A great part of the population in this state, South Florida particularly, is made up of immigrants and retired citizens, both categories prone towards wagering. The first, searching for the life-changing breakthrough, the latter to fill up their time with a dose of excitement. These being said, there is no surprise that gambling in FL has its fair share of supporters. But are they modern enough to insist for access at the latest developments in this field? Is USA online gambling legal in Florida? And when should we expect the first online casino Florida based?
Gambling is legal in various forms in Florida, which includes lottery, land based Indian casinos, commercially operated card venues and bingo, pari-mutuel wagering on horse and dogs (until 2021 and jai-alai. In addition, online gambling is not explicitly prohibited and not regulate. There are, however, offshore sites that accept players from Florida.
- Is Sports Gambling Legal in Florida? The short answer is, yes – there is legal sportsbook gambling available to Florida residents. There are no Florida state laws and no US federal laws that make it a crime to bet on sports in the USA as long as the destination at which you placing your wagers is legally licensed and regulated.
- (c) “Charitable, nonprofit, or veterans’ organization” means an organization which has qualified for exemption from federal income tax as an exempt organization under the provisions of s. 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or s. 528 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended; which is engaged in charitable, civic, community, benevolent, religious, or scholastic works.
- Welcome to FindLaw’s Florida Gambling & Lottery Laws Center. Florida on gambling and lotteries can regulate, and in some instances prohibit, certain activities such as casino gaming, horse racing, and dog racing. There was a time when city planners in Miami planned to tear down their Art Deco buildings and build casinos.
- Florida is one of the few states that offer both land casinos, as well as legal gambling via the Internet. Many of the land casinos found in Florida are in remote locations, often run on Native American land, allowing a different set of rules to take place, making gambling in those locations legal.
Best Florida Online Casino Sites
| Casino | Bonus | Website | Rating | Features | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2000 | 163 voted Review |
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| 2 | $12250 | 361 voted Review |
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| 3 | $12000 | 461 voted Review |
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| 4 | $2500 | 302 voted Review |
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| 5 | $1000 | 330 voted Review |
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| 6 | $7777 | 382 voted Review |
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| 7 | $3000 | 119 voted Review |
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| 8 | $800 | 206 voted Review |
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| 9 | $4000 | 495 voted Review |
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| 10 | $5000 | 420 voted Review |
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Contents
Florida Gambling Laws
The question of is online gambling legal in the USA still remains a tough one to answer in a straightforward manner. The legislative jungle this subject crosses makes many potential businessmen consider the hassle might not be worth the risks assumed. The same uncertainty governs federal gambling laws in Florida, as well as individual state legislation.
The state of Florida has had its number of ups and downs and the journey of regulating wagering finalized in what seems to be a monopoly. A situation which has brought in its turn, a lot of controversial decisions on what games are accepted and what is not. There are a lot of grey, undecided areas, as is the case with Florida online casinos, which aren’t specifically stated as being neither illicit nor legal.
The complications had begun since the 1930s, when in just 6 years, lawmakers managed to deem all forms of gambling illegal, then allowing slots machines, finalizing with another complete ban on all types of wagering. This undoubtedly started the dance.
In more recent days, the Seminole Tribe put grounds to a bingo hall in 1979, which turned into a casino along with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, going all the way into creating a regular monopoly, hold by this tribe, with its seven casinos that hold them all the rights on organizing banked games and poker, in the majority of places.
Monopoly being instated, different factions wanted to expand other forms of commercial gambling, resulting in many groups of interest putting pressure on lawmakers to get to a final form of gambling laws. This and the lawsuits contesting the Seminole’s monopoly have developed an intricate system of rules and restrictions.
The Letter of the Law – Extracts
The set of laws that creates the legal framework of gambling in FL has a series of definitions whose interpretations are used for establishing what’s legal and what’s not.
Thus, most games that involve an outcome left to chance on any degree are banned. The casinos belonging to the Seminoles are exempt under federal law. There are a couple of horse tracks, which are also allowed to offer some casino-like games, the so-called “racinos”. And finally, a small number of greyhound racetracks, but seeing how they constantly suffered in popularity along the years, they have recently been voted to be closed down, starting 2021.
Games of skill aren’t exempt of the lawful ban, sports betting not being on the right side of law-makers’ acceptance of placing bets. There is however the notable exception of jai-alai, the only sport where wagering is allowed on results.
Following the trend of online gambling laws in the USA, lawmakers have yet to take a categorical stand on the matter, leaving things in the grey area of legally unspecified subjects. Florida online gambling laws don’t mention anything about these sorts of games being legal or not. However, there is a specification about hosting, owning or enabling casinos or other sorts of establishments where wagering is permitted, being out of the law. Therefore, no Internet casino operator is taking a chance of creating such a business Florida-based.
Any modification in the foreseeable future is hard to believe it’ll occur, on account of the 2018 decision stating that any expansion on the subject of gambling, be it Internet-based or the more classic approach, must be submitted to a statewide vote, in the form of a referendum.
Online Gambling Situation
As stated earlier, the need for online gambling regulations hasn’t been thus far among the priorities of Florida lawmakers. This means that no FL online casinos are going to be based in this state anytime soon. With this bearer of bad news comes the natural query: if you’re a Florida state resident, can you gamble online for real money?
The answer to that is positive. Although the state law mentions a ban on organizing casino-type businesses, this only refers to those who own this type of affair and not to those players who demand this service. Based on this principle, there are some offshore online gambling sites that take advantage of the grey area this law creates and offer their services to FL residents. For example, Bovada casino which is legal in Florida.
- Top 1 USA online casino
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Most of these sites are powered by RTG software, this being one of the few online games providers which don’t frown upon accepting US-based players, we gathered almost all RTG casinos on our website. Also, this is one of the famed software providers, renowned for the large variety of game versions, going from the classical slots or table games, to the lesser known 7 reel slots, progressive jackpots, or some modern days view on poker. Given the enticing bonuses, they give to customers, FL players have nothing to regret on joining one of these secure sites.
There are a couple of warning signs to look out for whenever accessing some of the sites that aren’t specifically mentioned in the reviews here, mainly on the security risks that such an unchecked site poses.
Also, it’s good to know, that most offshore sites apply additional security measures when it comes down to withdrawing money from the online account. They require extra verifications and mostly accept as means of getting a hold of the money only wire transfers or bank checks. Involving an independent bank in these transactions means an additional assurance against falling victim to any sort of fraud.
Offline Gambling
Tribal casinos
As stated in other paragraphs, the Seminole Nation managed to monopolize the gambling domain in this state, by owning all 7 brick and mortar casinos. On top of that, they’ve managed to own a couple of establishments in other states across the country, through their company Hard Rock International. With such an appetite for business and with, no doubt, quite an influence among state’s legislators, the prospect of a Florida online casino to be opened any time soon, seems like a distant dream.
Betting Tracks
These are the only things that keep a full state of monopoly to take place, seeing how betting is allowed here, on the races, as well as pari-mutuel and some can even offer casino-type games. The balance might shift a little after the 2018 decision that all dog races are going to be banned starting 2021. But all 14 establishments that currently host this type of racing will be allowed to offer others kinds of wagering games. Horse races, on the other hand, seem like they’re good to go for a fair amount of time, still being highly popular and piquing interest.
Jai-alai
The only skill-based sport which can be wagered on is the Latino popular jai-alai. The Basque original game is a sport brought-with by Cuban immigrants and the large popularity it holds in Miami especially, convinced regulators to exempt it from the written rules. Perhaps, given this precedent being set and with the proper pressure, Florida online gambling can still be put on the map.
Casino Cruises
One of the popular pass-times, there are a high number of casino cruises, many of them going to the close-by Caribbean Islands or the Bahamas. As for the lack of interest in online gambling Florida has other interesting options, as we can see.
Social Gaming
The closest representative that online gambling Florida has is in the social gaming field. The Seminoles, although disagree with constituting a Florida online casino, did, however, launch two social gaming sites through the Hard Rock International company. So, an openness towards the Internet market exists.
Development in the Field of Gambling
Referendum
The year of 2018 came with a number of decisions on the wagering subject, affecting indirectly the Florida online gambling laws. It has been decided that any legislative modification on the matter of gambling expansion, is bound to pass a referendum, in which people need to express their vote on the matter. So, for the opening of a new online casino, Florida’s population must first embrace the idea.
Dog Races
The state decided to close down all dog race facilities, on account of their popularity not being what it once was. If popularity is an indicator on what goes and what stays, perhaps there is still a chance for Florida online gambling.
Other changes
The soon to be disaffected dog tracks are going to be provided with the option of operating off-track betting on simulcasting races. After the deadline of 2021, poker clubs can be opened using the same facilities. Hosting slots in Florida’s old dog tracks are going to be permitted starting the same year. Any change towards the expansion of gambling is good news for FL online gambling.
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Is betting legal in FL State?
Yes. The tribal casinos offer a wide array of options. Besides these, there are horse racing facilities or bingo halls. Concerning Internet betting, although very few legal online gambling USA sites exist, you can find more than one option on offshore-based online casinos.
Is online gambling legal in Florida?
American online gambling has been in the last couple of years under constant stress, due to ever-changing regulations, many of which scared operators off. Although there are no current Florida online casinos, the offer sustained by websites licensed in other countries with a more relaxed attitude towards the phenomenon is vast and easy to access.
Is There Legal Gambling In Florida County
What risks are there when gambling online?
Extra care should be given when betting in online casinos for real money. Unfortunately, gambling on the internet is the subject of many fraudulent attempts. That’s why only accessing sites that have proven to be safe, such as the websites from our list, is of the utmost importance.
Is online sports betting legal in Florida?
This is one of the grey area subjects that are neither specifically illegal, nor are they 100% sure to be permitted. But what is sure to be allowed is betting on those online gambling sites that accept Florida players, mostly being headquartered offshore.
Is online poker legal in Florida?
The same grey area is available here, with the law being subject of many different interpretations. The main idea is that there is nothing holding you back, legally-wise, for playing online poker on those safe and secure sites that allow you to.
Florida Lottery
What is the minimum legal gambling age in Florida?
18 for pari-mutuel, casinos, lottery tickets, bingo. For poker in Miami, with needing to be 21 elsewhere for playing poker. The legal internet gambling age is the same applied in the player’s state of provenance.
If I win in online casinos can I withdraw my money?
Whenever playing online slots for real cash, for example, the money won contractually belong to you, and the online casinos are obligated to put at your disposal. The only issue is that with the federal laws governing internet gambling the USA, withdrawals aren’t finalized on the spot. They’re usually handled via wire transfers or checks through banks, and these take a couple of days to be processed.
What are the development expectations regarding gambling in FL State?
Is There Legal Sports Betting In Florida
There is low interest, close to none, for currently regulating online gambling in Florida. But the options provided by other state-based, as well as offshore, Internet casinos are there at Florida’s resident’s disposal.