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Report: Florida will be latest state to add legal sports betting if new proposal approved

It looks like the sports betting world is about to add a big market.

Florida will soon allow legal sports betting through casinos run by the Seminole Tribe, if a proposal is allowed by the state legislature, according to the Miami Herald and the Fox affiliate in Orlando.

More than half of the United States has allowed legal sports betting in some form since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed individual states to decide on it. California and Texas have not legalized sports betting, so Florida would be the largest state by population to allow it, if the proposal passes.

Considering the Herald estimated that $500 million in revenue could be added by passing sports betting, it seems likely. There is only one week left in the regular legislative session, the Herald said, but a special session could be called for the measure.

The deal was negotiated between the Seminole Tribe and Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Herald said. Fox35 in Orlando said the Seminole Tribe would be the state’s hub for online sports betting. The proposal, which would also expand what can be offered at the Seminole Tribe casinos in the state, could be signed Friday, Fox35 said.

While it often can take considerable time from legislation to when bettors can actually log onto an app to make a wager, it would be a big step in the sports betting world to add Florida. Not only is Florida one of the most-populated states in the U.S., it is home to many major sports teams. Florida has three NFL teams: the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins and the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Florida also has two Major League Baseball teams, two NBA teams, two NHL teams (including the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning) and two MLS teams. Florida is also a hotbed for major college sports, especially football. There are 13 NCAA Division I schools in Florida.

Sports betting is growing rapidly with more states allowing it each year. Adding Florida would be one of the biggest steps yet.

Florida residents could soon be able to bet on their home-state teams like the Miami Dolphins. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Florida residents could soon be able to bet on their home-state teams like the Miami Dolphins. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

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