Is Sports Betting Legal In Florida?
Sports betting in Florida is legal, as the Hard Rock Bet app is currently the only state-regulated option. But, Florida bettors can also legally use offshore sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, and SportsBetting. The Seminole Tribe holds a significant role in local betting, and recent court rulings have allowed Hard Rock to operate statewide. However, Florida's gambling laws remain restrictive for Hard Rock, particularly concerning college sports. Despite these challenges, Florida residents still have access to legal sports betting options.
Is Mobile Sports Betting Allowed?
Mobile sports betting is permitted in Florida, available through the Hard Rock Bet app on iPhone and Android. Offshore sportsbooks also accept Florida players, giving residents and tourists a few options to choose from. While there were concerns about whether the Hard Rock Bet app should be accessible statewide for sports betting in Florida, these issues made their way through the court with opinions that it is allowed.
Bovada Sportsbook - Is Bovada Legal In Florida?
Bovada is legal for Florida residents to use because it operates as an offshore sportsbook. In other words, it's based outside of U.S. jurisdiction and not subject to Florida state gambling laws. While they may sound scary, they still face regulatory requirements, just not in the US. Since Florida does not regulate or prohibit the use of offshore betting sites, Bovada is a popular option for those looking to bet on sports without many restrictions.
What Is The Difference Between State-Regulated Sportsbooks And Offshore Sites?
Hard Rock is the only state-regulated sportsbook in Florida while there are dozens of offshore sites that take Florida residents. Both are legal to use but they follow a different set of licensing requirements and regulations. In short, Hard Rock Bet is taxed by the state while offshore sites pay their taxes to the country they hold their license in. While each might have different ways to deposit or a type of wager, they both accept Floridians and are safe to use.
Has Florida Reached Any Agreements On Sports Betting Laws?
Yes. The biggest Florida sports betting laws concerning the bettors are mobile access and betting restrictions. For mobile access, users of the Hard Rock Bet app will not be able to use the sportsbook when leaving Florida outside of a few states. As Georgia and Alabama are not one of them, it means you have to travel to a state that has the Hard Rock Bet app.
The betting rules in Florida regarding restrictions follow college athletes. Laws state that the Hard Rock Bet app or any in-person sportsbook cannot offer player props on college athletes. This is for football, basketball, March Madness - all of it. Offshore sites don't follow this rule or the mobile accessibility rule because of their regulatory rules.
What Role Do The Seminole Tribe and Hard Rock Play in Florida Sports Betting?
The journey of sports gambling in Florida has been complex following the 2018 repeal of PASPA. Months later, Florida voters passed Amendment 3, requiring any gambling expansion to go through a ballot initiative. Despite this, a 2021 compact between Governor Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe gave the tribe exclusive control over sports betting, mandating annual payments of $500 million. The launch of Hard Rock Sportsbook in November 2021 was short-lived due to legal challenges. In 2023, the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed earlier rulings, and by December, the Hard Rock Bet app reopened as a legal Florida sportsbook. Legal battles continue, but developments signal the state's sports betting industry is only starting to grow.
Are There Age Restrictions For Sports Betting In Florida?
The sports betting age in Florida is 21. This is the case for using the Hard Rock Bet app or betting in person. Offshore sportsbooks will allow you to sign up at 18 though. However, they require you to abide by local laws. So, any 18 in Florida could use Florida sports betting sites to bet on horses and it would be legal.
Can I Place Bets At Racetracks Or Jai Alai Venues In Florida?
Not sports bets. While the horse racing tracks in Florida are great for pari-mutuel wagering (horse racing), they do not offer a sportsbook. This is the same for jai-alai frontons, where you can bet on the event's action but not sports in general.
What Impact Does Federal Law Have On Sports Betting In Florida?
Federal law has played a significant role in shaping sports betting in Florida. But, the stronghold has moved to the state level in most cases since the repeal of PASPA in 2018. Once that happened, it allowed Florida to legalize sports betting if they chose. Because of the tribal compact with the Seminole Tribe, Florida must comply with federal laws like the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). This law regulates gambling on tribal lands, leading to legal challenges when the tribe attempted to offer online sports betting statewide, as courts debated whether this violated state and federal laws. But with most of the court cases settled, there isn't too much of an impact on the federal level at this point.
How Will Tax Revenue From Sports Betting Be Used In Florida?
Because of the deal with the Seminole Tribe, Florida will earn over $500 million a year for the first five years. While the majority of it goes to a general fund for the state, a small percentage is divided between the local cities and counties that have these sportsbooks (3%). Another 10% is distributed at the state's discretion.