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PTLegal Online Poker in Florida
In this guide find out the Legality of Online Poker in Florida
Poker legality has changed significantly since gambling in Florida first appeared. And while the land-based play found its place under the Sun in the Sunshine State, the fate of online poker hasn’t turned out that bright.
That’s why we’ve taken a closer look at online poker in Florida and discussed its legality and availability. We’ve also found the best land-based and virtual gambling places for players from the Sunshine State, which you can learn more about by reading this article.
Is Online Poker Legal in Florida?
The Florida Statutes do not address online poker as legal, meaning Florida has yet to approve the launch of online casinos or poker rooms based in the state.Everyone interested in 100% legal poker gameplay can visit any land-based gambling establishment in the Sunshine State and take a seat at state-approved poker tables. Also, players can try social and sweepstakes casinos without any hope of playing the game for real money.
However, a few attempts were made to resolve this issue and make online poker legal. In 2012, the National Council of Legislators from the Gaming States pushed for online poker legislation, but the idea didn’t get enough support.
The matter was brought up again in 2019 when the Seminole Tribe sought exclusive rights to provide gambling services on web-based platforms. Once again, the attempt to legalize online gaming failed and left Florida without regulated online poker.
However, the lack of online poker legislation wasn’t so bad after all since no specific laws existed to prevent players from taking part in this form of the game. As a result, online poker in Florida eventually ended up in a gray area, which encouraged offshore poker rooms to target Florida residents and let them play for real money.
Naturally, all the gray zone activities are subject to interpretation, and if you want peace of mind while joining international poker sites, look for legal advice. As far as we know, no illegal gambling cases have been reported so far. As you’re practically playing the game at home, no one would look over your shoulder and report you for breaking the law.
Poker Laws
Below are links that provide a detailed overview of the poker laws in Florida you may find useful:
- The 2022 Florida Statutes — Chapter 849 (Gambling)
- UIGEA 2006
- Indian Regulatory Gaming Act
- Online Poker Florida 2022 — Laws and Regulations for Poker in Florida
Best Legal Poker Rooms in Florida
In light of Florida’s current poker laws, we’ll go over the legal options for playing poker in the state. The following paragraphs will discuss the land-based venues with live poker action and websites through which you can play the game from the comfort of your home.Legal Online Poker in Florida
Legal online poker in Florida exists, but only in the form of social or sweepstakes gambling. These sites offer legit poker games but don’t include real-money wagers or rewards like classic poker rooms. While such poker games may be interesting for beginners, they can’t keep advanced players occupied for too long.
For the real deal, players from Florida have no other option but to join offshore poker sites and online casinos. Still, you should pick international operators with the utmost care and only choose those with valid online gambling licenses.
You can find a list of offshore poker sites featuring an outstanding game selection on this page. We’ve personally checked these operators and made sure only to include legit and secure platforms that can be accessed from the Sunshine State.
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Land-Based Poker in Florida
When it comes to in-person poker play in Florida, the options are numerous. The Sunshine State is home to dozens of brick-and-mortar racinos and tribal gambling venues, most of which have numerous poker tables with limits starting at a single penny.
Poker-wise, the largest and most diverse gambling halls belong to the Seminole Tribes of Florida. The tribes currently own six land-based venues around the state, with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood being the biggest featuring a 45-table poker room.
Moreover, brick-and-mortar gambling venues in Florida often host big poker tournaments like The RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) and the World Poker Tour (WPT). Some venues, such as Harrah’s Pompano Beach (formerly known as Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park), have even hosted the World Series of Poker (WSOP) Circuit, which is the most prestigious poker event worldwide.
How to Register at a Legal Online Poker Site in Florida
All offshore poker sites require players to open an account before placing real-money poker bets. If you’re unfamiliar with the registration process, here’s a general outline:
Choose A Poker Room
Scroll through the table of the best international poker sites found on this page and click on the desired operator to open the official website.
When the homepage appears on the screen, click the Register/Sign Up/Join button.
Signup
Fill out the registration form with your details, which include, but aren’t limited to, your full name, date of birth, address, email, and phone number.
Create a username and password for your new account. Note that most sites now won’t let you use your username as your password, but even if they do, avoid doing it to enhance your account’s security.
Verify your account following the operator’s instructions.
Deposit & Play
Once the registration is complete, and your account verified, use your credentials to log in and make your first deposit through the Cashier tab.
When the deposit goes through, check the bonus page for the welcome offer, claim the deal, and play some poker.
Land-Based Casinos With Live Poker
The Sunshine State currently has around 30 land-based gambling venues where live poker games take place. Here’s our choice of the top five poker rooms in Florida:
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood — 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
- Bestbet Jacksonville — 201 Monument Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225
- Hialeah Park Casino — 100 E 32nd St, Hialeah, FL 33013
- Oxford Downs — 17996 US-301, Summerfield, FL 34491
- Win! Derby Poker Room — 10490 Gandy Blvd N #200, St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Other Resources
Final Thoughts
While the online poker scene in Florida may seem complicated, the options for poker gameplay on the web are pretty much straightforward. Legal websites with poker games include social and sweepstakes casinos, which offer several different game variations but don’t support real-money wagers.If you wish to play poker for real money without leaving your home, you can join offshore online casinos like the ones provided on this page. These sites fall under the gray area, but they hold official licenses and use security measures to ensure a safe and trusted gambling environment for players worldwide, including those located in the Sunshine State.
FAQ
Is online poker legal in FL?
Florida still hasn’t shown an initiative to legalize online poker within the state borders. Yet, the legal regulations around online gambling are somewhat loose in the Sunshine State, thus enabling Floridians to join offshore poker sites. Although these sites are in the so-called gray area, no players who joined them have been prosecuted so far.
Are there any legal poker sites in Florida?
Florida allows online poker at social online casinos or platforms using the sweepstakes model for organizing online gameplay.
Can I play online poker from Florida if I’m under 21?
Online poker is currently only available at offshore poker rooms and online casinos, and these websites usually allow players to register if they’re 18 or older.
When will Florida legalize online poker?
No one can say for sure when Florida legislators plan on regulating online poker. The state has recently put gambling expansion on hold, so it’s unknown when an online poker bill may be proposed in the Sunshine State.