TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — You can now bet on the Olympics in Florida through the Hard Rock Bet app.
Gambling Attorney Dan Wallach told 8 On Your Side if you’re using a different app, it’s probably illegal.
He also told us some other Olympic gambling pointers.
“When you bet on the Olympics because these athletes are not compensated in any way, shape, or form similar to how pro-athletes are compensated, there is a risk factor that doesn’t exist to the same degree when you’re talking about NFL,” said Wallach.
He suggests being mindful if you decide to place bets on the Olympics.
The Hard Rock app is already populated with a few Olympic sports like handball, but once all draws are finalized, Hard Rock officials told us most major sports will be available for wagering.
Wallach thinks it might be difficult to regulate because all the games are out of the country.
Florida online Olympic sports betting includes pregame wagering, live bets on who will medal, and medal totals.
“I think the Olympics does present probably the greatest threat of all of the sports to any kind of match corruption or match manipulation,” said Wallach.
“Whether it be point-shaving, altering of performance, inside information. These matches are taking place in France and there’s very little that the state regulatory body or the Seminole tribe can do about it if there’s any kind of match corruption,” said Wallach.
When the games start you’ll see exclusive markets around the day’s biggest storylines and other promotions on the Hard Rock Bet app.
Not every gambler we talked to felt intrigued.
“It’s better to enjoy those types of games,” said Gambler Alberto Gutierrez. “It’s not the types of games to bet on.”
But some people are ready to gamble for the gold.
“I’m too excited,” McClendon said. “We can make a lot of money here.”
As sports have become easier to gamble on, gambling addiction is becoming more common. Earlier this year, the calls to the state’s gambling addiction hotline were up 138%.
If you are struggling with gambling and need help, the number to call is 1-888-ADMIT IT.