Florida is one of the more unique legal sports betting markets in the U.S. While it’s legal to place wagers in the Sunshine State, a single online sportsbook serves the market. Hard Rock Bet has been the only game in town since its relaunch in 2023.
In this comprehensive guide to Florida sports betting, we provide a complete list of where you can legally place bets and cover what’s available for wagering. We’ll take a detailed look at Hard Rock Bet, including information on the latest bonuses and promotions.
Additionally, we cover the complete legal history of sports betting in Florida, current rules and regulatory status, show you how to sign up and place your first bet at the best Florida sportsbooks, and much more.
Best Florida sportsbooks
Hard Rock Bet holds the mantle as the best Florida sportsbook. Thankfully for Florida sports bettors, the state’s lone legal option has plenty to offer and delivers a smooth wagering experience. Let’s take a closer look at what Hard Rock Bet has to offer.
Hard Rock Bet Florida
Hard Rock Bet Florida offers a user-friendly platform that delivers on both the web and its mobile app. It’s slick and easy to use, and also intuitive with an excellent search feature that you can lean on to find what you’re looking for in an instant.
The betting menu is packed with sports and bet types, with odds that are typically competitive. If you stick to major games and events, such as the NFL and UFC, you’re more than covered. The same is true for those who like to dig deeper into niche and international sports.
One of the top highlights is the “trending now” section, which gives you immediate insight into popular parlay opportunities that have been gaining traction. If you get inspired by what you see, there’s a “build your own” button that lets you craft your own multi-leg wagers with ease.
Users give the Hard Rock Bet app solid marks, currently standing at 4.9 on the App Store and 4.7 on Google Play. Players can also join the Hard Rock Loyalty Rewards program, giving you the opportunity to rack up redeemable points as they play.
Rewards can be redeemed for odds boosts, bonus bets, discounts, and perks at Hard Rock properties. There are several banking options to choose from, including PayPal and Venmo, with transactions processed quickly and seamlessly.
Pros
- The menu is packed with sports and bet types.
- Great welcome offer of up to $100 back in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win.
- Earn redeemable Hard Rock Loyalty Rewards points as you play.
- Smooth and intuitive interface on both web and mobile.
- Trending bets section and “Build Your Own” button.
Cons
- Futures market odds are not as competitive as you’ll find elsewhere.
- There are limited markets available for live-betting.
Legal online sportsbooks in Florida
There is one legal online sportsbook in Florida. In 2021, a gambling compact was signed by the state and the Seminole Tribe, which controls the Hard Rock brand. Hard Rock Sportsbook launched soon thereafter, but it didn’t last long.
Pushback from various groups and legal wrangling ensued. A federal judge sided with the opponents, and the Hard Rock app was shut down at the end of the year. The legal battles continued, with the DC Court of Appeals ultimately ruling in favor of the Seminole Tribe.
Hard Rock Bet was relaunched in December 2023. It’s available online and via mobile app to all eligible users in the state, and remains the only legal sportsbook in Florida.
| Sportsbook Name | Welcome Bonus (Briefly) | Key Features/Description | Owner/Operator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Bet | Up to $100 back in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win | Smooth interface, trending bets section, loyalty rewards program | The Seminole Tribe of Florida |
Best Florida sports betting bonuses and promotions
The Florida sports betting market is unique. There’s just one legal book to satisfy the demand. Hard Rock Bet offers welcome bonuses for new users, as well as a variety of promotions for existing players to choose from. The table below provides a complete overview of the best Florida bonuses and promotions.
| Hard Rock Bet Bonuses/Promos | Key Features/Description |
|---|---|
| Welcome Offer | Available to new players only. Sign up, deposit at least $10, and make a minimum bet of $5. If you lose, get back the amount of your wager, up to $100, as bonus bets. The bonus bet expires seven days after being issued. |
| Odds and Profit Boosts | There are regular boosts to choose from, such as a 30% lift on an NBA SGP wager or enhanced odds on an NFL futures bet. |
| Happy Hour Bonuses | Every Friday, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET, log in to claim special boosted bets that are vaialble for only an hour. |
| Battle of the Bets | Participate in a daily head-to-head contest of two bets. Bet at least $1 and win a share of the listed prize pool if you make the right call.. |
| SGP Max | You can combine up to 20 bets from multiple same-game parlay bets on a single wagering ticket for a chance at a higher payout. |
| Flex Parlay | By choosing this feature, you can still win a parlay bet even if you lose a leg. You can choose the minumum number of bets required to win, with the odds and potential payout adjusting accordingly. |
| Refer a Friend | Refer a friend who makes a deposit and places a qualifying wager. You'll get back $50 in bonus bets for doing so. You can refer up to 20 friends and get rewarded. |
| Hard Rock Bet Loyalty Rewards | All new players are automatically enrolled. You can earn points and climb tiers as you play. Redeem for bonus bets and other perks, including discounts at Hard Rock properties. |
Choosing the best sportsbook bonuses in Florida
When choosing from the best sportsbook bonuses in Florida, take the time to review the terms and conditions. Offers could require you to wager a certain amount to qualify, or have a minimum odds requirement that must be bet.
For example, new players must deposit at least $10 and make a minimum bet of $5 to qualify for the Hard Rock Bet welcome bonus. You automatically get enrolled in the rewards program, while referrals require your friends to make a deposit and place a qualifying wager.
When reviewing offers like daily odds boosts, SGP max, and flex parlay, just click the icon for the promotion you’re interested in to review the terms. Focus on the ones that interest you, with requirements that match your comfort level, and pass on the rest.
Hard rock bet: up to $100 back in bonus bets
The Hard Rock Bet bonus offer is straightforward. You sign up, make a minimum deposit, and place a bet of at least $5. If you lose that first qualifying wager, you’ll get back your stake, up to the offer limit of $100, as bonus bets.
Key points to remember:
- Sign up for Hard Rock Bet.
- Make an initial deposit of at least $10.
- Place your first wager at odds of -250 or longer.
- If you lose, get your stake back as bonus bets, up to the offer limit.
- Bonus bets expire seven days after issuance.
If you win your first wager, it’s business as usual. You’ll be credited with your winnings once the bet settles, and you won’t receive any bonus credits. The offer is open to new players in Florida who are 21 years of age or older.
Legal status of sports betting in Florida
Sports betting is legal in Florida as a result of a gambling compact signed between the state and the Seminole Tribe. Hard Rock Sportsbook, operated by the tribe, launched online in 2021, but was pulled by the end of the year due to legal challenges.
The battle continued for several months, with the tribe ultimately notching a victory on appeal. Retail betting opened in December 2023, with the Hard Rock Bet app also relaunching. The Seminole Tribe continues to hold exclusivity over Florida sports betting.
Who regulates Florida sports betting?
The uniqueness of the market extends to the regulation of Florida sports betting. As part of the 2021 gambling compact, the Seminole Tribe has control over and operates sports betting within the state. Naturally, they’re required to adhere to the terms of the compact.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission helps to ensure compliance with compact agreements and also provides oversight of tribal casinos. The Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission handles day-to-day operations, while the FGCC is considered the primary state regulator.
Minimum sports betting age in Florida
The minimum sports betting age in Florida is 21. This applies to in-person wagering at the six retail sportsbooks, as well as online and mobile play with Hard Rock Bet. When you sign up with the app, you’re asked to verify your age and identity.
Additional documentation may be requested during the registration process. To place wagers with the Hard Rock Bet app in Florida, you must be located within the state lines. This is verified with the assistance of geolocation tracking technology.
Are other legal sportsbooks coming to florida?
No other legal sportsbooks are expected to launch in Florida in the near future. The compact signed between the state and the Seminole Tribe still serves as the final word. Expansion of the market would require a change to the compact or existing state law.
While there has been speculation on the matter and assorted challenges to the exclusive arrangement, no substantive legislative efforts have been put in motion. For now and the foreseeable future, Hard Rock Bet is the only legal sportsbook in Florida.
Florida legal sports betting timeline
The floodgates for legal sports betting across the US opened in 2018, but it took some time for things to get moving in Florida. Here’s the complete timeline of how it has all played out.
- May 14, 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), giving states the authority to legalize sports betting.
- April 23, 2021: Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe agree to a new gaming compact, granting the Tribe exclusive rights to operate sports betting in Florida.
- May 19, 2021: Florida Legislature ratifies the gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe, formally approving the framework for legal sports betting in the state.
- November 1, 2021: Hard Rock Sportsbook (now Hard Rock Bet), operated by the Seminole Tribe, launches mobile sports betting in Florida.
- November 22, 2021: A U.S. District Judge vacates the 2021 compact, ruling that it violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which forces the shutdown of sports betting in Florida.
- June 30, 2023: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit overturns the District Court’s decision, restoring the legality of the Seminole compact.
- December 5, 2023: Hard Rock Bet app becomes available to all eligible users in Florida, marking the full return of online sports betting in the state.
- December 7, 2023: Retail (in-person) sports betting officially launches at Seminole-owned casinos across Florida.
- March 2024: The Florida Supreme Court denies a petition challenging the state’s gambling compact, further solidifying the legal foundation for sports betting.
- June 17, 2024: The U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear an appeal against the compact, effectively ending major legal challenges and confirming the Tribe’s exclusive rights.
Florida sports betting market overview
The legal Florida sports betting market is still relatively new. Hard Rock Bet and retail casinos opened in late 2023, and the state has not released revenue or tax reports. As the third most populous state in the US, behind only California and Texas, the potential is clearly massive.
For perspective, New York (4th in population by 2024 estimates) has generated the most wagering handle in the post-PASPA era. The Empire State also imposes one of the highest sports betting tax rates in the nation at 51%.
Taxation and licensing structure
In other legal sports betting states, the taxation and licensing structure is completely ironed out before legislation is signed into law. In Florida, the legal wagering market is the result of the 2021 compact between the state and the Seminole Tribe.
As the final bill analysis states, the compact “establishes a guaranteed minimum revenue sharing payment after the first five years of the compact to total $2.5 billion.” The revenue share payments that must be paid to the state are outlined as follows:
- Percentage payments for slots, raffles, drawings, and new games range from 12 percent of net win up to $2 billion, to 25 percent of net win greater than $3.5 billion.
- Percentage payments for table games range from 15 percent of net win up to $1 billion, to 25 percent of net win greater than $2 billion.
- The percentage payment for tribal sports betting is 13.75 percent of net win, excluding the net win received by the Seminole Tribe on pari-mutuel sports betting.
- The percentage payment for pari-mutuel sports betting is 10 percent of the net win received by the Seminole Tribe on pari-mutuel sports betting.
- The Seminole Tribe’s guaranteed minimum revenue share payment is $400 million per year for the first five years.
- At the end of the third year of the five-year guaranteed minimum payment period, if the total revenue share payments are less than $1.5 billion, the Seminole Tribe must pay the difference to the state.
- At the end of the fifth year of the five-year guaranteed minimum payment period, if the total revenue share payments are less than $2.5 billion, the Seminole Tribe must pay the difference to the state.
For sports betting specifically, the ”net win” refers to total receipts, less all prize payouts and free play or promotional credits issued by the Tribe. The resulting figure is the basis for determining the revenue share payments to the State of Florida under the compact.
Where does the money go?
The money collected by the state from the Seminole Tribe under the gaming compact is deposited into the Florida General Revenue Fund. This fund is the state’s primary operating account, used to support various state services, including education, healthcare, transportation, and public safety.
Additionally, the compact also requires the Tribe to pay an annual oversight assessment of up to $600,000 for the operation of the State Compliance Agency, and to make a yearly donation to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling. These specific assessments and donations are earmarked for regulatory and responsible gambling purposes.
How this affects bettors
Florida sports bettors are required to pay federal taxes on their winnings. However, they are not subject to any state income taxes, as Florida does not impose personal taxation. Based on your winnings, you may be provided with a W-2G or 1099-MISC from a sportsbook.
Reporting obligations are the responsibility of bettors, regardless of whether you receive such a form or not. For specific information on your situation and obligations, consulting with a tax professional is highly recommended.
Florida mobile betting apps
Florida mobile betting apps are a primary way to access platforms and place wagers for many of the state’s eligible users. New players can sign up for an account with Hard Rock Bet directly from their mobile device.
After registration, you have the freedom to place your bets anywhere within state lines. Like other top mobile sportsbooks, Hard Rock Bet utilizes geolocation tracking software to verify user location. Here’s a look at how the app stacks up according to users.
| Sportsbook Name | iOS App Rating | Android App Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Bet | 4.9 | 4.7 |
How to sign up and bet in Florida
Signing up to bet in Florida will take just a few minutes of your time. It’s a fast and straightforward process that can be completed on your desktop or mobile device. Follow the steps below to be up and running in no time.
- Visit the Hard Rock Bet mobile app or website.
- Click the “sign up” button to begin registering for an account.
- Follow the prompts and enter the requested information.
- Choose your user name and password.
- Enter any applicable promo codes to get your welcome bonus.
- Allow geolocation tracking to verify your location.
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- Confirm that you’re of legal age and that your information is correct.
- Access your account, locate the cashier section, and make a deposit.
- Browse the available markets and odds.
- Decide what you want to wager on, apply any promos, and place your bet.
- Withdraw your winnings via your preferred method once the wager settles.
Hard Rock Bet has several banking methods for players to choose from, including bank transfers, debit cards, PayPal, and Venmo. Deposits go through instantly. Withdrawals take some time to process, but they can be as quick as 24 hours via certain methods.
Where can you bet on sports in person in florida?
You can bet in person in Florida at six retail sportsbook locations. They are all located at Seminole Tribe-owned casinos, with all of them scheduled to open their doors in December 2023. Here are complete details on all Florida retail sportsbook locations.
| Casino/Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood | 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314 |
| Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa | 5223 Orient Rd. Tampa, FL 33610 |
| Seminole Casino Coconut Creek | 5550 NW 40th St. Coconut Creek, FL 33073 |
| Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood | 4150 North State Road 7, Hollywood, FL 33021 |
| Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee | 506 South 1st Street, Immokalee, FL 34142 |
| Seminole Casino Brighton | 17735 Reservation Road, Okeechobee, FL 34974 |
The Hollywood, Tampa, and Coconut Creek casinos have dedicated Hard Rock Bet sportsbooks, featuring betting and viewing areas, drinks, and more. At the other three venues, you’ll find betting kiosks in various spots on the casino floor.
What sports and events can you bet on in florida?
You can bet on a wide range of sports and events in Florida. Wagering is available on both professional and collegiate leagues, individual competitions, international events, and a selection of niche sports. For markets, you’ll find all of the popular attractions, including point-spreads, player props, same-game parlays, futures, and more. Below, we take a detailed look at what’s on the menu at Florida sportsbooks.
Pro sports leagues available for betting in Florida
The top pro leagues are available for betting in Florida. They’re well-represented and popular attractions to boot, as the state is home to clubs in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Beyond the big four, you’ll find wagering for other major sports like Soccer, Golf, UFC, Tennis, Boxing, NASCAR, and Formula 1 available for wagering.
There are numerous bet types for each sport on the menu. You can bet on moneylines, spreads, and totals for all of the top team sports. Props and parlays are also huge draws, as are futures markets for major events, such as the winner of the next Super Bowl or the Masters. If your focus is on wagering on major sports and events, you’re more than covered in Florida.
Betting on college sports in Florida
Betting is allowed on college sports in Florida. There are no restrictions on wagering on in-state teams. You can bet on moneylines, spreads, totals, and more for each game on the docket. However, no betting is permitted on college player props. If you’re looking to bet on props, you’ll be limited to those that focus on the game as a whole.
For the fall and winter months, college football is a massive attraction. Once that’s in the book, attention often turns to college basketball. In both sports, the postseason generates a ton of wagering interest. The College Football Playoffs and March Madness are two of the signature betting events of the year, and are incredibly popular for betting in Florida.
Other sports and events available for wagering
Several other sports and events are available for wagering in Florida. If you like digging into niche options and international competitions, there’s plenty to choose from. Included on the list are sports such as darts, cricket, rugby, and table tennis.
Notable items on the restricted list include eSports. As is the case in other legal states, you also can’t bet on high school sports. There’s also no wagering on non-sporting events, such as the Oscars or the results of a political election.
Popular local teams to bet on in Florida
Florida is a hotbed for sports with several popular local teams to root for. The interest translates over to sports betting, as the favorites capture plenty of interest from bettors. Sportsbooks will often have special promotions tied to the local squads, such as an odds boost on a game, prop, or future. Below is a look at the most popular pro and college teams to bet on in Florida.
Professional teams:
- Jacksonville Jaguars: After being on the outside looking in at the postseason for two campaigns in a row, the Jaguars have made a head coaching change. It’ll be Liam Coen on the sidelines as the club looks to rebound in the competitive AFC South.
- Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins continue their pursuit of their first AFC East title since 2008. The club’s streak of two straight playoff seasons came to an end last time out as they finished at 8-9.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers have had an impressive run of five straight playoff seasons. The stretch includes a win at Super Bowl LV, a 31-9 victory over the Chiefs, and four NFC South crowns.
- Miami Heat: Since joining the NBA as an expansion franchise in 1988, the Heat have qualified for the playoffs in 26 of their 36 seasons. The last campaign came to an end with a 4-0 sweep at the hands of the Cavaliers.
- Orlando Magic: Since a loss to the Lakers in the 2009 NBA Finals, the Magic have reached the postseason seven times. The last six of those appearances have come to an end with a first-round loss.
- Florida Panthers: The Panthers are currently on a phenomenal run. They have landed in the Stanley Cup Finals three straight times behind an impressive core that includes Sam Reinhart and Aleksander Barkov.
- Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning have also had a recent stretch of dominance, winning two of three Stanley Cup Finals from 2019-20 through 2021-22. Team leaders include Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy.
- Miami Marlins: A 1993 MLB expansion franchise, the Marlins have had a challenging run, reaching the postseason just four times. The club is looking to rebound from a 62-100 campaign.
- Tampa Bay Rays: The Rays joined MLB in 1998, reaching the playoffs eight times, including a four-year run from 2019-23. Last season, the club finished 80-82, leaving them fourth in the competitive AL East.
- Inter Miami CF: The club made its debut in 2020 and has steadily made headlines ever since. Co-owned by David Beckham, highlights include the signing of Lionel Messi and a 2023 Leagues Cup victory.
- Orlando City SC: Owned by the Wilf family, the club made its debut in the MLS in 2015. Highlights since that point include winning the 2022 US Open Cup and qualifying twice for the Concacaf Champions Cup.
College teams:
- FAU Owls: Members of the American Athletic Conference, the Owls’ home base is Boca Raton. The football squad is looking to snap a string of four straight losing seasons.
- FIU Panthers: The Miami-based school is part of Conference USA. The Panthers remain on the hunt for their first bowl game appearance since 2019.
- Florida Gators: The Gators, based in Gainesville, compete in the tough SEC conference and have reached national prominence in both football and basketball.
- Florida State Seminoles: Located in Tallahassee and playing in the ACC, the Seminoles have produced three Heisman Trophy winners.
- Miami Hurricanes: The Hurricanes are also part of the ACC. They play home games at Hard Rock Stadium and have five national titles on their resume.
- South Florida Bulls: Located in Tampa, USF is also part of the AAC. The club has finished 7-6 for two straight seasons, closing both with a bowl game win.
- UCF Knights: Part of the Big 12 and located in Orlando, the Knights’ run of eight straight bowl game seasons ended with last year’s 4-8 finish.
Responsible gambling resources in Florida
Responsible gambling resources are available in Florida. While betting on sports and other gambling activities are meant to be fun, they become much more serious for those who are impacted by problem gambling.
The state prioritizes responsible gambling policies and promotes the importance of safe play. If you or someone you know needs assistance, there are resources to lean on. Details on the specific types of support available can be found below.
Self-exclusion programs
Self-exclusion is a voluntary program designed to help individuals who struggle with wagering responsibly. Impacted individuals can restrict their access to gambling for a set period, such as opting to exclude themselves from a land-based casino or sportsbook voluntarily.
Users can also self-exclude directly through the Hard Rock Bet app or website. Just click on your account section and the “responsible gaming” link, where you’ll find options to set limits, take a timeout, or self-exclude yourself.
If you decide to self-exclude entirely, you can do so for a minimum of six months up to a lifetime at land-based locations, and choose from one year, five years, or lifetime online.
Limits you can employ
You can take charge of your play at any time by employing specific limits to your account. At Hard Rock Bet, you can restrict the amount of deposits and wagers over a set time frame. You can do the same with the amount of time you spend on the site.
There’s also an option to take a timeout, which lets you set limited or completely restricted access. By setting limits, bettors can try to establish healthy boundaries and remain in control, such as by resisting the urge to chase losses or deposit amounts above their means.
Florida responsible gambling helplines & counseling
Several Florida responsible gambling resources are available to deliver support and assistance to impacted individuals as needed.
- Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling: An information-packed website, as well as direct help access via phone, text, chat, or email.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: You can visit the website for resources, or call 1-800-GAMBLER for 24/7 assistance.
You can also find direct links to responsible gambling resources on the Hard Rock Bet app and website.
Conclusion
Florida stands as one of the more unique markets for legal sports betting in the US. The compact with the Seminole Tribe has cemented an exclusive market, and there’s nothing to suggest that will be changing anytime soon.
Based on the sheer size of Florida (with 2024 estimates reaching 23.3 million), the potential is there for it to become a massive sports betting market. While Hard Rock Bet is the only game in town, it’s a legitimate and reputable sportsbook that is also available for bettors in seven other legal states (AZ, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, VA).
