Florida is now open to sports betting, which could mean a lot to fans. Following an aborted 2021 bid due to legal challenges, internet gambling came back in Florida on November 7th, 2023.
Making sports betting legal in Florida was never easy. During the initial rollout in 2021, there were significant roadblocks, as it involved a gaming compact that was being questioned in court.
By reintroducing online betting successfully, Florida went even further ahead in December of 2023, when it also began offering retail sports wagering options.
One can now bet on games like never before since both online and brick-and-mortar betting facilities are available. So, let’s know all about it if you want to get started!
What’s Happening In Florida Sports Betting Right Now
- The US Supreme Court has confirmed that, until July 2051, the Seminole Tribe will have exclusive control over sports betting in Florida. On June 17th, 2024, the Supreme Court refused to hear the Florida sports betting case.
- The Seminole Tribe might purchase PENN Entertainment, as rumors from the Earnings and More newsletter of June 14th, 2024, had it. ESPN Bet’s owner could sell the company; however, only a few shareholders are ready to sell.
- PlayFL announced on June 3rd that sports betting is still in limbo since the United States Supreme Court will decide whether or not it will review this case within a month.
- The Stanley Cup final game between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers is scheduled for June 3rd, 2024. There are now new odds for the Stanley Cup, which fans can see in addition to ongoing sports madness in their state.
The Status Of Florida Sports Betting
Following a shaky rollout, sports betting in Florida has finally gone live. However, the app Hard Rock Bet was shut down for almost two years due to legal issues and made its comeback towards the end of 2023.
While other jurisdictions have public meetings, in Florida, private meetings were the norm during discussions on sports betting. For this to happen, though, the Seminole Tribe must seek a wider gambling agreement.
In April 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a new compact with the Seminole Tribe. Florida would, therefore, be able to offer mobile sports betting to all of its residents under this deal.
The state legislature adopted this agreement in May 2021. Consequently, the US Department of the Interior approved the publishing of the compact in the Federal Register no later than August 2021, thereby formalizing it.
Sports betting had been in limbo over its legality in Florida for several months. Ultimately, though, the federal judge’s decision was overturned by the Seminole Tribe.
The DC District Court of Appeals overturned a prior ruling banning regulated sports betting. Thus, the judgment allowed the Seminole tribe to reopen Hard Rock Bet whenever they felt like it since it restored the legality of sports betting in Florida.
Sports betting can now be established in Florida since these legal avenues have been opened. The introduction of the Hard Rock Bet app and retail betting at Seminole Tribe casinos has been a game changer for sports enthusiasts in Florida.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Florida Now?
Yes, it is. One must be 21 years or older to bet. However, internet betting eventually resumed on November 7th, 2023, after failing in 2021 due to some legal issues.
Legalizing sports betting in Florida was not a smooth process. The State and Seminole Tribe gambling compacts were the beginning of this procedure.
The Seminole Tribe successfully appealed after several months of legal battles. Sports betting may once again continue following the ruling by the DC District Court of Appeals, which overturned the previous one.
On November 1st, 2023, the Seminole Tribe announced the commencement of retail sports betting with plans to go live on December 7th, 2023 officially. Qualified Floridians had downloaded the Hard Rock Bet app by December 5th.
At present, Hard Rock Bet is the only brick-and-mortar internet bookmaker that Florida Seminole Tribe authorizes. Residents can also access other popular fantasy sports sites like Boom Fantasy, Underdog Fantasy, Thrive Fantasy, and Parlay Play.
Betting In Florida: The Best Sports Betting Sites
The single licensed sportsbook in Florida is currently Hard Rock Bet. To begin with, you need to install the software on your mobile device. The app is available for Android or iOS.
Some personal information is required for security reasons, such as age and location verification. The legal betting age in Florida is 21.
After it has been validated, an account can be funded by depositing money into it. Then wager at will on any sport of your choice.
It takes a couple of minutes to register; that’s all you’ll need to spare. There are many other available sports betting markets, such as money lines, spreads, prop bets, and parlays, once you set up your account.
Hard Rock Bet is among the reliable platforms for sports gambling available in seven states. However, FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbooks, which are major online bookies, cannot be used by residents of Florida State, but they still have access to fantasy sports products from FanDuel and DraftKings.
Thrive Fantasy, including other top fantasy sites like Boom Fantasy, Parlay Play, and Underdog Fantasy, features additional betting options than those provided at Hard Rock Bet for gamblers who love playing fantasy games. These platforms allow fans of fantasy sports to enjoy a number of choices.
Bottom Line
Florida sports betting has undergone many challenges, and now, the decision to allow legalized sports gambling is likely to provide economic benefits, too. It will most definitely generate huge sums of money for Florida State, enabling it to invest further in infrastructure and public utilities.
Additionally, it offers an alternative way for sports lovers who seek relaxation, which might result in increased attention and participation in local games.
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Florida sports betting has undergone a lot of mixed opinions about its legality, but what’s the current state now? Know everything about it right here!