- List Of Casinos In Florida
- Is Gambling Illegal In Florida
- Is Online Gambling Legal In Florida
- Florida Poker Tournament
- Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Florida
- Is Online Poker Gambling Legal In Florida
A three-judge panel of the 1st District Court of Appeal upheld a circuit judge’s decision that what are known as “pre-reveal” games violate laws preventing slot machines in most of Florida. Florida Casinos. Short Summary: Florida is not particularly liberal when it comes to its gaming laws, but you can find most of the gambling options available to states like Nevada if you look hard enough. With exception to Roulette and Craps, the Tribal Casinos. But it has led to some ambiguous legal issues, as the legality of online gambling is constantly being challenged. There are differences in the legality of making bets, taking bets, facilitating payments to casinos, and advertising on websites. And there are constantly new legal challenges. So here is a breakdown of the law on online gambling. The current state of legal online sports betting in Florida is a bit complicated, to say the least. Even though Florida now has the authority to legalize sports gambling, there are a few things standing in the way. Online horse race betting is legal in most U.S. In fact, online horse race betting is legal in 41 of the 50 states. Some background. The Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978 allowed race tracks (both for horses and greyhounds), to broadcast their races to other locations and accept bets.
Gambling is a huge source of income for the state of Florida. Tax revenue
from slot machines alone totaled over $70 million in 2016.
from slot machines alone totaled over $70 million in 2016.
But not all types of gambling are legal in Florida.
Online Florida gambling sites, roulette, craps, daily fantasy sports and some
other games are illegal in Florida.
other games are illegal in Florida.
This page covers all these topics, and more.
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Online Gambling and Florida Law
Is Online Gambling Legal in Florida?
No written laws pertain specifically to online gambling in Florida. There’s
not a clear answer to this question, but our best guess is that online gambling
is illegal in Florida.
not a clear answer to this question, but our best guess is that online gambling
is illegal in Florida.
Section 849.08 of the Florida Statutes says this about 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 of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as
provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.”
game of chance, at any place, by any device whatever, for money or other thing
of value, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as
provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.”
Thus, playing any game of chance online is illegal.
Most people now consider poker a game of skill. You might think that this
would make poker legal in Florida. You’d be wrong, though.
would make poker legal in Florida. You’d be wrong, though.
Section 849.14 covers games of skill.
Here’s what it says:
“Whoever stakes, bets or wagers any money or other thing of value upon the
result of any trial or contest of skill, speed or power or endurance of human or
beast, or whoever receives in any manner whatsoever any money or other thing of
value staked, bet or wagered, or offered for the purpose of being staked, bet or
wagered, by or for any other person upon any such result, or whoever knowingly
becomes the custodian or depositary of any money or other thing of value so
staked, bet, or wagered upon any such result, or whoever aids, or assists, or
abets in any manner in any of such acts all of which are hereby forbidden, shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree”
result of any trial or contest of skill, speed or power or endurance of human or
beast, or whoever receives in any manner whatsoever any money or other thing of
value staked, bet or wagered, or offered for the purpose of being staked, bet or
wagered, by or for any other person upon any such result, or whoever knowingly
becomes the custodian or depositary of any money or other thing of value so
staked, bet, or wagered upon any such result, or whoever aids, or assists, or
abets in any manner in any of such acts all of which are hereby forbidden, shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree”
Based on this, games of skill like poker are also illegal.
This section of the Florida Statutes doesn’t reference devices like
computers, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t apply.
computers, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t apply.
Can I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in Florida?
Online gambling is illegal in Florida. Our advice is to obey the law no
matter where you live.
matter where you live.
This does not, however, prevent us from discussing levels of risk involved
with various activities.
with various activities.
No one has ever been arrested or prosecuted for playing online casino games
at Florida gambling sites. The only arrests we know of related to online
gambling were in Oklahoma, and these were related to online sports betting.
at Florida gambling sites. The only arrests we know of related to online
gambling were in Oklahoma, and these were related to online sports betting.
Risk levels for players are consistently low. We recommend several offshore
gaming companies who would probably be thrilled to serve customers in Florida.
gaming companies who would probably be thrilled to serve customers in Florida.
There’s a legal risk, but it’s small.
Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Florida?
No, daily fantasy sports are not yet legal in Florida.
In 2015, a state senator and representative started a campaign to legalize
daily fantasy sports.
daily fantasy sports.
It hasn’t gotten far, but heavy pushes to legalize daily fantasy sports in
Florida are still happening. We wouldn’t be surprised to see it legalized in the
future.
Florida are still happening. We wouldn’t be surprised to see it legalized in the
future.
Are Offshore Gambling Sites Safe?
The key to finding safe offshore gambling sites is research. We offer several
recommendations on our site based on our own research, but you should do your
own due diligence, too.
recommendations on our site based on our own research, but you should do your
own due diligence, too.
You should research how long the site has been in business and where they’re
licensed.
licensed.
To keep a business open, you need a steady stream of customers. Finding a
site that has been in business for a considerable length of time means they’re
liked enough to have repeat customers.
site that has been in business for a considerable length of time means they’re
liked enough to have repeat customers.
You should consider where a site is licensed since different jurisdictions
have different standards. You should look for sites that are licensed in
jurisdictions with stricter regulations, such as the United Kingdom.
have different standards. You should look for sites that are licensed in
jurisdictions with stricter regulations, such as the United Kingdom.
Think about the following, too:
How Do I Choose a Good Online Gaming Site?
- Game Variety
- Tournaments
- Bonus Terms & Conditions
- Read Reviews
- Customer Complaints
- Deposit Options
- Contact Customer Service
- Restricted States
What kind of casino games do you want to play? Not all online
casinos offer all casino games. Some players prefer live dealer action, while
others are only interested in having a wide variety of slot machines to choose
from. It’s dumb to sign up for an online casino that only offers slots if you’re
interested in playing card games.
casinos offer all casino games. Some players prefer live dealer action, while
others are only interested in having a wide variety of slot machines to choose
from. It’s dumb to sign up for an online casino that only offers slots if you’re
interested in playing card games.
If you’re interested in tournaments, be sure to check out the
sites tournament section. This is where you can find information like the type
of tournaments they hold, the qualifications for each tournament and the
tournament schedule. Not all online casinos offer tournaments.
sites tournament section. This is where you can find information like the type
of tournaments they hold, the qualifications for each tournament and the
tournament schedule. Not all online casinos offer tournaments.
Almost all online gaming sites offer sign-up
bonuses. Read the conditions of the bonus. You need to know how much you must
wager and what other qualifications you must meet in order to get the bonus.
bonuses. Read the conditions of the bonus. You need to know how much you must
wager and what other qualifications you must meet in order to get the bonus.
Reading reviews from the members of the site is the tried and
true way to get uncensored information. Everything you read on the site that’s
written by them is simply advertising to you in order to get you to sign up.
Learn how to distinguish between real reviews and those written by shills.
true way to get uncensored information. Everything you read on the site that’s
written by them is simply advertising to you in order to get you to sign up.
Learn how to distinguish between real reviews and those written by shills.
Look for pages that review both the pros and cons of the site from online
gamblers like you.
gamblers like you.
Try doing an internet search with the name of the site
and the word “complaint.” You might be able to find some complaints or issues
with the site posted various places around the internet along with how the site
handled the complaint. Keep in mind, too, that not all player complaints are
legitimate. Read everything with a grain of salt and a certain amount of
cynicism.
and the word “complaint.” You might be able to find some complaints or issues
with the site posted various places around the internet along with how the site
handled the complaint. Keep in mind, too, that not all player complaints are
legitimate. Read everything with a grain of salt and a certain amount of
cynicism.
Visit the cashier’s page on each site to find the deposit
options available. If they don’t have an option you’re familiar with or
comfortable using, there’s no reason to sign up for the site.
options available. If they don’t have an option you’re familiar with or
comfortable using, there’s no reason to sign up for the site.
The point of contacting customer service is to see
their level of professionalism and to see how quickly they get back with you.
Even if you don’t have a real question, send them a simple question. For
example, ask how long it takes to get your funds when you transfer your winnings
to your bank.
their level of professionalism and to see how quickly they get back with you.
Even if you don’t have a real question, send them a simple question. For
example, ask how long it takes to get your funds when you transfer your winnings
to your bank.
You can tell a lot about a company’s customer service by how they respond to
a question from a potential customer.
a question from a potential customer.
Some offshore gambling sites have a restricted list of
states they can’t service. It’s important to check if your state is on this list
or not. You theoretically could end up signing up for the site and winning some
money, but they won’t legally be allowed to pay it to you.
states they can’t service. It’s important to check if your state is on this list
or not. You theoretically could end up signing up for the site and winning some
money, but they won’t legally be allowed to pay it to you.
Many of the offshore casinos we recommend on this site are happy to do
business with customers from Florida. Start your research by reading our
reviews. We think you’ll find them more complete and comprehensive than any
you’ll find on our competitors’ sites.
business with customers from Florida. Start your research by reading our
reviews. We think you’ll find them more complete and comprehensive than any
you’ll find on our competitors’ sites.
Also On This Page
More Gambling Laws in Florida
Gambling Venues in Florida
Gambling Venues in Florida
The History of Gaming Laws in Florida
The Furture of Gambling in Florida
The Furture of Gambling in Florida
More Gambling Laws in Florida
- Casino Games (Legal With Restrictions)
- Card Rooms (Pari-Mutuel Only)
- Sports and Race Betting (Pari-Mutuel Betting Legal)
- Lottery (Legal)
- Bingo (Legal)
- Social Gambling (Legal With Restrictions)
Casinos: Legal With Restrictions
Casinos can have card rooms that include poker and dominos. They’re also
allowed to offer other games like slot machines, blackjack and baccarat.
allowed to offer other games like slot machines, blackjack and baccarat.
But craps, roulette and keno are illegal in Florida.
According to sections 849.08 and 849.11 games of chance are illegal in
Florida.
Florida.
Here’s what they say:
“849.08Gambling. – 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 of a misdemeanor of the
second degree
roulette, faro or other game of chance, at any place, by any device whatever,
for money or other thing of value, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the
second degree
849.11Plays at games of chance by lot. – Whoever sets up, promotes or plays
at any game of chance by lot or with dice, cards, numbers, hazards or any other
gambling device whatever for, or for the disposal of money or other thing of
value or under the pretext of a sale, gift or delivery thereof, or for any
right, share or interest therein, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second
degree”
at any game of chance by lot or with dice, cards, numbers, hazards or any other
gambling device whatever for, or for the disposal of money or other thing of
value or under the pretext of a sale, gift or delivery thereof, or for any
right, share or interest therein, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second
degree”
Card Rooms: Pari-Mutuel Only
According to section 849.086 of the Florida Statutes, card rooms are legal at
casinos and pari-mutuel facilities such as racetracks.
casinos and pari-mutuel facilities such as racetracks.
Here’s what it says about card rooms:
“It is the intent of the Legislature to provide additional entertainment
choices for the residents of and visitors to the state, promote tourism in the
state, and provide additional state revenues through the authorization of the
playing of certain games in the state at facilities known as cardrooms which are
to be located at licensed pari-mutuel facilities. To ensure the public
confidence in the integrity of authorized cardroom operations, this act is
designed to strictly regulate the facilities, persons, and procedures related to
cardroom operations. Furthermore, the Legislature finds that authorized games as
herein defined are considered to be pari-mutuel style games and not casino
gaming because the participants play against each other instead of against the
house.”
choices for the residents of and visitors to the state, promote tourism in the
state, and provide additional state revenues through the authorization of the
playing of certain games in the state at facilities known as cardrooms which are
to be located at licensed pari-mutuel facilities. To ensure the public
confidence in the integrity of authorized cardroom operations, this act is
designed to strictly regulate the facilities, persons, and procedures related to
cardroom operations. Furthermore, the Legislature finds that authorized games as
herein defined are considered to be pari-mutuel style games and not casino
gaming because the participants play against each other instead of against the
house.”
Here’s what the Florida Statutes says about methods of wagering at card
rooms:
rooms:
“No wagering may be conducted using money or other negotiable currency. Games
may only be played utilizing a wagering system whereby all players’ money is
first converted by the house to tokens or chips which shall be used for wagering
only at that specific cardroom.”
may only be played utilizing a wagering system whereby all players’ money is
first converted by the house to tokens or chips which shall be used for wagering
only at that specific cardroom.”
According to the Department of Business & Professional Regulation website,
only poker and dominoes are allowed in cardrooms.
only poker and dominoes are allowed in cardrooms.
Here’s what it says:
“Only poker and dominoes are authorized for play within Florida’s licensed
cardrooms. Authorized games are played in a non-banking manner, which
means that the house is not a participant in the game and the players compete
only against each other.”
cardrooms. Authorized games are played in a non-banking manner, which
means that the house is not a participant in the game and the players compete
only against each other.”
Sports and Race Betting: Pari-Mutuel Betting Legal
Pari-mutuel betting is legal in Florida on horse races, dog races and other
activities – but only if they take place in a pari-mutuel facility.
activities – but only if they take place in a pari-mutuel facility.
According to section 550.155 of the Florida statutes:
“Wagering on the results of a horserace, dograce, or on the scores or points
of a jai alai game and the sale of tickets or other evidences showing an
interest in or a contribution to a pari-mutuel pool are allowed within the
enclosure of any pari-mutuel facility licensed and conducted under this chapter
but are not allowed elsewhere in this state, must be supervised by the division,
and are subject to such reasonable rules that the division prescribes.”
of a jai alai game and the sale of tickets or other evidences showing an
interest in or a contribution to a pari-mutuel pool are allowed within the
enclosure of any pari-mutuel facility licensed and conducted under this chapter
but are not allowed elsewhere in this state, must be supervised by the division,
and are subject to such reasonable rules that the division prescribes.”
Here’s a question and answer from Department of Business & Professional
Regulation website regarding greyhound betting online:
Regulation website regarding greyhound betting online:
“Q. The Internet offers wagering on greyhound races in Florida and other
states; is this legal?
states; is this legal?
A. The Florida Attorney General is of the opinion that this type of activity
is illegal. The only place that pari-mutuel wagering can be carried out in
Florida is at a pari-mutuel wagering track or fronton.”
is illegal. The only place that pari-mutuel wagering can be carried out in
Florida is at a pari-mutuel wagering track or fronton.”
Lottery: Legal
Florida has a state regulated lottery.
According to the Florida Lottery website:
“The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $31 billion to
education and sending more than 750,000 students to college through the Bright
Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its
revenue back into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more
than 13,000 Florida retailers and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida
Lottery games have paid more than $52.4 billion in prizes and made more than
1,900 people millionaires”
education and sending more than 750,000 students to college through the Bright
Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its
revenue back into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more
than 13,000 Florida retailers and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida
Lottery games have paid more than $52.4 billion in prizes and made more than
1,900 people millionaires”
Games include:
- Powerball
- Mega Millions
- Florida Lotto
- Cash4Life
- Lucky money
- Fantasy 5
- Pick 5
- Pick 4
- Pick 3
- Pick 2
- Millionaire Raffle
- scratch offs that range from $1-$25 games
Bingo: Legal
Bingo for profit at casinos as well as bingo for nonprofit charities are both
legal.
legal.
Here’s what section 849.0931 of the Florida statutes has about authorizing
bingo games for nonprofits:
bingo games for nonprofits:
“None of the provisions of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit or
prevent charitable, nonprofit, or veterans’ organizations engaged in charitable,
civic, community, benevolent, religious, or scholastic works or other similar
endeavors, which organizations have been in existence and active for a period of
3 years or more, from conducting bingo games or instant bingo, provided the
entire proceeds derived from the conduct of such games, less actual business
expenses for articles designed for and essential to the operation, conduct, and
playing of bingo or instant bingo, are donated by such organizations to the
endeavors mentioned above. In no case may the net proceeds from the conduct of
such games be used for any other purpose whatsoever. The proceeds derived from
the conduct of bingo games or instant bingo shall not be considered solicitation
of public donations.”
prevent charitable, nonprofit, or veterans’ organizations engaged in charitable,
civic, community, benevolent, religious, or scholastic works or other similar
endeavors, which organizations have been in existence and active for a period of
3 years or more, from conducting bingo games or instant bingo, provided the
entire proceeds derived from the conduct of such games, less actual business
expenses for articles designed for and essential to the operation, conduct, and
playing of bingo or instant bingo, are donated by such organizations to the
endeavors mentioned above. In no case may the net proceeds from the conduct of
such games be used for any other purpose whatsoever. The proceeds derived from
the conduct of bingo games or instant bingo shall not be considered solicitation
of public donations.”
Social Gambling: Legal With Restrictions
According to Section 849.085 of the Florida Statutes, certain games are
allowed at home.
allowed at home.
Here’s what it says about these games known as penny-ante games:
” (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is not a crime for a
person to participate in a game described in this section if such game is
conducted strictly in accordance with this section.
person to participate in a game described in this section if such game is
conducted strictly in accordance with this section.
(2) As used in this section:
(a) “Penny-ante game” means a game or series of games of poker, pinochle,
bridge, rummy, canasta, hearts, dominoes, or mah-jongg in which the winnings of
any player in a single round, hand, or game do not exceed $10 in value.
bridge, rummy, canasta, hearts, dominoes, or mah-jongg in which the winnings of
any player in a single round, hand, or game do not exceed $10 in value.
(b) “Dwelling” means residential premises owned or rented by a participant in
a penny-ante game and occupied by such participant or the common elements or
common areas of a condominium, cooperative, residential subdivision, or mobile
home park of which a participant in a penny-ante game is a unit owner, or the
facilities of an organization which is tax-exempt under s. 501(c)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code. The term “dwelling” also includes a college dormitory
room or the common recreational area of a college dormitory or a publicly owned
community center owned by a municipality or county.
a penny-ante game and occupied by such participant or the common elements or
common areas of a condominium, cooperative, residential subdivision, or mobile
home park of which a participant in a penny-ante game is a unit owner, or the
facilities of an organization which is tax-exempt under s. 501(c)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code. The term “dwelling” also includes a college dormitory
room or the common recreational area of a college dormitory or a publicly owned
community center owned by a municipality or county.
(3) A penny-ante game is subject to the following restrictions:
(a) The game must be conducted in a dwelling.”
According to the above information, penny-ante games such as poker, rummy,
etc. can take place in a residential area if each hand or round doesn’t go over
$10.
etc. can take place in a residential area if each hand or round doesn’t go over
$10.
Gambling Venues in Florida
All casinos in Florida, which are listed below, are located on Indian
reservation land.
reservation land.
Games found at these casinos include:
- Texas holdem
- Bingo
- Slot machines
- Blackjack
- Baccarat
- Casino war
- Mississippi stud
- Pai Gow poker
- Spanish 21
- Let it ride
- Three card poker
- Omaha
Card rooms, slot machines and pari-mutuel betting are available at some
racetracks throughout the state that are not listed below.
racetracks throughout the state that are not listed below.
1) Miccosuke Resort & Gaming
500 SW 177th Ave
Miami, FL 33194
Phone number: (305) 222-4600 Titan casino instant play.
2) Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
506 S 1st ST
Immokalee, FL 34142
Phone number: (239) 658-1313
3) Seminole Casino Brighton Zhao cai mao.
17735 Reservation Rd
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Phone number: (863) 467-9998
4) Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
4 – 5550 NW 40th St
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Phone number: (954) 977-6700
5) Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
1 Seminole Way
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
Phone number: (866) 502-7529
6) Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
5223 Orient Rd
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone number: (813) 627-7625
7) Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood
4150 N State Rd 7
Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone number: (954) 961-3220
History of Gambling in Florida
1935Slot machines and jai alai games are legalized.
1937Florida repeals the one-armed bandit’s slot machines only two years after they’re legalized.
1979The Seminole Tribe opens Florida’s first high-stakes Indian bingo hall where bingo jackpots are over $100.
1984“Cruises to nowhere” are simulcasting are introduced.
1994Seminole casinos introduce poker to their game floors.
1996Card rooms are legalized at pari-mutuel facilities.
2000Officials seize more than 350 illegal video slot machines that are found in west-central Florida countries.
2004Tracks and jai alai frontons in Broward and Miami-Dade counties are approved to have slot machines. The Seminole tribe opens two new locations in Tampa and Hollywood called Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
2007The Governor signs an agreement that allows Las Vegas-style slots, baccarat, and blackjack games to be held at the 7 Seminoles tribal casinos. The legislature approves domino games, instant bingo, and regulated poker tournaments to be held in card rooms. They also raise bet limits from $2 to $5 and allow increased hours for slot machine operators.
2009No-limit 24 hour a day poker games and video lottery terminals are approved at dog and horse tracks by the legislature.
2013List Of Casinos In Florida
Internet cafes used as fronts for gambling games are banned.
Additional Resources
This link takes you to a list of the current pari-mutuel wagering
establishments that hold an operating license for the 2017-2018 year.
establishments that hold an operating license for the 2017-2018 year.
This link takes you to the Florida lottery websites information page.
The Future & Your Views
Florida tribal casinos offer bingo, poker, blackjack and several other casino
games for residents to enjoy.
games for residents to enjoy.
If you want to play roulette or craps, you’ll have to take a cruise ship that
heads to international waters or visit another state.
heads to international waters or visit another state.
The only change to Florida gambling laws we see happening soon is daily
fantasy sports. There has been a push to legalize it recently.
fantasy sports. There has been a push to legalize it recently.
Legalizing Florida gambling sites could be in the future, but there hasn’t
been much of a push for it.
been much of a push for it.
Florida law enforcement hasn’t arrested anyone for gambling online, so it’s a
low-risk activity. Only you can decide what your risk tolerance is. Our advice
is to obey the law.
low-risk activity. Only you can decide what your risk tolerance is. Our advice
is to obey the law.
If you decide you’re okay with the risk, consider playing at one of the
Florida gambling sites we’ve researched and vetted here.
Florida gambling sites we’ve researched and vetted here.
Home» US Poker Laws » State Laws » Florida Poker Laws
Relevant state code: 849.01 et seq.; 550.001, et. seq.
With sweeping statutes and a bevy of arcane rules, Florida easily ranks as one of the least-friendly states for gamblers. The state takes a very strict approach to regulating gambling, and has a very broad definition of what constitutes gambling:
Section 849.08
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 of a misdemeanor of the second degree
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 of a misdemeanor of the second degree
A separate part of Florida law specifically outlaws wagering on (unregulated) games of skill:
Section 849.14
Whoever stakes, bets or wagers any money or other thing of value upon the result of any trial or contest of skill, speed or power or endurance of human or beast, or whoever receives in any manner whatsoever any money or other thing of value staked, bet or wagered, or offered for the purpose of being staked, bet or wagered, by or for any other person upon any such result, or whoever knowingly becomes the custodian or depositary of any money or other thing of value so staked, bet, or wagered upon any such result, or whoever aids, or assists, or abets in any manner in any of such acts all of which are hereby forbidden, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree
Whoever stakes, bets or wagers any money or other thing of value upon the result of any trial or contest of skill, speed or power or endurance of human or beast, or whoever receives in any manner whatsoever any money or other thing of value staked, bet or wagered, or offered for the purpose of being staked, bet or wagered, by or for any other person upon any such result, or whoever knowingly becomes the custodian or depositary of any money or other thing of value so staked, bet, or wagered upon any such result, or whoever aids, or assists, or abets in any manner in any of such acts all of which are hereby forbidden, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree
These two aspects of Florida gambling law essentially make any sort of wagering that is not explicitly authorized by the state de facto illegal.
Florida has especially stiff penalties for those operating an illegal gambling business. In addition to the various direct charges that could result from the running or participation in the advancement of such an enterprise, Florida law treats gambling offenses as predicate offenses that can trigger more severe racketeering charges. As for those who merely participate in gambling, Florida has harsher penalties than you'll find in a typical state. Prosecutions of individual gamblers, however, appear to be quite rare in Florida.
What Gambling is Legal Under Florida Law?
Several forms of gambling are legal under Florida law. Parimutuel wagers are allowed at licensed horse and dog racing tracks. Florida administers a state-run lottery, and limited Indian casino gaming is also permitted in the state.
Social gambling is legal in Florida under very specific conditions. As is the case in most states, Florida requires that social gambling take place between people over the age of 18 and in an environment where no one is profiting (or attempting to profit) from the operation of the game. Florida also requires a $10 cap per hand or per round for the game to be considered 'penny ante' (their term for social gambling) and therefore legal. Finally, only bridge, canasta, dominoes, hearts, mah-jongg, pinochle, poker or rummy are allowed under Florida's social gambling exception.
Charitable bingo games are allowed under Florida law when conducted by authorized organizations, as are certain kinds of raffles. Poker games, whether tournaments or cash games, do not appear to be legal under charitable gambling law in Florida.
Can I Play Poker Legally in Florida?
If you play poker for real money at either a recognized tribal casino or in a 'penny ante' game as described above, you are well within the law in Florida.
Otherwise, poker for stakes would appear to be illegal under Florida law. Remember, the statutory definition of gambling includes prohibitions on both games involving cards and games of skill, so there seems to be little room for an exception for poker under current Florida law.
The question of whether or not individuals would run a real risk of prosecution for playing poker is a much different one. We were unable to locate any instances of individuals prosecuted simply for participating in an illegal poker game in the state of Florida.
Does Florida Allow Online Poker Sites or Gambling Online?
Florida law regarding gambling does not specifically address the issue of gambling or playing poker online.
As is the case with just about every state in the US, gambling law in Florida is vague and broad enough to potentially apply to just about any manner of wagering; for example, one could make a case that an individual playing poker online has essentially turned their computer into a gambling device that would be illegal under Florida law.
Is Gambling Illegal In Florida
The ambiguity surrounding online gambling and the law in Florida is aptly illustrated by the controversy surrounding Internet Sweepstakes Cafes operated in the state. To the casual observer, such cafes would seem to clearly be serving as online casinos - but their operators claim to be within the boundaries of Florida law and may have at least a reasonable legal basis for that claim.
Summary: It is unlikely that either an online poker operator or player is within Florida law when it comes to real money games. Casino operators may have more room to work with thanks to Florida sweepstakes laws. The risk of facing prosecution as an individual player is actual in terms of the letter of Florida law, but apparently insignificant in practical terms.
Is Online Gambling Legal In Florida
Florida Gambling Law - Fun Facts
It's illegal to engage in gambling or horseracing within one mile of a religious camp.
Actual gambling isn't required for authorities to classify a place as a gambling house - they only need to find 'any of the implements, devices or apparatus commonly used in games of chance' to assume that a place is being used for the purpose of gambling.
Florida Gambling Law in the News
Florida Poker Tournament
Florida state rep Joseph Abruzzo floated a law to regulate intrastate online poker back in 2010, but the bill failed to get any traction and was tabled in April of 2011.
A bill seeking to ban Internet sweepstakes cafes passed the Florida House in 2012, but seems to be permanently stalled in the Senate.
Will Florida Regulate and Legalize Online Poker Sites?
Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Florida
Regulated online poker sites in Florida faces a number of hurdles. First, any online gambling regulated or otherwise legally endorsed by the state would have to be in compliance with the current gaming compact the state has with the Seminole Tribe. Second, there appears to be little legislative motivation to tackle online poker, as evidenced by the death of Abruzzo's bill in 2011. Finally, the growing backlash against Internet sweepstakes cafes could conceivably result in legislation that would explicitly prohibit all internet-based gambling, effectively raising the legislative bar for an online poker bill.
Is Online Poker Gambling Legal In Florida
It's not all negatives; Florida is the 4th largest state by population in the US and is already a popular destination for poker players thanks to a recent reversal of the state's wagering limits for poker. Those two facts suggest that Florida could be one of the few states where an intrastate poker room would actually be viable in terms of player liquidity.
With that said, it seems relatively unlikely that regulated online poker will come to Florida within the next three years, largely due to a lack of political motivation and the state's generally restrictive stance toward gambling.