Best Florida Sportsbooks and Betting Sites April 2024

Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida?

As of early 2023, sports betting remains illegal in Florida. Although it briefly gained full legal status in 2021 for less than a month, a federal judge nullified Florida's sports betting legalization.

The complexities of this legal battle are centered around the state's intricate relationship with its native tribes. In 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis granted the Seminole Tribe the authority to offer sports betting in partnership with Hard Rock Sportsbook.

However, this decision faced legal challenges from entities like West Flagler Associates, a company operating casinos in the state, and others. They argued that the state had overstepped its powers under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act by granting exclusive statewide rights to the Seminole Tribe.

Moreover, they contended that the legalization of gambling should have been determined by the voters in the state, and that mobile sports betting in Florida could not be enforced on tribal land, which would also breach the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. A federal judge ruled in favor of the challengers, and as of February 2023, the appeals process in Florida's sports betting legalization is ongoing.

This phase has been ongoing for over a year, and a final decision is not expected before fall 2023, and even that timeline is optimistic.

Sports Betting in Florida: The Legal Situation

Here is a timeline of the see-sawing Florida online betting legalization saga:

• March 2021: Governor Ron DeSantis signals that there is an agreement with the Seminole Tribe on a gaming deal that would legalize sports betting in Florida.
• May 2021: A sports betting bill related to the previous SB392, SB394, and HB317 bills filed in December 2020 is introduced in the Senate. The Florida Senate votes 38-1 to pass it. The Florida House of Representatives does the same on the following day, with a 97-17 vote that paves the way for legalization. Governor DeSantis signs off, and it is revealed that under the compact (SB 2-A), the Seminole Tribe will pay $2.5 billion in revenue over the next five years in return for the rights to provide online betting.
• June 2021: DraftKings and FanDuel aren't pleased, and start a movement to take legalization decisions to the voters. Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber points out to the US Department of Interior that this decision is in violation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
• July-August 2021: The US Department of the Interior is alleged to have allowed the compact by virtue of not making a decision to either approve or disapprove it. West Flagler Associates officially discloses its opposition by filing a lawsuit against the Secretary of Interior, Deb Haaland.
• November 2021: Hard Rock Sportsbook and its mobile app become the first legal Florida sportsbook.
• December 2021: The Hard Rock Sportsbook is shut down after the federal judge accepts West Flagler's contention in November that the compact violates the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
• January 2022: DraftKings and FanDuel fail to gather enough backers in time for the November 2022 elections, which means their push for legalization - if all else fails with the Seminole Tribe appeal - can only appear in the November 2024 elections.
• July 2022: The DC Circuit releases a schedule that lists opening briefs for the case involving the Seminole Tribe in August 2023.
• December 2022: The United States Court of Appeals hears arguments from both the federal government and the Seminole Tribe, which has the backing of Florida's Attorney General.

Florida Sports Betting Laws

As of now, neither the Seminole Tribe nor other entities like DraftKings or FanDuel have significant advantages in their efforts to establish legal sports betting in Florida in the near future. The Seminole Tribe faces a legal challenge that requires them to demonstrate that hosting servers on tribal land complies with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. On the other hand, entities like DraftKings and FanDuel are unable to pursue the subject of legalization until November 2024 when it can be presented to voters.

In summary, the issue of legalizing sports betting in Florida is currently contested, and there is no immediate resolution in sight. Consequently, sports betting remains illegal in Florida for the foreseeable future.

Florida Sports Betting Updates

The last significant milestone in the Florida sports betting timeline saw the Seminole Tribe present their oral arguments in the court of appeals in December 2022. The next significant movement, in this case, has been scheduled for August 2023. Responses are expected in fall of 2023, and if the court rules in favor of the Seminole Tribe, legal sports betting licenses could be reinstated and rolled out in Florida by late 2023.

Top online sportsbooks in Florida

When sports betting becomes available in Florida, certain sportsbooks are expected to receive more attention than others. This article highlights the prominence of Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and BetRivers as the featured sportsbooks. These operators have already made a significant impact in other major states across the US, and it is highly likely that they will replicate their success in Florida.

In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive analysis of each of these sportsbooks, exploring their strengths and weaknesses in detail. This will provide you with a thorough understanding of why these sportsbooks have earned the trust of numerous states throughout the country. Just like when selecting an email provider or software service, it is crucial to consider various factors when choosing a sportsbook. Since online sportsbooks are digital products, a similar thought process can be applied to determine which qualities align best with your preferences.

At Oddspedia, we will thoroughly examine essential details such as promotional bonuses, user-friendliness, interface design, customer service, payment options, security measures, reputation, and more. Based on these criteria, we will present a curated list of the top online sportsbooks for sports betting in Florida when it becomes available again. This will ensure that you have all the necessary information at your disposal to make an informed decision.

Best Florida betting sites

Let's now take a closer look at the best potential betting sites when sports betting becomes legal in Florida. You'll notice that the usual brands like BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel will be on this list, but there are a few others to consider as well. 

There are certain characteristics that these sites have that others don't.

• Sign-Up Offers and Promos - Sportsbooks should be accessible to newcomers and veterans. Having great offers and regular promotions for returning players is crucial in this industry.
• Sports Betting Markets - The variety of sports and betting types that a sportsbook provides will make or break it.
• Mobile App Experience - In the digital age, a reliable app is fundamental to any business. The betting industry is no different.
• Payment Options - Having various methods of depositing and withdrawing money is crucial to any modern sportsbook.
• Safety and Security - Oddspedia sets stringent requirements regarding personal safety and security of information, financial information, and options available for those who exhibit problem gambling.

BetMGM

FanDuel

Caesars

DraftKings

BetRivers

Why is BetMGM the best sportsbook in Florida

When sportsbooks become legal in Florida, BetMGM will most likely be operable. The sportsbooks that have been listed in the article all have their own pros and cons – this includes BetMGM – but it's hard to see past all of the good it offers to bettors. It always puts the user first, and that simple principle will last the test of time. 

This sportsbook has been around for a while in the entertainment and hospitality industry. Some reputed sportsbooks can get too comfortable over time, but BetMGM has had no trouble evolving for the modern age. The website and app are very easy to navigate, the bonus offers are some of the best in the country, and the markets, bet types, and customer service are also fantastic. 

It even offers a gateway for niche bettors – those who might be into darts or other more obscure sports. BetMGM also has an in-built system that protects users who are at risk of problem gambling – it doesn't need to go to such lengths, but it is certainly all the better by doing so. Some reviewers might see this as a negative, but we certainly see it as a positive. 

BetMGM's live betting section could be a bit better, but it has compensated for this with an excellent live streaming service. This sportsbook ticks most boxes – it's hard to look past it for rookie and experienced bettors alike. 

Florida betting sites with the best promotions

BetMGM has a history of offering great bonuses, which hasn't changed in 2023. Sports bettors in most of the other US states can claim the first-bet bonus of bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets that BetMGM is currently offering. If you lose your initial bet, you'll get a refund in bonus bets up to the max, which is also very reassuring – especially if you're a new bettor. 

Top Florida sportsbooks by sport

BetMGM will get a lot of praise in this article. Florida is one of the major states in the US, and BetMGM has been a great success in other parts of the US. Most US bettors are looking to bet on the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL, but BetMGM offers bets on other niche sports as well. 

If you're looking for niche markets, the A-Z option on the homepage is in between the "Favorites" section and the "Easy Parlay" section.

Best Florida sportsbooks for NFL

FanDuel and DraftKings might have started as fantasy sports websites, but they're now known as the go-to product for betting on your local FL NFL team. They also tend to strike deals with most local teams. When betting becomes legal in Florida, don't be surprised if these sportsbooks have struck some partnership with the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or Jacksonville Jaguars.

Best Florida sportsbooks for NBA

BetMGM is hands-down at the top of the best NBA sportsbooks. It offers a one-game parlay builder, an editor, a live betting platform, early cashout options, and allows you to stream games. You can get all your NBA needs with BetMGM.

Most people in the US associate NBA betting with BetMGM. The sportsbook also provides promos for NBA matches. The sportsbook also has many banking options, prop bets, great customer service, and an exciting welcome bonus. 

Best Florida sportsbooks for MLB

BetMGM can handle more than one sport – it also streams MLB games. In fact, BetMGM first made its name in the sportsbook market through baseball, and it remains a favorite of veteran MLB bettors and at the top part of the best MLB sportsbooks.

BetMGM's MLB market offers in-play betting, parlay betting, and same-game parlay. All of this can, of course, be accessed through the BetMGM app. BetMGM also has strong futures, odds, and promos throughout the MLB season.  

Best Florida sportsbooks for NHL

Caesars Sportsbook has made a name for itself with its great promos, excellent live betting options, and its same-game parlay. But it stands out as one of the top NHL sportsbooks because of its ability to stream NHL games.

It has the basics sorted with moneyline and prop bets. Bettor parlays can also be boosted throughout the season. It also provides solid welcome bonuses. It is currently offering its Bet $50 Get $250 in bonus bets for new customers. 

How to find the best betting sites in Florida

There are nine sportsbooks to keep an eye on; FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, PointsBet, BallyBet, WynnBet, and Resorts World Bet. You should look at each website closely before picking the site that works best for you. 

Make sure it's the official site – betting sites must display their licensing information on the homepage. Once that's done, readers must sign in by entering their personal details. Follow this up by choosing a payment method, making the first deposit, and collecting the bonus. 

How Oddspedia sportsbook ratings work

All the leading sportsbooks will provide options for moneyline, spread, and total (over/under) bets.

A moneyline bet involves wagering on the outcome of a game, while a point spread bet focuses on the margin of victory. A total bet centers around the total points scored by a team. Most sportsbooks also strive to offer a wide range of markets, a mobile app, 24/7 customer service, flexible deposit and withdrawal options, and a straightforward registration process.

However, there may be slight variations among sportsbooks. Some may excel in offering attractive parlays, while others may provide enticing bet boost options, and so on. Parlays involve combining multiple wagers within a single bet, which can include a mix of moneyline, point spread, and total bets.

To understand the distinctions between these sportsbooks, it is crucial to thoroughly explore their websites. Oddspedia's sportsbook ratings assess the various features of the top sportsbooks and assign them ratings accordingly. Naturally, sportsbooks that meet more criteria will receive higher ratings compared to their competitors.

What makes a good sportsbook?

Most good sportsbooks follow the basics well. Today, most sportsbooks exist in the digital space. It is very important for the website or app to have a good interface – it must be easy for a bettor to navigate through the sportsbook. 

The sign-up process, deposit, and withdrawal methods shouldn't be complicated – this may prevent many users from using the sportsbook. Every good sportsbook should provide reliable customer service 24/7. Finally, there must be a variety of markets, bet types, and odds – this makes a sportsbook stand out from the crowd. 

Why should you avoid certain sportsbooks?

It's best to bet from the sportsbooks that have been mentioned in this article. Betting in Florida is illegal at the moment, and many sportsbooks will try to impersonate licensed sportsbooks – you should not fall for them. There will be a temptation to use these sportsbooks because it's not legal to bet on sports right now, but you should be patient. 

These sportsbooks will have security issues, close your accounts for no real reason, have poor customer service, and more.

How to create a betting account in Florida

You cannot place bets in Florida currently, but when it's legal, here's how you can create a betting account:

1. Pick a licensed sportsbook for betting. Do your research and read articles like this one thoroughly before making your decision.
2. You can either visit the site or download the app once you've decided. We recommend using Florida betting apps for a more convenient setup.
3. Once you open the website or the app, you'll see a sign-in or registration button. Create an account by entering your personal details and other relevant information after clicking on this button.
4. You'll then have to deposit funds and choose a payment method. There should be a lot of payment options to choose from. You will most likely get a welcome bonus with your first deposit.
5. The registration process should now be complete. You can now look at the different sports, special markets, and the odds on offer.

US Legal State Betting

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