Florida Gambling Laws
Online Gambling in Florida: Legal Status, Tribal Casinos, and Available Options
Florida maintains a tightly controlled gambling landscape dominated by the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive operations under a compact with the state. Regulated online casino games and poker remain unavailable, with enforcement targeting unlicensed operators rather than individual players. Offshore platforms continue to accept Florida residents in a persistent gray area, though state authorities emphasize the lack of protections and potential risks involved.
Legal Framework for Gambling
Under Chapter 849 of the Florida Statutes, unauthorized gambling constitutes a criminal offense, with definitions encompassing games of chance for value. The state permits specific forms through tribal compacts, pari-mutuel wagering, and the lottery. No intrastate online casinos or poker sites operate legally. Offshore sites function without direct state prohibition on player participation, but they offer no regulatory safeguards, and recent enforcement actions focus on illegal domestic operations.
Tribal Casinos and Land-Based Gaming
The Seminole Tribe of Florida exclusively operates seven casinos: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, Seminole Casino Immokalee, Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood, and others on reservations. These venues feature extensive slot selections (often exceeding 1,000–2,000 machines), table games including blackjack, roulette, craps (added via compact), and poker rooms. The Miccosukee Tribe runs Miccosukee Resort & Gaming in Miami with similar offerings.
Players access these tribal facilities for real-money action, as no commercial non-tribal casinos exist. Social casinos provide free-play alternatives for online entertainment without real stakes.
Online Poker in Florida
No state-regulated online poker platforms are available. Live poker thrives in tribal card rooms and racetracks, but real-money online play relies on offshore sites or social platforms like Zynga. Offshore options carry legal uncertainty, with no prosecutions of players reported, though the activity falls outside regulated channels.
Sports Betting in Florida
Sports betting operates legally exclusively through the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet app and retail locations at tribal casinos. Launched following the 2021 compact (with relaunch in late 2023 after legal resolutions), it grants statewide mobile access for residents 21+. Horse and dog racing pari-mutuel wagering remains permitted off-track and inter-track, but online versions are unavailable beyond Hard Rock Bet. Offshore sportsbooks persist in the gray area without targeted player enforcement.
Daily Fantasy Sports Availability
DFS occupies an uncertain position, not explicitly exempted from gambling definitions, yet major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel maintain access for Florida players through skill-based contest models. No enforcement actions have curtailed participation significantly, though some smaller platforms have exited. Legislative efforts for regulation continue without resolution.
Florida Lottery Products
The Florida Lottery offers draw games including Powerball, Mega Millions, Fantasy 5, Cash4Life, plus scratch-offs, fast-play, and instant games. Tickets are sold exclusively at over 13,000 licensed retailers—no online purchases are authorized. The official website provides results, ticket checking, and educational resources.
Bingo and Other Games
Live bingo operates through charitable organizations and commercial halls with prize limits. No state-authorized online bingo exists, though offshore sites accept Florida players under unregulated conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of gambling are available in Florida?
Florida features tribal casinos with slots, table games, and poker; exclusive sports betting via Hard Rock Bet; pari-mutuel horse/dog wagering; the state lottery; and charitable bingo. No commercial or regulated online casinos operate.
Which offshore sites accept Florida residents?
Major offshore platforms, including casinos and sportsbooks, generally accept Florida players, though participation involves unregulated risks and no state consumer protections.
Is intrastate online gambling available in Florida?
No licensed intrastate online gambling sites exist beyond Hard Rock Bet for sports betting; other forms like casinos and poker lack regulation.
Are efforts underway to regulate online gaming in Florida?
Lawmakers periodically introduce iGaming bills, but tribal exclusivity and ongoing legal dynamics have prevented broader expansion as of 2026.