Ready to explore the Florida online casino scene? Despite being a hotspot for tourists and nightlife, Florida’s online casino laws can seem as tangled as a tourist’s first attempt at salsa dancing. This article aims to straighten out those complications, focusing on the best legal game options available in Florida!
As we delve into what makes Florida’s online casinos tick, you’ll discover how and where to play when you’re a Florida resident! So, let’s find out about Florida online gambling options.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- You’ll know where to legally play online casino games as a US resident of Florida.
- For the best, gaming offers, sign up at one of our top 5 Sweepstakes casinos in Florida.
Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in Florida?
Is betting in a real money legal online casino legal in Florida? No, real money online casinos remains illegal in Florida. But you have other options!
Currently, only retail gambling is legal in the Sunshine State on approved tribal lands at Seminole casinos, counting up to seven tribal casinos in total, but that doesn’t count for online casinos.
Online players can engage at social casinos. These online venues mimic the thrill of a regular online casino by offering slots and table games, but instead of cashing out real money, players win prizes and play with virtual coins.
According to legal experts and the Florida Gaming Control Commission, these social casinos are perfectly above board by working around their rules on what constitutes an illegal facility, quoting the Gaming Commission’s FAQ:
Some red flags that may indicate an illegal gambling operation include:
- Devices that appear to be slot machines at any facility outside of Miami-Dade or Broward County, or outside of facilities operated by certain Indian tribes on tribal land.
- Devices missing a visible FGCC license or registration information.
- Devices awarding cash prizes.
- Devices that do not appear to have any oversight or regulation, and a facility offering sports betting.
While not directly quoted, offshore online casinos are also considered illegal by Florida law.
So, while you might not be able to stake real cash, you can still experience the casino buzz legally with a welcome bonus to play popular casino games like a champ. Ready to hit the jackpot in legal knowledge for the best online experiences?
Our Top 5 Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Florida
The best sweepstakes online casinos in Florida offer a legal way to enjoy online casino games without real money betting. Let’s check our favorite 5 sweepstakes casinos available for players located in Florida!
WOW Vegas Casino in Florida
WOW Vegas Casino is a top choice for sweepstakes players in Florida, offering up to 250,000 WOW Coins and 5 Free Sweepstakes Coins as a welcome offer. Its extensive game library and excellent user experience make it stand out. Using Sweepstakes Coins to claim prizes feels like playing in a real casino.
→ My favorite game at WOW Vegas Casino Florida is Lobster Bob’s Crazy Crab Shack by Pragmatic Play. This slot game, with a 96.03% RTP, brings back nostalgic memories of playing flash games as a teenager.
Fortune Coins in Florida
Fortune Coins Casino is a leading sweepstakes casino in Florida, offering a generous welcome bonus of up to 1,230,000 GC (Gold Coins) and 3,900 FC (Fortune Coins). This allows new players to explore a vast selection of games and claim prizes quickly.
The casino’s appeal goes beyond the bonus, with a wide variety of online slots and table games that cater to diverse players. Combining traditional online casino excitement with sweepstakes legality, Fortune Coins is a standout in Florida’s gaming scene.
→ I love their “fish table” games, especially KA Gaming’s Space Cowboy. This 80s space opera-themed shooter offers a nostalgic twist with a 96% RTP, perfect for fans of classic games.
High 5 Casino in Florida
High 5 Casino is a top pick for sweepstakes enthusiasts in Florida, offering a rich variety of online slot games and a compelling welcome bonus. New users receive 250 Game Coins, 5 Sweeps Coins, and 600 Diamonds, which can be redeemed for real-life gift cards and other rewards.
→ For a mix of thrill and strategy, High 5 Casino’s in-house team created Lavish Lifestyles. This 80s high-life-themed slot game, with a 96% RTP, is both entertaining and nostalgic, making me feel like I’m on an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.
Golden Hearts Games in Florida
Golden Hearts Games is a unique online gaming site for Florida residents, blending entertainment with philanthropy by donating a portion of its proceeds to various charities. New players receive 5,000 free coins, making it easy to start playing right away.
→ A notable game at Golden Hearts Games is Scratch Poker, which is similar to scratching off lottery tickets found in convenience stores. While the RTP isn’t disclosed, the game offers an addictive experience akin to scratching off lottery tickets.
Sweeptastic Casino in Florida
For Florida online gambling, another great choice is Sweeptastic. It attracts local players with an exciting array of games and a generous welcome bonus, including free coins and access to beginner contests. The contests are a major draw, and it’s easy to earn loyalty points with their straightforward program.
→ One of my top game choices at Sweeptastic is Plinko Rush. This game combines elements of Peggle, Pachinko, and The Price is Right, making it thrilling to watch the ball drop and hope for a big multiplier. BetSoft nailed it with a killer 96.27% RTP.
Want to Bet Real Money? Our Top 3 Land-Based Casinos in Florida
When it comes to in-person real money gambling, casino players will need to head to Florida’s multiple tribal casinos for legal gambling. Not sure where to find them? Check the official Florida Gaming Commission’s Gaming Locations Map.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood
The guitar-shaped Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, is a sight to behold; that’s the truth! At the heart of the attraction is the casino floor, sprawling with a vast array of slot machines, table games, and high-stakes poker rooms that cater to all levels of gamblers. Beyond gambling, the resort offers a slew of amenities and activities that you’d expect in Vegas.
Whether you’re a slot enthusiast, a poker pro, or a fan of table games like blackjack and roulette, there’s something for every type of player to enjoy. Plus, the casino features state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge design, creating an immersive gaming environment that’s second to none.
Rachel Sedeno, Google Review
- Address: 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
- Phone Number: (866) 502-7529
- Website: seminolehardrockhollywood.com
- Opening Hours: 24 Hours
- Review on Google: 4.5/5
Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in Hallandale Beach
Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in Hallandale Beach is the go-to spot for gaming and horse racing fans alike. Famous for its iconic racetrack, Gulfstream Park is where top horse racing events like the Florida Derby happen. The place is buzzing with the excitement of live horse races combined with a cool casino vibe, packed with loads of slot machines, electronic table games, and poker rooms.
From the moment you step into Gulfstream, you’re met with a unique blend of excitement and charm. The casino is beautifully designed, well-lit, and clean, making you feel both comfortable and intrigued. The range of games is vast and caters to all preferences, from the modern and high-tech slot machines to traditional table games.
Danny Onate, Google Review
- Address: 901 S Federal Hwy, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
- Phone Number: (954) 457-6550
- Website: gulfstreampark.com
- Review on Google: 4.2/5
- Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM / 3:00 AM (Next Day)
- Friday – Sunday: 10:00 AM / 4:00 AM (Next Day)
Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center in Miami
As a lover of history, I have to point out that one of the standout reasons for visiting the Miccosukee Resort is the nearby village museum. This blend of exciting casino action and cultural outreach makes the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center a must-visit destination in Florida.
The Miccosukee offers more than just a chance to play, but an opportunity to appreciate just where the tribe has come from to leading the gaming industry in the state of Florida.
This casino has been renovated, it has a lot of new slot machines, a nice bar, and they make the best coffee ever in the cafeteria. The slot machines are loose, and you can win some money and enjoy the environment.
But don’t forget to only spend what you can afford to lose, and never forget that casinos are for entertainment only and not to become rich.
Nestor Lopez, Google Review
- Address: 500 SW 177th Ave, Miami, FL 33194
- Phone Number: 305-925-2555
- Website: miccosukee.com
- Opening Hours: 24 Hours
- Review on Google: 4/5
How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Florida?
Thankfully, declaring taxable winnings in Florida involves a straightforward process. If you have won a prize or money from gambling in Florida, you need to report these winnings on your federal income tax return. This includes winnings from both land-based and online casinos.
Come tax time, you should receive a Form W-2G from the casino (social, online, or retail) that paid out your winnings if the amount meets certain thresholds. Remember to keep detailed records of your winnings and losses, as these can be important for tax purposes if the IRS or your state tax agency asks about your winnings!
For specific guidance and ensuring compliance with state regulations, refer to the Florida Department of Revenue’s website.
Other Legal Gambling Activities in Florida
When talking about Florida online casino legality, we also need to talk about sports betting in Florida.
Sports wagering through a sportsbook is permitted in Florida, and the legal age for betting is 21. Following an initial hiccup in 2021 and legal disputes over a gaming agreement that allowed for statewide sports betting, online betting in Florida was reinitiated on November 7, 2023. In-person betting started in December of the same year. It has been a bumpy road, but you’re good to sports bet!
Both online sports betting and sportsbooks are legal in the state. Outside sportsbooks, you’ll find other legal forms of gambling, including:
- Horse betting: Betting on horse races at gambling age 18 and over. (Horse races lump in any form of parimutuel betting.)
- Lottery: Playing the state lottery.
- Bingo & Poker: Playing bingo and card games like Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and other variations of poker at authorized non-casino facilities. Tournaments are legal as well!
By the way, if you know anyone struggling with responsible gambling, please know there is help available through the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling.
History of Gambling in Florida
When it comes to legal online gambling in Florida we may hit a roadblock, the laws surrounding Florida players at in-person facilities. The history is much more a back-and-forth affair between the state government, small-time gambling dens, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the current leader of Florida gambling.
- 1931 — Horse and dog racing legalized: Florida legislature approves by one vote; Governor Doyle Carlton’s veto overridden.
- 1935 — Slot machines legalized: Expands gambling options, briefly increasing the state of Florida’s gambling venues. By 1937, slot machines were made illegal again.
- 1970 — Bingo legalized.
- 1978 and 1986 — Full-scale casino gambling amendments rejected: Florida voters twice reject amendments for full-scale casino gambling, showing reluctance towards expanding gambling.
- 1988 —Indian Gaming Regulatory Act enables tribal casinos: The Seminole tribe begins to offer video lottery and other casino games under new federal regulations.
- 1989 —Penny-ante poker games legalized in private homes: Legalizes small stakes poker games on tribal land, further expanding legal gambling activities.
- 2000 — Seminole Casino Coconut Creek Opens: Four years before the Hard Rock, Coconut Creek was opened as a casino offering 900 slot machines to the gambling public as a teaser of what was to come.
- 2004 — Slot machines approved in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties: Voters approve amendment allowing slots at certain parimutuel facilities, increasing gambling site options. This also allows tribal casinos the blanket right to install slot machines within their territories.
- 2010 —Exclusive gambling rights granted to the Seminole Tribe: Governor Crist’s compact with the Seminole Tribe limits the expansion of certain types of gambling in exchange for a one-billion-dollar payment to the state.
It also ensures that nearly carte blanche all casinos in the state will be operated by the Seminole tribe and nearly entirely promise to shut out online casino gambling or players using offshore casinos to gamble online.
What’s Next for Florida Online Casinos?
As an important source of revenue for both the Seminole Tribe and the State — and even the Tribe’s competitors — the 2021 compact serves the public interest and has been upheld in federal court.
DeSantis Team Attorneys
This is what DeSantis team attorneys said while arguing for the legality of sportsbooks across the state in court, not just on tribal land. It seems like, even with this southern state’s conservative leanings, their lawmaking bodies are keen to embrace casino gambling alongside amusement parks and spring break.
It is likely we’ll see more progressive gambling legislation coming up over the course of the next ten years, especially as terms with the Seminole tribe in the original agreements with the state begin to expire.
So, Will You Bet from Florida Tonight?
While direct gambling with real money isn’t legal in Florida, sweepstakes casinos provide a legitimate alternative. This insight allows you to legally enjoy your casino experience in Florida by registering in a reliable sweepstakes casino.
Are you curious about how other states regulate online gambling? To get your answers, visit our page and find all the US states that allow online casinos.