Is gambling legal in Florida?

Florida is a good example of how a large state can still be rather hesitant about what gambling it allows locally. Right now, gambling in the state is highly regulated, with only a couple of counties allowing slot games and a few tribal locations.

Besides this, there are the Florida State Lottery, tribal casinos, and pari-mutuel betting. However, iGaming remains a non-starter in the Sunshine State, and sweepstakes have been recently targeted.

Florida is actively tracking down illegal operations, seizing gambling paraphernalia and ill-gotten proceeds, and bringing those responsible to heel. Here is the current state of affairs in Florida when it comes to gambling.

What types of gambling are currently legal in Florida?

The legal definition of gambling in Florida states that any game of chance or involving cards would be considered a form of gambling regardless of the mode of play, time, or place. The most popular gambling options are excluded, but some are allowed notwithstanding current restrictions.

Pari-mutuel betting and horse racing

Pari-mutuel betting as well as horse racing are allowed in the state of Florida, but they are limited to specific racetracks. In order to place such bets, a person who is currently in Florida would need to travel to a physical location.

Pari-mutuel betting is reminiscent of peer-to-peer exchanges where the players do not bet against the sportsbook, but participate in a pool where they wager against each other.

Operators in the state run both racetracks and pari-mutuel facilities, which have an official license to offer these products, such as Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. The legal age in Florida for pari-mutuel betting is 18.

Tribal gambling

Tribal gaming is legal in Florida, and it is granted to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which operates land-based casinos and slot locations. This exclusivity is administered through a state compact, with the state granting it the Hard Rock exclusive rights over slots and table games, as well as statewide mobile sports betting through Hard Rock Bet.

The $20 billion compact was negotiated by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021 and was signed for a period of 30 years. The compact is estimated to bring in a guaranteed annual revenue of $500 million in the first five years.

This arrangement concerning sports betting in particular has been challenged several times, with the argument against it that the arrangement relies on data processed through servers that are physically located on tribal land, which in theory allows the Hard Rock Bet brand to offer sports betting.

Specifically, the owner of the Magic City Casino and Bonita Springs Poker Room, West Flagler Associates, has disagreed with the interpretation and has filed at least two lawsuits, both of which have either been dismissed or ruled against. As a commercial entity, the firm has felt left out of the state’s sports betting.

However, the two parties announced a settlement in October 2024, with Hard Rock CEO Jim Allen hailing what has been achieved:

"This is truly a win-win agreement for the Seminole Tribe and West Flagler. This agreement establishes a relationship of collaboration among the Seminole Tribe and West Flagler in the State of Florida."

Understandably, this has caused tensions, but the status quo is unlikely to budge, giving the Seminole Tribe exclusivity.

Lottery games

Lottery games are legal in the state of Florida, with interstate lotteries such as Mega Millions and Powerball available. The state also organizes locally run games, and popular ones include the Florida Lotto, Cash Pop, Pick 2, Pick 5, and Fantasy 5. These are a mix of draw and instant win games, with tickets available at grocery stores, gas stations, and convenience stores.

Slot games

Slot games are another heavily regulated area in Florida’s gambling statutes. As a matter of fact, outside of tribal casinos, slot machines may only be played legally in locations in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

The Florida Gaming Commission and the state’s law enforcement are conducting frequent operations leading to the arrests of individuals who operate illegal slot parlors, often resulting in the capture of dozens of unlicensed and unsupervised machines.

Attempts to expand beyond these two counties have failed to gain ground. An attempt in 2017 by Gadsden County was struck down by the Florida Supreme Court. Operating slot machines outside of the licensed venues is treated as a criminal offense.

However, there is one important caveat. The penalty faced by culprits may not be serious enough to deter the activity, as attested by lawmakers and investigators, meaning that certain people could return to operating illegal venues.

Is sports betting legal in Florida?

Yes, Hard Rock Bet is currently the only licensed sportsbook in the state, and it is operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. While Florida prohibits sports betting in general, a tribal compact with the state signed in 2021 has changed this dynamic.

The initial launch was choppy, with Hard Rock Bet facing several legal challenges that even saw the platform suspended. The brand launched in November, but was ordered to halt operations on December 4, 2021, and did not relaunch until 2023, when the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals finally cleared it.

Are online casinos available to players in Florida?

No, Hard Rock Bet has not launched an online casino in Florida, although the brand is possibly exploring this opportunity as well. Hard Rock Bet and Casino operates in several states, including Michigan and New Jersey, but no official online casino has been launched, nor has there been a significant legal momentum to change the status quo.

What happens to illegal gambling operations in Florida?

Illegal gambling operations are nothing to sneeze at in Florida, and this is precisely the attitude demonstrated by law enforcement and the Florida Gaming Commission.

County sheriff's offices and the commission have been working together to dismantle various illegal operations. Thousands of unlicensed slot machines are seized every year, with hundreds of suspects charged.

What are card rooms in Florida?

Card rooms in Florida offer a diversity of games, but primarily card games such as Texas Hold ’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud. These card rooms operate within licensed pari-mutuel facilities, and they need to be granted permits by the Florida Gaming Control Commission in order to be recognized as legitimate entities.

Florida specifically uses the term "Designated Players' in which participants act as the bank on a rotating basis. Players play against each other, and the card rooms are therefore narrowly authorized to operate within the current gambling framework.

Florida betting FAQs

Is sports gambling legal in the state of Florida?

Yes, sports gambling is legal in the state of Florida through an exclusive 30-year state compact signed on behalf of the state by Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Can I play online casino games in Florida?

No, online casinos for real money are completely prohibited under state law in Florida.

How old do I need to be to bet in Florida?

21. You need to be at least 21 years of age in order to place a bet in Florida, with the regulated sportsbook, Hard Rock Bet. However, individuals who are 18 can still participate in Florida State Lottery, pari-mutuel horse race wagering, and card rooms.

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