Florida Gambling Laws

Can I gamble online in Florida?

• Florida Gambling Lawsuit
• Florida Gambling Tax Laws
• Florida Sports Gambling Laws
• Florida Gambling Laws
• Florida Bingo Law
• Florida Gambling Laws Update

The simple answer is yes, but in this guide to Florida online gambling we go into much more detail. We also list the best Florida gambling sites, explain the relevant laws, and more.

Gambling Laws in Florida While Florida is comparatively liberal when it comes to gambling in brick-and-mortar establishments, its laws are not quite as forgiving when it comes to online gambling. To date, there is no legislation in place regarding online gaming for real money, meaning Floridians must content themselves with the state’s many. Gambling at online casinos. Gambling at online casinos in Florida is a bit of a tricky one. It’s not expressly prohibited for people to play at online casinos in Canada or other overseas territory. But it’s definitely not permitted either. Running an online casino that is based in the state of Florida, however, is completely illegal.

You should be aware that, as with so many other American states, the situation regarding gambling online in Florida is not as clear-cut as it could be. The legal issues are confusing, as Florida online gambling laws are effectively non-existent at this moment in time.

Florida does not currently regulate real money online gambling in any form. This is likely to change, probably soon, but there are no firm timelines in place just yet.

This means there are no Florida gambling sites operating within state lines. However, there are other safe and trustworthy gambling sites accepting customers from Florida. There are also some sites that AREN’T safe and trustworthy, so you need to careful about where you sign up.

We can help you with that, as our list of the best Florida online gambling sites has been carefully compiled and only includes legitimate and reputable sites. Read on to find how we select which sites to recommend, along with more information on online gambling in Florida.

These Florida online gambling sites have been ranked and reviewed by our team of experts. They offer a variety of online gambling options such as casino games, sports betting, and poker.

We have closely examined all of the real money gambling sites that accept players from the Sunshine State. Most of them get sub-par marks, because we apply exacting standards on every level. Only those that make the grade are featured here. We are confident they are genuinely the best online gambling sites for Florida and can be relied upon to provide a world-class experience.

In addition to the top FL gambling sites listed above, you can find more specific recommendations on the following pages.

Ranking the Best Sites for Online Gambling in Florida

Our team members are very thorough when they evaluate real money gambling sites for the benefit of our readers. Over the years, we have developed a step-by-step process that has allowed us to accurately, efficiently, and effectively gauge the overall strength of each online gambling site we asses.

We compare the results, and the websites that score consistently well across the board in key areas get our seal of approval. Here are some details on a small number of the factors we look at.

One of the first facets that we look at is the country of focus. Of course, if a site is in a language other than English, it is clearly not going to be targeting American players.

We like to see sites that are specifically designed to serve US players. The betting and gaming options that people in America are familiar with should take center stage, and the main currency should be the US dollar.

Deposit and withdrawal methods will be custom crafted to suit the needs of people that bank in the states. The best Florida gambling sites are tightly focused on the needs of American players, and this is an attribute that is shared by every site that has made our list of approved operators for FL.

Once we establish that a given site is built to accommodate US gamblers, we move on to the most important step in the evaluation process. When you are going to deposit real money into an online casino or betting account, you have to be absolutely certain that the company is 100% legit.

This is obviously a valid concern, and we answer the legitimacy questions for you when we are conducting our research.

Florida Gambling Lawsuit

We have a solid understanding of the licensing requirements for online gambling operations in most countries and territories around the world. Since there is no regulatory body for online gambling in Florida, we take a long hard look at the origin of the licenses held by respective gambling sites that we are rating.

Once we are comfortable with the license that is held by a gambling website, we move on to the next item on our checklist.

The reputational insight that we garner from our peers is invaluable. Sometimes we will hear about a traditionally well-regarded site that is taking a downturn because of a change in management or some other factor.

On the other side of the coin, our connections inform us about emerging gambling websites that are attracting positive attention. We do value longevity, but sometimes a relatively new entrant into the marketplace can do everything right from the start.

There are forums and message boards that are frequented by regular online gamblers. Our team members follow these threads daily, so we know what objective players have to say about their online gambling experiences. Sites that are getting lambasted will fall off our radar.

When you have an ongoing monetary relationship with a business, you have to be certain that you can get in touch with someone when you need assistance. This is true for every player, but the high rollers have some big bucks in play, so their concerns are magnified.

You can rest assured that all of the operators that have made our list of the best FL online gambling sites provide friendly, attentive, and results-oriented customer service.

They can be reached by phone, and they quickly resolve questions and concerns through email communication and live online chat.

Florida Online Gambling Laws and Regulation

FL gambling laws do not mention online gambling at all. So, what does this mean for the legalities of gambling online in Florida? Can you legally gamble online from Florida?

There isn’t really a definitive answer, precisely because of the lack of Florida online gambling laws. However, this lack of laws means that it’s not explicitly illegal to gamble online in the state. We’ve certainly found no evidence of anyone ever being prosecuted for doing so.

With that said, Florida online gambling is likely to be officially legalized and regulated in due course. New legislation was proposed by FL lawmakers in 2019 that could legalize at least some forms of online gambling and introduce regulation at state level. It could also make land-based sports betting legal.

This legislation is to be considered by committees at some point in 2020. It will then be put to a state-wide vote. Check our page dedicated to Florida gambling laws for more information and the latest updates. For a quick snapshot of all current Florida gambling laws, see below.

Florida is not completely restrictive when it comes to legal and regulated forms of gambling. There are a handful of Native American casinos, and there are legal poker rooms at the dog and horse racing tracks throughout the state.

They have approved slot machines at Gulfstream Park, which is by far the most popular horse racing track in Florida, and some other existing pari-mutuel wagering facilities. But although there are brick-and-mortar possibilities, there are still several very good reasons to gamble online in Florida. Here are some of the main benefits.

There are only seven Native American casinos in the state, so even if you would be content gambling at one of them exclusively, you may not have one nearby. The same thing can be said about the race tracks with slots and poker rooms.

For people with physical limitations, the word “accessibility” has a very profound meaning. Yes, there are laws in place that mandate accessibility for disabled people in businesses and other public places. This being stated, when it’s hard for you to get around, casino visits can be out of the question.

Online gambliing is perfect for seniors that are in this position, and there are many of them because Florida is the premier retirement destination in the United States.

You would probably think that you were the target of a practical joke if an employee walked up to you in a casino and handed you a wad of cash out of appreciation for your business.

This is simply not going to happen in the brick-and-mortar gaming universe, but things are entirely different at the best Florida online gambling sites.

The size of the bonus you receive will depend on the structure at a given site and the amount of your initial deposit. Sign up bonuses will typically be anywhere from $100 to $1000. This is a meaningful infusion of gambling cash to start you off, and you can expect to see ongoing promotions.

Once you collect on one bonus offer, there is nothing forcing you to call it quits. There are a number of FL gambling sites that have gotten our seal of approval, so you can safely open accounts at multiple places. In so doing, you can snag a series of nice bonuses.

If you make the trek to a casino with a physical presence, you simply have to grin and bear it if other customers around you are ruining your time. At the gaming tables, there can be very rude and annoying people, and losers that drown their sorrows are usually not going to be on their best behavior.

Short of this, a lot of people flock to the casinos on Friday and Saturday nights. If you work standard hours, this may be the time that is right for you as well. When there is a crowd, the odds of running into an obnoxious customer increase exponentially, and you can start to feel cramped in a general sense.

Even if you can tolerate the volume of human beings around you, there is another major drawback that will often confront you on a packed casino floor. Seats at gaming tables will fill up quickly, and you can do laps around that area and come away empty. Even if you can get a seat, the betting limits may not suit your budget.

You are also stuck with the food and drink prices, and outside of Las Vegas, casinos are not known for giving out free cocktails to players. In fact, they charge as much as they can because patrons have no nowhere else to turn.

If you want to hang out at home and play, everything that is in the refrigerator is just a few steps away, and you will not be dealing with any unsavory strangers.

Since we have shared so much information about online gambling in Florida, we should close with a brief summary so you can keep the key points fresh in your mind.

A lot of people that have an interest in online gambling have legitimacy concerns. That’s understandable, buy you can set them aside such concerns if you stick to our list of the best Florida gambling sites.

Our research team has put all of the sites that want your business under the microscope, and we apply high standards, so you can go forward with total confidence at any of our approved real money gambling sites.

These sites are also much more accessible and convenient than traditional gambling options, and offer have a wide range of choice. In addition to the classic casino-style gaming, you can also bet on sporting events and horse races at all of our recommended FL sites. And remember, you get some free bonus money to give you a boost at the outset.

The current situation for Florida online casinos is improving. As things stand, slot machines, cardrooms, poker games, and electronic gaming machines are available at certain licensed pari-mutuel wagering locations. However, online gambling is unregulated by the state.

This law might change soon enough. Native American territories offer options for the local population. Just recently, though, the Supreme Court decided to allow states to legalize sports betting and online gaming wagers.

Most Likely Florida Online Casino Sites

As legislation advances to expand the options for Florida online casinos and Florida sportsbooks, many big names are starting to size up the state. There are a few well-known brands that are sure to hop into the fray.

BetMGM Casino

This is the perfect example of one of the best online casinos that is expanding day by day. They recently moved into New Jersey and have plenty to offer for their players and bettors. It’s very likely that BetMGM will become one of many future Florida online casinos and online sportsbooks.

Hard Rock Casino

Hard Rock Casino is another powerhouse amongst the best online casinos. They have a huge variety of games and promotions for their bettors. They’re also likely to become an exceptional addition to the online casinos in Florida. They already have a few brick and mortar casinos in Florida. Keep an eye out for them.

FOX Bet Casino

FOX Bet just entered the market in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. While it’s not as popular as other online casinos, it’s always great to have more competition. If you consider their quick expansion, it’s easy to see why FOX Bet is sure to become another Florida online casino.

Best Casinos in Florida

If you’re looking for brick and mortar casinos in Florida, there are some great choices. And, yes, these casinos are entirely legal because they’re on Native-owned land. This is great news for tourists and Floridians alike. So, while you wait for Florida online casinos, you can try your hand at one of these locations.

Seminole Classic Casino

The Seminole Classic Casinos is considered one of the most exciting casinos in Fort Lauderdale. It has over 1,000 Vegas-style slot machine games. Some of these include Fort Knox, Quick Hits Platinum, and Bombay. They host massive Bingo sessions as well as table games, and a unique Seminole Wild Card game for bettors.

The casino offers a Comp Dollars rewards program, which operates as a cash-back program. You can spend your Comp Dollars at restaurants, stores, or hotels.

Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

This Seminole location is part hotel and part casino. It’s located on the Paradise Coast of Immokalee. They boast unique culinary experiences, a highbrow club, and top-notch rooms where players can rest after visiting the high-energy casino.

The casino itself boats almost 1,400 slot machines. In addition, they have High Stakes poker tables, Pai Gow, and tons of other table games to suit most players. Their Zig Zag Pit even offers complimentary cocktails.

Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club

The Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club is located at Daytona Beach. It’s just a short drive from the famous Daytona International Speedway.

It features a 50-table card room, Greyhound races, private betting carrels, and over 300 high-definition televisions. These sets cast thoroughbred racing, Harness racing, Jai-Alai, and Greyhound racing.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is another healthy mix of rooms for rest and relaxation and a ton of casino games to enjoy. It stands out, though, with its famous cuisine and ever-changing demos and in-house concerts.

The casino boasts a Poker room with 46 high-stakes tables. The Mezzanine Level Casino contains 400 slots and 15 live tables with blackjack and baccarat on offer. There’s also a dedicated High Limit Tables room for those with more cash to burn.

List of Florida Casinos

Here’s a list of all the casinos available in Florida:

• Big Easy Casino
• Casino Dania Beach
• Casino Miami
• Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino
• Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park
• Miccosukee Resort & Gaming
• Seminole Casino Brighton
• Seminole Casino Immokalee
• Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
• Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood
• Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Tampa
• Victory Casino Cruises - Cape Canaveral
• Tropical Breeze Casino

Florida Casino Laws

Most gambling in Florida is regulated at the state level. Casinos are mostly limited to Native American reservations. Gambling, gaming, casinos, racetracks, and lotteries, however, are regulated at both a federal and state level.

In 2018, voters approved two big amendments that affect gambling in the state:

• Amendment 3: A measure that makes it more difficult for gaming companies to build new casinos in the state.
• Amendment 13: While 11 Greyhound tracks are currently operating, this legislation aims to ban the sport in its entirety. These tracks are to leave by the end of 2020.

Betting on skill games is illegal in Florida. In addition, while Floridians can visit online casinos, it’s currently illegal to host web casinos in the state. Other location-based gambling laws are a bit messy. To simplify this, here’s a list of prohibited and approved gambling games:

Approved Gambling

• Live poker games
• Tribal casinos and racetracks
• Pari-mutuel machines for horse racing
• Jai-Alai
• Lottery Betting
• Bingo Games
• Big-prize Bingo in Seminole tribal territories

Prohibited Gambling

• Online poker games
• Cafe casinos
• Sports betting
• Games of skill
• Hosting an online Casino
• Bowling tournaments (unless for a fixed cash prize)

Future Casino Legislation in Florida

Florida Gambling Tax Laws

Florida lawmakers are making haste to change state gambling laws. However, Amendments 3 and 13 make things a bit more difficult. Something that improves the outlook is the coordination between the Seminoles and the state legislators. Their aim is to resolve a legal battle over “designated player” card games by many Florida pari-mutuels.

This is a big step in a positive direction for future online sportsbooks and Florida online casinos. They’re also pushing for increased bet limits and expanding the selection of authorized sports betting and fantasy sports. Pari-mutuel operators can expect more perks in the near future.

The biggest piece of this puzzle is the population. Currently, the decisions on gambling in the state rest in the hands of the people. Legislators can’t make choices on their own; instead, voters have a majority of the say. The state government can alter rules for the pari-mutuels, though. Because of this, their plan is to aid these groups as much as possible.

In the end, the building pressure is turning a tough situation into one with only one reasonable conclusion: online sportsbooks and Florida online casinos. The state has too much to win, and the number of people in favor of more gambling options in Florida is growing exponentially.

Casino Games Available

Florida Sports Gambling Laws

While you might need to wait for Florida online casinos, there are plenty of options at brick and mortar casinos and various Florida sportsbooks. Note that many games only allow players aged 18 or older. The age requirements are as follows:

• Land-based casinos: 21
• Poker Rooms: 18
• Lottery: 18
• Pari-mutuel wagering: 18
• Bingo: 18

Some examples of available casino games are listed below:

Slots

Slot machine gambling in Florida comes in the form of eight pari-mutuel racetracks, seven tribal casinos, and casino cruises. The racetracks have slot machines, believe it or not. There are thousands of machines across these locations.

Recently, Seminole Hard Rock in Tamba increased the number of available machines by 25%. So, the variety and availability isn’t dropping. It’s worth noting, though, that any pari-mutuel wagering with slot machines have a supposed payout of 85%. This differs between locations, and the return statistics are available online.

Florida Gambling Laws

Table and Card Games

Table games find their home in various on-location casinos in Florida. Many of these casinos host Blackjack and Three Card Poker.

The Blackjack is typically the traditional Vegas-style Blackjack. It’s all about coming as close to 21 as possible without exceeding the number. You can place an additional wager to “match the Dealer” for a chance to win twenty times your bet.

Poker Options

The Three Card Poker has a six-card bonus wager. This presents three opportunities to win for each player. You can bet all three cards against the dealer’s. The dealer only qualifies with a “Queen high.” Otherwise, you win. A “Pairs Plus Wager” is also available and can net you a 100-1 on your bet or 1000-1 for six-card bonus wagers.

Florida Bingo Law

Florida Casino Apps

Floridians will have to wait for legislation before Florida online casinos and online sportsbooks can base themselves in the state. There are a few Florida sportsbooks, but they’re not yet available online.

Florida Gambling Laws Update

There’s a chance, though, that the state will host some of the best online casinos in the near future. Florida online casinos have a chance to provide a service to many enthusiastic gamblers. And, with big names making a huge push for licenses and regulation, it seems that the wait won’t be too long.

Florida Online Sportsbooks

Another interesting opportunity presents itself in the form of online sportsbooks. The state currently limits wagers for sports and racing to brick and mortar locations. This is yet another hole in the market waiting for a group to fill it. Of course, just like with online casinos, big brands are waiting for voters and legislators to make the final call.

As mentioned before, it shouldn’t take too long. The pros heavily outweigh the cons. It’s also contradictory to allow pari-mutuel wagers for Greyhound and horse racing, but force players to do so at physical locations. A green light for online sportsbooks simply makes sense.

Final Thoughts on Casino Gambling in Florida

Florida is a pioneer for gambling in the United States. For better or for worse, recent years have seen many changes that make it difficult to continue licensing and regulation in the state. Currently, there are many local options for tourists and Floridians. However, the online frontier is still waiting for the floodgates to open.

There’s only good news, though. Legislators are working with local Seminole tribes and other gambling locations. Their push might be enough to allow Florida online casinos and online sportsbooks. If the people want it, then the state should provide it.