Is Online Gambling Illegal In Florida

• Is Online Gambling Allowed In Florida
• Is Online Gambling Illegal In Florida State
• Is Online Gambling Illegal In Florida Unemployment

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.

While online gambling takes the US by storm (with more and more states reevaluating their anti-gambling laws), Florida seems to be moving in the opposite direction.

• Online Poker in Florida. Like most part of the nation, there is no clear cut answer when it comes to understanding the legality of online Florida poker rooms and online gambling in general. There is no definitive law that addresses online gambling, or specifically online poker.
• In Florida, pari-mutuel wagering is authorized for horse racing, harness horse racing, greyhound racing, jai alai games, and cardroom poker games. Additionally, slot machine gaming at pari-mutuel facilities is authorized in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties.

Currently, Florida does not offer many online gambling options. The state has been historically tough on gambling in general. While state laws don’t explicitly outlaw online gambling, the current state leadership is clear in its bias against online gambling. For now, there are only a few ways you can gamble online and legally in the Sunshine State.

When Will Online Gambling Come To Florida?

At the moment, the online gambling situation in Florida is legally complex. Here we will dive into Florida’s gambling laws so you can better understand the situation.

Current Florida Gambling Laws

The Florida Constitution is the main document that has upheld gambling restrictions in the state. While US Supreme Court decisions and federal laws have their influence, it’s this document that represents the backbone of Florida gambling regulations. Specifically, Chapter 849 deals with gaming laws and enforcement.

Various sections in Chapter 849 ban almost all forms of state casino gambling. However, federal regulations like the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act have allowed Native American tribes to host casino games on their territories. All a tribe has to do in order to set up a casino is sign a gaming compact with the state in which its sovereign reservation is located.

In Florida’s case, the Seminole tribe has a monopoly over most types of casino gaming in Florida. These brick-and-mortar casinos and racinos can exist because they are located on Native American land, which is not subject to Florida state law.

Gambling According To The Florida Constitution

Section 849.08 in the Florida Constitution states that anyone who, “plays or engages in any game at cards, keno, roulette, faro, or other game of chance, at any place, by any device whatsoever, for money or another thing of value, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the 2nd degree”. This clause explicitly spells out that it is forbidden to wager real money in gambling activities or unregulated games of skill in the state.

There is one big exception – jai alai. But the Florida Constitution still prohibits most gambling activities.

Laws About Online Gambling In Florida

Note that the above clause from the Florida Constitution doesn’t explicitly rule out all forms of modern online gambling. That being said, we don’t recommend taking your chances on the basis of nuance, as Florida law has historically been strictly enforced. Ultimately, it’s safe to say that real money online gambling is firmly illegal in Florida at this time.

Requirements For Legal Gambling In Florida

For the few gambling activities that are legal within Florida’s borders, you’ll need to be 18-years-old or 21-years-old (depending on the activity). 18-years-old is the minimum age to enter casinos, lottery, poker rooms, and more. 21-years-old is the minimum age for playing slot games.

Exceptions To Florida Anti-Gambling Laws

Although gambling laws in Florida are highly restrictive, there are several exceptions that have been made and legitimate loopholes that exist.

Florida Cruises That Go Into International Waters

If Florida residents (or visitors) board a cruise that navigates either three miles into the Atlantic Ocean or nine miles toward the Gulf of Mexico, they’ll be in international waters. As soon as they’ve entered international water, Florida state gaming laws no longer apply. This allows them to enjoy all kinds of gambling activities to their heart’s fullest desire.

Naturally, there are places in Florida where you can purchase tickets for these loophole excursions. They’re usually in touristy locations like Miami and Orlando, and the ships are set up for gaming. So, most people will not focus on online gambling during these excursions and instead opt for in-person options.

Florida State Lottery

The lottery is legal in Florida. However, tickets must be purchased in-person from retailers and there aren’t any online options.

Horse And Greyhound Racing In Florida

Horse and greyhound racing are both legal in Florida. That being said, all betting must take place are at specifically licensed facilities.

Live Poker In Florida

Live poker has been legal in Florida since 2001. However, it’s restricted to tribal casinos and certain racetracks. Recent years have seen relaxation of gambling legislation in relation to these activities. In 2010, the state removed the $100 buy-in limit that was in-place previously and extended poker room hours.

Tribal Casinos In Florida

Tribal casinos, as mentioned, are bastions of gambling activities that remain to this day. As soon as you step onto sovereign tribal territory, you can legally access and wager on an online gambling site.

However, the geo-tracking software that many legal US gambling sites use these days may still bar you from participating. They can’t always distinguish between sovereign tribal territory and the borders of your home state.

Social Poker In Florida

Social poker in Florida is a bit different. Legally speaking, you’re allowed to play poker within your own residence. But the game has to be “penny-ante” (not for money or for very small stakes). Indeed, Florida law stipulates that these poker games are limited to $10 per player for both an entire hand and an entire game.

Charitable Gambling In Florida

Florida allows certain gambling activities as long as they are specifically held for the benefit of a non-profit organization. Typical permitted activities include bingo and raffles.

Status Of Online Sports Betting In Florida

The year 2018 was a big year for sports betting across the United States. It saw the Supreme Court declare the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PAPSA) unconstitutional. This decision allowed states to determine their own sports betting laws.

That said, sports betting hasn’t made much progress in Florida. The state, as a whole, is very anti-gambling. However, this isn’t to say that there haven’t been attempts to authorize retail sportsbooks and online sports betting.

Florida Senate Bill (SB) 968 To Make Sports Betting Legal

Introduced in November 2019, SB 968 is the most recent attempt from Florida lawmakers to make sports betting legal in the state. However, this bill faces several roadblocks.

Specifically, Florida voters approved a ballot in 2018 called Amendment 3. This ballot, which was also backed by the Seminole Tribe and the Walt Disney Company, prohibited expanding gambling without a statewide vote.

This basically means that the SB 968, if it does indeed pass, will need to face a statewide vote before it can become law. As a result, online sports betting in Florida isn’t likely to be legalized anytime soon.

There is some hope, though. The Seminole Tribe recently refused to pay the Florida government over $300 million in fees over a business dispute. So, the state may need additional tax income both for general operation and coronavirus relief. By allowing sports betting, Florida could follow the example of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and reap the revenue benefits of gambling taxes.

Perhaps, in the future, Florida will change its attitude toward gambling and elect more progressive-minded lawmakers.

Florida Jai Alai Sports Betting

Betting on jai alai, a traditional basque sport, is actually legal in Florida. However, the sport is very niche, and it is unlikely that you will find an jai alai organization that offers online betting.

Status Of Online Casinos In Florida

Online casinos are not legal in Florida. In 2014, Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed House Bill (HB) 155, which made sweepstakes internet cafes illegal in the state. The bill explicitly targeted cafes that provide rewards through the exchange of Sweeps Coins.

Today, Florida politicians continue to equate sweepstakes gambling with real money gambling. For that reason, it seems unlikely that Florida will legalize online casino gambling anytime soon.

Status Of Online Poker In Florida

Although it is not explicitly prohibited in the Florida Constitution, poker is still essentially illegal. While many people consider poker to be more skill-based than luck-based, Florida law enforcement doesn’t agree.

Florida Online Gambling In Summary

All in all, online gambling in Florida is both illegal and in a tenuous position. Florida law enforcement doesn’t regularly hunt down people who participate in online gambling. The law doesn’t explicitly forbid online gambling on paper.

However, the general understanding in Florida is that online gambling is illegal. As such, there aren’t any legal state operators at this time aside from a few niche exceptions.

What Online Gambling Options Are Allowed in Florida Today?

Despite all the aforementioned restrictions, there are still some options available if players want to participate in online gambling. Many of these options involve the sweepstakes betting model.

Instead of betting real money, players receive Sweeps Coins for signing up and participating in promotions. Players can also obtain Sweeps Coins as a gift with the purchase of a Gold Coins package. Sweeps Coins are the currency for sweepstakes games, and can be exchanged for real prizes.

Ultimately, the sweepstakes model serves as a legal alternative to real money gambling, allowing players to earn real prizes (that can include real money) in a roundabout way.

Sweepstakes Poker Sites In Florida

One of the best options for online poker in Florida is Global Poker. The sweepstakes website is active 24 hours daily, allowing players to enjoy poker against live opponents around the clock.

Global Poker can be accessed on any desktop browser. It offers a variety of poker games (including No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em), although falls short of the number offered at a brick-and-mortar casino.

A variety of tournaments and poker games of different limits are open for players. These games range from multi-table tournaments to “Sit N’ Gos”. The platform is pretty stable, and players shouldn’t expect any service interruptions or digital downsides.

Signing up for Global Poker is pretty quick and easy. Not a lot of personal information is required until it becomes time to cash out.

Players can purchase Gold Coins and earn Sweeps Coins through a variety of methods. In most cases, they will receive free Sweeps Coins by purchasing Gold Coins with debit cards or other payment options.

Sweepstakes Casinos In Florida

Sweepstakes casinos are a legal alternative to online casino gambling. These are still totally legal in Florida but shouldn’t be played at sweepstakes Internet cafés. These locations have been targeted by law enforcement, so you’re better off partaking in these gambling activities at home.

Chumba Casino

Of the available sweepstakes options, Chumba Casino is a great pick. New players will immediately benefit from a package of free Sweeps Coins upon sign up. Sweeps Coins winnings can later be exchanged for real prizes.

Chumba Casino also provides a regular spread of promotions and opportunities to earn Sweeps Coins. Players will be able to earn plenty of coins without spending too much cash. Email offers, daily competitions, and long-term promotions all combine to flood players’ account with enough Sweeps Coins to last a while.

The website is pretty easy to use and navigate. It has a large game catalog that can be browsed on a single screen. While Chumba Casino doesn’t currently offer a mobile app, the browser-based interface is fine for most folks’ needs. However, players who wish to browse and play games using their smartphones can still do so, as the website is optimized for mobile.

Chumba Casino offers 36 games, two of which are card games: Blackjack and Jacks or Better. The rest are slots games, including three progressive jackpot slots that can pool into big cash out prizes.

LuckyLand Slots

If you’re more of a slots fan, you can try out LuckyLand Slots. This online casino also uses a sweepstakes model, and Sweeps Coins are gifted with the purchase of Gold Coin bundles. Additional Sweeps Coins can be earned through social media competitions and promotions.

Although LuckyLand is most accessible through its browser interface, it also offers an Android mobile app. Note that anyone using the browser interface will need to download an additional client to play games on display. This allows the games to show off their fancy 3-D graphics in all their glory and keeps each game experience smooth and lag-free.

The game variety at LuckyLand is decent, offering 26 original slot games. All told, this casino is a great option for people who prefer slots.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) In Florida

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are a legal gray area in Florida. The fact of the matter is that daily fantasy sport sites have been operating within Florida borders for years. There haven’t been any big crackdown on their activities or any concerted effort from the government to shut them down.

Since DFS straddles the line between an activity of skill and chance, they cannot clearly fall into Florida’s definition of gambling. Unlike poker, federal laws haven’t really boxed daily fantasy sports into activities of chance. The argument is that the success at DFS hinges on knowledge of real athlete’s statistics.

For now, Floridians can enjoy daily fantasy sports with two major online DFS providers: DraftKings and Monkey Knife Fight.

DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports

DraftKings is easily one of the most well-known DFS providers, offering an excellent app for both iOS and Android. They’re also a great pick for new players thanks to several sign-up promotions and bonuses.

The popularity of the provider also makes it easy to find people to wager with at any time of the day or week. It offers several different withdrawal and deposit methods.

Innovative features and a huge variety of wager types helps DraftKings stand out among competitors. All kinds of players will find something to like here, whether its moment to moment action or long-term, season bets.

DraftKings offers wagering on these sports:

• NBA
• NFL
• NHL
• MLB
• MLS
• PGA
• NASCAR
• MMA
• eSports

Monkey Knife Fight (MKF) Daily Fantasy Sports

MKF is a newer face in the DFS sphere, but it’s a worthwhile competitor. The platform offers cash games and tournaments, and new players, of course, receive deposit bonuses.

The website is pretty easy to navigate, as there’s a single sidebar you can use for all your major controls or account destinations. Switching sports, contests, or betting types can be done with just a few clicks. Unfortunately, there isn’t a mobile app at this time, but the main website is already optimized for mobile.

Depositing is made easy, as you can use any major credit card. There is a minimum deposit requirement of $10.

The only real downside to using their platform over DraftKings is that it doesn’t offer nearly as many sports on which to wager. Currently, it offers:

• NBA
• NHL
• MLB
• PGA
• Football (Coming soon.)

Overall, Monkey Knife Fight is a great option for anyone who has already used DraftKings and is looking for something a little fresher.

Betting On Horse Races In Florida

Unfortunately, live horse and greyhound racing are on their way out in Florida as of 2018. Amendment 13 outlaws these activities at in-person Florida establishments.

However, online horse and greyhound racing will not be affected. The amendment only bans wagers from being placed on races held within Florida borders. So, online providers are still set.

TVG Online Horse And Greyhound Racing Website

TVG is perhaps the most well-known and best online betting platform for horse and greyhound racing. It provides coverage for horse races at over 150 tracks around the world. 24/7 action isn’t hard to find through its multiple streams.

In fact, it even provides an additional channel called TVG2. After setting up an account at TVG, you’ll get access to both channels. This means you’ll be able to participate in horse race and greyhound race betting immediately.

The platform comes with a user friendly interface that’s easy to navigate and provides you with streaming tools so you can locate your favorite race in just a few clicks. You’ll be able to make bets of multiple types, and even a few exotic wagers. Specialty wagering options at TVG are open to all account holders, although these options may be specific to certain tracks and operators.

Signing up for an account with TVG takes only a few minutes. If you’re a new player, you’ll benefit from certain bonuses like loss-free bets up to $300. Or, if you join through certain promotional campaigns, you might even earn a $1,000 bankroll. Look out for other promotions, which can include prizes into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Depositing money to TVG is easy as the site accepts multiple payment methods. Some of these methods are free while others charge a small fee. The same concept applies for withdrawals.

Ultimately, TVG is a great way to enjoy online horse race and greyhound race betting in Florida. These sports may be on their way out the door in the real, brick-and-mortar world, but not online.

Online Lottery Options In Florida

Florida provides three main lottery options: the Florida Lottery and the intrastate games Mega Millions and Powerball. The Florida Lottery is mostly made up of draw games that can be monitored using the main Florida Lottery site.

Unfortunately, Florida doesn’t sell any lottery tickets online. It also doesn’t provide a lottery subscription service. Unlike states like New York, it doesn’t even provide a way for you to track your lottery chances or wins through an app.

Currently, you can only participate in the lottery in Florida by purchasing tickets in-person at retail locations.

Live Sports Betting In Florida

Floridians have a single live sports betting option within their borders: jai alai. Jai alai is a sport primarily played in Spain, the southwest of France, and Latin American countries. It involves bouncing a ball off of a walled space using a handheld wicker device called a cesta.

Jai alai first came to Florida in Miami during the 1920s. Florida possesses a warm climate, and immigrants from Latin America, Spain, and the Caribbean all congregated in the state to avoid cold winters. The 1950s saw the sport boom in Florida, and fronton courts were built soon after.

The 1960s and 70s saw Florida relax some of its gambling laws relating to jai alai in order to enjoy more income. However, jai alai eventually began to decline in popularity. It’s now almost gone everywhere, but you can still find games in Florida. These are kept around mostly so that fronton owners can keep real money poker games and slot machines on their property. So long as jai alai is offered, the establishment falls under those relaxed gambling laws and isn’t doing anything illegal.

This means you can participate in live sports betting at any jai alai fronton. However, you’re limited to placing bets on jai alai itself. Other sports are, of course, not offered. So it’s really only good if you’re a fan of jai alai.

What’s Holding Florida Back From Legalizing Online Gambling?

Is Online Gambling Allowed In Florida

Online gambling legislation is rapidly changing all across the country. While Florida has somewhat relaxed its gambling laws over the years, it is still behind the times.

Florida is dragging its feet when it comes to gambling legalization for a few interesting reasons:

• Big companies like the Walt Disney Corporation have a ton of sway when it comes to Florida politics and building arrangements. Disney has opposed the legalization of gambling in Florida, as it likely wants to preserve Florida’s image as a family-friendly state for as long as possible. It has an interest in maintaining this image, as Florida is home to several major facilities including its biggest theme park, Walt Disney World.
• Florida also has a very high population of retirees and generally elderly people. These folks tend to be more conservative than average and are more likely to hold rigid beliefs about the morality and legality of gambling. This makes it difficult for legislators who want to legalize online gambling to drum up support from the general Florida population.

However, no one can deny that legalizing online gambling is a proven method for increasing state revenue. States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York have driven that point home. Perhaps, in the future, the people of Florida will see these benefits and minds will change regarding online gambling.

Legal Online Gambling In Florida FAQ

Are there legal online casinos in Florida?

You can play at online casinos in Florida as long as they operate according to a sweepstakes model. It is illegal to wager with real money or provide prizes directly. Sweepstakes casinos technically get around this limitation by offering you Sweeps Coins, which you can exchange indirectly to earn real prizes.

The only way you can participate in real money online casino gambling in Florida is if you head out into international waters. Some websites, which identify users’ whereabouts with geolocation software, may still identify you as in Florida. However, many will recognize that you are no longer within state lines.

Are there any online sportsbooks that operate legally in Florida?

At this time, there are no online sportsbooks legally operating within Florida borders. To participate, you will have to leave the state or venture into international waters.

What are some states close to Florida that offer legal online sports betting?

Delaware, Rhode Island, and Mississippi are the geographically closest states to Florida that allow legal online sports betting. Florida is in something of a gambling dry spot compared to other states in the union.

Washington, DC recently passed legislation that may lead to the legalization of online sports betting. This would make Washington, DC the territory closest to Florida for you to get your online sports betting fix. Until then, Mississippi and Delaware are your closest options.

Can I legally play DraftKings in Florida?

Yes. However, you may only use the DraftKings app for daily fantasy sports and may not legally engage with the sportsbook feature.

Can I legally play FanDuel in Florida?

Like DraftKings, you may use the FanDuel app for daily fantasy sports. However, you may not legally use it for other sports betting activities.

Will Florida legalize any kind of online gambling this year?

No. Florida has actually taken steps backward in terms of legalizing online gambling. The state is continuing to target Internet gambling sweepstakes cafés and the current governor is markedly anti-online gambling. It’s unlikely that things will change until there’s a demographic shift in both voting populations and state leadership.

Can I play games at Chumba Casino in Florida?

Yes. Chumba Casino uses a sweepstakes model for its casino games, so it’s totally legal to play online.

Can I play games at Global Poker in Florida?

Yes. Since Global Poker also operates with a sweepstakes model, you’re not breaking any laws by participating.

The legality of sports betting for our Florida residents is frequently debated, particularly due to the rise and popularity of Internet-based offshore sportsbooks that nominally fall into a gray area of US legal jurisdiction. The lack of accurate information surrounding online sports gambling in Florida can be disconcerting and even off-putting to potential players, but that doesn’t need to be the case, because once you understand the ins and outs of FL sports betting law, you’ll be able to place your wagers with confidence.

If it seems daunting to navigate all the state and federal laws surrounding sports betting in FL, don’t worry – it’s not. The laws and rules are fairly straightforward when it comes to betting on sports in the Sunshine State, and once you know what to look for, you’ll be able to wager safely and with peace of mind, no matter where you are in the state.

Betting On The NFL In Florida

Those from Florida know how big football is to the state, and with three NFL franchises spread throughout the area, there are millions of fans rooting for their team on Sunday. Whether you root for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, or Jacksonville Jaguars there is plenty of passion throughout the state. The only thing better than rooting for your favorite team on Sunday is betting on them. While Florida does not have state-sponsored forms of gambling yet, there are still ways to bet on your NFL team. The international online sportsbooks we feature on this site are by far the easiest and most efficient way to bet on the NFL in Florida. These sites have game lines, player props, futures odds, and anything else that an NFL bettor would need to succeed. Be sure to check them out the next time you are looking to bet on pro football in Florida.

Legal Sports Betting Sites Accepting Florida Residents

While there are many legal sports betting sites accepting Florida residents out there, they are definitely not all created equal. If you’re going to risk your hard-earned money to place bets on your favorite players and teams at an online, offshore sportsbook, you owe it to yourself (and your bankroll) to make sure you pick only the most reputable Florida sportsbook service providers.

With decades of experience serving the Sunshine State, sportsbooks like Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting, and other top books (BetDSI, 5Dimes, BookMaker, etc.) are always your best bets to finding and placing winning wagers on their robust, comprehensive betting boards.

Bovada - Live Betting On Football, Basketball, Baseball, Etc

The Sunshine State has a lot to offer those who live there, with its great weather, sunny vistas, and sandy beaches. Even better, Bovada – the state’s top online sportsbook – lets you enjoy the tropical outdoors while you wager on your favorite sports matchups. Thanks to Bovada’s top-of-the-line, industry-leading mobile sportsbook portal, you can put money on sporting events no matter where in the state you happen to be.

One of the top reasons to go with Bovada as a Florida player is the betting odds that are available on their always-updated betting boards. After all, options are important, as most FL bettors aren’t strictly going to bet on their local home teams. So, while all of the Florida teams are represented at Bovada, all of the other professional and amateur US teams of note are also on their boards, with international wagering options to choose from as well as sports like soccer, rugby, cricket, and more. New FL residents signing up at Bovada today can even get a generous, low-rollover $250 Welcome Bonus to pad their online betting accounts.

BetOnline - Features Live Dealer Casino + Poker

Florida isn’t the cheapest place in America to call home, but there’s no state income tax, so that’s a huge draw for residents of all age groups. After all, in the current economy, saving as much money as possible while enjoying a casual lifestyle is more important than ever. BetOnline also believes in this philosophy and it can be seen by how they give away so many free-play bonuses. Anyone living in Florida that signs up for free at BetOnline will be able to qualify for their lifetime bonus. Just enter the promo code LIFEBONUS on every qualifying deposit and earn up to 25% on top of your deposit.

In addition to reload bonuses, BetOnline offers several other valuable perks for both new and returning members. And while their sportsbook is the site’s number-one draw, it’s definitely not the only way to gamble at BetOnline. BetOnline features a fully-fledged, Vegas-style live dealer casino, a popular online poker lounge, dozens of table games, hundreds of digital slots, and a thorough international Thoroughbred racebook.

SportsBetting - Spread + Over/Under Can Be Wagered

The hottest betting odds – and highest betting limits – await Florida sports bettors at SportsBetting. With action on just about every national and international sport, this betting site is considered the go-to sportsbook for Florida high rollers. However, with the most deposit and withdrawal options of any FL sportsbook, SportsBetting is just as well suited to the gambling novice as to the wily old vet.

SportsBetting accepts both traditional and alternative payment options, from credit cards, debit cards, and bank wires to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, and DASH. Even better, all of these financial options carry high deposit and withdrawal limits at SportsBetting, meaning that – no matter how much money you have to wager – you can load up your SportsBetting account in a hurry. As with most other sites, SportsBetting.ag also offers new and returning FL customers plenty of valuable bonuses and perks to keep them coming back for more.

MyBookie - Top Sportsbook for Florida Wagering

MyBookie is an excellent online sportsbook for all of your Florida betting needs, which means that it is a top tier sportsbook full stop. At MyBookie, you can place all the wagers you need, no matter what. MyBookie’s sportsbook offerings extend past Dolphins moneylines, Jaguars spreads or Bucs Over/Unders, and well into the esoteric. If you want to bet on the presidential election, you can! If you want to bet on whether or not Lizzo will wear a thong to the Super Bowl, you can!

MyBookie also increases betting access by offering both mobile betting and live betting. Mobile betting and live betting go together like peanut butter and jelly, and they work in concert to provide bettors with access to betting at all hours of the day, even after the game has started. Overall, MyBookie is an excellent sportsbook, and well worth engaging with.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Florida?

Sports betting legality in Florida is a tricky thing on the surface. There are no laws explicitly banning the activity, but there are also no regulatory laws allowing it, either. That said, laws in the US are based on what is prohibited, not on what is allowed. As such, you can assume – rightfully so – that sports betting is in fact allowed in the state. In other words, FL residents can freely wager on athletics without fear of government reprisal, provided they use a reputable online sportsbook.

Whether you're simply betting for your favorite team like the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Rays, Florida Panthers, Miami Hurricanes, FSU Seminoles, UF Gators, Tampa Bay Bucs, or even theJacksonville Jaguars, you can do so without worrying about governmental repercussions of any kind. To add to that, by using an online sportsbook instead of a shady local bookie, you know the lines on top local teams will be unweighted (i.e. have reasonable vigs, or house takes) and that your winning payouts are always guaranteed.

Best Banking Methods At Legal Florida Sports Betting Sites

All of the top sportsbooks serving FL have similar – but not necessarily identical – payment options for deposits and withdrawals. However, the best banking methods at legal Florida sports betting sites are fairly universal between them, and it comes down to exactly how much and how soon you wish to bet. If you need to place your bets right away and have to load up your online sportsbook account ASAP, credit or debit charges process instantly.

Be warned, however, that credit/debit payments carry lower transfer limits than some bigger bettors like. In their cases, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (accepted everywhere, with different books accepting different altcoins as well) are superior, given that they process the same day and carry the highest limits of all options at most books. However, some folks prefer to deposit and withdraw their funds via older, more traditional methods like check, bank wire, or money order.

In these cases, the limits are often quite high, but the associated processing times (1-2 weeks) and added fees make them more expensive options than Bitcoin and other altcoins like Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, DASH, Cardano (ADA) and other methods (where accepted).

Mobile Online Sports Betting In Florida

Mobile online sports betting in Florida is the wave of the future, and – once the state institutes a sports betting law and local sportsbooks open for business – you will shortly thereafter likely be able to use their online portals via your mobile phone or tablet to wager from anywhere inside the state. Additionally, with legalization, it is likely you will eventually be able to download official iPhone apps and Android apps for your Florida sports betting facility of choice.

However, any mobile web portal or app-based sports betting solution from an FL-based sportsbook will be geo-fenced, meaning that you will always have to physically be inside the state of Florida to place your wagers.

Right now, with offshore sportsbooks already being online and operational for Florida sports bettors, you can use your iPhone, iPad, or Android device to wager at Bovada, SportsBetting, BetOnline, and all the other top legal books serving FL residents. Another advantage of using these overseas sportsbooks is that they are not geo-fenced, meaning that FL residents who sign up for these services can continue to use them even when they are outside of FL’s borders. Each one of these sites is optimized for mobile browsers and some even have apps that you can download straight from their site.

Florida Sports Betting Laws

There are actually no current Florida sports betting laws to speak of, as the state has traditionally relied on the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992) to govern their gambling laws in the athletic arena. Now that PASPA has been overturned by the Supreme Court, however, the FL legislature will have to institute its own sports betting regulations and licensing schemes before any physical brick-and-mortar or online facility in the state can offer sports betting inside FL’s borders.

That said, there is a passage in FL law that could be construed to be a nominal sports betting ban. Florida Statutes 849.14 states the following:

“Whoever stakes, bets or wagers any money or other things of value upon the result of any trial or contest of skill, speed or power or endurance of human or beast...shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree...”

Of course, there are plenty of semantic technicalities in the above statement that effectively ban this “ban” from being an effective ban. As such, though the state sees some 3-4 million residents turn a sports betting handle of roughly $12 billion each year, not one single person has ever been arrested, fined, imprisoned, or otherwise harassed by the FL government for placing a sports bet locally or over the Internet at a legal online offshore sportsbook.

When Will Florida Offer Legal Sports Betting In-State?

With voters getting the final say on this decision on sports betting, there may be some time until we see legalize sports betting in Florida. Because of this, voters will have their final decision and even if the bill is being passed they could vote against it and that means that it can take longer than the need to legalize sports betting in Florida. With voters being on the fence and amendment 3 being passed on a recent ballot, land-based sports betting won't be legal anytime soon. This will probably take some time and maybe in the year 2022, we will finally see land-based sports betting in the state of Florida. Online sportsbooks will be the way to go for a while for most players until this problem gets resolved. With many online sportsbooks already set up and having no legal repercussions towards them, most bettors will gear towards them in the meantime.

Legal Gambling Age For Florida Residents

The State of Florida is fairly progressive when it comes to gambling, with some types of gambling available as soon as you turn 18. For wagering on sports online, however, it’s advisable (but by no means mandatory) that you be at least 21 years of age in order to participate. When land-based sportsbooks open in FL now that PASPA has been overturned, however, those facilities will likely require their participants to be 21 or older.

What Cities In Florida Have Sportsbooks?

Currently, no cities in Florida have sportsbooks to offer the gaming public. However, there are a number of potential locations for land-based sports betting in Florida once the state passes formal sports wagering regulations, and though it’s not a sure thing that each of the possible venues will open their own sportsbooks, the majority of them likely will.

These locations include the following, in order of their likelihood to offer sports betting upon formal legalization by the state (with Tampa and Hollywood being first up, as they’re home to the state’s two largest casinos, both of which are Seminole Hard Rock properties):

• Hallandale Beach, FL
• Okeechobee, FL
• Immokalee, FL
• Pompano Beach, FL
• Dania Beach, FL
• Coconut Creek, FL
• Miami, FL
• Fort Lauderdale, FL

In addition to the casinos listed above, there are also various card rooms and pari-mutuel facilities scattered around Florida. Whether or not these will be included in the sports betting movement going forward remains to be seen, and much of that will depend on how the sportsbook taxation and application/licensing fees are established by the Florida state government.

Is Online Gambling Illegal In Florida State

Florida Sports Betting FAQs

What is live betting?

Live betting, also called in-game wagering, is a recent development from various online sportsbook providers that allows bettors to wager on sports as the contests themselves unfold in real-time. Thanks to mobile devices with persistent internet connections, it’s easier than ever to participate in live betting, adding thousands of daily chances to win to your standard sports betting docket.

What are the consequences of wagering on sports over the Internet under the age of 18?

All of the top online FL sportsbooks only require their customers to be 18 years old or older to use their services, including all of their casino games and racebook options. However, once you attempt to claim your funds, you will have to provide proof of your identity. If you are underage, or if you signed up underage and since turned 18, your account will be terminated and your winnings – and account balance – will be forfeited. However, in order to remain safest, we recommend that you wait until you are 21 to start using these sites. The reason being is that it is the highest required gambling age in the state of Florida and ensures that you can properly avoid any possible trouble with the state down the line.

How can I fund my online sports betting account if my credit card fails to process?

There are numerous alternate methods via which you can fund your Florida sports betting account if your credit card fails to process. For rapid transfers, however, cryptocurrency is the only viable alternative to card payments, as other options (money orders, bank wires, etc.) can take up to 14 days to process and show up in your sportsbook wallet. Seeing as how Florida has sports teams in every major sport, there is always an event happening at some point in the year and those 14 days could mean the difference in cashing in on a game and not.

Do I have to pay to sign up with an online sports betting site?

No, you never have to pay to sign up with an online sports betting site. If you ever come across any sportsbook that requires this, avoid them, as they are almost certainly untrustworthy and may be outright scams. The top online offshore sportsbook sites that accept Florida residents are free to join and many of them actually offer a welcome bonus. This will give an extra cushion for when you want to bet on the Dolphins or other teams for the first time.

Do I have to pay taxes on my online Florida sportsbook winnings?

Is Online Gambling Illegal In Florida Unemployment

Yes, you have to pay taxes on your online Florida sportsbook winnings. The requisite government forms and instructional overviews are available here. While this may seem like an annoying process to do, it is the best way to remain safe from any penalties in the future. Florida also does not have a state income tax which is one less expense you have to worry about when filing your taxes.

Is online sports betting a federal offense?

No, at least not with offshore sportsbooks. The Wire Act is the only federal law in place that has something to do with online sports betting and it only prohibits people in one state from using an online sportsbook housed in another state. For example, if you were enjoying a day in South Beach and wanted to place a sports bet, you can’t use one housed in New Jersey. However, the law has no jurisdiction over the operations of sports betting sites located in other countries or users of these sites.

How do I join a legal Florida sports betting site?

In order to join a legal Florida sports betting site, you simply have to enter your name and some basic personal information into your betting site of choice’s automatic membership portal. This is no different than, say, signing up for a Netflix or Amazon account, and your personal information is secured with state-of-the-art encryption. Even better, the whole process only takes about five minutes or less! You could sign up for one in less time than it would take to arrives at one of Florida’s sandy beaches.

When a Florida sports betting site payout is transferred via check, do I have to do anything special with it?

No. However, due to the nature of overseas checks of this sort, it is advisable that you do not attempt to cash the check immediately, as on rare occasions, such checks need additional time to clear. Simply deposit your check into your bank account, and then once it clears, you can draw it out as cash at your convenience. This applies to any bank you use or any Florida credit union you may be apart of.