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Florida Online Sports Betting: When Will Sportsbook Apps Launch?

Tennessee State Outline

Florida Online Sports Betting will eventually come to fruition—we believe. What was first a slam-dunk rollout has suddenly come to a screeching halt.

In January 2022, Florida’s sports betting initiative #21-13 failed in a big way. It simply could not meet the required signatures for a crucial spot on the November 2022 ballot.

This means Florida online sports betting will not become a reality until at least 2024.

It’s such a shame, too, considering pundits thought Florida online sports betting had a chance to arrive at some point soon. The groundbreaking deal that brings legal online sports betting to the Sunshine State was announced on April 23, 2021, by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Eventually, however, the online piece has been a bit more complicated.

After the initial compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe, the state suspended sports gambling after a federal court of appeals denied Seminole Tribe’s emergency stay.

The agreement that occurred last May is now being held up.

The May Compact

Online sports betting in Florida will become a reality thanks to its inclusion in a new compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe. The new deal will bring sports betting to Florida, allow the Seminole Tribe casinos to offer roulette and craps, and allow the expansion of tribal casinos at several locations. Florida sports gambling will be effectively run by the tribes and the state will get a share of the sports betting revenues.

Florida online sports betting and retail sports betting are both included in the deal. The number of mobile skins has yet to be determined, but servers will likely be included on tribal property.

In essence, the tribe will represent the sports betting hub. Locations such as professional sports stadiums, arenas, pari-mutuels and casinos are expected to house the booking agents. Although the exact cut of revenue has yet to be officially determined, early reports suggest up to 55% of the share will go to the state in exchange for the tribe’s exclusive rights to control the program.  The tribe will also be allowed to add up to three new casinos on existing tribal property—most likely in Hollywood, Tampa and Brighton.

More recently, Florida online sports betting has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior, which means the Sunshine State has just become the largest in the nation with legalized sports betting.

Now that Florida residents know retail and online sports betting will become a reality, the only thing left to do is this: wait it out until it goes live.

Those in legal online sports betting states can get started with FanDuel Sportsbook by clicking here to take advantage of the platform’s offer to Bet $5, and Get $200 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed.

Possible Online Sportsbooks to Launch in 2023 or 2024

Much like New York, nobody knows which sportsbooks will enter the Florida sports betting market first, or even enter the market at all. Based on the patterns of recent history—each time a state legalizes sports gambling—Florida sports bettors should anticipate the following sportsbooks to eventually enter the space:

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook Mobile App

CBWG, a company that owns several sports betting sites including Crossing Broad and Elite Sports NY, ranks DraftKings as the best sportsbook in existence. It simply doesn’t get better than DraftKings.

From outstanding introductory promos to a clean, user-friendly and state-of-the-art mobile app, DraftKings Sportsbook is expected to enter the Florida sports betting market as soon as possible.

 

Caesars Sportsbook

 

Caesars Sportsbook is Saturday Down South’s preferred sports betting app. Since Caesars Entertainment’s purchase of William Hill, Caesars Sportsbook has emerged as one of the powerhouse sportsbook brands in the industry.

We cannot say enough good things about the company. From its state-of-the-art mobile app to the mouthwatering new-user promos, Caesars Sportsbook is doing tremendous things and should be expected in Florida when the state finally launches online sports betting.

 

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook Mobile App

FanDuel Sportsbook gets the nod as the best sportsbook in the business, per Saturday Down South. Similar to DraftKings, FanDuel made its bones as a daily fantasy sports leader. Now, it’s a well-rounded powerhouse.

Both the novice and veteran online sports bettor can use FanDuel Sportsbook with ease and satisfaction.

 

FOX Bet Sportsbook

FOX Bet Sportsbook Mobile App

Of course, FOX Sports would get in on the online sports betting action. FOX Bet, which is FOX Sports’ gambling brand, should also be expected in Florida once the appropriate time comes.

FOX Bet’s promos and odds stack right up there with the best in the business.

 

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook Mobile App

BetMGM is the online sports gambling platform of the famed MGM Resorts and Casinos. This means the sports gambler can expect a veteran-like gaming experience.

Vegas veterans are surely familiar with the brand, and once the BetMGM Sportsbook launches online in Florida, those gaming veterans should thoroughly enjoy the platform’s initial offerings.

 

PointsBet Sportsbook

PointsBet Sportsbook Mobile App

Founded in Australia, scrappy PointsBet quickly entered the U.S. market after the overturn of PASPA in 2018. Its introductory promos help every online sports gambler do some damage.

 

The Road to Legal Florida Online Sports Betting

The road to legal Florida online sports betting has been a long one.

JANUARY 2022: Florida’s sports betting initiative #21-13 failed to meet the required signatures for a crucial spot on the November 2022 ballot, which means Florida online sports betting will not become an official reality until at least 2024.

AUGUST 2021: Florida online sports betting approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

JUNE 2021: A 2022 sports betting ballot measure is accepted and published by the Florida Division of Elections. If approved by voters in 2022, Floridians will be able to place bets at professional sports stadiums, at qualified parimutuel facilities and through Florida online sports betting programs. It would also allow online sports betting through third-party operators and by Native American tribes with a gaming compact. The measure is backed by DraftKings and FanDuel and is widely believed to be a backup plan if the gaming compact is denied by the U.S. Department of the Interior or if online sports betting is stripped from the plan.

MAY 2021: The House and Senate both approve the 30-year gaming compact, effectively legalizing sports betting. The document is sent to the U.S. Department of the Interior for approval. The department has 45 days to review the compact and either approve, deny, or take no action. Legislators note that sports betting will not be allowed in the state in any form until at least Oct. 15, 2021. Challenges to the gaming compact are expected.

APRIL 2021: A groundbreaking deal that announced the legalization of retail and online sports betting come to fruition. Governor Ron DeSantis signed the new compact that will pave way for Seminole Tribe-controlled sports gambling in the state. House Speaker Chris Sprowls then confirmed the signing on the House floor shortly after the news broke. The legislature will approve of the compact in a special session for the week of May 17.

JANUARY 2020: Senator Jeff Brandes files a bill to authorize the Florida Lottery to regulate sports betting without the tribe, but it goes nowhere.

OCTOBER 2019: Governor Ron DeSantis refused to sign off on a deal that would have allowed Tribal casinos to offer sports gambling, with a cut of the revenue paid to the Seminole.

NOVEMBER 2018: The Seminole took control of any gambling in the state by supporting the passage of Amendment 3 in November’s election. It prohibits the legislature from authorizing new casino gambling without other approval.

MAY 2018: PASPA is overturned, opening the door for states to legalize online sports betting.

Saturday Down South, Florida Online Sports Betting

Saturday Down South Graphic, USATSI

Projected Florida Online Sports Betting Revenue

The Miami Herald is projecting Florida should rake in $500 million in annual revenue, courtesy of the groundbreaking April 2021 deal that will allow retail and online sports betting.

“The Seminole Tribe of Florida is committed to a mutually beneficial gaming compact with the State of Florida and looks forward to its approval by the Florida Legislature, the Seminole Tribal Council and the U.S. Department of the Interior,” Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. said in a statement to the Herald/Times.

Florida Retail Sports Betting Locations

The state of Florida currently houses 26 casinos that currently allow gambling. Many of these venues are racetracks, although each has been vigorously lobbying for the right to add more gaming (i.e. slot machines).

Eight of these 26 venues and two casino boats currently pick up passengers and take wagers once the boats are offshore, while some of the Native American casinos already offer slot machines, table games and video gaming.

The blockbuster April 2021 deal will put an end to the limitations and overall pain Florida casino gaming has experienced over the years.

Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center

Address: SW 177th Ave, Miami, FL 33194
Phone: 305-222-4600

Seminole Brighton Casino

Address: 17735 Reservation Rd, Okeechobee, FL 34974
Phone: 800-360-9875

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

Address: 506 S 1st St, Immokalee, FL 34142
Phone: 239-658-1313

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek

Address: 5550 NW 40th St, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Phone: 954-977-6700

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood

Address: 1 Seminole Way, Davie, FL 33314
Phone: 866-502-7529

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Address: 5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610
Phone: 866-388-4263

Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood

Address: 4150 N State Rd 7, Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone: 954-961-3220

Notable Florida College Football Teams

It doesn’t get much better than Florida football. Sure, states such as Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Ohio and others have a worthwhile claim, but Florida’s all-around offerings rank up there with the best in the country.

The following are some of the Florida football teams Sunshine State residents will have the ability to wager on once online sports betting goes live.

Saturday Down South, Florida Gators Football

Florida Gators Football

The Florida Gators are officially back. Capturing the SEC East division with an 8-2 conference record (8-4 overall), the NFL-bound Kyle Trask finished fourth in Heisman voting while leading his team to the Cotton Bowl.

The Gators’ third-straight winning season is a hopeful sign of things to come.

Saturday Down South, Florida State Seminoles Football

Florida State Seminoles Football

The famed Florida State Seminoles Football program is still searching for answers. The team’s 3-6 record in 2020 marked its fourth-straight season without double-digit victories.

The online sports bettors could make it rain in 2021 if he or she feels the Seminoles are ready to take the next step.

Saturday Down South, Miami Hurricanes Football

Miami Hurricanes Football

The Miami Hurricanes 8-3 mark in 2020 was capped off with a 37-34 loss to Oklahoma State in the Cheez-It Bowl. Head coach Manny Diaz seems to have the program on the come-up after plenty of disappointing stretches.

Stud quarterback D’Eriq King, who’s ready to return for a redshirt senior season, is currently tied for fifth in the 2021 Heisman odds.

Florida NFL Teams

Saturday Down South, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Who would have thought it could be possible? Well, Tom Brady, for one. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently sit with the second-best odds to capture Super Bowl 56. Back-to-backs are tough, but No. 12 is certainly no stranger.

Speaking of Brady, only three players—Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen—are currently equipped with better odds to take home the next NFL MVP award.

Saturday Down South, Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins

Here come the Miami Dolphins—one of the most exciting young teams in the league that plays for pay. With former Alabama and SEC stud Tua Tagovailoa leading the way, the young Fins will look to dethrone the Buffalo Bills in 2021.

DraftKings Sportsbook likes Miami’s chances, dishing out a +325 odds mark to win the AFC East.

Saturday Down South, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars

No, the Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t exactly enjoy themselves last season, but with expected No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence and new head coach Urban Meyer at the helm, anything’s possible in 2021.

Lawrence fans who believe the Clemson product will take home the 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year will have to go in with the ultimate trust, as he leads all incoming rookies in the category.

Florida Sports Betting FAQs

Will Sports Betting be Legal in Florida?

Yes. The groundbreaking April 2021 deal made retail and online sports betting official in Florida. Now, it's simply a matter of when it goes live, which, at the moment, won't be until at least 2024, thanks to the disappointing January 2022 news.

Is FanDuel Sports Betting Legal in Florida?

FanDuel is patiently awaiting the process. It's expected that the major sports-betting player partners with a brick-and-mortar location prior to entering the online market.

Is DraftKings Sports Betting Legal in Florida?

Similar to FanDuel, DraftKings is expected to pounce as soon as it's possible.

What is the Tax Rate on Online Lottery Winnings in Florida?

Like Texas, Florida is one of the six states in the country that does not assess an income tax. There is also no official tax amount on any type of lottery winnings in Florida. All winnings above $5,000, online or retail, must be reported as income to the IRS.

What is the Tax Rate on Sports Betting in Florida?

There is a proposed tax rate for Florida sports betting of 15 percent, but the official number remains to be seen.

Do Native American Tribes Control Sports Betting in Florida?

Similar to California's situation, the Native American Casinos control the Florida gambling industry. The April 2021 deal made it official that the tribes will serve as the hub that controls retail and online sports betting.

Who Has Final Say on Gaming in Florida?

Florida residents have the final say on all gaming expansions in the state, courtesy of a vote that gave them the final say. Despite the tribal casino powers, state voters have a tremendous say in the matter.

Can I Play Daily Fantasy Sports in Florida?

Yes, Florida does allow daily fantasy sports, as it is not officially deemed as sports wagering. The profit made from playing is taxable income.

Can I Bet on Casino Games in Florida?

You can play at tribal casinos in Florida, but there are no online casinos available in Florida. This will change thanks to the April 2021 deal.

What is the Size of the Florida Sports Betting Market?

Florida's betting market could be massive. Many experts project a sports betting handle passing $2 billion a month in the state. This number is most likely on the conservative side, however, based on other states' recent history.

Kyle Scott
Kyle Scott is the founder and editor of CrossingBroad.com and serves as the lead online gambling writer for CBWG Media Group, which owns and partners with several popular sports websites. He breaks down game betting previews and provides commentary on the legal online sportsbooks.

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