West Flagler Asks SCOTUS for Extension in Florida Sports Betting Bid
Brant James
November 20, 2023
Florida Sports Betting
Florida sports betting is legal but with limited availability.
The state’s lone sports betting app relaunched on Nov. 7, 2023, when Hard Rock Bet began accepting deposits and wagers from existing customers. The app fully opened to all residents on Dec. 5, 2023. During the same month, the Seminole Tribe of Florida launched retail sports betting at all six of its casinos.
Florida sports betting was officially approved on June 30, 2023, when a federal appeals court ruled the state’s agreement with the Seminole Tribe (to allow sports betting on online sportsbook apps) was legal. The relaunch of Florida sports betting was delayed after that ruling due to various legal entanglements.
Here, we break down the latest updates on legal sports betting in Florida and consider when additional sports betting apps could arrive in the Sunshine State.
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What’s Happening in Florida Sports Betting News Right Now?
Florida Sports Betting: Quick Facts
Sports betting is legal again in Florida after the US Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the Seminole Tribe on June 30, 2023. The ruling allowed Hard Rock Bet to return to its active status in Florida, making it the only legal Florida sports betting app.
| Florida Sports Betting | ✅ Live |
| Florida Population | 22.2 million |
| Legal Betting Age | 21 |
| Sports Betting Regulator | Florida Gaming Control Commission |
| Online Sportsbooks? | ✅ Available |
| Retail Sportsbooks? | ✅ Available |
| Tax Rate? | 10-13.75% |
Pros and Cons of Florida Sports Betting
Pros
- Hard Rock Bet relaunched
- Retail sportsbooks are available
Cons
- Only one app is currently available
- Court battles over the legality of sports betting continues
Florida Sports Betting Laws
The road to Florida sports betting legalization has been far from smooth. Legal battles continue to rage even as sports betting is currently live in the state. The state’s gaming compact is at the center of the ongoing legal debate as West Flagler Associates continues to challenge the Seminole Tribe.
Background and Legal Battle
In April 2021, the state of Florida and the Seminole Tribe entered into a gaming compact, which gave the tribe a 30-year term in which it controls all sports betting in the state.
On Aug. 6, 2021, the US Department of the Interior issued a federal approval letter to the state of Florida. Once Florida entered into a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe, the US government had 45 days to approve or reject the compact. Rather than taking direct action, the Department of the Interior allowed the 45-day timeframe to lapse. At the time of the deemed approval, it was reported that mobile betting could launch under the compact on Oct. 15, 2021, though that did not happen.
Hard Rock Bet launched its mobile betting app in Florida on Nov. 1, 2021. On Dec. 4, 2021, it suspended operations and the use of its sports betting app after a federal judge overturned the Florida sports betting compact.
In early 2022, Florida Education Champions (FEC) struggled to get the requisite number of signatures on a petition that would put Florida sports betting to a voter referendum. FEC ultimately failed in that quest.
In March 2022, Florida sports betting was dealt another blow when the Department of Justice instructed the DC Circuit Court to stay all filing deadlines related to the key West Flagler v. Haaland et al. case until it clarifies its ruling in the related Monterra v. Haaland case.
There was no referendum in November 2022, as Florida Education Champions acknowledged it would not be able to get the needed signatures in time. The ballot initiative was supported by some of the more prominent sportsbooks, including DraftKings and FanDuel.
The latest Florida sports betting saga chapter began on June 30, 2023. On that day, a three-judge panel reversed a lower court ruling in the lawsuit filed by West Flagler Associates and another pari-mutuel outlet, Bonita Springs Poker Room, which had nullified the 30-year compact the Seminole Tribe of Florida had signed with the state government in 2021.
The Hard Rock Bet app is live for all residents of Florida. Retail sports betting in Florida went live in December 2023 as the Seminole Tribe and Seminole Hard Rock celebrated “a new era in Florida gaming” with the launch of craps, roulette, and sports betting at all six Seminole casinos.
The Seminole Tribe scored another significant victory in June 2024 when the United States Supreme Court declined to consider a petition challenging a 2021 compact between the tribe, the state of Florida, and Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Legal Gambling Options for Florida Players
The gaming compact of 2021 made the Seminole Tribe of Florida the only authorized sports betting operator in the state of Florida.
According to the Florida Gaming Control Commission, the following gambling activities are legal.
- Pari-mutuel wagering on live and intertrack horse and jai-alai activities at licensed racetracks and jai-alai frontons
- Casino gambling, including slots and table games, on certain tribal lands
- Florida lottery games
- Poker and dominoes for money, but only in licensed cardrooms
- Slot machine gaming at one of the eight licensed pari-mutuel facilities located in Miami-Dade or Broward counties
- Bingo, sweepstakes, and drawings for chance
Florida Tax Rates
According to the terms of the revenue share agreement outlined in the tribal compact from 2021, the Seminole Tribe will pay 13.75% of the net win received from the operation of land-based sports betting during a revenue sharing cycle for land-based operations and 10% of the net win received by the tribe from the operation of online sports betting during a revenue sharing cycle.
Florida Sports Betting Restrictions
Under Florida sports betting laws, certain events are prohibited:
- Proposition bets on any collegiate sport or event
- Betting on youth sports
- Esports
- Online poker
- Online casinos
Who Regulates Florida Sports Betting?
The Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission carries out regulatory responsibilities under the tribal gaming ordinance, the compact, and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
The Florida Gaming Control Commission is in charge of tribal casinos’ oversight. The Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering has been appointed with state oversight. The compact agreements stipulate that the SCA has the authority to ensure games are conducted in compliance with compact provisions.
Florida Sports Betting Legalization Timeline
Florida sports betting apps relaunch with Hard Rock Bet going live.
A long legal battle ensues between the Seminole Tribe and the Department of Interior surrounding the status of legal sports betting. Eventually, the Seminole Tribe comes out on top.
Hard Rock Sportsbook suspends the use of its sports betting app.
Hard Rock Sportsbook launches its app in Florida.
The US Department of the Interior issues a “deemed” approval letter to the betting compact, implying it is legal under US law.
Gov. DeSantis reaches an agreement with the Seminoles to expand the gambling compact in Florida to include both retail and online betting.
Sen. Jeff Brandes files SB 392, which would allow for legal sports betting.
The Seminole Tribe removes itself from the 2010 Compact due to a disagreement with racino card game revenue and operation. The state stops receiving revenue from its gambling operations, although casino operations continue.
The Seminole Tribe receives the exclusive rights to offer all gambling activities in Florida.
Florida Sports Betting Revenue and Handle
Perhaps the single most important aspect that may sway Florida legislators and the public toward implementing more widespread sports betting in the state is gaming revenue.
The Seminole Tribe stopped paying the state government $350 million in annual revenue in 2019 when they contested that allowing racinos to provide various card games broke the 2010 compact. This took a serious bite out of the state government’s budget, which was only compounded with COVID-19.
All told, the Florida state government had to deal with a $3 billion shortfall between 2020 and 2021. That has had serious negative effects on its operational abilities and the comfort of its people so the state is depending on a successful sports betting industry to help right the ship.
While the Florida Gaming Control Commission does not provide official data, it was reported that “Florida’s share of 2024 revenues is already more than $120 million. State economic forecasters predict the revenue sharing from tribal gaming could total $4.4 billion through the end of this decade.”
Florida Retail Sportsbooks: Where To Bet in Florida
All six Seminole casinos launched in-person sports betting in December 2023.
| 🏦 Florida Retail Sportsbooks | 📍Address | ✅ Go Live Date |
|---|---|---|
| 🏦 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood | 📍1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314 | Dec. 7 |
| 🏦 Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood | 📍4150 N State Rd 7, Hollywood, FL 33021 | Dec. 7 |
| 🏦 Seminole Casino Coconut Creek | 📍5550 NW 40th St, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 | Dec. 7 |
| 🏦 Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa | 📍5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610 | Dec. 8 |
| 🏦 Seminole Casino Immokalee | 📍506 S 1st St, Immokalee, FL 34142 | Dec. 11 |
| 🏦 Seminole Brighton Casino | 📍17735 Reservation Rd, Okeechobee, FL 34974 | Dec. 11 |
Other Types of Gambling in Florida
Those in the Sunshine State seeking alternatives to traditional sports betting apps can look to social sportsbooks and daily fantasy sports. However, it is important to note that no esports betting, online casinos, or online poker exist in Florida.
| Gambling Type | Legal? |
|---|---|
| DFS | ✅ |
| Social Sportsbook | ✅ |
| Horse Race Betting | ✅ |
| Lottery | ✅ |
| Online Casinos | ✖️ |
| Online Poker | ✖️ |
| Esports Betting | ✖️ |
Daily Fantasy Sports in Florida
You can also consider checking out Florida DFS sites.
The status of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in Florida is in a gray area. DFS isn’t legal in Florida, but it’s technically not illegal either, as Gaming Today‘s Brant James reports. A pre-bill filed by Rep. Jason Shoaf (R-District 7) would legalize DFS and clarify the operation of DFS platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, and Underdog Fantasy, even after being issued cease and desist orders in September.
On Jan. 31, 2024, PrizePicks, Underdog Fantasy, and Betr were ordered to stop operations after the Florida Gaming Control Commission sent cease and desist letters, saying each had until March 1 to exit the state. On April 22, 2024, however, both Underdog DFS and the PrizePicks betting app announced they were live in Florida with new peer-to-peer games. Underdog announced on its social media account that its Pick’Em Champions game was live in the Sunshine State. At the same time, PrizePicks launched PrizePicks Arena, a peer-to-peer fantasy sports game, in Florida. Click the links below for our reviews of these operators.
Underdog Fantasy
Underdog offers a $50 deposit bonus to new customers. To redeem this, use promo code GTODAY. Upon placing your first deposit with the platform, Underdog will match the full value, up to $50. Additionally, you will receive a pick’ em special on your deposit.
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Social Sportsbooks in Florida
One option for players in Florida who prefer free-to-play games is Fliff Social Sportsbook.
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Thrillzz
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Players can also unlock a generous 100% match up to $100 in bonus with their first purchase. Combined with the sign-up bonus, the total welcome value can reach $102, making it an easy way to explore Thrillzz’s sleek, social sportsbook experience.
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Horse Racing Betting in Florida
Pari-mutuel horse wagering is allowed in Florida.
Florida is home to two thoroughbred horse racing tracks. Gulfstream Park, which the Stronach Group owns, is located in Hallandale Beach, Fla., while Tampa Bay Downs is in Tampa.
Both Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs host major prep races for the Kentucky Derby, with the former holding the Grade 1 Florida Derby and the latter producing the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby. Mage, who captured the 2023 Kentucky Derby, placed second in the Florida Derby before his classic triumph.
Residents can wager on horse racing online using the FanDuel Racing app or other horse betting apps.
Florida State Lottery
The Florida Lottery is the state’s government-operated lottery.
Through the Florida Lottery, residents can play Powerball, Mega Millions, and Fantasy 5. Cash4Life, Florida Lotto, Pick 2, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Cash Pop, and Jackpot Triple Play are also available. Users must be 18 or older to play.
Florida Online Casinos
Online casinos are not legal in Florida. Proponents were close to achieving legalization in 2021 but ultimately fell short. However, land-based casinos are all over Florida, with slots and pari-mutuel wagering available. Despite online casino laws being more complicated, there is growing momentum to bring online casinos to the state now that sports betting has returned in full.
Florida Online Poker
Like online casinos, online poker is illegal in Florida. The state is a hotspot for in-person poker rooms and poker options at land-based casinos, but there are no state-licensed online poker operators yet. Both online casinos and online poker will likely be hard to legalize as the Seminole Tribe has a monopoly over the in-person casino and poker options.
Esports Betting in Florida
Esports betting is not legal in Florida. While you cannot wager on matches and outcomes, you can watch esports on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. It is unclear whether esports betting is of interest to Florida bettors; however, it will ultimately be up to the Seminole Tribe’s discretion.
How Florida Sports Betting Compares to Nearby States
Currently, Florida is a newcomer among states that have legal sports betting.
By comparison, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Colorado have booming sports betting operations that generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue annually. Even Louisiana legalized sports betting via referendum in 2020 and is working on its rules and regulations to launch betting.
Additionally, Florida doesn’t have a big casino industry despite having several retail casinos dotted throughout its territory. The Seminole Tribe only brings in about $690 million annually as of 2023. That sounds like a lot of money, but it pales in comparison to states like Missouri (over $2 billion in revenue) or New York ($4.7 billion per year in gross annual revenue).
This means that Florida needs to do a lot for its gambling industry if it wants to catch up to these giants. Casinos need to expand and offer new gaming opportunities and luxury resort options. Also, sports betting needs to launch if the state wants to benefit from the massive revenue streams that are just waiting to be tapped.
Florida Sports Betting Responsible Gaming
Responsible gaming goes hand in hand with any state with legal sports betting.
The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling, Inc. (FCCG) was established in 1988 as a gaming-neutral 501(c)(3) educational and advocacy corporation that serves as the designated authority under state contracts on gambling addiction. Its primary mission is to:
- Increase public awareness regarding the risks and consequences associated with gambling.
- Provide assistance to problem gamblers, their families, and others adversely impacted.
- Advocate for programs, services, funding, and other supports to address population-specific needs.
The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG) is committed to increasing public awareness about problem and compulsive gambling. The FCCG provides referral services and support to residents in need of assistance with a gambling addiction, as well as to professionals and others servicing this population. Thousands of Floridians contact 888-ADMIT-IT each year to connect with the FCCG’s team of HelpLine Specialists, who provide personalized and professional problem gambling assistance and resource referrals to gamblers and loved ones.
More Resources For Florida Bettors
Florida Problem Gambling Helpline
- Call: 888-ADMIT-IT
- Text: 888-ADMIT-IT
- Chat: gamblinghelp.org
- Email: fccg@gamblinghelp.org
Florida Sports Betting FAQ
Sports betting in Florida is legal again due to a federal appeal court ruling on June 30, 2023. Florida’s agreement with the Seminole Tribe to allow sports betting throughout the state on online apps is legal.
While online sports betting is legal in a limited fashion in the Sunshine State, other forms of online gambling, such as online casinos and online poker, are not legal.
The only legal sportsbook in the state is the Hard Rock Bet app, which is available to anyone 21 years or older.
It is not for sports betting, but it offers daily fantasy sports in the state.
No, the FanDuel mobile app is not legal or available for sports betting in Florida. The only online app available in the state is Hard Rock Bet. FanDuel is available for horse race betting.
No, but if you download the Hard Rock Sportsbook app, you must be within Florida state lines to place a wager.
You must be 21 or older to place a sports bet in Florida.
Currently, the online mobile sportsbook available to Florida residents is the Hard Rock Bet app, which is controlled by the Seminole Tribe.
Yes, betting on college sports is permitted on in-state college sports teams or college games taking place in Florida. That said, Florida does not allow prop bets on college athletes.
You should never use an offshore or illegal betting site. They have terrible digital security, which places both your personal information and your bankroll at risk. Offshore sites are, by definition, not legal.
