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Guide to Online Gambling in Florida: The Best Florida Gambling Sites for 2024

Gambling in Florida
Sports Will Be Legal: TBD
Daily Fantasy Legal Since: 2019
Casino Will Be Legal: TBD
Poker Will Be Legal: TBD
Lottery Will Be Legal: TBD

Florida Daily Fantasy

As in some other states, daily fantasy betting in Florida exists in a bit of a legal gray area in Florida. Though not strictly speaking outlawed, the games have yet to be made officially legal and there isn’t much indication that legislation regarding these games will be introduced any time soon. In the meantime, Florida residents have no difficulty playing DF games.

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  • We have deep understanding of the Florida gambling laws and follow the changes in the legislation and the activity of the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.
  • We monitor the gambling-related news and upcoming developments of the industry in the state by following the biggest local online media like the Miami Herald and the Tampa Bay Times.
  • We have extensive experience in creating gambling guides and operator reviews. We can tell you everything there is to know about free blackjack and free roulette games on the net.

Gambling Laws in Florida

While Florida is comparatively liberal when it comes to gambling in brick-and-mortar establishments, its laws are not quite as forgiving when it comes to online gambling. To date, there is no legislation in place regarding online gaming for real money, meaning Floridians must content themselves with the state’s many reservation casinos, casino cruises and bingo halls. Sports betting is also completely outlawed in the state, much like Florida casino sites. A vote was held in 2018 on Amendment 3, which prevents the state legislature from picking up any gambling-related bills. This means that the current gambling restrictions in place in Florida are likely to remain in place for the foreseeable future. Though the legality of online gambling will no doubt be challenged again in due course, there are no major changes on the horizon.

Florida Sports Betting

Sports betting is extremely popular worldwide and this is valid, of course, also for Florida. Unfortunately, though, right now, it is not legal in the state. The worst part is that we can’t even tell you that the authorities are moving towards legislations regarding gambling at all. Actually, the laws of Florida are one of the least predisposed for any changes and this means that unless 60% of the residents don’t sign a referendum, there is no way to have new laws passed. We have discussed the entire situation in our page dedicated to Florida Lottery.

Florida Lottery

Even though the lottery has had a strong presence in the state of Florida ever since it went live more than 3 decades ago. Time, during which it has evolved and branched out into some innovative directions. Unfortunately, as of the time of this writing, the online lottery is nowhere to be found in terms of legality. You are able to shop from authorized vendors and retailers, however, that would be about it. Luckily, there are more than 13000 locations where you can buy lottery-related merch from. In case you want to know more, we have addressed the entire situation in our page dedicated entirely to the Forida lottery.

History of Gambling in Florida

The history of gambling in Florida goes back to the Great Depression. In 1932 the state legalized pari-mutuel betting in various counties to help boost the local economy. Not only did this get Floridians spending again, but it also attracted gambling-related tourism to the state. Tourism and gambling remain big business in the state today.

Florida Gambling History
1932 Pari-mutuel betting is made legal in some counties to boost the local economy during the Great Depression.
1935 Slot machines are legalized, but are outlawed again two years later.
1978 A referendum is held to legalize casino gambling in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, but it is ultimately defeated.
1979 The Seminole tribe opens a bingo hall on a reservation, which leads to the overall legalization of bingo halls in the state.
2004 Slots are finally legalized in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Seminole reservations.
2013 Internet cafes are temporarily banned under the belief that they are fronts of illegal gambling activities. This is later overturned.
2018 Amendment 3 is introduced, which prevents the legislature from considering or enacting any further gambling legislation.

State Facts

Florida was the first site to be visited by Europeans when, in 1513, Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon landed ashore. This was the first of many visits by Spanish conquistadors throughout the 16th Century. It boasts the fourth largest economy in the United States, and is home to 51 of the world’s billionaires. It is best-known for theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, as well as being the site of the Kennedy Space Center. Florida is the nation’s flattest state and has the longest coastline of any state.

Facts About Florida
Population 21,299,325
Min. Income $1,466.40
Offline Location Seminole Hard Rock Casino, Tampa
Gambling Commissioner
Languages English, Spanish
Local Sports Team
Tax Authority
State Law http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0800-0899/0849/0849.html
Winning Tax 25%
State Website Link http://www.myflorida.com
Famous Gamblers Jason Mercier, Michael D. Mizrachi, Frank Lawrence Rosenthal

Gambling Age in Florida

Like many states, the gambling age in Florida depends on the game in question. To play bingo or poker, players must be aged 18 or over. Other forms of gambling, such as table games, slots, and betting on races require players to be 21 and over. There are exceptions to the rule, like casino cruises that leave Port Canaveral. On these boats, players aged 18 and over can enjoy a variety of casino games.

  • Online Gambling Age:
    There is no online gambling age, as online gambling is illegal in Florida.
  • Alcohol Age
    The minimum legal age of drinking in Florida is 21 years.
  • Weed Age
    Marijuana use is only permitted in Florida for the treatment of debilitating diseases in patients of any age. For use by minors, there must be a caregiver aged 21 or over present.

Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling is the state’s official responsible gambling organization. The Florida Department of Health, however, is responsible for all general addiction services in the state and can also provide guidance in combatting problem gambling. People suffering from gambling-related issues in Florida can also contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline.

Upcoming Regulation and Expected Changes

There are no expected changes ahead when it comes to gambling in Florida. Since the 3rd Amendment was adopted in 2018, laws relating to online gambling activities are expected to remain restrictive. Be sure to check this page regularly for any updates on the legality of online gambling in Florida. Alternatively, if you’d like to keep up with all updates and find the best places to play at, check out our list of top gambling websites.

Matt Speakman, Betting Expert at online-gambling.com
Matt Speakman

Matt Speakman is a Connecticut-born and raised betting expert with a soft spot for the Patriots. He is also a proud member of the online-gambling.com team. You can read his articles on a broad range of topics, including sports betting and DFS.

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