As of 2023, sports betting is legal in Florida. This development followed the DC Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision on June 30, 2023, which reversed a lower-court judgment against the 2021 Florida-Seminole Gaming Compact. Consequently, Hard Rock Bet, the online betting site associated with the Seminole Tribe, relaunched its services in Florida on November 7, 2023.
The Legality of Bovada in Florida
Despite the legal status of sports betting in Florida, Bovada is not legally recognized in the state. Florida residents can still register for an account with Bovada, but it operates outside the purview of state-regulated gambling. This distinction is critical as Bovada is not licensed or regulated by any Florida authority and operates from outside the United States, specifically Costa Rica.
The Risk with Offshore Sportsbooks
While Floridians can access offshore sportsbooks like Bovada, it’s important to understand the risks involved. Any website operating in Florida outside of the state-regulated system, including Bovada, is considered illegal. Hard Rock Bet is currently the only legal and regulated betting site in Florida. Utilizing offshore sportsbooks can pose risks as they do not adhere to Florida’s gambling regulations and laws. This lack of regulation means that in case of disputes or issues with withdrawals, Florida residents might not have any legal recourse.
Conclusion
In summary, while sports betting is legal in Florida, platforms like Bovada operate in a legal gray area. They are not illegal for Floridian users, but they are not recognized or regulated by Florida laws. This status puts them outside the protection and regulation offered by state-sanctioned platforms. For Floridians interested in online betting, it is advisable to use state-licensed and regulated platforms to ensure legal protection and adherence to state gambling regulations.