- Is Online Gambling Illegal In Florida
- Is Online Horse Betting Legal In Florida
- Is Online Gambling Legal In Florida
- Is Online Betting Illegal In Florida
Home» US Poker Laws » State Laws » Florida Poker Laws
Relevant state code: 849.01 et seq.; 550.001, et. seq.
- Florida doesn't regulate online gambling. However, because the state's laws don't explicitly prohibit online gambling, it is technically legal to gamble with offshore-based sports betting sites. How old do you have to be to gamble in Florida? You need to be 18 years old.
- 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.
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:
When the very basic questions about what the legal gambling age in Florida causes confusion, the question of the legalities of online betting really can cause headaches. As a note the legal gambling age in Florida is 18 for pari-mutuel and poker, but 21 to play the slots or other table games. The state of Florida doesn’t regulate online gambling or allow any casinos to operate within state lines. But since the state’s laws don’t mention online gambling at all, it’s technically legal to gamble with offshore-based casino, poker, and sports betting sites. The online gambling professionals who created this guide consider it critical that FL players have access to accurate and up-to-date information regarding the online gambling laws in Florida. Throughout this guide, we only recommend gambling brands which are legally licensed, certified, and regulated by respected and legitimate governing.
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
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
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.
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..
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 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?
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.
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.
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. That is why there are numerous offshore options for safe and legal online gambling in Florida. The state is home to land-based casinos, bingo, poker, and horse racing, but the internet brings all of these opportunities to your fingertips, in one location. You even have increased wagering opportunities, with more games, better odds, and even sports betting. Florida is actually a very progressive state in terms of the legalities of online gambling, and we are here to explore these in depth. If you want to know about the legalities of online gambling in Florida, you have come to the right place.
Mobile NFL Betting in Florida
There are many ways and different vessels for Florida residents to use when making legal football bets. One of the fastest growing ways to bet on football has been mobile betting. The convenience is what drives so many new users to mobile betting as they can place bets or add/deposit funds into their account right from the comfort of their mobile device. Typically, online sportsbooks will have a mobile friendly site that can be accessed using your mobile devices web browser if this option isn’t available check your devices App Store as some online have a downloadable app available. Mobile betting makes it possible to bet no matter if you are at a Jacksonville Jaguars game or watching from your house as long as your phone, tablet, or laptop is connected to a stable internet source.
Live NFL Betting in Florida
Live Betting on the National Football League can add a lot of excitement to betting on one of Florida’s premier football teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This type of betting gives bettors the opportunity to place bets while the game is already underway. For example, In play betting grants gamblers the ability to test the waters of a Miami Dolphins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars matchup before fully taking action on the game. This makes live betting on the NFL unique and gives bettors the chance to make halftime adjustments to their betting strategies too. All in all live NFL betting will likely be one of the most popular ways to bet on the sport as time goes on.
Online Gambling Age For Florida Residents
Is Online Gambling Illegal In Florida
In order to gamble in the state of Florida, you will have to reach certain ages. Florida's progressive attitude toward gambling means that you can participate in most forms of gambling as soon as 18. You will find that online poker, poker rooms, bingo, the lottery, dog and horse racing, and online bingo can all be enjoyed at the age of 18. You will not have access to land-based casinos, online casinos or online sports betting until the age of 21 is reached.
Florida Online Gambling Laws
With the repeal of PASPA, many Florida residents are unsure how this has impacted legal gambling in Florida. The change in the federal law only impacts sports betting, which the state now has the freedom to fully regulate. However, until the legislature actually gets it together and regulates online gambling, there are no laws pertaining to any type of internet betting. That is why legal online gambling for Florida residents is an option at all, because there is nothing to suggest otherwise. The state may eventually begin to legalize certain forms of online gambling, especially since other states are starting to regulate both online casinos and sportsbooks. Check back for the latest updates on Florida online gambling laws.
Gambling Sites That Accept Florida Residents
Those in the state of Florida will find that there are hundreds of gambling sites that accept residents of the state of Florida. We have found that gamblers in the state of Florida are open to hundreds of gambling sites, which is why have attempted to compile a list of available options.
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Florida is a virtual panacea of wagering hobbyists. The Seminoles and the Gators are two of the most powerful college teams around, and now fans can sign up at the best overall gambling site for Florida residents. The sportsbook is massive, and you can bet that you will find most college games on it. SportsBetting.ag also houses a top-rated poker section and a casino with hundreds of games. Whatever sort of experience you are looking for, this place is sure to have it.
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Online Sports Betting Sites That Accept Florida ResidentsOnline Casinos That Accept Florida Residents
Many online casinos are open to players in the state of Florida. These include casinos operating off of a number of different brands of software. The RTG software is one of the most versatile brands of software in a casino, while the Rival, Top Game, and Odds On software are all still fairly powerful. Either way, there are plenty of high-quality online casinos that accept FL residents. Aladdin’s Gold is among one of the favorites for Florida players, while Lucky Red Casino is also on the list of top five casino sites.
Sports bettors in the state of Florida will find that there are a number of gambling sites that are open to Floridians. If you want to bet on sports in the state of Florida, some of the top online sports gambling sites include Bovada and SportsBetting. Both have odds on teams like the Florida State Seminoles, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Marlins, and more. We have looked into as many possible sportsbooks as we can, and we can tell you that there is no short supply of options available.
Online Poker Sites That Accept Florida Residents
Though there are many poker rooms littered around the state, online poker rooms are still of value. These online poker rooms are as close to a real poker room as possible, with live dealer options available. If you are going to play the games, we can tell you that there are many poker rooms available for hitting the virtual felts. One of the best online poker sites that accept Florida residents is BetOnline, which is open to players of all experience levels.
Online Bingo Sites That Accept Florida Players
Online Bingo Sites That Accept Florida Players
Residents prefer to use the online bingo sites that accept Florida players because there are far more gaming options. There are numerous online bingo rooms to enter, all of which offer 75-ball, 80-ball, and 90-bingo. Purchase as many cards as you want and join the room of your choice. One of the best sites for online bingo is Downtown Bingo, which is known for their tournaments, bonuses, and exclusive giveaways.
Bovada
Is Online Horse Betting Legal In Florida
Online poker players in Florida are welcome to legally play at Bovada. This great poker site will have tournaments, tables, and games to meet all kinds of different budgets. Florida players can receive a 100 percent bonus up to $1,000
Is Online Gambling Legal In Florida?
We have already given you some background over whether or not there is online gambling legal in Florida, and we can tell you that no one has been arrested for gambling online in the state. Even if no laws have made it legal to participate, there are no laws that have made it illegal.
Is It Safe To Gamble Online In Florida?
Is Online Gambling Legal In Florida
As long as you are not running an online gambling site within Florida's borders, you really have nothing to worry about. Florida is a state that doesn't have laws forbidding online gambling and therefore it is lenient with residents that decide to participate. And, sticking with the reputable sites on this page, it's not going to matter that online casinos aren't regulated because these gambling portals all have a high standing amongst its peers and player base.
Is Online Betting Illegal In Florida
Are Online Casinos Legal In Florida?
Online casino gaming is not something you will have a tough time finding, and these games are very open in the state. Florida residents may have limited forms of casino gaming in the southern half of the state, but there are no options in the north - thus, online casinos have become very necessary.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Florida?
Sports bettors will find that there are plenty of options for wagering in the state of Florida, but only if the Internet is used. We have found that players can turn to the Internet to wager on any number of sports, with a near unlimited number of options available. Our trusted list of sportsbooks are all legally operating in the state, so you should have little to no trouble betting on sports if you follow our advice.
Article: Is online sports betting legal in the USA?
Is Online Poker Legal In Florida?
Online poker is one of the most trafficked forms of online gambling, and you will find that these choices are legal in the state of Florida. If you decide to play online poker, know that you will not get in trouble for playing these games. If you decide to start playing, keep in mind that not all of the options available are legitimate - unless you stick to the places we have found.
Will I go to jail for online gambling in Florida?
Thousands of Florida residents gamble online every day, and guess what - not a single one of them have been arrested for gambling over the Internet. Not only is this true, but we are also 100% sure that there will never be a test case as there is no law that can really be used to prosecute you.