Legal Status of Sports Betting in Florida
Florida presents a unique legal landscape when it comes to sports betting. While many states have fully embraced the legalization and regulation of both online and retail sports wagering following the repeal of PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) in 2018, Florida’s road has been shaped by tribal agreements, lawsuits, and political maneuvering.
The Seminole Compact and Its Impact
The primary force behind legal sports betting in Florida is the Seminole Tribe. In 2021, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, granting them exclusive rights to offer sports betting throughout the state. The compact was ratified by the state legislature and allowed the Seminoles to launch the Hard Rock Sportsbook app in November 2021.
However, legal challenges quickly followed. A federal court struck down the compact, ruling that its provisions allowing statewide mobile sports betting violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). The court argued that mobile bets placed outside tribal lands could not be considered bets placed “on Indian land,” as required by federal law.
Court Battles and Appeals
After the 2021 launch was shut down, the Seminole Tribe appealed the decision. In 2023, a U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the compact, reinstating the legality of the agreement between Florida and the Tribe. This paved the way for the Seminoles to relaunch their online sportsbook.
However, opponents of the compact, including competing gambling interests and anti-gambling groups, have continued to file appeals. These cases have reached the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to intervene in 2024, effectively allowing the compact to remain in place—for now.
Current Status of Sports Betting in Florida
As of mid-2025, sports betting is technically legal in Florida, but only through the Seminole Tribe. The Hard Rock Bet app is the only officially sanctioned online sportsbook, and retail sportsbooks are operated within tribal casinos. There are no third-party sportsbooks such as DraftKings, FanDuel, or BetMGM allowed to operate independently in the state.
Florida residents and visitors can legally place wagers through the Hard Rock Bet platform, provided they are physically located within the state’s borders. The platform uses geolocation technology to ensure compliance.
Limitations and Legal Grey Areas
Despite the compact being in effect, questions remain about whether the current arrangement complies fully with federal law. There is also ongoing litigation in state courts that could impact the long-term viability of mobile sports betting in Florida.
Additionally, the exclusivity granted to the Seminole Tribe has drawn criticism from other gambling operators who argue that the market should be open to competition. Legislative efforts to open the market have stalled, largely due to the political power and influence of the Seminoles in Florida politics.
The Future of Sports Betting in Florida
Florida’s sports betting landscape is still evolving. While the Seminole Tribe holds exclusive rights today, pressure from other operators, changing political winds, and the potential for voter-driven initiatives could reshape the market in the coming years.
Floridians who want to bet on sports legally must do so through the Hard Rock Bet app or by visiting a Seminole-operated casino. For now, that is the only fully legal avenue—though underground and offshore betting markets continue to operate without state regulation.
In conclusion, Florida is one of the most important battlegrounds for the future of sports betting in the United States. With billions of dollars potentially at stake, and legal decisions still pending, the story is far from over.
