Is Online Gambling Allowed In Florida

Florida is widely viewed as the most gambling-friendly state in the South.
That may be true, yet major restrictions still exist over most traditional forms
of gambling here. Fortunately, there are a number of incredible Florida
sports betting sites available right now.

1. Is Online Gambling Illegal In Florida
2. Is Online Gambling Allowed In Florida Casinos

Floridians are known to be some of the most passionate sports fans in the
world. Unsurprisingly, the popularity of sports betting is growing in this state
every single year. Our team of experts is here to explain exactly how to find a
safe and fun online sportsbook. Later on, we’ll be going over the laws and
regulations surrounding sports gambling in Florida.

Online Gambling Laws in The United States. Gambling laws can be a rather complex topic these days as there are several US federal gambling laws to account for such as the UIGEA, and the Federal Wire Act, as well as, several individual state gambling laws. Online Gambling: Not Specified Don't get busted placing a wager on a DFS game or playing a private poker game – a first offense is a tough misdemeanor, and a second offense is a felony.

To make things easy for new players, we are listing of our favorite
sports betting sites in Florida directly below. Check them out today!

What Should I Look for in Florida Sports Betting Sites?

Finding a legit Florida sports betting site is easier now than ever before. Florida
has not regulated its sports gambling market (more on that later) and it’s up to
you to ensure that the website you play at is safe and secure. There are a few
basic features that all of the top Florida sports betting sites operating today
offer to their members.

Our team of experts has looked through hundreds of different gambling
websites over the years. We’ve come up with a list of the most important things
to look for before joining one of these sites. If the online sportsbook you are
interested in provides the features below, it’s good to go.

Safe and Easy Cashier System

The first and most important thing you’ll want to look for in Florida sports
betting sites is their payment system. There’s real money on the line, and it’s
important to know that the money you are depositing and withdrawing will be
processed securely. Fortunately, this is an easy thing to find.

One quick way to learn more about the payment systems at different online
sportsbooks is to head over to
our reviews page. In each
website review, we dive deep into the payment options available. If we find any
reports of withheld payments or unusual fees being charged through these
websites, we’ll let you know about it.

Another great way to learn more about the cashier systems of different
online sportsbooks is to simply check them out for yourself!
Head up to the sites above that we recommend and take a look at their cashier
page. Each of these websites will clearly list exactly which payment methods are
accepted.

Before signing up to a site, make sure that it allows deposits to be made
using both debit and credit cards. Check that fees for these deposits are not
too high. It’s important to note that almost all online betting sites in Florida
only allow payouts to be made using Bitcoin. Fortunately, Bitcoin withdrawals
come with very low fees and are generally processed within just a few days.

Nothing is more important than protecting your money when betting on sports
over the internet. Find an online sportsbook that offers safe and transparent
payment options to all its members.

Modern Design and User Interface

The design of a website may not seem hugely important on the surface. In
reality, though, a sportsbook’s design will affect your entire gambling
experience. We feel it’s extremely important to play through websites that
provide members with a modern design and solid overall functionality.

It’s important to note that every sports betting site will offer a different
design. We can’t say that one is better than another. The most important thing
is that the online sportsbook you choose to design has a style that fits your
gambling needs.

All of the legit Florida sports betting sites operating today provide a solid
user interface. The best online sportsbooks here will never crash. They also
make it extremely easy to find the exact sport that you want to bet on.

Everyone will have a different design preference. Some may want a homepage
featuring hundreds of different odds. Others prefer simple pages that provide
betting options on just a few different sporting events.

This is another simple thing to look into. Head back up to the sports
betting sites in Florida that we highly recommend and check out a few
of the different designs. The site that you decide to join should provide a
modern, simple design that makes it easy to place the bets you want.

Odds on the Sports You Want to Bet On

This may seem completely obvious. You may be surprised at how many people
sign up to a betting site, only to find that it doesn’t provide the odds they
were looking for! It’s a common issue that’s extremely easy to avoid.

Every reputable sports gambling website will allow you to check them out before you’ve even
signed up. Some sites are known to offer more odds than others. Are you an NFL
fan? Find a site that offers betting odds on every game of the season. Do you
love baseball? Sign up to a sportsbook providing MLB odds for every team.

It’s also a good idea to compare the odds between a few different online betting sites.
As you’d probably expect, some sports betting sites in Florida are known to
provide their members with better betting odds than others.

Floridians are famous for their love of sports. If, however, you want to bet
on something unusual, find a site that provides a number of different novelty
bets! Some sites allow their members to place wagers on things like politics and
movie outcomes!

Always make sure that the site you’re planning to join will provide odds on
the sports you want to bet on. If you don’t plan to bet on any particular sport,
we recommend joining a site that provides a wide range of different betting odds
every single day.

Great Customer Support System

The final thing that we recommend looking for in different Florida
sports betting sites is a helpful customer service system. On the
surface, this may not seem like a very important feature. But a solid support
system is actually a crucial part of gambling sites nowadays.

There’s a very good chance that the first sportsbook you decide to join
offers a seamless betting experience. You may never have to contact your site’s
customer service representatives. If, however, you have an issue with your online betting in Florida experience,
it’s important to know you have a company that will help you
out.

Our favorite support option is a live chat feature. This allows you to speak
directly with a website employee over text chat. It’s a fantastic way to have
your questions answered in real-time.

Phone support is another great way to find help instantly. If the Florida
sports betting sites that you are looking at only offer email support, we don’t
recommend joining them. This option can take weeks to actually help you out.

Never overlook how important customer service is. We feel strongly that the
better a website’s support system, the better the site is overall.

Why Are Sports Betting Sites in Florida so Popular Right Now?

Florida is home to numerous professional sports teams and a huge number of
top NCAA athletic programs. As a result, this state has one of the most
passionate sporting fan bases in the country. Unfortunately, Florida is one of
the few states to have laws that completely ban land-based sports gambling.

Despite the growing popularity of this industry around the US, Florida has
shown little interest to change its tough sports gambling laws. That isn’t
stopping people from betting on sports here over the internet. We’ve asked a
number of Floridians why they choose to bet on their favorite sports online. Two
reasons continue to come up.

Safest Option Available in Florida

We can’t say that Florida sports betting sites are completely legal. In
reality, the online betting market here lies in somewhat of a grey area. There’s
no doubt that online sports betting in Florida remains the safest option.

The only other real option to bet on sports here is through an illegal
land-based bookie. Obviously, the majority of bettors don’t want to track down
one of these bookmakers just to place a few wagers. Sports betting sites
in Florida allow you to place bets from anywhere in the state with an
internet connection.

Huge Range of Betting Options Available

Even if Florida did allow for land-based sportsbooks, it’s highly unlikely
that they would provide as many betting options as internet sportsbooks. The
amount of odds available every single day through the top sports betting sites
in FL is incredible. As we mentioned before, many of these websites offer unique
betting options on things like politics.

Florida is known to have a very diverse sports scene. Some people here love
the NFL, while others are hardcore MLB fans. The good thing is that there are
websites here offering thousands of betting odds on every single sport, 24/7.

What is the Legality of FL Sports Betting Sites?

Florida has been somewhat of a trailblazer for gambling laws in the American
South. Many casinos and limited forms of sports betting have been legal here for
years. Lawmakers here have shown little interest in regulating sports betting
sites in Florida.

Back in May of 2018, the US Supreme Court ruled that PASPA is
unconstitutional. This monumental decision now allows every state to set its own
laws on sports gambling. Today, a number of states have fully legalized this
industry, and many more have pending legislation to open the market.

Lawmakers in Florida have set some unusually strict laws on the online
gambling industry.

“Whoever plays or engages in any game at cards, keno, roulette, faro or
other game of chance, at any place, by any device whatever, for money or other
thing of value, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree…”

The section of these statutes stating “by any device” lead
many to speculate that Florida has outright banned online gambling. As is often
the case, this state has not specifically stated the exact legality of
internet sports gambling.

We always recommend abiding by the laws in every state. Online gambling laws
across the US are constantly changing and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see
online betting in Florida completely legalized in the next few years.

Will I Face Legal Trouble For Playing at Sports Betting Sites in Florida?

It’s very unlikely. Officials in Florida have made it clear that they don’t
want gambling websites operating inside the state. Individual
bettors are not their primary concern. We have not come across a single case of
any individuals here being prosecuted for making sports wagers over the
internet.

How Do I Stay Safe Betting on Sports in Florida Online?

The US online gambling industry has improved dramatically over the years.
There was a time when only a few betting sites were available inside the
country. Today, some of the very best online sportsbook companies are available
here, many of which offer completely safe odds on nearly every major sport.

There are still a few simple steps that you can take to ensure your betting
experience is nothing but fun. Below are five easy ways you can protect yourself
while playing at Florida sports betting sites.

Only Play Through Reputable Websites

The easiest way to make sure you stay safe betting online is to only make
bets through reputable sites! Before joining any of the sports betting
sites in Florida that are available today, make sure it provides you
with safe payment options and a helpful customer support system.

Never Bet More Money Than You Can Afford to Lose

The popularity of online sports betting is growing so fast because of how fun
it is! Unfortunately, some players will wager more money than they probably
should. We highly recommend that you track how much you are spending at Florida
sports betting sites. If you notice that you’re spending a little too much,
always be willing to take a break!

Stick to Sports That Understand

When you first get into sports betting, it can be tempting to throw money on
a variety of different sports in the hope to win some quick money. In reality,
the best chances you will have to win will be wagering on sports that you know
about. Especially when first getting into sports wagering, stick to sports that
you know about.

Understand the Details of Every Promotion You Come Across

There’s a good chance that you’ve seen a promotion at this point. Promotions,
in case you’re unaware, are bonus offers that online betting sites in Florida
will offer to their members. More often than not, these offers come in the form
of a first-deposit bonus to new members. They can be a fantastic way to boost
your account balance. Occasionally, they can also make it difficult to actually
withdraw your winnings. Make sure to read the details of every promotion before
you decide to use them!

Never Give Out Your Betting Account Information

The last thing you should always do is keep your betting account information
private. There is real money on the line, and anyone with your password can use
this money in unscrupulous ways. Never give anyone your account’s username and
password. Reputable online sportsbooks will never ask for this
information.

FAQ on Internet Sports Betting in Florida

What Are the Most Important Features to Look for in Florida Sports Betting Sites?

Despite the strange laws against internet sports betting, there are some fantastic sports betting sites in Florida available today. Before joining any of these sites, make sure that it offers safe payouts, a modern design, odds on the sports you actually want to bet on, and a helpful customer support system.

Why Are so Many People Joining Sports Betting Sites in FL?

Florida is well-known to have an extremely passionate sports fan base. Most bettors here claim that online betting is the safest option available right now, and it offers more betting options than the biggest land-based sportsbooks in the country.

Is Online Sports Betting in Florida Allowed?

Florida is one of just a few states that has not worked to regulate its sports betting market. Chapter 849 of the State Statutes indicate that online betting is banned. There are a number of great FL sports betting sites available right now, and we have not come across any reports of individuals being prosecuted for making sports wagers over the internet here.

How Can I Stay Safe Betting Online in Florida?

Online sports betting is safer now than ever before. The easiest ways that you can protect yourself while betting over the internet here is to only play through reputable sports betting sites in Florida, never bet more than you can afford to lose, only wager on sports that you understand, read the details of every promotion offer, and always keep your betting account information private.

Conclusion

Florida is in a strange position. Lawmakers here recognize that sports
betting is taking place, yet aren’t pushing to begin regulating this industry.
It’s very likely that this will change in the near future.

For now, there are still some incredible Florida sports betting sites
available to players. Head over to our
gambling blog page to find
expert predictions on major sporting events taking place around the world. Good
luck making your bets!

The legality of sports betting for our Florida residents is frequently debated, particularly due to the rise and popularity of Internet-based offshore sportsbooks that nominally fall into a gray area of US legal jurisdiction. The lack of accurate information surrounding online sports gambling in Florida can be disconcerting and even off-putting to potential players, but that doesn’t need to be the case, because once you understand the ins and outs of FL sports betting law, you’ll be able to place your wagers with confidence.

If it seems daunting to navigate all the state and federal laws surrounding sports betting in FL, don’t worry – it’s not. The laws and rules are fairly straightforward when it comes to betting on sports in the Sunshine State, and once you know what to look for, you’ll be able to wager safely and with peace of mind, no matter where you are in the state.

Is Online Gambling Illegal In Florida

Betting On The NFL In Florida

Those from Florida know how big football is to the state, and with three NFL franchises spread throughout the area, there are millions of fans rooting for their team on Sunday. Whether you root for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, or Jacksonville Jaguars there is plenty of passion throughout the state. The only thing better than rooting for your favorite team on Sunday is betting on them. While Florida does not have state-sponsored forms of gambling yet, there are still ways to bet on your NFL team. The international online sportsbooks we feature on this site are by far the easiest and most efficient way to bet on the NFL in Florida. These sites have game lines, player props, futures odds, and anything else that an NFL bettor would need to succeed. Be sure to check them out the next time you are looking to bet on pro football in Florida.

Legal Sports Betting Sites Accepting Florida Residents

While there are many legal sports betting sites accepting Florida residents out there, they are definitely not all created equal. If you’re going to risk your hard-earned money to place bets on your favorite players and teams at an online, offshore sportsbook, you owe it to yourself (and your bankroll) to make sure you pick only the most reputable Florida sportsbook service providers.

With decades of experience serving the Sunshine State, sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, and other top books (BetDSI, 5Dimes, BookMaker, etc.) are always your best bets to finding and placing winning wagers on their robust, comprehensive betting boards.

Bovada - Live Betting On Football, Basketball, Baseball, Etc

The Sunshine State has a lot to offer those who live there, with its great weather, sunny vistas, and sandy beaches. Even better, Bovada – the state’s top online sportsbook – lets you enjoy the tropical outdoors while you wager on your favorite sports matchups. Thanks to Bovada’s top-of-the-line, industry-leading mobile sportsbook portal, you can put money on sporting events no matter where in the state you happen to be.

One of the top reasons to go with Bovada as a Florida player is the betting odds that are available on their always-updated betting boards. After all, options are important, as most FL bettors aren’t strictly going to bet on their local home teams. So, while all of the Florida teams are represented at Bovada, all of the other professional and amateur US teams of note are also on their boards, with international wagering options to choose from as well as sports like soccer, rugby, cricket, and more. New FL residents signing up at Bovada today can even get a generous, low-rollover $250 Welcome Bonus to pad their online betting accounts.

BetOnline - Features Live Dealer Casino + Poker

Florida isn’t the cheapest place in America to call home, but there’s no state income tax, so that’s a huge draw for residents of all age groups. After all, in the current economy, saving as much money as possible while enjoying a casual lifestyle is more important than ever. BetOnline also believes in this philosophy and it can be seen by how they give away so many free-play bonuses. Anyone living in Florida that signs up for free at BetOnline will be able to qualify for their lifetime bonus. Just enter the promo code LIFEBONUS on every qualifying deposit and earn up to 25% on top of your deposit.

In addition to reload bonuses, BetOnline offers several other valuable perks for both new and returning members. And while their sportsbook is the site’s number-one draw, it’s definitely not the only way to gamble at BetOnline. BetOnline features a fully-fledged, Vegas-style live dealer casino, a popular online poker lounge, dozens of table games, hundreds of digital slots, and a thorough international Thoroughbred racebook.

SportsBetting - Spread + Over/Under Can Be Wagered

The hottest betting odds – and highest betting limits – await Florida sports bettors at SportsBetting. With action on just about every national and international sport, this betting site is considered the go-to sportsbook for Florida high rollers. However, with the most deposit and withdrawal options of any FL sportsbook, SportsBetting is just as well suited to the gambling novice as to the wily old vet.

SportsBetting accepts both traditional and alternative payment options, from credit cards, debit cards, and bank wires to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and DASH. Even better, all of these financial options carry high deposit and withdrawal limits at SportsBetting, meaning that – no matter how much money you have to wager – you can load up your SportsBetting account in a hurry. As with most other sites, SportsBetting.ag also offers new and returning FL customers plenty of valuable bonuses and perks to keep them coming back for more.

MyBookie - Top Sportsbook for Florida Wagering

MyBookie is an excellent online sportsbook for all of your Florida betting needs, which means that it is a top tier sportsbook full stop. At MyBookie, you can place all the wagers you need, no matter what. MyBookie’s sportsbook offerings extend past Dolphins moneylines, Jaguars spreads or Bucs Over/Unders, and well into the esoteric. If you want to bet on the presidential election, you can! If you want to bet on whether or not Lizzo will wear a thong to the Super Bowl, you can!

Is Online Gambling Allowed In Florida Casinos

MyBookie also increases betting access by offering both mobile betting and live betting. Mobile betting and live betting go together like peanut butter and jelly, and they work in concert to provide bettors with access to betting at all hours of the day, even after the game has started. Overall, MyBookie is an excellent sportsbook, and well worth engaging with.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida?

Sports betting legality in Florida is a tricky thing on the surface. There are no laws explicitly banning the activity, but there are also no regulatory laws allowing it, either. That said, laws in the US are based on what is prohibited, not on what is allowed. As such, you can assume – rightfully so – that sports betting is in fact allowed in the state. In other words, FL residents can freely wager on athletics without fear of government reprisal, provided they use a reputable online sportsbook.

Whether you're simply betting for your favorite team like the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Panthers, Miami Hurricanes, FSU Seminoles, UF Gators, Tampa Bay Bucs, or even theJacksonville Jaguars, you can do so without worrying about governmental repercussions of any kind. To add to that, by using an online sportsbook instead of a shady local bookie, you know the lines on top local teams will be unweighted (i.e. have reasonable vigs, or house takes) and that your winning payouts are always guaranteed.

Best Banking Methods At Legal Florida Sports Betting Sites

All of the top sportsbooks serving FL have similar – but not necessarily identical – payment options for deposits and withdrawals. However, the best banking methods at legal Florida sports betting sites are fairly universal between them, and it comes down to exactly how much and how soon you wish to bet. If you need to place your bets right away and have to load up your online sportsbook account ASAP, credit or debit charges process instantly.

Be warned, however, that credit/debit payments carry lower transfer limits than some bigger bettors like. In their cases, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (accepted everywhere, with different books accepting different altcoins as well) are superior, given that they process the same day and carry the highest limits of all options at most books. However, some folks prefer to deposit and withdraw their funds via older, more traditional methods like check, bank wire, or money order.

In these cases, the limits are often quite high, but the associated processing times (1-2 weeks) and added fees make them more expensive options than Bitcoin and other altcoins like Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, DASH, Cardano (ADA) and other methods (where accepted).

Mobile Online Sports Betting In Florida

Mobile online sports betting in Florida is the wave of the future, and – once the state institutes a sports betting law and local sportsbooks open for business – you will shortly thereafter likely be able to use their online portals via your mobile phone or tablet to wager from anywhere inside the state. Additionally, with legalization, it is likely you will eventually be able to download official iPhone apps and Android apps for your Florida sports betting facility of choice.

However, any mobile web portal or app-based sports betting solution from an FL-based sportsbook will be geo-fenced, meaning that you will always have to physically be inside the state of Florida to place your wagers.

Right now, with offshore sportsbooks already being online and operational for Florida sports bettors, you can use your iPhone, iPad, or Android device to wager at Bovada, SportsBetting, BetOnline, and all the other top legal books serving FL residents. Another advantage of using these overseas sportsbooks is that they are not geo-fenced, meaning that FL residents who sign up for these services can continue to use them even when they are outside of FL’s borders. Each one of these sites is optimized for mobile browsers and some even have apps that you can download straight from their site.

Florida Sports Betting Laws

There are actually no current Florida sports betting laws to speak of, as the state has traditionally relied on the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992) to govern their gambling laws in the athletic arena. Now that PASPA has been overturned by the Supreme Court, however, the FL legislature will have to institute its own sports betting regulations and licensing schemes before any physical brick-and-mortar or online facility in the state can offer sports betting inside FL’s borders.

That said, there is a passage in FL law that could be construed to be a nominal sports betting ban. Florida Statutes 849.14 states the following:

“Whoever stakes, bets or wagers any money or other things of value upon the result of any trial or contest of skill, speed or power or endurance of human or beast...shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree...”

Of course, there are plenty of semantic technicalities in the above statement that effectively ban this “ban” from being an effective ban. As such, though the state sees some 3-4 million residents turn a sports betting handle of roughly $12 billion each year, not one single person has ever been arrested, fined, imprisoned, or otherwise harassed by the FL government for placing a sports bet locally or over the Internet at a legal online offshore sportsbook.

When Will Florida Offer Legal Sports Betting In-State?

With voters getting the final say on this decision on sports betting, there may be some time until we see legalize sports betting in Florida. Because of this, voters will have their final decision and even if the bill is being passed they could vote against it and that means that it can take longer than the need to legalize sports betting in Florida. With voters being on the fence and amendment 3 being passed on a recent ballot, land-based sports betting won't be legal anytime soon. This will probably take some time and maybe in the year 2022, we will finally see land-based sports betting in the state of Florida. Online sportsbooks will be the way to go for a while for most players until this problem gets resolved. With many online sportsbooks already set up and having no legal repercussions towards them, most bettors will gear towards them in the meantime.

Legal Gambling Age For Florida Residents

The State of Florida is fairly progressive when it comes to gambling, with some types of gambling available as soon as you turn 18. For wagering on sports online, however, it’s advisable (but by no means mandatory) that you be at least 21 years of age in order to participate. When land-based sportsbooks open in FL now that PASPA has been overturned, however, those facilities will likely require their participants to be 21 or older.

What Cities In Florida Have Sportsbooks?

Currently, no cities in Florida have sportsbooks to offer the gaming public. However, there are a number of potential locations for land-based sports betting in Florida once the state passes formal sports wagering regulations, and though it’s not a sure thing that each of the possible venues will open their own sportsbooks, the majority of them likely will.

These locations include the following, in order of their likelihood to offer sports betting upon formal legalization by the state (with Tampa and Hollywood being first up, as they’re home to the state’s two largest casinos, both of which are Seminole Hard Rock properties):

• Hallandale Beach, FL
• Okeechobee, FL
• Immokalee, FL
• Pompano Beach, FL
• Dania Beach, FL
• Coconut Creek, FL
• Miami, FL
• Fort Lauderdale, FL

In addition to the casinos listed above, there are also various card rooms and pari-mutuel facilities scattered around Florida. Whether or not these will be included in the sports betting movement going forward remains to be seen, and much of that will depend on how the sportsbook taxation and application/licensing fees are established by the Florida state government.

Florida Sports Betting FAQs

What is live betting?

Live betting, also called in-game wagering, is a recent development from various online sportsbook providers that allows bettors to wager on sports as the contests themselves unfold in real-time. Thanks to mobile devices with persistent internet connections, it’s easier than ever to participate in live betting, adding thousands of daily chances to win to your standard sports betting docket.

What are the consequences of wagering on sports over the Internet under the age of 18?

All of the top online FL sportsbooks only require their customers to be 18 years old or older to use their services, including all of their casino games and racebook options. However, once you attempt to claim your funds, you will have to provide proof of your identity. If you are underage, or if you signed up underage and since turned 18, your account will be terminated and your winnings – and account balance – will be forfeited. However, in order to remain safest, we recommend that you wait until you are 21 to start using these sites. The reason being is that it is the highest required gambling age in the state of Florida and ensures that you can properly avoid any possible trouble with the state down the line.

How can I fund my online sports betting account if my credit card fails to process?

There are numerous alternate methods via which you can fund your Florida sports betting account if your credit card fails to process. For rapid transfers, however, cryptocurrency is the only viable alternative to card payments, as other options (money orders, bank wires, etc.) can take up to 14 days to process and show up in your sportsbook wallet. Seeing as how Florida has sports teams in every major sport, there is always an event happening at some point in the year and those 14 days could mean the difference in cashing in on a game and not.

Do I have to pay to sign up with an online sports betting site?

No, you never have to pay to sign up with an online sports betting site. If you ever come across any sportsbook that requires this, avoid them, as they are almost certainly untrustworthy and may be outright scams. The top online offshore sportsbook sites that accept Florida residents are free to join and many of them actually offer a welcome bonus. This will give an extra cushion for when you want to bet on the Dolphins or other teams for the first time.

Do I have to pay taxes on my online Florida sportsbook winnings?

Yes, you have to pay taxes on your online Florida sportsbook winnings. The requisite government forms and instructional overviews are available here. While this may seem like an annoying process to do, it is the best way to remain safe from any penalties in the future. Florida also does not have a state income tax which is one less expense you have to worry about when filing your taxes.

Is online sports betting a federal offense?

No, at least not with offshore sportsbooks. The Wire Act is the only federal law in place that has something to do with online sports betting and it only prohibits people in one state from using an online sportsbook housed in another state. For example, if you were enjoying a day in South Beach and wanted to place a sports bet, you can’t use one housed in New Jersey. However, the law has no jurisdiction over the operations of sports betting sites located in other countries or users of these sites.

How do I join a legal Florida sports betting site?

In order to join a legal Florida sports betting site, you simply have to enter your name and some basic personal information into your betting site of choice’s automatic membership portal. This is no different than, say, signing up for a Netflix or Amazon account, and your personal information is secured with state-of-the-art encryption. Even better, the whole process only takes about five minutes or less! You could sign up for one in less time than it would take to arrives at one of Florida’s sandy beaches.

When a Florida sports betting site payout is transferred via check, do I have to do anything special with it?

No. However, due to the nature of overseas checks of this sort, it is advisable that you do not attempt to cash the check immediately, as on rare occasions, such checks need additional time to clear. Simply deposit your check into your bank account, and then once it clears, you can draw it out as cash at your convenience. This applies to any bank you use or any Florida credit union you may be apart of.