Florida Sports Betting 2025: Legal Status & FL Sportsbooks
LEGAL (LIMITED)
Florida sports betting is legal again, but only through Hard Rock Bet, leaving many players turning to social sportsbooks for alternatives.
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Last Updated: 21 August, 2025
Yes, but only through the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet platform.
Florida sports betting was legalized through a 2021 compact, later challenged in court.
After a long legal battle, Hard Rock Bet relaunched in late 2023 and it remains the only legal option for online and retail sports betting in the state.
Key facts of Florida betting
* Only through Hard Rock Bet, operated by the Seminole Tribe
**DFS operates in a legal gray area but has faced state enforcement action
How do I gamble in Florida?
Florida gambling is mostly limited to tribal casinos and a few regulated online options.
Sports betting is only allowed through Hard Rock Bet, and daily fantasy sports face legal challenges.
Social sportsbooks and horse racing apps are legal alternatives for online play.
Social sportsbooks in Florida
Social sportsbooks are legal and available statewide.
Apps like Fliff, Rebet, and Thrillz let you make picks using virtual currency and win real prizes.
These platforms don’t require cash deposits and are open to players 18+ in Florida.
Other legal gambling options
Florida allows online horse race betting through platforms like FanDuel Racing and DK Horse.
The state lottery, charitable bingo, and raffles are also legal.
Retail sportsbooks are available at six Seminole casinos across the state.
Online casinos are not legal, but several sweepstakes-style social casinos operate legally.
Find out is FanDuel legal in Florida?
You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in Florida through Hard Rock Bet or at any retail sportsbook.
For horse racing, lottery games, and social sportsbooks, the minimum age is 18.
Always check the age rules for each platform before signing up.
Can I bet on sports in another state?
Yes, you can legally bet on sports in another state, as long as you’re physically located there when placing your bets.
All legal sportsbooks use location tracking to ensure bets are made within state lines.
If you're traveling outside Florida, nearby states like Louisiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi offer legal sports betting.
Louisiana and Tennessee both allow full mobile betting, so you can bet from your phone once you're inside the state.
Mississippi allows retail sports betting at casinos, but mobile betting is restricted to those casino properties.
Just remember: once you leave that legal state, you won’t be able to place new bets using their apps until you return.
Betting sites to avoid
Some websites claim to offer legal sports betting in Florida, but most of them operate offshore and are not licensed in the US.
These sites may look professional, but they lack regulation and don’t offer any legal protection for your money or personal data.
⚠️ Avoid these offshore sites; they are not legal or safe for Florida bettors ⚠️
Pros and cons of sports betting in Florida
Pros
- ✅ Legal online betting now available through one app
- ✅ Retail sportsbooks live at six tribal casinos
Cons
- ❌ Only one sportsbook option limits player choice
- ❌ DFS and other platforms face legal uncertainty
Latest sports betting updates in Florida
The future of FL sports betting
Florida sports betting is legal again, but the long-term picture remains complex.
The state’s agreement with the Seminole Tribe gives Hard Rock Bet full control of the market, and legal challenges have so far failed to reverse that.
While the courts have sided with the compact, opponents like West Flagler Associates could still try new appeals or legislative efforts.
The compact is valid through 2051, meaning any expansion, like allowing more operators or legalizing online casinos, would need tribal approval or a new deal altogether.
Looking ahead, Florida could become a massive sports betting market, but only if access grows beyond a single app.
For now, Hard Rock Bet remains the only legal option, and that’s unlikely to change without significant political or legal action.
Our prediction: expansion is possible, but not soon.
Other types of legal betting in Florida
While sports betting is limited to Hard Rock Bet, several other types of gambling are legally available in Florida.
Horse racing
Horse racing is legal in Florida, with betting offered at select racetracks and off-track betting (OTB) facilities.
Wagering on out-of-state races is also available online through platforms like FanDuel Racing, DK Horse, and TwinSpires.
Local tracks no longer host as many live races, but simulcast betting remains common.
Pari-mutuel wagering
Pari-mutuel betting is allowed on horse and greyhound racing (though greyhound racing is now banned).
Several racinos still offer simulcast betting with pooled odds.
These facilities are regulated by the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
Charitable bingo and raffles
Charitable gambling is legal and widely available.
Nonprofits can host bingo games and raffles under state guidelines.
These events must register with the state and follow limits on prizes and frequency.
Yes, social sportsbooks are 100% legal in Florida.
Apps like Fliff, Rebet, and Thrillz use virtual currency systems that let users make picks and win real prizes.
These platforms are not considered real-money gambling, so they’re open to players 18+ statewide.
They’re especially popular among players looking for a fun, low-risk alternative to traditional betting.
How to start betting in Florida
Some guides may suggest multiple betting options in Florida, but legally, Hard Rock Bet is the only sportsbook allowed.
We’ll show you only real, legal ways to gamble in the state, even if they don’t involve traditional sportsbooks.
Social sportsbooks
Social sportsbooks like Fliff, Rebet, and Thrillz are fully legal and available to all Florida residents 18 and older.
These platforms use virtual coins or sweepstakes models, so they’re not classified as real-money gambling.
You can make picks, climb leaderboards, and win redeemable cash prizes.
These apps are a great option if you’re not eligible for Hard Rock Bet or want to explore alternatives.
Online horse race betting
Florida residents can legally bet on horse racing online, but only for out-of-state races.
Platforms like FanDuel Racing, DK Horse, and TwinSpires are licensed to take bets from Florida.
You can deposit, place wagers, and withdraw winnings from your phone or computer.
For local simulcast betting, a few tracks and racinos still offer on-site options.
Charitable gambling
Charitable bingo and raffles are legal with proper state registration.
Events must be hosted by eligible nonprofit groups like churches, schools, or veterans’ organizations.
These games offer small-stakes gambling that helps raise funds for community causes.
Rules vary by county, so always confirm local limits and prize restrictions.
Crossing state lines to bet legally
If you're near Louisiana or Tennessee, you can use top sportsbook apps like FanDuel or BetMGM once you're physically inside those states.
Tennessee is mobile-only, so you don’t need to visit a casino.
Just be sure geolocation services confirm you’re in-state before placing bets, apps won’t work once you cross back into Florida.
Social sportsbooks in Florida
Social sportsbooks offer Florida players a legal way to enjoy sports picks and win real prizes, without using real money to place bets.
Find out about other social betting sites with our guide here: Is Stake legal in Florida?
Fliff
Fliff is the most popular social sportsbook in Florida.
It lets you place picks using virtual currency called Fliff Coins or Sweeps Coins for cash prizes.
The app features all major sports and daily promos.
No purchase is needed to play, but optional packages unlock more rewards.
It’s legal and accessible to players 18+.
Top features
Pick’em games with real prize potential
No purchase required to play
Daily login rewards and challenges
Available on iOS, Android, and desktop
Strong social media community and support
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ No cost to start playing
- ✅ Real prizes with Sweeps Coins
Cons
- ❌ Limited betting markets
- ❌ Payout process requires ID verification
Rebet
Rebet adds a social twist to virtual sports betting.
It offers live contests, in-game chat, and a large variety of sports to pick from.
The app uses Rebet Coins and also supports sweepstakes entries for cash rewards.
Rebet is legal across Florida and allows players to interact, compete, and win prizes.
Top features
Live contests with real-time rankings
Interactive game chat and user profiles
Sweepstakes-based prize system
Low entry point for sweep coins
Trusted platform with a growing user base
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Great social experience
- ✅ Strong in-game engagement
Cons
- ❌ Smaller prize pools
- ❌ Newer platform still adding features
Thrillz
Thrillz offers player-friendly pick’em contests and sweepstakes-based payouts.
Users compete in daily challenges, leaderboards, and sport-specific promos.
Thrillz is fully legal in Florida and ideal for casual users looking for a fun and legal betting alternative.
Top features
Simple interface with fast setup
Regular giveaways and contest bonuses
Free-to-play options available
Supports most major U.S. sports
Available for iOS and Android
Pros and cons
Pros
- ✅ Easy to learn and play
- ✅ Daily contests for frequent rewards
Cons
- ❌ Fewer advanced features than rivals
- ❌ Some payout methods take time
Types of bets in Florida
If you’re using Hard Rock Bet or visiting a retail sportsbook in Florida, these are the most common types of bets you’ll see:
Moneyline: A simple bet on which team will win the game. Odds vary based on how favored or underdog each team is.
Point spread: This bet evens the playing field by assigning a points handicap. You win if your team covers the spread, not just wins.
Over/under: Also called totals, you’re betting whether the final score goes over or under a set number.
Futures: Long-term bets on season outcomes like championship winners or MVP awards. They usually offer higher payouts.
Parlays: Combine two or more bets into one. All parts must win for the parlay to pay out.
Prop bets: Wagers on individual player stats or game events. Examples include passing yards, touchdowns, or coin toss results.
Live betting: Bet on games as they happen, with odds that update in real time. Popular for fast-paced action and quick decisions.
Frequently asked questions
Responsible gambling in Florida
Gambling should be fun, not a source of stress or financial harm.
Florida offers support services for anyone struggling with betting habits.
Whether you play at a casino, online, or on social apps, it’s important to recognize warning signs like chasing losses or hiding your activity.
Help is free, private, and always available.
Florida-specific resources:
Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling: www.gamblinghelp.org 24/7 Helpline: 888-ADMIT-IT (888-236-4848)
Florida Department of Children and Families: Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services: www.myflfamilies.com
National resources:
National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org
National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
If gambling ever feels out of control, don’t wait; reach out and get help.
Read our guide to responsible betting here.
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