When Will Bet365 & DraftKings Launch in Florida? FL Sports Betting 2025 Update

For residents of Florida’s Space Coast, sports betting has become an increasingly popular way to engage with their favorite teams and tournaments. Yet the state has not allowed major sportsbook operators such as bet365, DraftKings, FanDuel and BetMGM legally launch there. An estimated timeline of beyond 2026 is more realistic at this point.

In the meantime, whether you are a local cheering for the Miami Dolphins, Orlando Magic, or Tampa Bay Rays, fans across Brevard County and surrounding areas are tuning into national betting trends and looking for ways to responsibly participate in this fast-growing industry.

As Florida’s sports betting market develops, innovations, promotional offers and legal updates are shaping the way locals experience sports wagering, while the national landscape continues to influence what’s next for the Sunshine State.

The Current State of Sports Betting in Florida

Getting legalized sports betting in Florida has been a bumpy ride. After years of legal disputes, the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet app relaunched statewide mobile betting on December 7, 2023. That day gave Florida residents easy and fully regulated access to legal online betting for the first time since the 2021 gaming pact was signed. Fans now get to create accounts, deposit funds and bet on local and national games on their phones, changing the way Brevard County cheers from the couch or tailgate.

Yet, the legal landscape is still murky. Ongoing lawsuits filed by pari-mutuel operators have landed at the U.S. Supreme Court and their ruling could change how the market operates. As it stands, Hard Rock Bet is the only company with an active license in the state.

How National Markets Are Affecting Florida

Even with only one legal option at home, Floridians closely watch national sports-betting activity. In 33 states with regulated markets, the total 2024 sports-betting handle surged to about 150 billion, creating more than 14.2 billion in revenue. New York and New Jersey still lead by a large margin, but Florida’s strong sports culture could propel it to the top once the rules get looser. Local fans are already placing bets on the NFL, NBA, MLB and college football, especially during big events like the NFL playoffs, NCAA tournament and NBA finals.

Promotions Driving User Attention

One of the most noticeable trends in U.S. sports betting is the rapid growth of low-barrier promotions. Operators are ditching complicated, high-play-through bonuses and replacing them with easy “bet-and-get” deals made for the average bettor. Think of risk-free bets, smaller playthrough requirements and loyalty deals that reward ongoing play.

Right now, bettors in Florida can only check out Hard Rock Bet, but folks are keeping an eye on wider bonus trends across the country. If you want to stay in the know, the latest bet365 promos via Mile High Sports show how different markets roll out bonuses and loyalty perks. Seeing these trends before new books launch in the Sunshine State helps you see the bigger picture and pick the right time to bet.

The Rise of Crypto in Sports Betting

Crypto betting is on the rise and Florida is likely to catch up. Though Hard Rock Bet doesn’t accept Bitcoin or Ethereum, other U.S. books already offer faster deposits, lower fees and better privacy. Industry insiders believe regulators will eventually approve crypto betting, especially for young bettors on the Space Coast who live and breathe digital wallets.

As the betting landscape grows, Florida is doubling down on responsible gambling. A share of sportsbook revenue funds programs that teach players healthy betting habits. You can expect community workshops, a dedicated helpline and online self-check tools that flag risky betting behavior before it becomes a problem.

Many online sportsbooks now add built-in features to make wagering safer. Deposit limits, short session timers and voluntary breaks can be set with a few taps. These tools are already popular from New Jersey to California and are expected to roll out across every Florida app, keeping sports betting a fun, not stressful, activity.

Legal Challenges and What Comes Next

Florida’s sports betting market stands at a clear fork in the road. The exclusive deal with the Seminole Tribe is now under fire in the courts, with plaintiffs contending the agreement breaks federal gaming rules. Should the U.S. Supreme Court side with the challengers, rival operators could flock to the state, triggering a race that could squeeze prices and widen choices for bettors.

Considering the state’s 22 million residents and its enormous visitor traffic, experts estimate that the wagering volume could top $5 billion each year within a few seasons if the market is fully opened.

Florida’s Potential vs Other States

To see how Florida stacks up, let’s compare its future numbers to some of the top betting states:

• New York: Projects to hit 19.6 billion in online bets in 2024, generating 19.6 billion in online bets in 2024, generating 1.7 billion in tax revenue.
• New Jersey: Historically leads with about $12.5 billion in handle this year, a benchmark for nationwide betting volume.
• Colorado: Registers $6.19 billion in total wagers for 2024, even with just a small fraction of Florida’s population.

Given its huge fan base, year-round action in all major leagues and a stable tourism pipeline, Florida could vault into the top five nationwide if lawmakers create an open, competitive marketplace.

What to Expect for the Space Coast

For fans along the Space Coast, the next few years promise an even more vibrant betting environment. Expect to see everything from better mobile app features to cryptocurrency funding options, along with clearer and fairer promotional offers. These changes should bring more flexibility and more choices for every type of bettor.

As nationwide markets continue to mature, Florida residents should keep informed about the latest tools, always bet responsibly and watch ongoing legislation so they know exactly how—and where—future wagers will be placed.

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