There is a perpetual battle between residents and legislators in Florida over the state’s gambling laws, and the result is a constantly shifting landscape. A new piece of legislation banning one kind of gambling or expanding another is always being proposed.
It’s exhilarating for political junkies, but it also becomes very hard for the average person to keep up with the latest developments. We’ve put together this summary of Florida’s existing gambling legislation to help you see things more clearly.
High rollers and anyone considering joining the gambling industry should consult with an attorney in addition to this information since it is possible that any or all of these things will change in the future.
Legality of Betting in Florida
Many seem to ask the same question : can you legally gamble in FL safely and efficiently? Specific land-based gambling is permitted in Florida under certain conditions. One of the most common misconceptions about the state’s gambling regulations is that internet betting is prohibited.
Although Section 848 focuses on land-based gambling in Florida, it does not include or address internet or mobile gaming apps.
Land Based Gambling in Florida
The state of Florida’s land-based gaming law is crystal clear. Gambling is legal in the state, but only in regulated tribal casinos, card rooms and bingo halls. The Seminole Tribe of Florida owns and manages the bulk of the state’s licensed casinos.
Gambling machines & table games such as Poker, Roulette, or Blackjack are available at these venues. With the recent legalization of sports betting, several casinos in the state intend to open land-based & online sportsbooks in the coming months.
Legalized sports gambling in FL may be put on hold if many lawsuits are filed. Numerous Floridians choose online casinos and sportsbooks rather than driving great distances to gamble at the state’s many casinos and racetracks.
Online Gambling in Florida
There is a shift taking place in Florida’s online gaming landscape, similar to the shift we saw in America during Trump’s presidency. Sports betting is where this shift is mostly focusing at the present. However, if this succeeds, it is probable that internet gambling sites in Florida would follow suit.
Uncertainty exists as to the precise date on which state-licensed operators plan to offer various types of online gaming activities As a result, whether you want to engage in slots or table games or bet on your favorite sports team, offshore gambling sites are your best bet.
Gambling Age in Florida
Residents of Florida must be 21 years of age or older to gamble legally at any of the state’s registered gaming establishments. The legal gambling age in most casinos is 21. However, to participate in the Lottery, put horse racing wagers, or participate in bingo, jai alai, or poker, you simply have to be 18 years of age.
Offshore Gambling Sites in Florida
The best option to gamble online in Florida is to use offshore sites. Internet casino games and sports betting are the main focus of these websites. The finest ones combine the best of both worlds.
If a site is offshore, it isn’t headquartered or recognized in Florida in any way. As a result, they are spread out all over the planet. There are a large number of options, but not all of them have the same level of reputation.
Curacao and Panama, two of the most well-known offshore jurisdictions, issue licenses and regulations to the gambling sites included on this page. To ensure that licensed gaming platforms are really fair & safe for players, these authorities conduct regular audits to ensure that they are operating in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
In order to be included on this page, a Florida online gaming platform must have an excellent record of customer service. Specifically, look at the company’s history of timely payouts and the way it responds to player concerns or concerns raised by the players.
Gambling Tax in Florida
Although the basic tax rate on gaming in Florida is 24%, several thresholds based on various factors are in place. If you win $5,000 or more in a reward, for example, tax withholding is required. Itemized losses can also be deducted to lower your taxable income if you meet certain conditions.
If you’re interested in learning more about Florida’s gambling taxes, we suggest speaking with an expert.
Final Verdict
The laws governing gaming in Florida are a confusing jumble. On the one hand, it appears that the government goes to great lengths to safeguard its population from the perceived dangers of gambling.
A variety of concessions have indeed been made in the past to satisfy the public’s need for more money and/or greed. A good illustration of this is casino gambling, where tribal gaming is permitted but commercial casinos are not.
When it relates to online gambling in Florida, even the state’s residents are divided. 34 percent of respondents to a 2015 survey said they supported allowing casinos in the style of those found in Nevada, while 33 percent said casinos should be confined to tribal grounds in the state. Another 20 percent of those polled said they would want to see the state’s land-based casinos eliminated.
Many experts believe that some type of approved online gaming will be possible in the near future, despite the fact that internet gambling is now illegal. One of the Republican Party’s key financial donors is adamant that all forms of virtual gambling should be banned.
Even if you’re a visitor to Florida or a Floridian, there are plenty of gambling opportunities available to you. The state is more lenient than either Utah or Hawaii, notwithstanding its lack of regulatory consistency.
