Is Online Gambling Illegal In Florida
While online gambling takes the US by storm (with more and more states reevaluating their anti-gambling laws), Florida seems to be moving in the opposite direction.
Currently, Florida does not offer many online gambling options. The state has been historically tough on gambling in general. While state laws don’t explicitly outlaw online gambling, the current state leadership is clear in its bias against online gambling. For now, there are only a few ways you can gamble online and legally in the Sunshine State.
After the loss of roughly $350 million a year in payments from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, House and Senate leaders are rethinking the state’s approach to gambling, one of the Legislature’s. Running an online casino that is based in the state of Florida, however, is completely illegal. If players want to play online using their tablet or smartphone, they must play on casinos that get the tick of approval that are hosted in other parts of the world. Gambling in the future in Florida.
- Legal Online Gambling For Florida Residents While legal online gambling for Florida residents is something that the Florida legislature has considered in the past, there has yet to be a move toward regulation. On the other hand, there has yet to be a law that has made it illegal for gamblers to participate online.
- (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.
When Will Online Gambling Come To Florida?
At the moment, the online gambling situation in Florida is legally complex. Here we will dive into Florida’s gambling laws so you can better understand the situation.
Current Florida Gambling Laws
The Florida Constitution is the main document that has upheld gambling restrictions in the state. While US Supreme Court decisions and federal laws have their influence, it’s this document that represents the backbone of Florida gambling regulations. Specifically, Chapter 849 deals with gaming laws and enforcement.
Various sections in Chapter 849 ban almost all forms of state casino gambling. However, federal regulations like the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act have allowed Native American tribes to host casino games on their territories. All a tribe has to do in order to set up a casino is sign a gaming compact with the state in which its sovereign reservation is located.
In Florida’s case, the Seminole tribe has a monopoly over most types of casino gaming in Florida. These brick-and-mortar casinos and racinos can exist because they are located on Native American land, which is not subject to Florida state law.
Gambling According To The Florida Constitution
Section 849.08 in the Florida Constitution states that anyone who, “plays or engages in any game at cards, keno, roulette, faro, or other game of chance, at any place, by any device whatsoever, for money or another thing of value, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the 2nd degree”. This clause explicitly spells out that it is forbidden to wager real money in gambling activities or unregulated games of skill in the state.
There is one big exception – jai alai. But the Florida Constitution still prohibits most gambling activities.
Laws About Online Gambling In Florida
Note that the above clause from the Florida Constitution doesn’t explicitly rule out all forms of modern online gambling. That being said, we don’t recommend taking your chances on the basis of nuance, as Florida law has historically been strictly enforced. Ultimately, it’s safe to say that real money online gambling is firmly illegal in Florida at this time.
Requirements For Legal Gambling In Florida
For the few gambling activities that are legal within Florida’s borders, you’ll need to be 18-years-old or 21-years-old (depending on the activity). 18-years-old is the minimum age to enter casinos, lottery, poker rooms, and more. 21-years-old is the minimum age for playing slot games.
Exceptions To Florida Anti-Gambling Laws
Although gambling laws in Florida are highly restrictive, there are several exceptions that have been made and legitimate loopholes that exist.
Florida Cruises That Go Into International Waters
If Florida residents (or visitors) board a cruise that navigates either three miles into the Atlantic Ocean or nine miles toward the Gulf of Mexico, they’ll be in international waters. As soon as they’ve entered international water, Florida state gaming laws no longer apply. This allows them to enjoy all kinds of gambling activities to their heart’s fullest desire.
Naturally, there are places in Florida where you can purchase tickets for these loophole excursions. They’re usually in touristy locations like Miami and Orlando, and the ships are set up for gaming. So, most people will not focus on online gambling during these excursions and instead opt for in-person options.
Florida State Lottery
The lottery is legal in Florida. However, tickets must be purchased in-person from retailers and there aren’t any online options.
Horse And Greyhound Racing In Florida
Horse and greyhound racing are both legal in Florida. That being said, all betting must take place are at specifically licensed facilities.
Live Poker In Florida
Live poker has been legal in Florida since 2001. However, it’s restricted to tribal casinos and certain racetracks. Recent years have seen relaxation of gambling legislation in relation to these activities. In 2010, the state removed the $100 buy-in limit that was in-place previously and extended poker room hours.
Tribal Casinos In Florida
Tribal casinos, as mentioned, are bastions of gambling activities that remain to this day. As soon as you step onto sovereign tribal territory, you can legally access and wager on an online gambling site.
However, the geo-tracking software that many legal US gambling sites use these days may still bar you from participating. They can’t always distinguish between sovereign tribal territory and the borders of your home state.
Social Poker In Florida
Social poker in Florida is a bit different. Legally speaking, you’re allowed to play poker within your own residence. But the game has to be “penny-ante” (not for money or for very small stakes). Indeed, Florida law stipulates that these poker games are limited to $10 per player for both an entire hand and an entire game.
Charitable Gambling In Florida
Florida allows certain gambling activities as long as they are specifically held for the benefit of a non-profit organization. Typical permitted activities include bingo and raffles.
Status Of Online Sports Betting In Florida
The year 2018 was a big year for sports betting across the United States. It saw the Supreme Court declare the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PAPSA) unconstitutional. This decision allowed states to determine their own sports betting laws.
That said, sports betting hasn’t made much progress in Florida. The state, as a whole, is very anti-gambling. However, this isn’t to say that there haven’t been attempts to authorize retail sportsbooks and online sports betting.
Florida Senate Bill (SB) 968 To Make Sports Betting Legal
Introduced in November 2019, SB 968 is the most recent attempt from Florida lawmakers to make sports betting legal in the state. However, this bill faces several roadblocks.
Specifically, Florida voters approved a ballot in 2018 called Amendment 3. This ballot, which was also backed by the Seminole Tribe and the Walt Disney Company, prohibited expanding gambling without a statewide vote.
This basically means that the SB 968, if it does indeed pass, will need to face a statewide vote before it can become law. As a result, online sports betting in Florida isn’t likely to be legalized anytime soon.
There is some hope, though. The Seminole Tribe recently refused to pay the Florida government over $300 million in fees over a business dispute. So, the state may need additional tax income both for general operation and coronavirus relief. By allowing sports betting, Florida could follow the example of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and reap the revenue benefits of gambling taxes.
Perhaps, in the future, Florida will change its attitude toward gambling and elect more progressive-minded lawmakers.
Florida Jai Alai Sports Betting
Betting on jai alai, a traditional basque sport, is actually legal in Florida. However, the sport is very niche, and it is unlikely that you will find an jai alai organization that offers online betting.
Status Of Online Casinos In Florida
Online casinos are not legal in Florida. In 2014, Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed House Bill (HB) 155, which made sweepstakes internet cafes illegal in the state. The bill explicitly targeted cafes that provide rewards through the exchange of Sweeps Coins.
Today, Florida politicians continue to equate sweepstakes gambling with real money gambling. For that reason, it seems unlikely that Florida will legalize online casino gambling anytime soon.
Status Of Online Poker In Florida
Although it is not explicitly prohibited in the Florida Constitution, poker is still essentially illegal. While many people consider poker to be more skill-based than luck-based, Florida law enforcement doesn’t agree.
Florida Online Gambling In Summary
All in all, online gambling in Florida is both illegal and in a tenuous position. Florida law enforcement doesn’t regularly hunt down people who participate in online gambling. The law doesn’t explicitly forbid online gambling on paper.
However, the general understanding in Florida is that online gambling is illegal. As such, there aren’t any legal state operators at this time aside from a few niche exceptions.
What Online Gambling Options Are Allowed in Florida Today?
Despite all the aforementioned restrictions, there are still some options available if players want to participate in online gambling. Many of these options involve the sweepstakes betting model.
Instead of betting real money, players receive Sweeps Coins for signing up and participating in promotions. Players can also obtain Sweeps Coins as a gift with the purchase of a Gold Coins package. Sweeps Coins are the currency for sweepstakes games, and can be exchanged for real prizes.
Ultimately, the sweepstakes model serves as a legal alternative to real money gambling, allowing players to earn real prizes (that can include real money) in a roundabout way.
Sweepstakes Poker Sites In Florida
One of the best options for online poker in Florida is Global Poker. The sweepstakes website is active 24 hours daily, allowing players to enjoy poker against live opponents around the clock.
Global Poker can be accessed on any desktop browser. It offers a variety of poker games (including No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em), although falls short of the number offered at a brick-and-mortar casino.
A variety of tournaments and poker games of different limits are open for players. These games range from multi-table tournaments to “Sit N’ Gos”. The platform is pretty stable, and players shouldn’t expect any service interruptions or digital downsides.
Signing up for Global Poker is pretty quick and easy. Not a lot of personal information is required until it becomes time to cash out.
Players can purchase Gold Coins and earn Sweeps Coins through a variety of methods. In most cases, they will receive free Sweeps Coins by purchasing Gold Coins with debit cards or other payment options.
Sweepstakes Casinos In Florida
Sweepstakes casinos are a legal alternative to online casino gambling. These are still totally legal in Florida but shouldn’t be played at sweepstakes Internet cafés. These locations have been targeted by law enforcement, so you’re better off partaking in these gambling activities at home.
Chumba Casino
Of the available sweepstakes options, Chumba Casino is a great pick. New players will immediately benefit from a package of free Sweeps Coins upon sign up. Sweeps Coins winnings can later be exchanged for real prizes.
Chumba Casino also provides a regular spread of promotions and opportunities to earn Sweeps Coins. Players will be able to earn plenty of coins without spending too much cash. Email offers, daily competitions, and long-term promotions all combine to flood players’ account with enough Sweeps Coins to last a while.
The website is pretty easy to use and navigate. It has a large game catalog that can be browsed on a single screen. While Chumba Casino doesn’t currently offer a mobile app, the browser-based interface is fine for most folks’ needs. However, players who wish to browse and play games using their smartphones can still do so, as the website is optimized for mobile.
Chumba Casino offers 36 games, two of which are card games: Blackjack and Jacks or Better. The rest are slots games, including three progressive jackpot slots that can pool into big cash out prizes.
LuckyLand Slots
If you’re more of a slots fan, you can try out LuckyLand Slots. This online casino also uses a sweepstakes model, and Sweeps Coins are gifted with the purchase of Gold Coin bundles. Additional Sweeps Coins can be earned through social media competitions and promotions.
Although LuckyLand is most accessible through its browser interface, it also offers an Android mobile app. Note that anyone using the browser interface will need to download an additional client to play games on display. This allows the games to show off their fancy 3-D graphics in all their glory and keeps each game experience smooth and lag-free.
The game variety at LuckyLand is decent, offering 26 original slot games. All told, this casino is a great option for people who prefer slots.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) In Florida
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are a legal gray area in Florida. The fact of the matter is that daily fantasy sport sites have been operating within Florida borders for years. There haven’t been any big crackdown on their activities or any concerted effort from the government to shut them down.
Is Online Gambling Illegal In Florida
Since DFS straddles the line between an activity of skill and chance, they cannot clearly fall into Florida’s definition of gambling. Unlike poker, federal laws haven’t really boxed daily fantasy sports into activities of chance. The argument is that the success at DFS hinges on knowledge of real athlete’s statistics.
For now, Floridians can enjoy daily fantasy sports with two major online DFS providers: DraftKings and Monkey Knife Fight.
DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports
DraftKings is easily one of the most well-known DFS providers, offering an excellent app for both iOS and Android. They’re also a great pick for new players thanks to several sign-up promotions and bonuses.
The popularity of the provider also makes it easy to find people to wager with at any time of the day or week. It offers several different withdrawal and deposit methods.
Innovative features and a huge variety of wager types helps DraftKings stand out among competitors. All kinds of players will find something to like here, whether its moment to moment action or long-term, season bets.
DraftKings offers wagering on these sports:
- NBA
- NFL
- NHL
- MLB
- MLS
- PGA
- NASCAR
- MMA
- eSports
Monkey Knife Fight (MKF) Daily Fantasy Sports
MKF is a newer face in the DFS sphere, but it’s a worthwhile competitor. The platform offers cash games and tournaments, and new players, of course, receive deposit bonuses.
The website is pretty easy to navigate, as there’s a single sidebar you can use for all your major controls or account destinations. Switching sports, contests, or betting types can be done with just a few clicks. Unfortunately, there isn’t a mobile app at this time, but the main website is already optimized for mobile.
Depositing is made easy, as you can use any major credit card. There is a minimum deposit requirement of $10.
The only real downside to using their platform over DraftKings is that it doesn’t offer nearly as many sports on which to wager. Currently, it offers:
- NBA
- NHL
- MLB
- PGA
- Football (Coming soon.)
Overall, Monkey Knife Fight is a great option for anyone who has already used DraftKings and is looking for something a little fresher.
Betting On Horse Races In Florida
Unfortunately, live horse and greyhound racing are on their way out in Florida as of 2018. Amendment 13 outlaws these activities at in-person Florida establishments.
However, online horse and greyhound racing will not be affected. The amendment only bans wagers from being placed on races held within Florida borders. So, online providers are still set.
TVG Online Horse And Greyhound Racing Website
TVG is perhaps the most well-known and best online betting platform for horse and greyhound racing. It provides coverage for horse races at over 150 tracks around the world. 24/7 action isn’t hard to find through its multiple streams.
In fact, it even provides an additional channel called TVG2. After setting up an account at TVG, you’ll get access to both channels. This means you’ll be able to participate in horse race and greyhound race betting immediately.
The platform comes with a user friendly interface that’s easy to navigate and provides you with streaming tools so you can locate your favorite race in just a few clicks. You’ll be able to make bets of multiple types, and even a few exotic wagers. Specialty wagering options at TVG are open to all account holders, although these options may be specific to certain tracks and operators.
Signing up for an account with TVG takes only a few minutes. If you’re a new player, you’ll benefit from certain bonuses like loss-free bets up to $300. Or, if you join through certain promotional campaigns, you might even earn a $1,000 bankroll. Look out for other promotions, which can include prizes into the tens of thousands of dollars.
Depositing money to TVG is easy as the site accepts multiple payment methods. Some of these methods are free while others charge a small fee. The same concept applies for withdrawals.
Ultimately, TVG is a great way to enjoy online horse race and greyhound race betting in Florida. These sports may be on their way out the door in the real, brick-and-mortar world, but not online.
Online Lottery Options In Florida
Florida provides three main lottery options: the Florida Lottery and the intrastate games Mega Millions and Powerball. The Florida Lottery is mostly made up of draw games that can be monitored using the main Florida Lottery site.
Unfortunately, Florida doesn’t sell any lottery tickets online. It also doesn’t provide a lottery subscription service. Unlike states like New York, it doesn’t even provide a way for you to track your lottery chances or wins through an app.
Currently, you can only participate in the lottery in Florida by purchasing tickets in-person at retail locations.
Live Sports Betting In Florida
Floridians have a single live sports betting option within their borders: jai alai. Jai alai is a sport primarily played in Spain, the southwest of France, and Latin American countries. It involves bouncing a ball off of a walled space using a handheld wicker device called a cesta.
Jai alai first came to Florida in Miami during the 1920s. Florida possesses a warm climate, and immigrants from Latin America, Spain, and the Caribbean all congregated in the state to avoid cold winters. The 1950s saw the sport boom in Florida, and fronton courts were built soon after.
The 1960s and 70s saw Florida relax some of its gambling laws relating to jai alai in order to enjoy more income. However, jai alai eventually began to decline in popularity. It’s now almost gone everywhere, but you can still find games in Florida. These are kept around mostly so that fronton owners can keep real money poker games and slot machines on their property. So long as jai alai is offered, the establishment falls under those relaxed gambling laws and isn’t doing anything illegal.
This means you can participate in live sports betting at any jai alai fronton. However, you’re limited to placing bets on jai alai itself. Other sports are, of course, not offered. So it’s really only good if you’re a fan of jai alai.
What’s Holding Florida Back From Legalizing Online Gambling?
Online gambling legislation is rapidly changing all across the country. While Florida has somewhat relaxed its gambling laws over the years, it is still behind the times.
Florida is dragging its feet when it comes to gambling legalization for a few interesting reasons:
- Big companies like the Walt Disney Corporation have a ton of sway when it comes to Florida politics and building arrangements. Disney has opposed the legalization of gambling in Florida, as it likely wants to preserve Florida’s image as a family-friendly state for as long as possible. It has an interest in maintaining this image, as Florida is home to several major facilities including its biggest theme park, Walt Disney World.
- Florida also has a very high population of retirees and generally elderly people. These folks tend to be more conservative than average and are more likely to hold rigid beliefs about the morality and legality of gambling. This makes it difficult for legislators who want to legalize online gambling to drum up support from the general Florida population.
However, no one can deny that legalizing online gambling is a proven method for increasing state revenue. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York have driven that point home. Perhaps, in the future, the people of Florida will see these benefits and minds will change regarding online gambling.
Legal Online Gambling In Florida FAQ
Are there legal online casinos in Florida?
You can play at online casinos in Florida as long as they operate according to a sweepstakes model. It is illegal to wager with real money or provide prizes directly. Sweepstakes casinos technically get around this limitation by offering you Sweeps Coins, which you can exchange indirectly to earn real prizes.
The only way you can participate in real money online casino gambling in Florida is if you head out into international waters. Some websites, which identify users’ whereabouts with geolocation software, may still identify you as in Florida. However, many will recognize that you are no longer within state lines.
Are there any online sportsbooks that operate legally in Florida?
At this time, there are no online sportsbooks legally operating within Florida borders. To participate, you will have to leave the state or venture into international waters.
What are some states close to Florida that offer legal online sports betting?
Delaware, Rhode Island, and Mississippi are the geographically closest states to Florida that allow legal online sports betting. Florida is in something of a gambling dry spot compared to other states in the union.
Washington, DC recently passed legislation that may lead to the legalization of online sports betting. This would make Washington, DC the territory closest to Florida for you to get your online sports betting fix. Until then, Mississippi and Delaware are your closest options.
Can I legally play DraftKings in Florida?
Yes. However, you may only use the DraftKings app for daily fantasy sports and may not legally engage with the sportsbook feature.
Can I legally play FanDuel in Florida?
Like DraftKings, you may use the FanDuel app for daily fantasy sports. However, you may not legally use it for other sports betting activities.
Will Florida legalize any kind of online gambling this year?
No. Florida has actually taken steps backward in terms of legalizing online gambling. The state is continuing to target Internet gambling sweepstakes cafés and the current governor is markedly anti-online gambling. It’s unlikely that things will change until there’s a demographic shift in both voting populations and state leadership.
Can I play games at Chumba Casino in Florida?
Yes. Chumba Casino uses a sweepstakes model for its casino games, so it’s totally legal to play online.
Can I play games at Global Poker in Florida?
Yes. Since Global Poker also operates with a sweepstakes model, you’re not breaking any laws by participating.
Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, Jason Mercier, and current November Niner Amir Lehavot– these are just a few of the real money poker behemoths originally hailing from the Sunshine State, Florida. In fact, in six of the past seven years, at least one resident of Florida has made the WSOP Final Table at one of the poker world’s most prestigious real cash poker betting events. This is in large part due to the popularity of online poker on legal poker websites in Florida prior to Black Friday.
Since then, things have died down a bit in the Internet poker gambling world in FL. Recently implemented gambling and betting laws raise the question as to whether all forms of device driven gambling, like Internet poker betting for real cash, are technically illegal in 2020. Additionally, the state prohibits unregulated gambling in any shape, way or form meaning lawful poker websites are the only option for Florida’s poker betting fans.
Still, the state’s 26 casinos, poker rooms with Texas Hold’em games and other poker games plus multiple racetracks are physical proof that real money poker and other gambling variants are thriving. And most of the state’s gambling community is widely in favor of passing legislation that would legalize online poker and usher in a new era of legit Internet poker websites for FL citizens. Yet, while several Internet poker bills have been brought to the table, it appears as though the betting residents of Florida are going to have to wait an indefinite amount of time before taking to the virtual real money poker felt.
As it stands in 2020, gambling online in The Sunshine State raises some questions. However, with the right real money US poker site, making a wager can be done.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Florida
History Of Florida Poker Legislation
Quick Jump
- 4 Is Online Poker Legal In Florida?
- 6 The History Of Gambling In Florida
According to Abruzzo’s proposal, the state of Florida would receive 10 percent of all revenue generated through online poker and Internet poker transactions. His goal was to pass a form of the bill by March 2011 to be implemented no later than July 1st of that year. Unfortunately, the lawful poker websites bill died in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee in April 2011 [1].
Abruzzo would try again to get his Internet gambling and poker betting bill through in 2012, but due to heavy resistance from the Seminole tribe – the largest Indian gambling interest in the Sunshine State – efforts to legalize online gambling fell short and the reality of legit poker websites disappeared. It was around the same time that FL State began cracking down on Internet café gambling. This is when players go online and access real cash poker websites in public places. In the past that was a popular way to bypass the poker laws and get a game of Texas Hold’em real money poker in!
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Can Players From Florida Play Online Poker?
As of the time of writing, real cash poker players from Florida are still permitted to register accounts on US-facing poker websites. In light of recent laws passed by the state’s government, this could change at any time. So, if you’re playing Internet poker from FL in 2020, be aware and stay up to date with the Florida government’s most recent position on whether gambling on real money poker websites is legal.
There are still a lot of online poker rooms and poker websites that accept players from the United States, but they are not accepting players from all states. If you do decide to take to the virtual Texas Hold’em poker felt, it is recommended that you take a look at our list of the best Florida Poker Sites for real money.
Is Online Poker Legal In Florida?
While we are no legal authority on the subject of legit Internet poker in FL, we can say with confidence that Florida’s gambling and real money poker laws are vague, at best. Technically, there are no laws prohibiting someone from playing online poker for real cash at a poker website. However, some of the state’s laws can be interpreted to say it is illegal for FL poker players to play Internet poker.
If anything, Florida has failed to mention much of anything regarding the legality of online poker and whether gambling for real money at poker websites is legal. And although it is best to seek on the subject of Internet poker before participating in any online gambling or real money poker activity, we’ve summarized the key facets of 2020‘s gambling and real cash poker law in Florida, some of which can be interpreted to encompass online poker at poker websites:
- According to Section 849.08, unregulated gambling in the state of Florida is illegal and considered a second degree misdemeanor. [2]
- 849.08 goes on to state that playing cards, possibly including poker games like Texas Hold’em poker, on an unregulated device or at an unregulated facility is also illegal. Cards could be interpreted to include poker and Internet poker games, although the word “poker” is never specifically referred to.
- Real money poker rooms are legal, but must adhere to a strict set of principles and guidelines set forth by the state.
- Penny-ante home real cash poker games, where the winner of a hand wins no more than $10 are considered legal in so long as the poker betting game takes place at a dwelling – which can be interpreted as a place of residence. [3]
From this it can be concluded that playing online poker from a computer on poker websites, despite the location of the device, could be considered illegal. However, since no one has been prosecuted for playing online poker, it’s impossible to know how state officials would react to the issue of online poker and Internet poker play if presented before a court of law.
- U. S. Poker Site
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HB3 – Prohibition of Simulated Gambling Devices
In early-2013 Florida passed HB3. For the sake of simplicity, we’ve paraphrased it below:
Section 849.16 indicates that machines or system[s] directly or indirectly operated by a user that can be used to play games of skill or by reason of any element of chance or any other outcome unpredictable by him or her are illegal, in so long as an exchange of real money, credit, allowance, or thing of value can be traded for.
HB3 was meant to outlaw Internet cafes where FL citizens went to play legal Internet poker in Florida. However, the language is so broad that it can be interpreted that any device, including computers, smartphones and tablets, that can be used to play on gambling and poker betting websites, are all technically illegal in 2020. [4] Absurd, we know – but that’s one way to read it.
The bill will likely be amended, and there are some that believe the new bill will include provisions outlawing Internet poker, including both off-shore real money poker websites and legal free-play Internet poker sites in the US. To support this theory, subscription-based online poker site ClubWPT.com [5] pulled out of Florida two days after the poker website gambling bill was signed into law by Governor Scott.
The Facts
The History Of Gambling In Florida
1932
1932
Due to the suffering that the economy endured during the early 30’s, the state of Florida legalized pari-mutuel gambling.
1935
1935
Gambling started to grow even more and slots were legalized in Florida.
1937
1937
Unfortunately, this law was revoked and slots were no longer available to play in the state of Florida.
1978
1978
Gambling was on the verge of growing even more throughout the state, but the referendum on granting casino gambling in Broward and Miami-Dade was defeated. This referendum was re-introduced in 1986 and 1994, resulting in the same outcome.
1979
1979
The Seminole Tribe made real strides in the gambling world and opened a high-stakes bingo hall on their own lad. Unfortunately, this did not conform with the state’s law but the appeal was won and the bingo hall remained open.
2004
2004
Finally, the referendum from previous years was passed and Broward and Miami-Dade got their casinos. This allowed them to expand their slots offerings, which would ultimately lead to more customers in the tribal casinos.
2010
2010
Legislature allows “No-Limit” poker to be played in live casinos. Resulting in a boom in venues throughout the state. Gambling was becoming a big thing in the state of Florida and was constantly growing in popularity.
2013
2013
This year saw a big decline in gambling facilities as internet cafes banned all gambling games from being accessed.
Gambling and real cash betting, whether sanctioned by the state or not, has existed in Florida since Henry Flagler enticed high-roller real money poker betting and casino fans by erecting the landmark (and illegal) Bacchus Club casino in 1888.
In the 1920s, the underground gambling and poker betting scene in both Tampa and Miami was thriving. A game called bolita, which originated in Cuba, was the poison of choice for most real cash high-rollers gambling in FL. In the 1930s, the rise of crime bosses like Al Capone led to illicit gambling circles and real money poker games throughout the state. Stories of murder, mayhem and corrupt police officers were common, and while not all of them were true, illegal gambling and poker betting become so popular that by the 1940s popular casino games were said to be buying elections in Florida.
The Great Depression compelled Florida’s government to seek ways to raise additional revenue. Subsequently, legislation legalizing real money gambling on horse racing was passed in 1931. This marked the first time gambling in any form was legal in Florida. Four years later, slot machines became legal.
The Florida State Lottery was sanctioned in 1988 and by 2008 generated more than $4.2 billion in annual real cash gambling wagers. Lottery officials claim that in the past two decades, over $20 billion in betting profits has been collected from the lottery fund to support educational causes.
Despite this, organized crime ruled the gambling and real money poker world in Florida throughout much of the 20th century. And it wouldn’t be until 2004 that the Seminole tribe would win the battle to operate Vegas-style real cash gambling slots in the state of FL.
Since then the Indian tribe has gained the right to spread more games in its various casinos. The state has settled its differences with the tribe, in large part due to the more than $2 billion in state revenue they generate each year in real money gambling profits for the government of Florida.
In 2010, Texas Hold’em No-Limit poker and other No Limit poker games became legal in Florida’s then 23 real money poker betting rooms and all Seminole poker rooms.
Today in 2020, Florida’s online and offline gambling and Internet poker community is bustling. Over two dozen real cash legal poker rooms, more than half-a-dozen tribal gaming casinos and three horse tracks litter the highly populated, tourist friendly Sunshine State of FL.
Although the state laws seem to be in flux, US poker players in Florida do have access to Internet poker rooms that take US players.
Regulated Gambling Options In Florida
The only type of regulated gambling not offered in Florida is commercial casinos. Horse racing, slot machines and lawful real money poker card rooms are all prevalent throughout the state. Florida also offers a state lottery, Powerball, bingo and raffles (only for charity) and para-mutual gambling on top of its wide legit real cash poker gambling offerings.
The Future Of Regulated Online Gambling In Florida
HB3 has most advocates of state regulated online poker extremely concerned about the possibility of legal Internet poker websites. Some fear a scenario where HB3 will be amended to ban online poker and gambling at Internet poker websites completely. And while the Internet poker bill is certainly not the last nail in the coffin, the Seminoles will likely resist any online poker legislation making Internet poker legal unless it can be amended to not jeopardize their poker gambling earnings.
The Bottom Line
It could be a long while before proposed online poker legislation is heard by the committee in FL. Will we eventually see some sort of legalized online poker giving the Sunshine State’s gambling fans somewhere legal to play real money poker in Florida? Probably, it won’t happen soon and all bets are off on when the first legit poker websites will open their doors.
Floridians best hope might be for the federal government to come around on the issue of legal Internet poker and gambling for real cash on poker websites. Until then, FL players are encouraged to enjoy Florida’s prospering no-limit real cash poker scene, and other poker variants. It’s a good way of getting in some real cash gambling practice before legit Internet poker betting for real money eventually comes to Florida!
References
[1] ↑Florida’s internet poker legislation won’t pass this session
[2] ↑Statute 849.08
[3] ↑Statute 849.085
[4] ↑Did new Florida law make computers and phones illegal?
[5] ↑ClubWPT
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