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Florida Online Gambling & Betting
The state of Florida’s gambling options boils down to lotteries and tribal casinos. The big-three of online gaming – sports betting, casino gaming, and poker – are illegal in the Sunshine State, and daily fantasy sports platforms operate on unratified ground, legally speaking.
To participate, you have to meet or exceed the legal age of gambling in Florida, 18 years old, unless you wish to visit a casino, in which case you need to be at least 21 years old.
You can find nearly 40 casinos in Florida. They participate in a lottery and have discussed sports betting sites to some degree. Recently the banning of greyhound gambling will lead to 11 tracks closing out. However, in the future we could see online gamblers in Florida have gambling sites, such as William Hill, Pointsbet, bet365, BetMGM, Betrivers/SugarHouse, TheScore, Betfred, Betway, SBK, Draftkings, Fanduel and other betting and casino online options.
Online Casino in Florida
Online casino gaming in Florida is illegal. Primarily due to the standing compact between the Seminole Tribe and the state, online casino gaming remains illegal under Florida gambling law. The only places where casino gaming is legalized are the tribal casinos and casino boats. The amendment would need to be put to a public vote to expand the compacts to offer online gambling.
At the Native American casinos in the southern areas of the state, you can enjoy slot machines, card-based table games, and video poker. However, games of roulette and craps are not permitted.
Sports Betting in Florida
Sports betting in Florida is illegal. The terms of the compact that bind Florida and the Native American tribes grants almost total gambling exclusivity to the tribes. As such, introducing sports betting is negotiated between the states and the Seminole Tribe. Tribal representatives are pushing for sports betting, but a new compact would first need to be agreed upon. That said, pari-mutuel wagering is a legal form of Florida sports betting, which can be accessed at horse racing and dog racing events in the state.
Online Poker in Florida
Online poker in Florida is illegal. The present state of Florida online gambling also doesn’t cover online poker, with the Sunshine State yet to legalize and regulate the popular card game’s digital form. However, you can still play poker for real money in Florida, with many of the Native American casinos and racinos hosting poker games and tournaments.
Florida is also reasonably relaxed on social poker play, setting a cap of $10 per player for a whole hand or game if you wish to host a poker night on your property.
Daily Fantasy in Florida
Daily fantasy sports aren’t technically legal in Florida. As Florida is in agreement with the Native American tribes that they have exclusive rights to gambling activities, bar a few exceptions, daily fantasy sports shouldn’t be permitted. The debate here, though, concerns whether DFS constitutes gambling or not.
Since Florida is yet to rule on DFS being gambling or not officially, platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel continue to operate in a legal gray area, which could be stamped out if or when the state and local tribes come to agree on a new compact.
Esports in Florida
Esports betting isn’t legal in Florida. The Sunshine State has caught the hype of esports, sprouting new teams, competitions, and even an Esports Center to cater to the new scene. However, as is the case with traditional sports betting, esports betting in Florida isn’t legal yet.
Lottery in Florida
Florida offers a state lottery and national lotteries. The lottery in Florida is one of the few exemptions of the legal Native American gambling monopoly. Regarded as one of the best lottery operations in the country, you can play the Florida Lotto, Fantasy 5, Powerball, Mega Millions, and much more.
Horse Racing Betting in Florida
Horse racing betting is legal in the Sunshine State, which is big on the sport. Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach is the home of the Grade 1 Florida Derby – a key Kentucky Derby trial. You can bet on horse racing in Florida online through NYRA Bets, on-track or at one of the many licensed casino sportsbooks.
Florida Gambling Sites
Disclaimer
Disclaimer
Want to know more about Florida online gambling laws, taxes and development? Follow updates at statelaws.findlaw.com/florida-law