Sports Betting For Florida Residents
The legalities of sports betting in Florida are frequently debated, particularly because of the Internet and the sportsbooks found there in. The lack of accurate information surrounding online sports gambling in Florida is disturbing, hence the basis of this site. We are here to explore the different laws regarding sports gambling, both federal and written by the state itself, all with edification in mind. Follow our advice and you will be well on your way to wagering without any complications to speak of.
Legal Sports Betting Sites Accepting Florida Residents
When we started exploring the different sportsbooks, we had come to quite a few different options. Not all of these options are worth using, which is why we have been making it our goal to cut down on the number of rogue or illegitimate sportsbooks. Should you decide to play with our betting sites, you will not have to fear being ripped off or otherwise screwed out of your rightful winnings. We have decided to test each of them personally in order to pass along the highest quality gambling sites around.
Bovada - 20% Match For All New Depositors Up To $100
Intertops - Intertops has a casino, poker room, and sportsbook
5Dimes - Fastest sportsbook payouts and big reload bonuses
DSI - Great loyalty program that lets you earn free sports bets
BetOnline - New online sportsbook accepting all Florida residents
Is sports betting legal in Florida?While most players doubt whether or not sports betting is legal for Florida residents, we can tell you that there is no law that has been written regarding sports betting. We can assure you that there are no problems that can come from betting on sports over the Internet, and we do not want you to think that authorities will be bursting down your door and attempting to bring you to jail for gambling on sports.
Florida Sports Betting Laws & Gambling LawsFlorida's gambling laws have been written in a way that does not necessarily include the Internet in their list of authorized, regulated, or illegal activities. Simply put, the state has no specific laws banning online sports gambling. You will not be faced with a criminal charge if you decide you want to gamble on sports over the Internet, but this is not the case when it comes to using an illegal bookmaker operating in a live business or establishment.
While the Florida laws do not actually cover online sports gambling, you will find that there are federal laws that contend with sports wagering on the Internet. The Wire Act is one law, but it does nothing against the player. Rather, it makes it so those who operate gambling businesses cannot legally do so. There is then the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006, a law that is widely misunderstood due to its name. The UIGEA has done nothing more than complicate financial transactions and give federal authorities the ability to prosecute the owners of gambling sites and payment processors for charges related to money laundering. Neither of these two laws can be used against the player, so you have nothing to worry about if you are truly afraid of getting arrested.
One thing we will say is that, in spite of Florida's positive attitude toward gambling expansion, the state cannot actually authorize a sportsbook, be it online or live. A law known as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act has made it so no state other than Delaware, Nevada, Montana and Oregon can authorize sportsbooks. Florida is not on the list, and therefore only offshore sportsbooks can be used. This is hardly a problem, however, and we are sure you will be able to find one that works for you.
Legal Gambling Age For Florida Residents
The State of Florida is fairly progressive when it comes to gambling, with some types of gambling open as soon as you turn 18. For wagering on sports online, you have to be at least 21 years of age in order to participate. If you are under the age of 21, you cannot play the games without risking getting in trouble.
Land Based Gambling In Florida
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Seminole Hollywood Casino, Seminole Casino Immokalee, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Seminole Casino Brighton.
In addition to the casinos listed above, there are also various card rooms and para-mutuel facilities scattered around Florida. As we have said previously, however, there are no brick and mortar sportsbooks in the state of Florida.
FAQ About Online Sports Betting In The State Of Florida
1) What are the consequences of wagering on sports under the age of 21?
If you are not 21 or older, you will be banned from the sportsbook and have your money confiscated.
2) Where can I find the various federal laws related to online sports wagering?
The federal laws can all be found through the Library of Congress through their THOMAS database.
3) Are Florida's laws listed online as well?
Yes. You can find the laws as they are written directly on the Florida legislature's website?
4) Is Bovada legal in Florida?
Yes, sports betting through Bovada is completely legal in the state of Florida.
5) How can I fund my account if my credit card fails to process?
MyPayLinq, wire transfers, MoneyLineWallet and occasionally e-checks can all be used to make your payments through this service.
6) Do I have to pay to sign up with one of these gambling sites?
No, you do not have to pay anything in order to start playing with these sports betting sites.
7) Do I have to pay taxes on anything I earn from the betting sites?
Yes, you do have to pay federal taxes. Thankfully you do not have to pay state taxes.
8) So is online gambling a federal offense?
No. There is no federal law specifically making it illegal for players to bet on sports on the Internet.
9) How do I go about joining these legal sports betting sites?
You just have to put your name and personal information directly into the betting site, taking only five minutes to actually start your account.
10) The Florida sports betting sites I used shipped me a check to cash for my winnings, do I have to do anything special with it?
Nope, just deposit it directly into your bank account and you will be good to go.
