Florida online gambling options are limited as there aren’t state-regulated choices for residents yet. Despite the limited options, there are still several online providers that accept Florida-based residents.
However, despite gambling limitations online, Florida is home to some of the best land-based casinos in the United States like the Hard Rock in Fort Lauderdale and Tampa. Below we’ve covered some of the best online options for people in Florida looking to gamble online with sports, casino games or poker.
Florida’s Best Online Betting Sites
All of the Florida online gambling sites below have been in business for over 15+ years. They are known for easy deposits and fast payouts.
Below you’ll find our list of the best FL gambling sites for online casinos, sports betting, and poker.
100% UP TO
$3,000
WELCOME BONUS
Our Rating
9.5
200% UP TO
$3,000
WELCOME BONUS
Our Rating
9.5
NO DEPOSIT
$35 Free
CODE: “OFD35”
Our Rating
9.5
100% UP TO
$3,750
WELCOME BONUS
Our Rating
9
200% UP TO
$3,000
WELCOME BONUS
Our Rating
9.5
Gambling In Florida: An Overview
Florida is the south-easternmost state in America, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It also borders Alabama and Georgia, but its coastline is the most expansive of the 48 mainland states.
- Abbreviation: FL
- State Motto: In God We Trust
- Capital City: Tallahassee
- Population Estimate: 21 million (3rd)
- Website: http://www.myflorida.com/
Despite a cautious attitude about gambling, Florida legalized pari-mutuel wagering at racetracks as early as 1931.
Florida didn’t approve the lottery until 1986, but things moved quickly as the US government passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. As a result, Florida’s government quickly signed compacts with its two federally recognized tribes.
The Miccosukee Tribal Indians began work on a casino resort. The Seminole Tribe of Florida also opened several large casinos throughout the state, all approved for everything from table games to slot machines.
Tracks then lobbied and won the right to offer live poker in 1996 via an updated law. These laws were updated again in later years to allow slot machines as racinos.
The Florida Code defines gambling as engaging in games of chance, including card games. The broad explanation includes playing those games “at any place, by any device whatever, for money or other thing of value.”
The statutes also discuss gambling houses. This prevents larger establishments from popping up but also keeps home games regulated to low limits. For example, player winnings must not exceed $10 for any round, hand, or game. Poker in licensed racino must also be non-house-banked.
A clear definition of skill games and their relation to the current gambling laws is omitted from statutes. The only reference to skill is in the Family Amusement Games Act – designed to prevent the expansion of “casino-style gambling.” In the definitions section, games of skill are exempted.
Online Gambling Legislation in Florida 2021
Florida regularly renegotiates tribal compacts and disputes with the Seminole Tribe. The most recent disagreement spanned several years and ended with the tribe winning a court case over the legalization of player-banked card games.
However, in 2021, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and state lawmakers have been close to an agreement that could open online gambling. Under the deal, the tribe would be allowed to provide mobile games to state residents. Also, the Seminoles would pay the state at least $2.5 billion over five years in exchange for operating sports betting.
No law currently states that online poker, casino games, or sports betting sites are explicitly illegal. There have been attempts over the past decade to legalize and regulate online poker and casino games. But there have never been enough lawmakers to support it.
In 2012, there was an effort by the National Council of Legislators from the Gaming States to encourage online gambling in Florida, especially with a Florida State Representative as its former president.
The NCLGS group pushed for the inclusion of online poker in a 2014 gambling expansion bill. But the entirety of the bill changed to ban all online gambling. The bill never passed through the legislature and never came up again.
Florida has been considering the legalization of daily fantasy sports with bills introduced over the past several years. However, proposals to legalize fantasy sports require heavy editing, leading to failed legislation in 2021. There will be another attempt to legalize fantasy sports in 2022.
Some lawmakers have discussed legalizing sports betting since the US Supreme Court decision in favor of New Jersey, allowing all states to run sports betting industries. However, there has not been enough support to introduce a bill to that effect.
Florida Online Gambling FAQ
Can I gamble online legally in Florida?
Yes. Online gambling is safe in the state of Florida. Several operators accept Florida residents.
What online casinos are legal in Florida?
Numerous online casinos are legal, including Wild Casino, BetOnline, Ignition, Super Slots, and Bovada.
Can you play online slots for real money in Florida?
Yes. Many providers allow players to wager real money on online slot games.
Does Florida have any land-based casinos?
Yes. Florida has a fair share of casinos, horse tracks, dog tracks, and lotteries. Below are some of the most popular Florida casinos: