Florida bettors can now legally wager on the Olympics, marking a significant milestone as the Summer Games in Paris become the first to take place since the relaunch of sports betting in the state. This development comes shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to Florida’s sports betting model, paving the way for this new opportunity.
As Florida joins a select group of states permitting Olympic betting, the upcoming 2024 Games are poised to become the most heavily wagered Olympics in U.S. history.
Limitations for Floridians Amid Betting Opportunities
Despite the expanded betting options for the Summer Games, Floridians are constrained to just one sportsbook due to the gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which monopolizes sports betting in the state. This arrangement has been upheld by the courts, leaving bettors unable to compare odds across multiple sportsbooks to secure the best possible wagers.
According to Florida gaming attorney Daniel Wallach, this lack of competition leads to less favorable pricing for consumers. He noted that in a more competitive market, bettors would benefit from various promotional offers and initial discounts, which are currently unavailable in Florida.
Restrictions on Judged Events
Certain states, including Florida, restrict betting on judged events during the Olympics. For example, in Massachusetts, sportsbooks cannot offer odds on competitions determined by judges, excluding popular sports such as gymnastics. Similarly, Hard Rock Bet does not provide odds for a range of judged events in Florida, including:
- Artistic gymnastics
- Diving
- Equestrian events
- Skateboarding
- Surfing
Betting Options for Other Events
Fortunately, Florida bettors have access to a broader array of betting options for other Olympic sports with clear outcomes. Hard Rock Bet offers wagers on several high-profile events, including:
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Soccer
- Swimming
- Track & Field
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics
As we approach the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, the limitations on judged events may continue to affect Florida bettors. With fewer total events in the Winter Games and a number of them being judged, such as figure skating and freestyle skiing, options for bettors may remain limited.
However, many popular Winter sports will still be available for wagering, including:
- Alpine skiing
- Bobsledding
- Hockey
- Speed skating
This evolving landscape of Olympic betting in Florida reflects both exciting opportunities and ongoing challenges for local bettors.
Sourse : https://www.playfl.com/olympic-betting-first-time-florida/