This guide was designed to assist US players, including FL residents, in finding legal, legitimate, secure, and high quality online gambling options. Along with casino and sportsbook wagering, our guide also covers Florida online poker and Florida online bingo. There are no laws in the Florida Constitution that specifically prohibit playing poker online. Other Gaming Options in Florida. In addition to standard casino games and racing, bingo and lotto are also popular in the state of Florida. Bingo halls are legal if authorized and can be found all over the state. The Florida lottery is one of.
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Last Updated January 2, 2020
There are quite a few limitations on gambling in Florida, but it is still known for its ability to generate some of the best poker players in the world.
Whether players honed their skills in the live poker rooms across the state or at the online poker tables from the late 1990s through today, Florida is the birthplace of many of the game’s greatest.
Floridians continue to seek online poker options in addition to the live poker tables. There are options for those players, online poker sites that welcome players from the US.
The complex Florida gambling laws mean that fully legalized and regulated online poker is a long ways off but there are some positive signs. Much of the issues stem from the restrictive compacts that have been made with the Seminole tribes. There are essentially two ways that issue might be resolved in the future: 1. Getting approval from the Seminole. 2. Going around the tribe.
The move toward online poker and casino games will likely have to originate with tribal leaders and make their way into the next compact. However, negotiations for the updated compact in 2019 went off the rails in the middle of the year when tribal leaders and state lawmakers ended talks. The standoff has led to some legislators mulling gambling proposals without consideration for the Seminoles.
Either way, it will likely be a very long road to state-regulated online poker. Thus, our options for Floridians remain the best in the business.
Most Recent Online Poker Happenings in Florida
The Seminoles broached the subject of internet gaming and sports betting during negotiations in April and May 2019. There were many ideas on the table, such as 24-hour cardroom availability, a reduction on slot machine taxes by 10%, and the ability to add craps and roulette to the table games in their casinos.
And there was online poker, along with internet casino games. The Seminoles wanted the exclusive right to partner with an online gaming provider and offer the games for all players in Florida.
Governor DeSantis specifically opposed internet gaming. Even if talks hadn’t broken down over other issues, it is likely that online poker and casino games would’ve been eliminated from the new compact anyway.
Gambling in Florida
From the time Europeans first settled onto Florida land, gambling has been a part of the culture. Gambling was legalized in the 1900s, but debates raged over the past century and continue today in regards to how gambling laws should work in Florida.
Lawmakers have successfully respected the wishes of many Floridians by not allowing for new land-based casinos around the state. Restricting them to Seminole lands and tribal management has kept the number of casinos limited and maintains a status quo against which few want to push.
There was a strong push in 1958 to authorize commercial casino gambling, but then-Governor LeRoy Collins intervened to stop it. There have been smaller movements since then, but the people have yet to express widespread support for more casinos. Regardless, the Seminole compact does not allow it.
The laws of Florida do include a definition of gambling and skill games for the record.
Poker is legal at racinos (racetracks with casino games) and Seminole-run land-based casinos throughout the state. Pari-mutuel betting on horse and dog racing and jai alai is allowed, as are small social games, charitable gambling, and the state-regulated lottery.
| Type/Code | Summary |
|---|---|
| State Code Section(s) | XLVI.849; XXXIII.550-551 |
| Definition of Gambling | Gambling: Whoever plays or engages in any game at cards, keno, roulette, faro or other game of chance, at any place, by any device whatever, for money or other thing of value, shall be guilty. |
| Definition of Game of Skill | Game of skill: A game in which the player does not control the outcome of the game through skill or a game where the outcome is determined by factors not visible, known, or predictable to the player. |
| Online Poker/Gambling | There is no regulated online poker or gaming in Florida. The National Council of Legislators from Gaming States tried to push legislation for online poker in 2012 and beyond, but lawmakers were uninterested in stretching gambling beyond the land-based racinos and Indian casinos. |
| Live Poker | Live poker is allowed at the racinos and the casinos on Indian lands, complete with cash games and tournaments. |
| Casinos | Two federally-recognized tribes operate a number of fully-functional casinos throughout the state per IGRA. Many race tracks also operate casino games like poker and slot machines, making them racinos. |
| Sports Betting | Florida has not yet considered a sports betting bill. |
| DFS | Several bills were introduced in 2018 to legalize and regulate daily fantasy sports, but none passed. |
| Other Forms of Gambling | Lottery, pari-mutuel wagering for horse and dog racing, jai alai, penny-ante games with winnings not exceeding $10 (including poker), bingo, charitable gaming. |
Playing Online Poker in Florida
There is no state-sanctioned online poker or online gambling that is regulated within the state of Florida.
There have been attempts – few and far between – to legalize online poker in Florida. The most notable was in 2012 when the National Council of Legislators from Gaming States encouraged it. The efforts were short-lived, however, as lawmakers couldn’t even agree to legalize lottery ticket sales online.
The issue of internet gaming only came up again in 2019 when the Seminole Tribe of Florida was negotiating its latest compact. Everything from sports betting to online poker was on the table, but the Seminoles wanted exclusive rights to the games. Negotiations with Governor Ron DeSantis fell apart, however, and nothing was left on the table.
The question remains: Can you play online poker while in Florida? The answer is yes.
Players have access to several online poker sites regulated in the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The operators are very reputable and have been in the online poker business for many years, many of them nearing two decades in operation.
The recommended sites not only accept most US-based players but specifically note that Florida is a safe state. There will be no problems signing up for a new online account and making a deposit to play real-money online poker.
Important: Nothing on this page is to be considered legal advice. Please consult with a gambling attorney with serious and specific concerns about online poker.
Famous Florida Poker Players
Live poker rooms at racetracks and Seminole casinos have been the launching pad for players like Jason Mercier (nearly $20 million in winnings), Michael Mizrachi (more than $17 million in winnings), and high-stakes live players like Sean Winter ($13.6 million) and Sam Soverel ($11.5 million).
Online poker has always been quite popular in the Sunshine State, too. When people live in a state that spans 65,757 square miles, it’s not always easy to find a live poker room. Online poker was the game of choice for tens of thousands of players in Florida, and it remains so today.
For Mercier’s live poker winnings mentioned above, he also had millions in online winnings, and he was a sponsored poker pro for PokerStars for almost 10 years. Mizrachi similarly had a great deal of online poker success to go with his live scores, and he represented numerous poker sites through the years.
But one of the most popular online poker players in the world was Daniel Cates, otherwise known as Jungleman. His presence at the high-stakes online games on sites like Full Tilt Poker drew railbirds from around the world. He even won $7 million online just from mid-2009 to mid-2011. He was one of the biggest online poker winners of all time, which pairs well with his $7.3 million in live earnings.
As of 2020, these were the top-ranked live poker players, according to the Hendon Mob database:
1. Jason Mercier ($19.6 million)
2. Michael Mizrachi ($17.1 million)
3. Sean Winter ($13.6 million)
4. Sam Soverel ($11.5 million)
5. John Racener ($10 million)
6. Robert Mizrachi ($7.5 million)
7. Daniel Cates ($7.3 million)
8. Jonathan Little ($7 million)
9. Barry Hutter ($5.8 million)
10. Noah Schwartz ($5.8 million)
What was Amendment 3?
The poker community was dragged into the fight over Amendment 3 in Florida during the November 2018 election. As the election approached, the then-functional Poker Alliance took a stand against the proposal and asked big names in poker like Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Maria Ho, and Mike Matusow to do the same.
Amendment 3 was set up to give voters the exclusive right to approve or deny all decisions related to casino gambling, “any of the types of games typically found in casinos and that are within the definition of Class III gaming in the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).” It then specified blackjack, roulette, craps, keno, slot machines, electronic and simulated games, video lottery machines, internet sweepstakes, and “any other form of electronic or electromechanical facsimiles of any game of chance, slot machine, or casino-style game.”
Online poker – all internet gaming, actually – is included in Amendment 3.
The Poker Alliance asserted that the bill would “virtually eliminate” the expansion of live poker, make it impossible for poker rooms to add new games or update their rules, and make online poker and sports betting legislation a “huge longshot.”
However, the voters of Florida passed Amendment 3 by a wide margin, as more than 71% of them voted in its support.
The motivation for the elaborate opposition to Amendment 3 by Poker Alliance was unclear, as it was the only community-driven campaign it waged after PokerCentral purchased the former nonprofit lobbying organization. And not long after that failed campaign in Florida, Poker Alliance stopped doing anything for the poker community altogether.
Most Recent Developments in 2020
The unresolved issues between the Seminoles and the state over its gambling compact is a wild card.
One of the most recent developments that increased tension between the two factions was when a federal judge found that the card games offered by Florida pari-mutuels violated the exclusivity agreement between Florida and the Seminoles. Since the Seminoles have been paying $350 million per year for that exclusive right that they feel is no longer exclusive, the Seminoles to withhold the 2019 and future payments.
Meanwhile, lawmakers believe that the lack of payments by the Seminoles voids all exclusivity agreements regarding gaming. As of October 2019, several of them want to take advantage of that by increasing betting limits on table games at racetracks and authorizing them to offer sports betting and fantasy sports (DFS) contests.
This could be a positive sign for online gaming, including online poker, if sports betting is able to move ahead without interference from the Seminoles.
Online Poker Status in Florida
- Do poker players have online options from the state of Florida? Yes.
- Do sports bettors have online options from the state of Florida? Yes.
- Will Florida legalize and regulate online poker within its borders in 2019? No.
- Is there a chance of new legislation in 2020? Yes, about 50%, as there are many variables.
All Poker and Gambling Laws by State
Just weeks ago, the Poker Alliance took its first stand on a major issue regarding online poker and gaming since its rebranding earlier this year. The organization threw its weight behind opposing Amendment 3 in Florida, an amendment giving the voters of the state the exclusive right to vote on
Read Full- October 25th, 2018
When the mid-term elections take place on November 6, 2018, many will be watching Florida and several key races there. Most notably, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum is challenging former US Representative Ron DeSantis for the governor’s seat, but the Senate race is also important as current Governor Rick Scott is
Read Full - October 6th, 2018
Every few months, the poker community hears a whisper of the Restoration of America’s Wire Act, more commonly known as RAWA. Its financier, casino mogul Sheldon Adelson, regularly tries to push an anti-online gambling agenda through the politicians to whom he regularly donates campaign funds. He also uses his lobbying
Read Full - July 20th, 2018
Live poker is already prevalent in Florida. The Seminole Tribe of Florida has a compact with the state, and several of its casinos offer sizeable poker rooms that have become hubs for cash game and tournament players over the past decade. Many racetracks in the state also offer poker rooms,
Read Full
Sources & Citations For This Article on Florida Online Poker
If you’re looking to learn all about Florida online casinos, you’ve come to the right place. This page offers detailed insight as well as top casino site recommendations for players in Florida, including insight on the current legal issues regarding playing casinos online. Check out our list of online casinos that we believe are truly the best option for Florida customers.
Florida’s Best Real Money Online Casinos
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In the land of alligators, swamps, and over-priced mice (we’re looking at you Mickey), gambling might seem like an odd thing to hear about. But, if you’ve ever met any Floridian, you know that they love to gamble. While there are several land-based casinos offering some form of legal casino and slot action, there are still a lot of limitations. If you are looking for the full casino experience in Florida, you’re going to need to take your action online.
Florida online casinos offer all of the following:
- Incredible Casino Games
- Great Signup and Deposit Bonuses
- Fast Payouts and Plenty of Deposit Options
- VIP Program for Casino High Rollers
- Convenient and Safe Overall Experience
What Makes These the Best Casino Sites for FL Residents?
Free Disney gear! Ah, we’re just kidding. As far as we know, no FL online casinos offer you free Disney swag. But, there are a lot of actual reasons that some online casino sites are better than the rest. Some of these reasons are purely quality-based, while some of them have to deal with safety and security.
When it comes to racking and stacking Florida online casinos for real money, we take things seriously. Our teams work tirelessly to ensure that we’re always recommending the best. What makes an online casino “top” or “the best”? There’s a lot that goes into making that determination. While we’re not going to bore you with the laundry list of details, we do want to point out the top four reasons that we are confident this is the most up to date list of the top Florida online casinos.
You’re Able to Gamble Online From Florida
All of the online casinos that we’ve recommended here offer real money games to Floridians and those visiting the state. You might be shocked how often we’ve seen recommendations for the best Florida online casinos that are chalked full of companies that no longer offer service to Florida or never took action from FL gamblers! To be honest, we really can’t understand why a website would do this, but we think it has something to do with a word that rhymes with laziness…or maybe it’s just that word.
We make sure to not only see which online casinos accept Florida gamblers, but we test them to make sure that is the case.
It would be pretty annoying if you joined a FL online casino only to find out a few weeks later that they are packing up their bags and heading north with the snowbirds. Thankfully, you do not have to worry about that at all with any of the real money online casinos we recommend.
Quality, Trustworthiness, and Casino Reputation
While actually offering service to gamblers in Florida is a necessary piece of the puzzle, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. We don’t list every online casino or betting site that offers service to Floridians. Why? Because we are not a phonebook. We are not a directory. We are an online site that takes a lot of pride in making sure that we recommend only the best Florida casino sites for you. We take pride in being able to make things easier on you, so that you don’t have to sift through the riff-raft to find a quality online casino home.
Once we find that an online casino offers service to Florida gamblers, we start to analyze the site deeper.
Or to sum it all up…Can you play at these Florida online casinos safely and will you have a great time? If the answer is yes to both of these elements, we’re going to give the site a thumbs up.
Quantity and Quality of the Casino Games Offered
There’s a reason there are so many different theme parks in Florida – Floridians like options. From our experience with gamblers in Florida, this carries over into the casino realm as well. Florida gamblers love the ability to play a ton of different online casino games and online slots.
Legal Online Poker Real Money
Because of this, it’s important that any Florida online casino we recommend offers a ton of options. Now, we’re not just looking for quantity of casino games and slots, but we’re also looking for the quality of these options. We’ll only give a betting site the credit for having a lot of gaming options if those are high-quality options that people actually want to play.
If you’re an option-nut or at least want to gamble somewhere that there are options in case you ever get a wild hair, you’re going to love the Florida casino sites we’ve recommended.
Bonuses and Free Money
The online Florida casinos have some of the biggest bonuses, and the best free money offers available in the industry. Yes, you can get free money and bonus promotions just for making the same bets you were going to make anyway. Online casinos love to compete for your business. Okay, they probably wish they didn’t have to, but they know that they need to. This means that if you pick the right Florida online casinos, you can get some killer bonuses, VIP rewards, and ultimately some free money.
All of the Florida online casino sites that we’ve recommended come with great promotions, bonuses, and rewards programs that you can take advantage of. One perk of all of these programs is that they kick in right away. This means that even if you aren’t a big-money player, you can still cash in on rewards. We think that everyone, regardless of how much you gamble should be treated as a VIP. Thankfully, these online casinos agree with us.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Florida?
The short answer is yes. However, it’s a bit of a gray area to some extent. While there are no specific laws making it illegal, there really aren’t any specific laws that address it legally. The only legislation that you will find addresses the casino operators and whether they are allowed to have their offices and operation based in FL. There is nothing saying that you as a gambler can’t legally gamble online in Florida.
Well, it means that you can play your favorite games at online casinos in Florida. But, the casino options you have will all be based somewhere other than the state of Florida. You won’t notice a difference at all, but we just wanted you to be aware of that. Gambling online in Florida has not been directly addressed as far as we can interpret from the current statutes.
When it comes to brick and mortar casino gambling locations in Florida, there are several. But, you won’t find them anywhere but on Indian reservations. Casinos offering slots and table games are legal in Florida, but they are limited in where they are allowed to operate. The State of Florida has an agreement with the Seminole Indians to allow them to be the only operators of casino-style games in Florida.
When it comes to legal poker rooms in Florida, the net gets cast a lot wider. You’ll find card rooms all over the state on and off Indian reservations. In years past, this was not the case. But, thanks to some recent changes in gambling legislation, poker rooms are now allowed to thrive. Originally, the maximum you could buy-in for a game was $100 no matter what the stakes were. Thankfully, this has changed, and much more traditional poker games can now run in these legal Florida card rooms.
What do we expect in the future for the laws and regulations addressing legal gambling in the US? We expect to see something in the future coming out that is positive. Right now, as far as Florida is concerned, there are no issues, but legislation will pave the way for more legal online gambling operations to actually move into Florida.
Florida Online Casinos FAQ
It is! This is, of course, as long as you follow the two most important rules of gambling online.One – you need to make sure that you are only playing at reputable and trusted online casinos. If you avoid the unsavory sites that don’t have your best interests at heart, you are setting yourself up for a safe and enjoyable online gambling experience. How do you tell the difference? We handle that for you. Every Florida online casino recommended here has been fully vetted by our team.
Two – you need to make sure you are practicing good, safe online practices. This includes simple things like always using a solid password, never logging into a Florida casino account from a public computer, and always making sure you keep your computer or smart device up to date with the newest and best software.
If you can follow these two simple guidelines that you should be following no matter what you are doing online, your time gambling online in Florida will be safe.
Brick and mortar poker rooms are available all over the state and are completely legal. Casinos and slot halls are legal in the state of FL, but only on Seminole Indian land. Online gambling in Florida is not addressed directly by legal statutes which leaves it in a bit of a gray area. It is basically not illegal based on the current laws, but the details have not been fully fleshed out by the great legal minds of the state of Florida.No one has ever been arrested, charged, or even had an eye batted at them in regards to playing casino games online in Florida. The only legal guidelines out there address the casino and gambling site operators and not you the player. We do anticipate some more descriptive and positive legislation coming from the Florida legal system sometime in the near future. When? If you’ve ever seen the Florida judicial system work, you know that we have absolutely no idea how long that will take.
Legal Online Poker For Florida State
Poker In Florida
Picking out the best Florida online casino option for you is easy. Step one – determine what is most important to you in an online casino. This might be the banking options, the look and feel of the site, the bonuses available, or the games and slots that you can play. Once you know the answer to this, you can move on to step two.
Head to the top of this guide and start testing out a few of the different Florida casino options we have listed for you. All of these online casino sites will be safe, reputable, and offer a great online gambling experience. But, each is going to differ slightly, especially in the categories we just mentioned. Take a few minutes and find the betting site that best matches up with the wants and needs you determined in step one.