1 Florida Sports Betting - Legal Status & Best DFS Sites 2026
autumnstallwor edited this page 2026-05-01 06:51:32 +08:00


Hard Rock Bet has returned to Florida, with a full-blown state-wide launch happening on Dec. 5, 2023. Here's a timeline of Florida's sports wagering journey to date:

Nov. 19, 2025: Florida lawmakers advanced H.B. 189, which would make operating or promoting non-Seminole online sports wagering or iGaming a felony and taking part in it a misdemeanor.

Nov. 12, 2025: Florida lawmakers are reviving legislation that would make it a felony to put sports bets while understanding the outcome is fixed.

Oct. 30, 2025: Hard Rock Bet has actually introduced brand-new "Games powered by Past Motor Races" in Florida, letting users bet on results of real previous races in a slot-like fashion.

Oct. 7, 2025: The NBA's Orlando Magic has called Hard Rock Bet its official sportsbook in a new multiyear collaboration that will begin with the upcoming 2025-26 season.

Aug. 11, 2025: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a multi-year partnership with Acid rock Bet, giving the sports betting operator exclusive marketing and engagement opportunities.

June 11, 2025: After previously being a longshot, Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett is now the betting preferred to claim the Conn Smythe Trophy, granted to the MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, at most sportsbooks over reigning winner Connor McDavid and seasoned Brad Marchand.

May 6, 2025: Florida lawmakers have actually withdrawn bills targeted at limiting sweepstakes gambling establishments and non-tribal sports betting.

April 16, 2025: A bill prohibiting sweepstakes video gaming and increasing prohibited betting charges passed another crucial Senate committee in Florida.

March 26, 2025: A Florida Senate committee passed a bill by an 8-0 vote that proposes charges for using inside info for sports betting, as well as participating in online gambling the state's Seminole Tribe does not use.

March 19, 2025: Hard Rock Bet reveals its brand-new 'Battle of the Bets' campaign with a $250K bonus offer bet swimming pool.

March 3, 2025: The US District Court for the Southern District of Florida has actually dropped all charges versus Lottery.com for deceitful misrepresentation, irresponsible misstatement, conspiracy, and assisting and abetting.

Feb. 27, 2025: Two Florida legislators are proposing to make it a felony for somebody to bet on a video game if they have inside details, such as a heads-up about someone preparation to throw a game or shave points.

Feb. 5, 2025: The Florida video gaming commission sent out 3 cease-and-desist letters to overseas operators accepting illegal wagers in the Sunshine State.

Jan. 27, 2025: Lawmakers in Florida temporarily rejected a proposal that would have made authorizing any new business casinos or mobile sportsbooks logistically impossible. With that, the slim possibility that Florida makes a large commercial gaming expansion stayed.

Jan. 16, 2025: An opening event will be held February 6 to celebrate the opening of Seminole Brighton Bay & Casino which is replacing the existing Seminole Casino Brighton.

Jan. 9, 2025: Florida regulators are examining an unlawful online gaming operation within the state.

Dec. 18, 2024: A Florida bettor turned a $25 bet on a 14-leg death TD gamer prop parlay into simply over $100k with Acid Rock Bet.

Dec. 18, 2024: A prohibited betting crackdown in Jacksonville has resulted in the closure of ten places across the city, with five individuals arrested for racketeering.

Nov. 1, 2024: Hard Rock Bet partners with Duffy's Sports Grill to explore several marketing opportunities.

Oct. 28, 2024: Florida's Seminole Tribe partners with West Flagler, ending its prolonged legal disagreement over the tribe's control of the state's online gambling market.

Oct. 9, 2024: Hard Rock worldwide chairman and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen talks about potential "tactical relationship" with FanDuel and DraftKings in Florida.

Oct. 1, 2024: FanDuel is being demanded $250 million by a previous Jacksonville Jaguars employee who embezzled group funds, claiming that the online sportsbook "made use of" his gaming addiction.

Sept 26, 2024: FanDuel deals with hard sports wagering push in the country's most populated States, consisting of Florida, California and Texas.

Sept. 3, 2024: 10 people are arrested and slots are seized following the discovery of an unlawful gambling operation at a Tallahassee filling station.

July 30, 2024: The Florida Gaming Control Commission helps close down 11 prohibited gambling establishments in Volusia County.

June 28, 2024: The Supreme Court's choice on legal Florida sports wagering does not speed up California's push, states James Siva, the chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association.

June 17, 2024: The U.S. Supreme Court shoots down Florida's sports wagering evaluation request to overthrow the state's legal betting status quo.

June 13, 2024: The U.S. Supreme Court might quickly choose whether to examine Florida's sports wagering case or not.

May 29, 2024: Legal Florida sports betting gets its day in Supreme Court - June 13, 2024.

May 22, 2024: Florida's continuous legal sports betting battle may be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court after another document associated to the concern was filled on Tuesday.

May 14, 2024: The U.S. Government asks the Supreme Court to shut down Florida's sports betting obstacle.

April 24, 2024: Acid rock Bet introduces 'SGP Max' function in Florida, allowing wagerers to integrate several same-game parlays on one ticket.

April 22, 2024: Daily fantasy sports go back to Florida with peer-to-peer games used by PrizePicks.

April 10, 2024: Acid Rock Bet and the Florida Panthers form a multi-year partnership.

April 1, 2024: West Flagler files a new sports betting quick to the U.S. Supreme Court. West Flagler declares that the Florida Supreme Court denied its petition by improperly ruling that the Florida gaming compact legalized online wagering.

March 21, 2024: The Florida Supreme Court denies a sports wagering petition to invalidate the state's online sports wagering law on constitutional premises.

March 12, 2024: A previous Jacksonville Jaguars monetary manager is sentenced to 78 months in prison for stealing $22 million from the organization.

March 9, 2024: An ex-Jacksonville Jaguars staff member speaks in court following an embezzling scandal. Amit Patel is accused of taking control of $20 million from the company during a five-year span.

Feb. 26, 2024: Daily fantasy sports (DFS) operator PrizePicks will pause its company in Florida on March 1, 2024, after getting a second cease-and-desist letter for running unlawfully.

Feb. 21, 2024: Florida lawyer Daniel Wallach's brand-new amicus quick advises the Supreme Court to take a Florida sports betting case, supporting West Flagler's efforts to stop Florida's present sports betting structure

Feb. 16, 2024: Several states, including Florida, sent out cease-and-desist letters to daily fantasy sports (DFS) operators Underdog, Betr, and PrizePicks.

Feb. 13, 2024: The Florida Supreme Court is asked to stop the state's "unlawful" sports betting approach.

Feb. 3, 2024: Jacksonville Jaguars ask FanDuel to return $20 million from Amit Patel scandal, but the sports betting operator is reluctant to pay the group.

Jan. 29, 2024: Florida dream sports costs advance in the middle of disputes after being received positively by the state chamber's committee on managed industries. Senate Bills 1566 and 1568 set out the legal framework and licensing structure of fantasy sports contests in the Sunshine State.

Dec. 26, 2023: West Flagler Associates continues to challenge the legality of Florida sports wagering, arguing Florida voters should can approve any casino betting growth under Amendment 3.

Dec. 5, 2023: Hard Rock Bet opens its sportsbook app to all Florida bettors for the first time in two years.

Dec. 1, 2023: Gov. Ron DeSantis and 2 other lawmakers unsurprisingly decline a Florida sports wagering obstacle.

Nov. 17, 2023: The Supreme Court of Florida unanimously rejects a motion proposed by two gaming companies to close down the state's restricted variation of online sports wagering.

Nov. 7, 2023: Acid rock Bet relaunches in Florida after pausing online operations for nearly two years, giving limited access to existing customers.

Nov. 1, 2023: In-person sports betting will go back to Florida at three casinos run by the Seminole Tribe on Dec. 7.

Oct. 25, 2023: The Supreme Court rebuffed an emergency situation bid to block an agreement between Florida and the Seminole Tribe, setting the stage for the return of legal Florida sports betting.

Oct. 18, 2023: There's no need to remain a lower court judgment that might see legal Florida sportsbooks return, according to the Department of the Interior.

Oct. 12, 2023: Chief Justice John Roberts goes into an order remembering and staying the Florida sports betting appeal required.

Oct. 6, 2023: Covers' Geoff Zochodne goes over the drawbacks of Florida's gaming compact.

Sept. 26, 2023: The Department of the Interior declares sports betting should resume in Florida. West Flagler and Bonita Springs turn to the Supreme Court of Florida to keep Acid rock Bet from returning, citing gaming growth without citizen approval and betting off of tribal lands as major violations of state law.

Sept. 18, 2023: Uncertainty surrounds Florida sports wagering and its return amidst a last-minute court filing.

Sept. 11, 2023: The U.S. Court of Appeals declines a rehearing request by 2 casinos for the Florida-Seminole sports wagering case. This opens the door for a possible return of Acid rock Bet in the state as early as Sept. 19.

Sept . 1, 2023: The federal government announces that there is no requirement for a rehearing in the Florida-Seminole sports wagering case.

Aug. 14, 2023: West Flagler Associates looks for a rehearing in its case against Florida's Seminole Tribe. The casino operator intends to prevent the to bring Acid rock Bet back to the Sunshine State.

July 17, 2023: Hard Rock Sportsbook rebrands as Hard Rock Bet after Hard Rock Digital partners with Simplebet. The new-look app boasts a brand-new rewards program and flex parlay feature. Acid Rock Bet could return to Florida soon.

June 30, 2023: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit reversed a lower-court judgment that overruled a 2021 compact in between the state of Florida and its Seminole Tribe.

May 24, 2023: The Florida Panthers advance to the NHL Stanley Cup Final for the very first time because 1996.

March 29, 2023: Florida sports wagering invites the launch of DraftKings' horse-racing app, as the Kentucky Derby nears.

Dec. 14, 2022: The DC Circuit Court of Appeals hears oral arguments on Florida sports wagering, with an official ruling on its previous dismissal anticipated in 2023.

July 11, 2022: The DC Circuit releases a briefing schedule in the Florida tribal compact sports wagering case that indicates a ruling won't take place until sometime in 2023.

June 1, 2022: Caesars and NYRA Bets release the Caesars Racebook app in Florida and Ohio.

April 27, 2022: The Florida Seminole tribe stops making revenue-sharing payments to Florida. With the 2021 Florida-Seminole Compact on ice, the people will rather pay into escrow until the lawsuits is solved.

March 7, 2022: Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver Calvin Ridley is suspended for the 2022 NFL season after banking on NFL games in 2021 with Florida's Acid rock Sportsbook.

Feb. 18, 2022: DraftKings CEO Jason Robbins reveals that the sports wagering operator didn't get enough signatures in time to place a proposed constitutional change on the state's 2022 election tally.

Jan. 28, 2022: Florida Education Champions' initiative, backed by DraftKings and FanDuel, concedes defeat with less than 500,000 confirmed signatures gathered.

Jan. 20, 2022: The DraftKings-FanDuel effort approaches 400,000 signatures.

Jan. 11, 2022: With just over 295,000 signatures, the FanDuel and DraftKings-backed initiative has gathered just a third of the signatures needed to reach the November 2022 ballot. The due date to reach 891,589 signatures is Feb. 1, 2022.

Dec. 4, 2021: Thirty-five days after introducing, the Hard Rock Sportsbook consents to "briefly suspend" all operations in Florida. Legal Florida sports betting has come to an end.

Dec. 1, 2021: A group of Las Vegas Sands-aligned groups submits a suit versus seven celebrations acting on behalf of the Seminole Tribe. The groups allege the Seminole Tribe has been paying off petition gatherers to prevent them from collecting signatures for a Las Vegas Sands 2022 ballot measure.

Nov. 25, 2021: After the Seminole Tribe's motion for a stay pending appeal is rejected, an emergency motion for a stay pending appeal is submitted with the DC Circuit Court of Appeals. Meanwhile, the Hard Rock Sportsbook is still operational.

Nov. 23, 2021: The Seminole Tribe submits a notification of appeal and movement for a stay pending appeal with the DC federal court just one day after Judge Friedrich eradicated the Florida-Seminole Compact. The Tribe seeks to continue taking sports bets throughout the appeal procedure.

Nov. 22, 2021: Judge Dabney Friedrich throws away Florida's sports wagering compact, putting an end to legal sports wagering and the Seminole Tribe's video gaming expansion strategies. The judge ruled both federal (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) and state (Amendment 3) laws were breached.

Nov. 1, 2021: The Seminole Tribe of Florida goes live with an "early gain access to launch" of its Hard Rock Sportsbook, in spite of a minimum of two lawsuits challenging the state's model of legal sports betting still working their method through federal court.

Oct. 19, 2021: Florida District Judge Allen Winsor dismisses the very first of the Magic City-Bonita Springs claims.

Oct. 15, 2021: October 15 shows up, however legal Florida sports betting does not.

Sept. 27, 2021: Two Florida businessmen and the anti-gambling group No Casinos submit the third suit - the 2nd in D.C. The movement declares no gaming growth can take place in Florida without citizen approval, pointing out Amendment 3.

Sept. 27, 2021: Magic City Casino and Bonita Springs Poker Room file their 2nd claim - this time, in D.C. The claim declares online Florida sports betting would breach several federal laws.

Aug. 17, 2021: Magic City Casino and Bonita Springs Poker Room submit a lawsuit against the Department of the Interior and Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, challenging the credibility of their Seminole Tribe Compact approval.

Aug. 6, 2021: Florida's pact with the Seminole Tribe passes its 45-day approval duration. By neither authorizing nor rejecting the Seminole-Florida Gaming Compact, the U.S. Department of the Interior offers Florida the OK to progress with its proposed October 15, 2021, launch date.

May 25, 2021: Gov. DeSantis quietly signs a brand-new tribal compact. The agreement would allow the Seminole Tribe to expand its video gaming library and offer retail and online sports wagering. Pari-mutuel centers would likewise be allowed to operate Florida betting sites through servers found on tribal lands.

May 2019: Gov. DeSantis declines to accept a contract reached in between Sen. Wilton Simpson and the Seminole Tribe. The pact would have enabled tribal gambling establishments and racetracks to provide legal Florida sports betting.

Nov. 6, 2018: Voters pass Amendment 3, effectively prohibiting the Florida Legislature from passing new gambling expansions without the approval of the Seminole Tribe.

May 14, 2018: SCOTUS overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Individual states are now allowed to legislate and control sports betting.