Florida Sports Betting
Potential Online Sportsbooks in Florida
While there is currently no sportsbook operating in Florida, Caesars has positioned themselves to be the first legal sportsbook once Florida is able to legalize sports betting. Caesars opened a racebook in Casino Miami in 2019 and should be able to have a brick-and-mortar sportsbook up within days of the state passing a bill.
Florida currently has no legal option for sports betting since the Hard Rock Sportsbook discontinued it in December 2021. A proposed compact to bring mobile sports betting to the state was filed with the Federal Register, but it was vacated by a federal court soon after. The Seminole Tribe of Florida is appealing the case and until the appeals process is complete, sports betting remains unavailable in Florida.
We’ll keep you updated on the latest developments when it comes to sports betting in Florida.
Florida Sports Betting Legalities
Sports betting is partially legal in Florida at the moment, with the state opening up to brick-and-mortar sportsbook locations attached to licensed casinos. At the moment, Caesars is the only sportsbook currently operating in Florida at Casino Miami.
Florida Sports Betting Details
| Start Date | To Be Determined (Expected 2021) |
| Legal Age to Bet | 21 |
| Online/In App Betting | Yes |
| Maximum Bet | No Limit |
| Eligible Sportsbooks | Currently limited to Caesars in Miami. |
Details for Caesars Miami
Caesars entering the Florida market, and specifically the Miami market, nearly two years before the anticipated start date for legal online sports betting clearly gives them a massive head-start in the state. Since moving into the United States in June of 2018, they have expanded into new states faster than any other sportsbook.
For the moment, Caesars is operating a 2,300-square-foot racebook in Casino Miami. However, the space was clearly renovated to convert to a sportsbook as soon as Florida legalizes sports betting. Below is the current list of sportsbook operators ready to launch in Florida in 2021, should the sports betting bill get pushed through.
| SportsBook | Casino | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Caesars | Casino Miami | 3500 NW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33142 |
Florida Sports Betting FAQs
With over 20 million residents, the rollout of legal sports betting in Florida is going to take a while. We first need to get a bill through, then iron out details such as hold percentages, taxes, and the details of regulating sports betting in the state, and finally, it will be on operators to get approved and enter the market.
In the meantime, Florida sports fans have a lot of questions and want answers now. We understand that and will keep this page updated with everything you need to know regarding legal sports betting in Florida and the sportsbooks that operate in the state.
Is sports betting legal in Florida?
No, while state legislators and voters have both made it clear they wish to legalize and regulate sports betting in the state, COVID-19 made that impossible in 2020. That being said, it would be an absolute shock to not see legal sports betting available in the state of Florida sometime in the near future.
Will online sports betting be legal in Florida?
Yes, Governor DeSantis has clearly stated that he wants a comprehensive sports betting bill passed as soon as possible. Like many states considering legalizing sports betting, Florida could certainly use the additional tax revenue sports betting would create.
What sportsbooks will operate in the state?
Given the size of the Florida market, it is hard to imagine any of the major sportsbooks currently operating in the US not entering the market. In fact, you will likely see several sportsbooks follow William Hill’s lead and start to preemptively enter the Florida casino industry ahead of any bill that may pass in the next year.
Even if lawmakers were to set an abnormally high hold percentage for operators, similar to what we saw in the Tennessee sports betting bill, you would likely still see operators enter the market and just juice the lines to make up the difference.
What is the legal betting age in Florida?
The current legal gambling age in Florida is 21. It is expected that this is what the legal sports betting age will be set to as well, which follows suit for most of the states that have legalized sports betting.
Will betting on college sports be legal in the state of Florida?
Yes, we already know that college sports will be included in any sports betting legislation passed in Florida. That being said, it remains unclear whether Florida residents will be able to bet on programs at the Florida state colleges and universities. Given how aggressive Florida has been with sports betting to date, we expect that you will be able to bet on the Gators, Seminoles, and Hurricanes.
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