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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?

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Best Florida Online Casino Sites

Deposit bonuses + bonus spins Online Casino Real Money Florida offers available. 35x real money cash Online Casino Real Money Florida wagering of bonus offer amount must be met (30 days from deposit) on eligible casino games. Bonuses credited in cash, spins credited upon deposits; under £50 - 10 Spins; £50 or over - 25 Spins. Florida does not regulate its online gambling industry. Fortunately, some of the best online casino websites in the country are available here. At the moment, it seems that Bovada Casino and Mybookie.ag are the two most popular casino sites available here.

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.

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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.

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.

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?

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.

Florida is one of the biggest states in America when it comes to gambling, with seven tribal casinos in operation. Six of these, run by the Seminole Tribe, are Class III venues with everything but craps and roulette. The Miccosukee Tribe runs a single Class II casino in the state, and there are no commercial casinos in Florida.

Further, none of these casinos offers Florida online gambling, as iGaming has not been authorized. But even though domestic online gambling is not available in the Sunshine State, there are legally sanctioned offshore online gambling opportunities that FL residents can enjoy without the risk of violating any state or US federal laws, and our FL online casino guide shows you where to find those opportunities quickly and easily.

Is Florida Online Gambling Legal Right Now?

Operating an online gambling site within the state of Florida is not legal at this time. However, there are no state or federal laws which prohibit players from participating in online gambling at legally licensed and regulated offshore casino sites.

Participating in FL online gambling via sites that are based outside of the US is perfectly legal, and you will not be in violation of any state or US federal laws for doing so.

Legal Florida Online Gambling Sites

Each of the following gambling sites is licensed and regulated outside of the US, which means they can legally accept Florida players aged 18 and up. They are also the most reputable operators in the entire industry, which means you will always get paid when you win, on time and in full.

Other Florida Gambling Pages

Florida does offer some land-based casinos, racetracks, and card rooms throughout the state. While there are a handful of brick-and-mortar casinos and gambling opportunities, they are limited and scattered throughout the state, making it impractical for most FL gamblers to use their services.

Fortunately, reputable online gambling sites that accept Florida players over the Internet take the expensive and time-consuming travel options of visiting out-of-town casinos completely out of the equation.

Legal Florida Online Casinos

To experience a real online casino, Florida residents can access any of the best Internet-based gambling sites listed here. As long as you’re just 18 or older, you can sign up in minutes and gamble for real money.

These Florida legal online casinos are great options for those who don’t have the time or money to travel to FL tribal casinos. And besides, those venues only accept members at 21 and up, while these 18+ casino sites allow new gamblers to start playing sooner – and winning sooner! – than any state-based option.

The online casino games in Florida-friendly casinos operating overseas are second to none, are all regularly audited for fair iGaming compliance, and give the you the same chances to win as you’d find in Seminole casinos throughout the state.

Best of all, these sites offer both craps and roulette, which you can’t find at retail venues in FL. They also offer a huge assortment of online slots, blackjack, baccarat, video poker, bingo, keno, and all the other amusements you expect.

Legal Florida Online Sports Betting

For the best in online sports betting, Florida players can find the most valuable odds on all their favorite local teams at legal offshore sportsbooks. Since there are so many professional and collegiate clubs in FL, these sites cater to Sunshine State bettors in a big way.

Best of all, even after Florida online sports betting laws pass (which might still be a long way off), these sites will always have better lines and odds for local favorites. Domestic FL sportsbooks, remember, will be geo-fenced per the Interstate Wire Act, so only FL players will be allowed to use them.

That means you’re always going to bet more and win less when wagering on teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Dolphins, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Miami Hurricanes, Florida Gators, and Florida State Seminoles.

For the best payouts, a legal online FL sportsbook operating outside of US borders will always be your best bet

Legal Florida Online Poker

Florida online poker sites are legal and safe to use as long as you play with online poker rooms operating outside of US jurisdiction. However, for the best online poker, Florida residents can’t pick any old site – It’s crucial that you use a trusted operator like one of the providers listed here.

These online FL poker rooms have been in business for years and offer the widest variety of poker games. Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo are available around the clock, from cash poker tables and small Sit ‘N’ Go poker events to the biggest online poker tournaments featuring six-figure pots.

If you enjoy playing the world’s most famous card game and live in the Sunshine State, these online poker sites are bigger, better, and far more convenient than playing with non-house-banked Florida cardrooms at defunct dog tracks and similar sub-par venues.

What Is Florida’s Position On Online Gambling?

Florida recently shut down a number of “Internet cafes” which were operating as unlicensed casinos. These are now strictly prohibited. The law that was passed to make Internet cafes illegal is a bit confusing and is being legally challenged due to its language being too broad. However, we don’t expect these to open back up any time soon, if ever.

That said, again, there are no state or federal laws which prohibit players from participating in online gambling sites that are legitimately licensed and regulated outside of the USA, which is what millions of FL players do.

Because Florida is not staunchly anti-gambling, state-based online gambling does have some hope of emerging here in some capacity, though that will take time. Right now, the thrust of proposed legislation regarding gambling in Florida has to do with adding craps and roulette to the Seminole casino options and legalizing sports betting. Online iGaming in FL is currently at the bottom of the list.

Where Can FL Players Find Legitimate Online Gambling Options?

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.

Our team of online gambling professionals has put a long list of online gambling sites through an extensive review process to determine which ones should be featured in this guide.

We vetted each brand based on a variety of criteria, including licensing and certification, security, efficiency of registration, versatile funding methods, timely payouts, valuable bonuses, robust game types, fair gaming practices, and customer support responsiveness.

We’ve tested each brand’s casino banking suite options, game performance, software reliability, and the speed of their withdrawals. No virtual stone has been left unturned.

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The results of our research are presented in this guide to assist FL players in avoiding rogue, dangerous, or low-quality services and gaining access to only high-quality, secure, and legal gambling sites.

Brick-And-Mortar Indian Casinos In Florida

There are seven retail Florida Indian casinos. Six of these are Class III casinos operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which owns the Hard Rock brand of casinos and restaurants worldwide. All of these casinos are 21-plus, and they offer no online gambling options, nor do they offer craps or roulette:

• Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood – Hollywood, FL
• Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa – Tampa, FL
• Seminole Casino Brighton – Okeechobee, FL
• Seminole Casino Coconut Creek – Coconut Creek, FL
• Seminole Casino Immokalee – Immokalee, FL
• Seminole Classic Casino – Hollywood, FL

One casino is owned by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, though this venue offers only Class II entertainment (18+), and no online gaming is available:

• Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center – Miami, FL

Florida also has two casino cruise lines that operate out of Cape Canaveral and Jacksonville. These Victory Casino Cruise ships do have full assortments of casino gambling (including craps and roulette), but they are only available once the ships are in international waters, and players must be 21 or older.

Casino cruises are ultimately an even less convenient and more expensive gambling option than land-based gambling in FL, and we don’t recommend them for most players.

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Where Can I Learn More About Florida Online Gambling?

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We offer additional Florida online gambling topics in our guide. If you want to learn more about the legality of FL online gambling, then you can visit our Florida online gambling laws page for more information. You’ll find information about the laws of the state, as well as a resource to access the actual laws and statutes yourself.