Since 1931, Florida has allowed gambling in a variety of ways, but the options still vary widely in this state of more than 21 million people. In the late 1980s, tribal casinos with slot machines and table games arrived in Florida. There are currently seven such casinos, all of which are independent establishments not connected to existing or previous horse or dog racetrack, with six of them being run by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. In Florida, poker is permitted in card rooms.
Because citizens and policymakers are constantly fighting to advance their own agendas, florida gaming law is constantly evolving. Legislation is always being proposed to restrict one type of gaming or promote another. While this creates an engaging dynamic for state-level political enthusiasts, it also makes it challenging for the typical supporter to keep up with events.
Since the dawn of history, there has always been gambling. But there have always been issues with gaming in Florida. Because lawmakers and Floridians continually fighting to further their particular agendas, these gaming laws have altered.
Florida does not permit online gambling, but people can access sweepstakes or social casinos where they can play slots or poker for rewards rather than cash.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Florida?
Yes and No. Yes, Florida residents who enjoy playing online casino games can do so through offshore gambling sites or at US online casinos that are legal and regulated in other states.
No, if you create an online gaming platform. No organization is currently permitted to set up and manage a legitimate online casino in Florida. As long as they avoid dealing with gaming websites based in Florida, players can be inventive in how they conduct their business.
There is a contentious restriction on online gambling, similar to those in several American states. The Seminole Tribe was given permission to provide exclusive internet and land-based casino games in 2010 after the government approved a bill that required the tribe to send $1 billion over the course of five years. However, a judge recently struck down this law, ruling that the agreement was unlawful. The Seminole Tribe has attempted to get this judgment overturned, but to no avail. Many people think that attraction is what makes internet gambling successful.
Can you gamble online in Florida?
Online gambling is not permitted in Florida. State law is ambiguous and makes no mention of online gambling. Although there are no legitimate online casinos in Florida, this is a questionable legal matter. Police regularly hunt down and close down illegal gaming establishments in the state.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida might have negotiated to offer online casino gambling in Florida under a provision in a 2021 treaty. However, the contentious provision was removed before the Florida Legislature’s special session on the document. On the other hand, Florida residents will be able to place legal online sports bets starting in November 2021.
Sweepstakes casinos available in Florida
Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, and Global Poker are available in Florida, giving residents of the state similar social gaming alternatives to those found in other states.
Players can enjoy several of their preferred casino games, such as video poker, blackjack online, and slots, in social casinos and earn real money prizes without really gambling. This format enables participants to compete against their friends and redeem sweepstakes coins won online to win actual cash rewards. There is a social casino website run by the Seminole Tribe.
Real money online casinos vs. sweepstakes casinos
Players who want to play at real money online casinos must fund their accounts before they may place bets on different games. That is illegal in Florida since it is seen as gambling. Players buy virtual currency, frequently in the form of “gold coins,” for use in social or sweepstakes online casinos, but that currency cannot be exchanged for actual money. Contest entry is free.
Sweepstakes coins, which have no intrinsic worth, are used to enter contests. Sweepstakes coins can be exchanged for actual cash prizes.
The MGM Resorts website, MyVegas, is another option. Because of its system for giving players legitimate, redeemable rewards, MyVegas is noteworthy. Even though Floridians would have to travel to use these comps, genuine prizes are still available without spending any money.
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. Since there is currently no law governing real-money online gambling, Floridians must make do with the state’s numerous reservation casinos, casino ships, and bingo parlors.
Similar to Florida casino sites, sports betting is totally prohibited in the state as well. 2018 saw a vote on Amendment 3, which forbids the state legislature from taking up any laws pertaining to gambling. This indicates that Florida’s present gaming regulations are likely to be in effect for the foreseeable future. There aren’t any significant changes on the horizon, however the legality of internet gambling will undoubtedly be contested once more in due course.
Florida Sports Betting
Worldwide, sports betting is hugely popular, and Florida is obviously included in this. Unfortunately, it is currently illegal in the state. The worst aspect is that we are unable to even confirm that the government is considering any gambling-related legislation. Actually, Florida’s laws are among the least likely to be changed, so passing new legislation is impossible unless 60% of the state’s citizens sign a referendum. On our page devoted to the Florida Lottery, we have covered the entire subject.
Florida Lottery
Despite the fact that Florida has long been a stronghold for the lottery since it first began operating more than 30 years ago. Time, during which it has changed and diversified in some creative ways. Unfortunately, the online lottery is not legal at the time this article is being written.
The only other option is to purchase goods from stores and vendors that have been approved. Fortunately, there are more than 13000 outlets where you can purchase merchandise associated with the lottery. If you’re interested in learning more, visit our page that is solely dedicated to the Forida lottery, where we’ve covered the entire subject.
Cruise Ship Gaming
Passengers can take a “Cruise to Nowhere,” which was made available and lawful in 1984. This voyage travels three miles into the Atlantic Ocean or nine miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Both of these choices transport players over territorial waters where the state’s gambling regulations are no longer in effect. Players can engage in exotic games including roulette, blackjack, video poker, craps, slots, and more.
Pari-mutuel Betting
Pari-mutuel betting was approved by a single vote in 1931, allowing participants to wager on horse and greyhound races in Florida. Also available for wagering are slot machines. Poker and horse racing are both available to participants 18 and older, while gaming machines are only available to those 21 and older.
Tribal Casinos
Now that we’ve proven that commercial casinos are prohibited and against the law in Florida. However, tribal facilities have been in use for many years. To play poker or bingo in a tribal facility, a player must be at least 18 years old. To play table or computer games, players must be at least 21 years old. The Seminole tribe is home to the majority of casinos and Class III devices. The Miccosukee tribe, in comparison, only has one casino with Class II devices.
Legal Gambling Age
The age at which you can legally gamble in Florida varies depending on the games you wish to play. While it is not yet legal, Florida’s proposed legal sports betting age is 21, which is also the allowed age to play casino games like slot machines.
However, you must be at least 18 years old to participate in pari-mutuel betting and play poker. Offshore websites also permit Floridians over the age of 18 to take advantage of their services.
Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention
The official responsible gambling group for the state is the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling. However, the Florida Department of Health is in charge of all state-wide general addiction programs and can offer assistance in addressing problem gambling. Florida residents with gambling-related problems can also get in touch with the National Problem Gambling Helpline.
Types of legal gambling in Florida
At the moment, the following are governed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering:
• Horse racing
• Harness horse racing
• Jai alai games
• Cardroom poker games
Additionally, the counties of Broward and Miami-Dade permit slot machine gaming at pari-mutuel establishments known as “racinos.” Tribal gaming is governed independently of the state under a deal with the government known as a Compact.
Legal Gambling Sites In Florida
There are several online sites where you can play games, and most of these platforms offer top-notch services, a fast and secure payment system, and an array of gaming titles
Wild Casino
One of the better websites for Florida players is this one. Since its launch in 2017, Wild Casino has won over the industry with its attractive bonuses and promotions, quick payout systems, well-designed websites, fantastic live-dealer games, and a wider selection of payment choices. You can play on this platform as long as you are at least 18 years old because it has age limits.
Red Dog
Red Dog Casino is unmatched when it comes to slots. Players can access a variety of slots on this site, including Cleopatra God Deluxe, Asgard, Achilles, and 5 Wishes.
Additionally, you can practice with free rounds before playing for real money in these games’ demo versions, which are available for free. However, the platform does not currently offer live dealer games; players can enjoy superb banking options and live chat capabilities.
Las Atlantis Casino
This platform has redefined the online gaming sector since its founding in 2020. With a welcome bonus of over $14,000, a bonus of 18%, and more than 25 free spins for slot machines, they provide some of the best benefits and incentives.
Additionally, they accept a variety of payment methods, including cryptocurrency as well as more conventional payment methods like credit and debit cards.
Summary
The gaming laws in Florida are a confusing jumble. On the one hand, it appears that the government goes above and beyond to safeguard individuals from the alleged harmful effects of gaming. On the other hand, a lot of concessions have been made over time to appease avarice and/or popular demand. One prominent example is casino gambling, which has tribal gaming that is legal but no commercial casinos.
When it comes to Florida’s casinos, even the local community is divided. A 2015 survey found that 34% of respondents supported allowing casinos in the style of Nevada and 33% supported restricting casinos to tribal territories. Meanwhile, 20% of voters want all land-based casinos to be banned from the state.
The laws of the country forbid internet gambling as well, but some experts believe that licensed online gaming will be legalized in the upcoming years. That’s not a given, though, as one of the Republican Party’s largest financial backers is adamant that all forms of virtual gaming be outlawed. There are several gaming alternatives available to you whether you live in Florida or are just visiting. Although the state’s policies are not always consistent, it is still much more lax than Utah or Hawaii.