Florida Online Casinos and Gambling Sites

Written by: Webster Lupton , Casino Reviews, Gambling, and Sports Journalist
Verified by: John Mehaffey , Editor in Chief
Florida Gambling State Flag

Florida has regulated most types of gambling, but online sports betting is caught in a legal skirmish, and online casinos are even further from consideration.

However, Florida residents and visitors can still access online casinos. I’ll give you the essential details. Based on key factors and my industry expertise, I’ve selected the most trusted sites.

This page is your guide to all forms of gambling in Florida and their legal aspects.

Gambling Highlights

Want to gamble in Florida? The following table gives you a snapshot of what types of gambling are legal in the state, from online casinos to land-based casinos and other forms of gambling such as state lottery.

Is Gambling Legal?

Yes

Legal Gambling Age

18/21

Land-Based Casinos

Yes

Online Casinos

Yes

Land-Based Sports Betting

Yes

Online Sportsbooks

Yes

Legal State Lottery

Yes

Charitable Gambling

Yes

Is Online Gambling Legal in Florida?

Key Takeaways

  • Online gambling is available to Florida residents.
  • Floridians use offshore sites for internet gambling.
  • A plan to allow online sports betting operations is stalled in court.
  • The Seminoles would control the sports betting in the state.

Online gambling is legal for people in Florida through gambling sites based offshore in foreign countries.

Online sports betting in Florida is currently in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. While the case is being heard, the Seminole’s Hard Rock Bet and related casinos accept sports bets. No other operators are permitted.

The Seminole Tribe has a monopoly, which is the basis for the lawsuit. West Flagler Associates, a pari-mutuel operator, is the lead plaintiff. 

Meanwhile, Floridians turn to offshore sites for real money sports betting. Florida law does not explicitly address online casino gambling, so residents can only go to offshore sites for casino games.

Offshore sportsbooks are also available if Floridians find the Hard Rock Bet lines uncompetitive.

Best Florida Online Casinos in 2024

Top online casinos serve Floridians every day. I’ve selected the best ones based on quality and reliability. I consider reputation, security, game variety, payment systems, and bonuses.

RANK CASINO BONUS PAYOUT SPEED LICENSED TOTAL GAMES SLOTS OUR RATING CLICK TO PLAY
1 DuckyLuck Casino Logo DuckyLuck Casino BONUS 500% up to $7,500 PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days LICENSED Yes TOTAL GAMES 699 SLOTS 600 OUR RATING 4 / 5 Play Now
2 Bovada Casino Logo Bovada Casino BONUS 125% up to $3,750 PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days LICENSED Yes TOTAL GAMES 549 SLOTS 435 OUR RATING 4 / 5 Play Now
3 SlotsandCasino Logo SlotsandCasino BONUS 500% up to $7,500 PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days LICENSED Yes TOTAL GAMES 691 SLOTS 594 OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 Play Now
4 BetUS Logo BetUS BONUS 150% up to $3,000 PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days LICENSED Yes TOTAL GAMES 491 SLOTS 367 OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 Play Now
5 Cafe Casino Logo Cafe Casino BONUS 350% up to $2,500 PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days LICENSED Yes TOTAL GAMES 547 SLOTS 384 OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 Play Now

Top Online Casinos Reviewed – Key Features

A good variety of games or betting options is a significant factor in what players look for in an online casino or sportsbook.

Here are some of the best gambling sites for Florida residents and the features that make them attractive.

Best Florida Gambling Site for Casino Games & Live Dealer

DuckyLuck Casino Logo Featured Image

DuckyLuck Casino makes our list of the best Florida online casinos because of the site’s long list of popular casino games.

You’ll find at least six versions of blackjack, five roulette versions, and a dozen video poker games.

If you like the atmosphere and community of a real casino floor, there are more than a dozen studio sets with top games, friendly dealers, and other players.

✅ Friendly live dealers serve you in their casino setting section.

✅ DuckyLuck has lots of live blackjack and table games available.

✅ This site offers a wide variety of betting limits in its live section.

Top Features

  • Over 500 Casino Games
  • Straightforward Payout Process
  • Amazing Crypto Bonuses & VIP Program
  • 95% – 98% average RTP

The Best Florida Online Casino for Slots

reddog image logo

Red Dog Casino stands out for its library of nearly 700 fun and exciting slots. You will find slots created by some of the most respected software providers, such as Dragon Gaming and DiceLab.

Red Dog slots come in various themes with winning features and jackpot offerings, including many big-money progressive jackpots.

✅ Red Dog has over 600 real money slots.

✅ Casino with slots from reliable software providers with a variety of features.

✅ Many progressive jackpot slots are available.

Top Features

  • Fun Live Dealer Studio with games like Blackjack and Roulette
  • Reliable Payouts & Customer Support
  • Monthly RTP report on all the games on their site
  • Free Game Demos

Best Site for Sports Betting in Florida

Bovada Casino Logo

As mentioned above, sports betting is currently stalled in court, but Floridians can use offshore sites to bet safely on sports.

Bovada is our top recommendation for sports betting in Florida. It is a legit site with over 20 years of solid reputation in the industry, easy-to-use software, strong payouts, and banking methods.

This site also has an online casino with slots, live dealer games, table games, poker, and more, but Bovada is one of the few offshore sites that offers sports betting options.

You can bet on literally every sport. From Football, Basketball, and Boxing to UFC/MMA or even esports.

They also have many live betting options and tools like props builder.

✅ Bovada offers multiple gambling options like a sportsbook, online casino, racebook, and poker room.

✅ One of the most established and reliable sites in the U.S. market.

✅ Daily odds, totals, futures, and good prop bets are available.

Top Features

  • MatchPay + Vouchers Payment Options
  • Curaçao Gambling License
  • Reliable & Quick Payouts
  • Available for US players

How to Choose the Best Online Casinos

Fun is the common denominator for all the top online casinos I recommend. But, at OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos, we use a comprehensive grading system that covers the following criteria:

  1. Reputation

    I check forums and reliable sources to find well-respected and trustworthy sites.
  2. Fast & Reliable Payments

    I look for the best online casinos with quick and dependable methods for depositing and withdrawing both conventional money and cryptocurrency.
  3. Security & Safety

    An online casino must protect your money and information as securely as a bank to make our list.
  4. Game Variety

    A top casino offers a solid collection of slots, table games, video poker, and live dealer games.
  5. Quality Bonuses

    Lucrative bonuses with fair wagering requirements are essential for a top online casino Floridians will enjoy.

Top Online Casino Games in Florida

Folks from the Sunshine State are just a few clicks away from top real money casino games. They’re easy to access, and they play quickly. Let’s take a look.

Slots Reel Big Icon

Online Slots

You can find any online slots you like if you are from Florida, and you don’t have to walk a huge casino floor to access the incredible variety.

Casino sites each carry hundreds of slot titles in 3-reel and 5-reel setups, some with innovative and high-paying features.

All the themes and storylines are there, from ancient history to mythology to comic settings.

And don’t forget the progressive jackpots that are networked across platforms and can reach millions of dollars.

Stack of Poker Chips Icon

Online Poker

You want to have some practical experience before you face the sharks at the many poker rooms in Florida.

There’s no better practice than in the lower-limit poker rooms online. Most of these even have free-money tables.

You can find Texas Hold’em, Omaha, stud, and hi-lo tables of up to nine players online. Plenty of tournaments don’t stretch out over days but still offer excellent prize money.

Plus, there are freeroll tourneys that don’t cost anything to enter. Tournaments run daily, and there is always a seat available.

big icon blackjack

Online Blackjack

Blackjack is a favorite game at any online casino, and Floridians can find many versions of this game without leaving home.

The best online casinos offer more variations than most brick-and-mortar casinos in Florida, and a table is always open.

Look for versions of blackjack that offer side bets for special card combos and multi-hand games.

The online games pay 3:2 for blackjack, just like Vegas tables, you can find a wide variety of bet limits, and the random number generators and return-to-player ratings assure fair returns.

Live Dealer Casino Icon

Live Dealer Games

Online casino games with live dealers bring you as close to a real-life experience as possible without traveling to a brick-and-mortar Florida casino.

You are a couple of clicks away from a setting with a professional dealer and other players to chat with.

You will see all the buttons, prompts, and options that make the game easy to play. Live Blackjack is the most popular title, but you will also find roulette, baccarat, and others.

The stakes are higher, just like land-based casinos, and you can even tip the dealer before you leave with your winnings.

Other Online Casino Games

Top online casinos serving Florida offer a wide variety of games all at one site. Here are some other online casino games you can enjoy from Florida.

Florida Online Casino Bonuses

A big attraction to online casinos is the bonus. It’s like going to a casino and being handed money at the door. These are the most popular offer types you are most likely to find at online casinos in Florida.

Welcome Bonuses

Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.

Free Spin Offers

Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.

Reload Deals

Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.

Our Favorite Bonuses

These are the best bonuses I found. They are mostly for slots, and they come with restrictions, but they can be well worth your time and money.

DuckyLuck Casino Banner

500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Bonus

At DuckyLuck Casino, they match your three initial deposits for as much as $7,500.

In addition, DuckyLuck tosses 150 free spins on selected games. 50 spins per day for three days on separate games.

This welcome bonus comes with a modest 30X playthrough and a maximum cashout of 10X.

reddog header logo

Up to $8,000 Welcome Bonus

RedDog Casino jumpstarts your gambling investment with a match of your first three deposits that can add up to as much as $8,000 in bonus money.

You will have to wager 40 times the deposit and bonus amount to qualify to withdraw winnings.

Enter the bonus code PATIO to get in on the deal.

Casino Apps

Real Money Casino Mobile & Tablet

Playing at online casinos requires no apps because of the development of HTML5 technology.

You can access online casinos and play their games easily through the browser of your iPhone, Android, or any e-tablet device. All you have to do is go to the site and click on the games to start.

Game designers have kept mobile casino play in mind, so the sites are simple to navigate and the games as easy to play as on a desktop.

The best way to find out for yourself is to try one out. Just use your device and connection to see how easy it is to have a casino with you wherever you go!

Here are some facts about Florida online casinos that you need to consider before playing.

Folder and Magnifying Glass Big Icon
  • Floridians can play at offshore casino sites without fear of arrest or prosecution.
  • The top online casinos for Florida players are licensed and regulated in jurisdictions that set high standards.
  • You will find online games you won’t see at land-based casinos in Florida, including a wider variety of table games with bonuses.
  • The bet limits for Florida online games vary more than at land-based casinos. You can find table games with low limits of less than a dollar.
  • You should research when shopping for an online casino by checking for things like licensing, security, and customer support.
  • While many offshore casinos accept US players, be sure the site you like accepts your preferred credit card, cryptocurrency, or e-wallet payment.

Florida Gambling Laws Summary

Florida has a diverse and sometimes confusing set of gambling laws. As a tourist-driven state, they want to offer top forms of gambling like casinos, poker rooms, and pari-mutuel betting at horse tracks.

But they also seek to restrict gambling to forms that guarantee revenue for the state.

Florida lawmakers haven’t quite figured out a way to suitably control online gambling, so their constituents go to offshore sites for their online gambling entertainment.

Florida GamblingWhat You Need to Know
Land-Based Casinos in FloridaThe state hosts 21 casinos of all sorts, six of which are Vegas-type casinos with live dealer blackjack and other table games.
Online GamblingOnline gambling is available, currently available through offshore casinos and top sportsbooks.
Sports BettingHard Rock Bet is the only online sportsbook based in Florida.
State LotteryThe state sponsors a statewide lottery and participates in nationwide lottery drawings.
Charitable GamblingQualified charities or nonprofits are allowed to conduct raffles and bingo games.
PokerThere are 22 poker rooms in Florida, both in casinos and separate facilities.
Horse & Dog RacingThe state has three major pari-mutuel thoroughbred horse tracks that host seasonal meets and major stakes races. Greyhound racing has been banned.
Fantasy SportsMajor daily fantasy sports sites conduct business in the state. Florida law does not address this.
Social GamblingFlorida law allows for informal games in which the winnings of a single round or hand are less than $10.
Taxes on Gambling WinningsThere is no state income tax, so gambling winnings in Florida are taxed by the IRS as in any other state.

Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.

Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive

Florida has gradually become the top state for gambling in the southern US primarily because of the influx of people from more gambling-friendly regions.

The state adjusted its laws to allow pari-mutuel betting on horse racing and the sport of Jai-Alai first.

Then bingo was legalized, followed by poker rooms, the lottery, and certain casinos. Those and other tweaks to the law have added up to a gambling statute with 57 sections.

None have directly addressed online gambling to the satisfaction of courts.

Land-Based Casinos

Florida has legalized some casinos, most of them with slot machines. The Las Vegas-style casinos are the six that the Seminole Tribe owns and operates.

Regulated by the Tribe under federal law, they host slots and live table games like those you would find at any Vegas operation. 

There are also casinos at race tracks (racinos) that are smaller but carry some of the same games. Then, there are other casinos with slots and electronic table games only.

Many of them have other gambling such as poker rooms and off-track betting.

Horse & Dog Tracks

The Sunshine State has been a hub of thoroughbred horse racing since the legalization of pari-mutuels in 1931. The state is home to three major tracks in the Miami and Tampa areas.

Gulfstream Park, Gulfstream Park West, and Tampa Bay Downs each have seasonal meets and host prestigious graded stakes races, including the Florida Derby and the Tampa Bay Derby, both Kentucky Derby qualifiers.

Gulfstream Park is also home to the Grade I Pegasus World Cup, one of the nation’s richest races.

The state no longer hosts pari-mutuel harness racing or quarter horse racing events, though efforts are underway to revive them.

Greyhound dog racing has been banned in the state, and some track facilities now serve as casinos and off-track betting centers.

Bingo, Lottery
and Charitable Gambling

Bingo is a popular gambling activity in Florida. At least 30 bingo halls dot the state, and three casinos host bingo games.

Various non-profits are allowed to sponsor bingo games, and there are bingo halls approved by local municipalities or owned by Native American tribes.

Prizes in casinos can reach thousands of dollars, either determined by the number of entries or guaranteed. Charitable bingo game jackpot prizes are limited to $250.

Florida voters approved a state lottery in 1986, and the first tickets were sold in 1988. The proceeds have since raised more than $44 billion for the state’s public education system.

Numbers games range from two to six numbers, and scratch cards sell for $1 to $50, with a $50 card offering a jackpot of up to $25 million or $1 million a year for life.

Florida Lottery players also participate in multi-million-dollar nationwide drawings such as Powerball and Mega Millions. 

Charities and non-profit organizations in Florida can also conduct drawings or sweepstakes for various prizes. You must be 18 to play charitable games.

Social Gaming at Home

As with charitable gambling, a state with such a large retirement community had to address penny-ante games of various types.

So, Floridians can gather for small-stakes games, including poker, pinochle, bridge, rummy, canasta, hearts, dominoes, and mah-jongg.

The winnings limit for these games is $10 per hand or round.

Poker Rooms and Clubs

Poker rooms are legal and heavily regulated in Florida. As of 2024, there were 26 poker rooms located primarily in casinos and racinos throughout the state.

Of course, the most popular game is Texas Hold’em, but most operations also host Omaha and hi-lo games. Some rooms also offer versions of stud poker.

Antes or blinds range from $2 big blinds to $10, and players may buy in for as little as $20. The operator may charge a seat fee or collect a rake or percentage of each pot.

The poker rooms also host tournaments with $100 to $2,000 buy-ins. You must be at least age 18 to play.

Sports
Betting

Other than pari-mutuel betting at horse tracks and OTBs, the only legal sports betting based in Florida is through Hard Rock Bet, operated by the Seminole Tribe. It has a monopoly in the state.

Efforts to introduce other online sportsbooks to the state have been stalled in the courts.

The state briefly had online sports betting in 2021 through the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Casino. However, other pari-mutuel operators sued, and a judge ruled the legislation allowing the online operation unconstitutional.

That ruling has since been overturned, and the case is now in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. While the Seminoles accept sports bets through Hard Rock Bet, they are awaiting the final decision to see if the pari-mutuel owners will appeal.

Meanwhile, offshore sites serve Florida residents who wish to gamble on sports events.   

Casinos in Florida

Florida’s casino market is fluid, with operations opening and closing frequently.

At last count, the state had 21 casinos running the gamut from locations with just a few games to the full-fledged Vegas-type casinos owned by the Seminole Tribe.

The legal age for gambling at casinos is 21.

Top Florida Casinos

  • Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa
  • Seminole Hard Rock Casino Hollywood 
  • Seminole Casino Brighton 
  • Seminole Casino Coconut Creek 
  • Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee

Casinos Summary

  • Total Casinos: 21
  • Poker Rooms: 22
  • Tribal Casinos: 7
  • Jai Alai Centers: 2
  • Casino Cruises: 2

Florida Gambling Vs. Neighboring States

Here’s how Florida measures up to nearby states regarding gambling and its legality. Land-based casinos in Alabama are on tribal lands, while those in Mississippi are commercial.

Because of the number of casinos, pari-mutuel horse tracks, and poker rooms, Florida is easily the top state in the South for the variety and availability of gambling outlets.

A Brief History of Florida Gambling

Florida Gambling History

The history of gambling in Florida followed two significant trends: the introduction and advancement of pari-mutuel betting in the 1930s and ’40s and the development of tribal gaming after 1970. 

The 1920s brought land prospectors and vacationers to the state. Gambling soon followed. The Florida legislature approved pari-mutuel horse track betting in 1931 and jai alai wagering in 1935.

The state legalized bingo and other charitable games in 1970. The Seminole Tribe, considered a non-profit, then began setting up bingo halls offering cash prizes.

In 1988, Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and established the National Indian Gaming Commission to regulate tribal gaming activities.

IGRA allowed tribes to enter gaming compacts with states to offer gambling under federal law and was the basis for establishing tribal casino gambling in Florida.

The first large resort casinos opened near Tampa and Miami in 2004 as the Seminoles partnered with the Hard Rock Cafe chain. 

Meanwhile, Florida voters approved a lottery that began operating in 1988, and poker was legalized statewide in 1996.

Hard Rock Bet launched Florida sports betting on November 7, 2023. The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing the case that will ultimately decide whether it may remain a monopoly.

Responsible Gambling Initiatives

The Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling works to address problem gambling through a website, helpline, and other programs for gamblers and their loved ones.

The programs include counseling, self-exclusion tools, and financial and legal resources.

In addition, the law requires gambling operations in Florida to inform customers about responsible gambling and resources such as the FCCG.

Seminole casinos promote a PlayersEdge education program designed to “prevent and mitigate harmful gambling by promoting informed choices, positive play, and understanding of risks.”

Summary: Florida’s Gambling Journey

Florida has, over decades, gradually adjusted its gambling laws to encourage tourism and accommodate the influx of new residents.

From betting on horse races to various forms of casinos and poker rooms, the state has become a popular hub for wagering. And the journey continues.

Legal experts predict the pending online sports betting proposals will gain court approval. And if the trend continues as in six other states, online casinos should eventually follow.

Until then, Floridians who want to gamble online turn to top internet casinos based offshore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about gambling in Florida.

How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in Florida?

Tribal casinos in Florida, as in other states, are regulated by Native American tribes under the federal government’s National Indian Gaming Commission. The Florida Gaming Control Commission regulates commercial casinos in the state.

What are the most popular casino games in Florida?

The most popular casino games in Florida are slots and blackjack. Poker and bingo are popular games in some casinos but also in separate poker rooms and bingo parlors.

Are there any gambling addiction support services available?

Florida’s Council on Compulsive Gambling offers various services to help prevent and treat problem gambling. Tribal casinos also provide the PlayersEdge program of education and treatment.

Are there real money online casinos in Florida with no deposit bonuses?

Most online casinos offer only bonuses that match your deposit. However, some casino sites sometimes offer no deposit bonuses, such as free spins for special promotions.

Is there any risk of playing at online casinos regulated outside of Florida?

There is little risk involved in playing at top online casinos regulated outside of Florida. But players should vet any casino for security, reputation, and trustworthiness.

Who regulates online casinos in Florida?

Offshore casinos that online casino players can access are licensed and regulated by various foreign licensing jurisdictions.

Webster Lupton

Editorial Expert and Senior Content Staff

Webster Lupton Casino Reviews, Gambling, and Sports Journalist

Webster Lupton is a journalist and expert casino and sports writer with over 30 years of experience. He is a veteran journalist who specializes in thoroughly researched online casino reviews. Webster is also a published author that enjoys the outdoors and birdwatching.

Learn More About Webster