sees top golfers compete for a $9.3 million prize fund. Bryson Dechambeau is the defending champion.

The Players Championship

Held at TPC Sawgrass, this high-stakes golf tournament boasts a $15 million prize fund. Justin Thomas is the most recent winner.

Honda Classic

Located at PGA National Resort and Spa’s Champion course, the Honda Classic features a $7 million prize fund. Matt Jones is the latest champion.

Valspar Championship

Played at Copperhead Course, the Valspar Championship has a prize fund of $6.7 million. Paul Casey remains the defending champion.

QBE Shootout

This post-season PGA Tour event takes place at Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Florida, and features a team-based format. Harris English and Matt Kuchar are the most recent champions.

NASCAR Events in FL

Daytona 500

As the premier race in the NASCAR Cup Series, the Daytona 500 kicks off the season at Daytona International Speedway. Michael McDowell is the current defending champion.

Dixie Vodka 400

An annual NASCAR Cup Series race held at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the Dixie Vodka 400 takes place in March. William Byron won the most recent race in 2021.

Coke Zero Sugar 400

Hosted at Daytona International Speedway, this 400-mile NASCAR stock car race is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company. William Byron is the most recent winner, looking to defend his title in the upcoming race.

Tennis Events in FL

Delray Beach Open

The Delray Beach Open is a men’s hard-court tennis tournament that is part of the ATP World Tour 250 series. Established in 1993, the event moved to the Delray Beach Tennis Center in 1999. Hubert Hurkacz won the 2021 Delray Beach Open, defeating Sebastian Korda.

Miami Open

A prestigious event on the ATP Tour Masters 1000 Circuit, the Miami Open is held annually at Hard Rock Stadium. Played on a hard court, the event is sponsored by international bank Itaú. Hubert Hurkacz emerged victorious in 2021, defeating Jannik Sinner in straight sets.