2004 Casino gambling legalized 2010 State of Florida and the Seminole tribe sign a contract granted Seminole's near-exclusive rights to casino gambling in the state. The agreed payment was $350 million per year. Gambling Laws in Florida. 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.
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.
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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. Is online blackjack fair. 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
Legal Casino States
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: Is there gambling in texas.
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
Online Gambling Laws By State
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. Online casino programs. 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
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. Old gambling games. 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.
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 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.
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.
Despite Florida's huge gambling market, customers are limited to just seven tribal casinos and various horse tracks and (now-defunct) dog tracks that operate as card rooms.
In fact, this latter aspect of the FL gambling industry has caused the state to be in violation of its exclusivity compact with the Seminole Tribe, who had a favorable ruling in federal court that annulled their casino profit-sharing obligations. This has cost the state over $400 million per year since 2019, when the tribe stopped paying. Since then, all expanded gambling measures in FL have hinged on the renewal of that Seminole compact.
Casino free games download. Fortunately, as a bettor or gambler in FL, you don't have to be stuck in the middle while the state government is a stick in the mud. That's because you are free to legally gamble anytime – in any market – by visiting legal Florida online casinos.
Whether you're a casino player, sports betting fan, or poker player, if you're looking for high-quality and safe gaming experience, you can get one by visiting any legitimate Florida online gambling site a shot. However, before you consider participating in Internet gambling, we suggest you review the information concerning Florida online gambling laws.
Below, we address the details of Florida betting law as it pertains to both brick-and-mortar and online gambling. To learn more about all FL laws concerning casinos, sportsbooks, and poker rooms, our short guide has everything under the sun for residents of the Sunshine State.
Other Florida Gambling Pages
Where Does Florida Stand On Legal Online Casino Gambling?
Florida has recently banned 'Internet cafes' that were operating as unregulated online casinos, though the state's view towards online gaming in general doesn't appear to be antagonistic.
However, there are significant hurdles due to the fact that FL casino gambling is the exclusive domain of the Seminole and Miccosukee tribal nations. This means that the state cannot unilaterally expand gambling online without the tribes' involvement and approval. Talks are ongoing, but they are moving at a snail's pace.
In the meantime, it is legal for FL residents to gamble online at legitimate offshore casinos. These venues operate outside of US jurisdiction, and there are no FL gambling laws or federal gambling laws that bar access to these destinations. Over an estimated one million FL gamblers already use these sites and have been members at them for over a generation.
Naturally, FL would like to put itself in a position to bring some of these customers back into the domestic gaming fold, but no iGaming legislation has made its way through the state congress to date.
That said, the state does appear to be moving towards allowing tribal brick-and-mortar casinos to offer the two casino games they're currently unable to provide: craps and roulette. While the 2020 legislative session concluded without any such gambling legislation being passed, there is enough momentum that the issue is likely to be revisited in 2021.
Where Does Florida Stand On Legal Online Sports Betting?
Bookmaking is a serious offense under Florida law. However, you're a sports bettor, not a bookie, and there are no laws barring individual FL residents from betting on sports online provided they use a legitimately licensed offshore operator.
To reiterate: The existing laws surrounding sports betting in FL target bookmakers and not players, and they address unregulated gaming operators specifically.
Legally licensed and regulated online sports betting is not prohibited as long as those operators are based internationally outside of US jurisdiction. Fortunately, there are several high quality, safe, and legitimate Florida online sportsbooks to choose from.
As for when Florida will make domestic sports betting legal so that operators in the state can offer betting lines on all the most popular college and pro teams in the region, that remains to be seen.
Right now, the Seminole Tribe of Florida is exercising its leverage with exclusive gaming rights to prevent commercial sportsbooks from operating in the region. To make any progress on the domestic sports gambling front, the state will likely have to give sports betting exclusivity to the Seminole. And even then, it's unclear whether or not that would include online sports betting.
Where Does Florida Stand On Legal Online Poker?
House tours youtube. Online poker is becoming increasingly popular in FL. The Sunshine State does not specifically prohibit online poker at the individual level, but there are laws against online poker operators that are based in the state. Recently, there have been attempts to legalize online poker in FL, though this has gotten nowhere.
In fact, when the state approved non-house-banked poker at non-tribal FL venues, it violated the Seminole Tribe's exclusivity compact, and fixing this is now the biggest gambling issue before the FL legislature. Online poker won't be addressed until long after this issue is resolved.
Meanwhile, there are a number of legal Florida online poker rooms which operate and are regulated outside of the United States. As long as you're at least 18 and live in FL, you can use these online poker rooms to play for and win real money.
We do stress that being selective in choosing the brands to which you will bring your business is paramount in accessing a safe and secure online gambling experience, which is why you need to read our above-linked Florida online poker guide.
Florida Gambling Laws
There are a number of Florida gambling laws to be aware of, but the long and short of it is that the following markets are currently legal in a domestic operator capacity:
- Tribal casino gaming (21+ Class III, 18+ Class II)
- Horse racing betting (18+)
- Greyhound betting (18+, expires Dec. 31, 2020)
- Jai Alai betting (18+)
- Cardroom poker (age limit varies)
- State lottery (18+)
- Charitable gambling (18+)
If you sign up with an online operator that is based overseas and is regulated and certified to offer gambling opportunities to FL players, you can enjoy all the following markets over the Internet legally and safely:
- Casino gambling (18+)
- Sports betting (18+)
- Online poker (18+)
- Horse racing betting (18+)
- Greyhound racing (18+)
- Online lotteries (18+)
In addition to FL gambling laws, there are two federal gambling laws to be aware of. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) places stringent regulatory oversight on how online gambling-related transactions are processed, which is why we recommend Bitcoin gambling for deposits and withdrawals when playing offshore (as the UIGEA can lead to credit/debit card rejections). Free real casino slot games.
There is also the Federal Wire Act to consider, though this applies only to sports betting and prevents FL residents from having their sports bets accepted by sportsbooks in other states.
Neither law prohibits online gambling for FL residents at operators based outside of the United States, so as long as you are playing at an online casino, sportsbook, poker room, racebook, or bingo hall that is legally licensed in its own home country, you are in the clear.
FL Gambling Law Guide Summary
The online gambling professionals who created this guide consider it critical that FL players have access to accurate and up-to-date information regarding the online gambling laws in Florida.
Throughout this guide, we only recommend gambling brands which are legally licensed, certified, and regulated by respected and legitimate governing jurisdictions. This is true for the online casinos, Florida online bingo halls, and the poker rooms and sports betting sites we list in this guide.
To review the official gambling laws for Florida in their original language, you'll want to visit the Florida State Legislature website, which provides these laws and statutes in their entirety. That source does not provide any legal interpretation of the laws, however. If legal FL gambling advice is what you're looking for, then contacting an attorney is your best option.
***The information on this page is intended to reflect our educated opinions and analyses based on personal experience as industry professionals. It is not intended in any way to serve as legal advice. We are not lawyers and are not qualified to provide professional legal advice in any capacity.
