Online Gambling Florida – Is it Legal? Get $5,555 at FL Gambling Sites

Can you legally gamble online in Florida?

Technically, there are no legal online gambling sites in Florida. Instead, residents are accepted by offshore gambling sites that operate outside US jurisdiction.

What gambling sites are available in Florida?

There are numerous online gambling sites that are based offshore but offer a full suite of gambling products to Florida residents. We’ve named 10 of the very best above.

How can I gamble in Florida?

Residents can choose to gamble at the three land-based tribal casinos, take a trip on a casino cruise, or choose to access offshore online gambling sites.

What gambling sites are legal in Florida?

Technically, there are no legal online gambling sites in Florida. However, offshore platforms operate outside US jurisdiction and residents have been accessing these platforms for years without any legal issues.

Comparing the Best Florida Gambling Sites

Operators offering online gambling in Florida are so comprehensive that even our mini reviews couldn’t cover everything. In case we missed something and you want to know the full range of gambling products available at each operator, we’ve devised this simple comparison table below.

Is Gambling Legal in Florida?

Yes, but there are a few limitations, and it does depend on the type of gambling product you wish to engage in. Firstly, casino gambling is legal to some degree at land-based Tribal casinos. These operators fall under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act 1988 and are authorized to offer a reasonable amount of gaming which extends to slots and some table games – there’s poker and blackjack but no roulette.

However, online casino gaming is illegal, but mostly in the sense that no law actually addresses the online domain just yet. This means that offshore gambling sites in Florida – such as BetOnline – fall into a legal grey area where they operate outside US jurisdiction. Residents aren’t technically allowed to join them, but the state has also never pursued a player for doing so.

Sports betting was briefly legalized in 2021 but a federal judge quickly overturned the decision. To date, sports betting remains illegal but offshore sites offering online sports gambling in Florida fall into the same legal grey area as casino gaming.

Who can Gamble Online in Florida?

While online gambling isn’t explicitly authorized in Florida, there are still a few rules you’ll need to adhere to if you plan on playing at Florida online gambling sites based offshore. Firstly, the legal gambling age at land-based casinos is 21-years-of-age and this is the age offshore operators will also require.

Next, players and sports bettors will need to pass an identity verification process known as “Know Your Customer” (KYC). This involves providing proof of identity and residence in Florida to the online operator. It is a legal and regulatory requirement and cannot be avoided.

The process is simple enough though – just send a copy of one form of Government ID – like a passport or driver’s license – and produce some form of proof of residence – this will likely be a recent bank statement or utility bill.

Types of Florida Online Gambling Sites

Online gambling sites in Florida offer far more than just casino games. In fact, these platforms are capable of a wealth of gambling products. An operator can offer just one of the following products or all of them at once. To help you decide which type of online gambling in Florida will suit your needs, we identify the different sites available to you.

Sports Gambling Sites

Online sports betting sites in Florida offer a myriad of sports to bet on including all the big US leagues like the NFL and NBA, but also a vast array of international sports like Australian Rugby, Indian cricket, European football, and Asian baseball. Bets cover all the basics like Moneyline, spreads, and totals, but also props and futures for many of these sports.

Horse Gambling Sites

Offshore FL gambling sites will often feature a racebook. These platforms allow bettors to wager on both local and international horse races. Bets include both standard and exotics wagers. One huge benefit of betting on horse racing offshore is the inclusion of fixed-odds markets over pool betting. US-based racebook apps like TVG and TwinSpire are legal in Florida and are dedicated racebooks.

Esports Gambling Sites

CS: GO gambling is among one the most popular events to bet on at Florida sportsbooks. Esports have steadily been rising and today, betting on video game competitions rakes in as many bettors as traditional sports.

Markets include Moneyline and many bets unique to each video game. Live betting is also the most popular way to bet on a variety of esports like Vanguard and League of Legends.

Casino Gambling Sites

The sheer number of casino games you can play when gambling online in Florida is truly immense. A single operator can boast hundreds of innovative slots, dozens upon dozens of table games including blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat, and powerful Live Casino offerings. Casino sites boast tremendous game variety with various themes and game variants.

Poker Gambling Sites

Most operators will offer a handful of basic poker table games, but the very best FL gambling sites offer poker tournaments with players from around the world. There are cash games, knockout tournaments, and major jackpot events featuring either Hold’em or Omaha Poker.

Lottery Gambling Sites

You can’t enter the Florida state lottery at offshore gambling sites, but you can play numerous lottery-style games. The most popular of these are Keno and Bingo. Both games can also be found with progressive jackpots that add a new element of excitement to a largely automated game.

How to Register with Gambling Sites in Florida

Getting started at online gambling in Florida is incredibly simple. The best gambling platforms provide quick and easy registration forms, and you can be up and running within minutes. Using BetOnline as our example, we walk new gamblers through a basic registration process.

Step 1: Head to BetOnline

Go to betonline.ag and click “Join” to begin the sign-up process.

Step 2: Complete the Web Form

Just fill out the simple web form to complete the registration process. The form requires some basic information about yourself which will include your name, contact number, zip code, and email address. You’ll get to create a 4-digit passcode too.

Step 3: Claim your Bonus

Head to the cashier section to make a deposit and claim a bonus offer. Before completing the deposit, you’ll be able to enter the INSIDERS bonus code in a small space provider at the bottom of the form. You can also see what offers are available here too.

Step 4: Complete the Deposit

Choose your deposit method and an amount to deposit. Follow any prompts that are required by the payment gateway of your chosen method. This will vary depending on the method – it could be inputting your card details or scanning a crypto wallet QR code.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Simply choose your preferred gambling product and enjoy. Head to the casino to enjoy hundreds of exciting games or drop into the sportsbook to wager on the latest events. BetOnline has a racebook and dedicated poker section too.

Gambling Bonuses Available in Florida

Whether you’re into sports betting, horse racing, casino gaming, or even just poker, Florida online gambling sites can offer a bonus for any gambling product. These bonuses are a way to enjoy free play of your favorite gambling product and it is even possible to convert a bonus into actual winnings.

Match Deposit Bonuses

The matched deposit bonus is the bread and butter of all platforms offering online gambling in Florida. It is the foundation of all the welcome offers from the top online gambling sites in Florida. Simply, the gambling platform matches the customer’s real money deposit with bonus funds.

For example, a 100% matched deposit bonus with a $400 deposit would receive another $400 in bonus funds. This offer will usually have a rollover requirement that determines how much the bonus must be wagered before it can be withdrawn as real cash.

No Deposit Bonuses

The rarest of all promotions at FL gambling sites, the no deposit bonus requires no real money deposit to claim the offer. It is literally a free bonus. The offer will usually be in the form of a free bet, bonus funds, or free spins. These offers will almost always have some restrictions or rollover applied such as a winnings limitation and limits to how big your bets can be.

Free Bets

Free bets are exactly what the name implies – a sports bet in which the Florida gambling platform fronts the cost of the stake. The stake is rarely large – think more like $5 – 10 – but you get to keep the profits if the bet is successful. For example, a successful $10 free bet at odds of +375 would be a full payout of $66.25. The $10 stake is returned to the operator, and you’ll take home $56.25.

Free Spins

Free spins are kind of like a free bet but exclusively for slot gaming. It is the free spin of the reels in selected slot games. The value of each free spins will typically be low – around $0.50 – but the spin will cost you nothing. Some free spin bonuses can be as big as 200 or more spins. These bonuses will usually have a small rollover on the winnings.

Loyalty Programs

Loyalty or VIP programs are an exciting means to earn additional bonuses and perks just for enjoying your favorite gambling product. In most cases, a loyalty program sees the customer accrue points for placing qualifying bets. Those points can then be redeemed for exclusive bonuses and rewards.

Some programs can be accessed upon signing up while others are invitation-only and require a certain level of play first.

Payment Methods Available at Florida Gambling Sites

Online gambling in Florida for real money requires secure and reliable payment methods. Only the safest methods are acceptable since we are talking about your hard-earned money. Offshore sportsbooks and casino platforms supper a myriad of possible payment methods that aim to cater to different levels of gamblers.

Crypto Betting Options

There is no payment method at Florida gambling sites that is faster, more secure, and more advanced than cryptocurrencies. These digital tokens can facilitate instant deposits, withdrawals in as little as 24 hours, and a high level of anonymity online.

Every platform on our top list is a Bitcoin casino or sports betting site. However, many other tokens are widely accepted including Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Litecoin. There is a small bit of setup required to initially use cryptocurrencies and you can follow our crypto guide.

eWallet Betting Options

Before cryptocurrencies came along, eWallets were the king of casino transactions. These digital wallets offered instant deposits and we’re reasonably affordable. However, as cryptocurrencies became more popular, eWallets fell by the wayside and offshore gambling sites simply stopped supporting them. None of the operators on our recommended list support eWallets.

Traditional Payment Methods

More traditional methods are still around for those who don’t want to use cryptocurrencies. However, you are going to face a few very annoying drawbacks using these methods. Credit and debit cards can be used for deposits but very few Florida online gambling sites support card withdrawals. Deposits are also often subject to a fixed transaction fee.

For withdrawals at platforms offering online gambling in Florida, the most commonly found method will be bank transfers. These will usually incur a fixed or variable transaction fee and payout times are usually around 10 – 15 working days. Discover the top fast payout casinos.

Who Regulates Gambling in Florida?

Gambling in Florida is regulated by the Florida Gaming Control Commission. This five-member regulatory body exercises the power of the state as it relates to gambling. These powers extend to pari-mutuel betting and casino gaming.

With online sports gambling in Florida moving closer to legalization, it is likely that the industry would also be regulated by the Gaming Control when the day finally comes.

Tax on Gambling Winnings in Florida

All winnings derived from gambling in Florida are taxable. Florida does have one advantage of having no state income tax, so at least your declaration is a little easier than most other states. We would recommend speaking with a tax professional because offshore gambling will make taxation a little more challenging.

For example, all winnings over $5,000 are subject to a 24% federal withholding tax and a tribal casino in Florida will merely deduct this from your winnings for you. However, an offshore gambling site will not.

Ultimately, a tax professional will be able to more accurately advise on how to declare your gambling winnings in Florida.

Florida Gambling Apps & Mobile Sites

Now when it comes to mobile online gambling in Florida, you won’t come across any offshore apps. This is because regulations in the US prevent these operators from offering an app via the Play or Apple store. Instead, players and bettors are treated to a highly optimized mobile web page. These pages are perfectly designed for smartphones and tablets.

Available on both Android and Apple devices, almost every mobile browser you can think of can comfortably access mobile web pages. You’ll experience no loss in content and software providers intentionally build casino games with mobile players in mind.

If you really need an app, all Florida online gambling sites can be turned into Progressive Web Apps (PWA) that will put an icon on your device’s home screen that will lead you directly to the operator’s homepage. Check out our sports betting apps guide for details on creating a PWA.

Gambling Sites vs Land-Based Gambling Facilities in Florida

Ultimately, gambling online is significantly more convenient than land-based gambling. You’ll also find far more games online and the bonus offers are significantly higher than anything a land-based operator will be capable of offering. However, online platforms will never replicate the thrill of being on the casino floor – although they get very close.

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Best Gambling Sites Software Providers

When you load up an exciting casino game, it is not actually produced by the FL gambling site you are playing at. All casino games are designed and built by innovative and prolific software providers. So that new players get a better understanding of the gaming industry, here are five of our favorite software providers for online gambling in Florida.

Dragon Gaming

This provider had been making games for over 10 years before deciding to finally launch as Dragon Gaming in 2019. Dragon Gaming builds HTML5 games that work wonderfully on mobile devices and offer some of the most advanced slots available for online gambling in Florida.

Fresh Deck Studio

Fresh Deck Studio produces and manages the better Live Casino that is offered by online gambling sites in Florida. Everything about these games’ oozes premium with flawless HD visuals, talented dealers, and games are available 24/7.

Pragmatic Play

Pragmatic Play is an important slot provider to know about if you’re chasing the biggest jackpots. Several gambling sites on our list are Hot Drop Jackpots casinos. This a program run by Pragmatic Play which features loads of exciting titles that could have a massive progressive jackpot drop at any time.

Visionary iGaming

ViG is the other Live Casino provider. These games are a little more common than the premium-feeling Fresh Deck Studio games. You’ll still get HD streams though and the dealers are all highly trained. Games include blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.

Betsoft

Betsoft is one of the oldest slot providers in the US market and is award-winning. Their games feature in almost every online casino in Florida. These slot games include various themes, mechanics, and Betsoft games can be played in demo mode for free.

Tips on How to Stay Safe When Gambling Online in Florida

Florida online sports gambling and casino sites certainly do their best to make sure customers are safe and secure when gambling online. However, that doesn’t mean there are not a few things you can do yourself to remain safe when gambling online in FL.

Consider the law

Make sure you are fully aware of the gambling laws in Florida and the ramifications of being caught gambling illegally. Keep track of any gambling news in CA to make sure it is still considered safe to access and enjoy offshore gambling sites in Florida.

Bet smart

Learn about a strategy or two or develop your own. Set a strategy from the outset and follow it diligently. This applies to both sports betting and casino gambling online in Florida. You’ll always stand to be more successful by setting a strategy and sticking to it. It’s when you start trying to be fancy to chase losses that it can all go wrong.

Never chase losses

This might be the most important rule for remaining safe when gambling online in Florida. You can get yourself into financial and personal strife if you start betting more than you can afford. Always set a budget before gambling and never go beyond that limit. Never chase losses as it is typically a slippery slope from there. If you’re losing control, take a break and walk away for a while.

Consider a VPN

When you take your FL gambling platform mobile, you’ll likely be connecting to public Wi-Fi. This is a risky endeavor as public Wi-Fi networks are rarely secure. To avoid your banking transaction being intercepted by a would-be cybercriminal or having your download speeds throttled, consider using a VPN.

Consider fees

You might get yourself into some more financial strife if you don’t consider transaction fees when gambling online. Even if an operator boasts free transactions, your chosen method may still take a cut.

For example, transactions are almost always free when using cryptocurrencies at an FL gambling platform, but a miner fee will always be taken. Furthermore, an exchange may charge fees for selling or withdrawing cryptocurrency as FIAT currency.

How Florida Gambling Compares to its Neighboring States

Florida gambling laws are quite strict compared to many parts of the US these days, but it’s still far better than what our Georgian neighbors to the north must deal with. Gambling is largely illegal, and residents can only really gamble on the Emerald Princess Casino – a 200-foot cruise ship that gets around gambling laws by sailing three miles out to sea.

In Alabama, gambling laws are not much better. Pari-mutuel horse racing betting is legal but that’s about it. Both sports betting and casino gaming is not allowed, and a gambling bill failed to pass through the Alabama legislature in April 2022.

Gambling Facilities in Florida

While gambling laws are the best in Florida, there is still quite a few avenues residents can take to play casino games. Some games are banned at land-based casinos – such as roulette – but for the most part, you can enjoy the full casino experience.

Tribal casinos owned by the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes are genuine casino operators in Florida but there are also more than 60 smaller gambling facilities that offer some poker tables and gaming machines.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Address: 5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610

Opening hours: 24 hours

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is as visually exciting as the other Hard Rock facilities located around the US. The operator isn’t small either – you’ve got 5,000 slots to enjoy, as well as daily poker tournaments and high-limit table games. The numerous grill and pool bars provide a rather premium experience too.

The Isle Casino Pompano

Address: 777 Isle of Capri Blvd, Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Opening hours: 09:00 – 03:00 (Mon-Thurs), 09:00 – 00:00 (Friday), 24 hours (Weekend)

Featuring more than 40 live poker tables, over 1,500 slots, and a wealth of electronic table games that cover blackjack, roulette, and craps. As a former racino, the Isle Casino still boasts live simulcasting of jai-alai, greyhound racing, and horse racing.

Victory Casino Cruises

Address: B, 180 Christopher Columbus Dr #2, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920

Opening hours: 24 hours

Some casino games are still banned, even at Tribal casinos. This includes roulette and craps. However, residents of Florida can hop aboard a Victory Casino Cruise and sail a few miles out to sea where local laws no longer apply. Besides roulette and craps tables, you can even bet at a full-featured sportsbook.

Seminole Casino Brighton

Address: 17735 Reservation Rd, Okeechobee, FL 34974

Opening hours: 09:00 – 03:00 and 04:00 on Friday/Saturday

For those looking for a more intimate and low-key experience, you can head to Seminole Casino Brighton for a smaller 27,000-square-foot facility that only offers a handful of table games and around 400 slots.

Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center

Address: 500 SW 177th Ave, Miami, FL 33194

Opening hours: 24 hours

This resort is a unique facility as it is a massive 9-story tower against the backdrop of a Native American village on the edge of the Everglades. At 70,000 square feet, the casino is absolutely gigantic and features at least 2,000 slots, more than 30 poker tables, and a special high-stakes bingo room.

The Best Gambling Site in Florida

Without question, BetOnline is the best platform for online gambling in Florida. With over 400 casino games, more than 35 different sports to bet on, and a ton of betting features, BetOnline is a comprehensive gambling package.

BetOnline also beats out the competition in important metrics that include security, customer support, reliability, and quality of bonuses. New players can use the BetOnline bonus code INSIDERS and sign up with a welcome offer today.