Florida’s gambling and betting environment is shaped by a mix of tribal exclusivity, state regulation, and ongoing legal challenges.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida holds the strongest position, operating seven casinos statewide and controlling the only legal sports betting platform, Hard Rock Bet. This was done under a 2021 compact that was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024.
This agreement also authorizes the tribe to offer games like craps and roulette, cementing its dominance through at least 2051. Alongside the Seminoles, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida maintains a smaller but established presence, operating two casinos in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Outside of tribal lands, gambling options are more limited. Cardrooms are permitted, and pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, greyhound simulcasts, and jai alai remains legal under state oversight.
The Florida Lottery generates significant state revenue, while charitable gaming like bingo and raffles follows strict regulations. Meanwhile, online casinos are still unlicensed and unregulated. However, sweepstakes and social casinos operate legally under promotional contest laws, offering a popular digital alternative..
Ultimately, Florida’s legal landscape emphasizes tribal authority, limited commercial activity, and voter-driven expansion. Any significant change in gambling law, whether through commercial casinos or broader online gaming.
Such laws must pass the state’s strict constitutional requirements, keeping the market highly regulated yet full of potential.
To ensure that the sites we recommend uphold their reputation and offer a great experience for BettingNews.com readers, we also conduct frequent in person testing and monitoring of these online casinos and online sportsbooks.
If we recommend them and they earn our seal of approval, it is because we have personally reviewed their history, and present, to make sure that they will be a great place for our readers to gamble at.
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Overview of the Gambling Landscape and Laws of the State of Florida
Florida’s 2025 gambling market remains tightly regulated, with tribal exclusivity, limited commercial activity, and ongoing legal disputes. The Seminole Tribe of Florida dominates the market, operating seven casinos, including the popular Hard Rock venues in Hollywood and Tampa.
Under the 2021 tribal compact, which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in 2024, the tribe maintains exclusive rights to statewide sports betting through its Hard Rock Bet app.
The agreement allows table games like craps and roulette, extending the Seminole Tribe’s control of Florida’s betting market until 2051.
Alongside the Seminoles, the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida operates two casinos in South Florida, offering slots, poker, and bingo. Beyond tribal venues, gambling remains more restricted.
Florida permits cardrooms, but they are limited to player-banked games. State law also allows pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing, jai alai, and greyhound simulcasts. Established in 1986, the Florida Lottery remains a major source of public funding.
Additionally, charitable gaming such as raffles and bingo operates legally under state regulations.
Notably, online casinos remain illegal in Florida. However, sweepstakes and social casinos operate within a legal loophole, giving players a digital alternative.
Any expansion of Florida’s gambling laws requires voter approval. This rule keeps the market tightly controlled but still full of potential.
Florida Tribes and Their Role in State Betting
The Seminole Tribe of Florida holds a powerful and unique role in the state’s betting industry. Their position is rooted in a tribal-state compact, a legal agreement that grants them exclusive rights to offer certain types of gambling. This compact allows the Seminole Tribe to operate casinos with house-banked card games like blackjack, as well as craps and roulette.
Most recently, the compact gave the tribe a monopoly on sports betting, both in their physical casinos and through their mobile app, Hard Rock Bet. This exclusive deal generates significant revenue for both the tribe and the state.
The tribe has become a powerful economic force, using gambling revenue to fund tribal government programs, education, and healthcare.
Key Tribes and Their Operations
Seminole Tribe of Florida
Operations: The Seminole Tribe is the most significant player in Florida’s betting and gaming industry. They operate all six Seminole casinos, including the two prominent Hard Rock Hotel & Casino properties in Hollywood and Tampa. Moreover, these casinos offer a full range of games, including slot machines, table games, poker, and, thanks to a recent compact with the state, new games like craps and roulette.
Exclusive Rights: The tribe’s most recent compact grants them a near-monopoly on sports betting in Florida. They are the sole legal entity authorized to offer mobile sports betting throughout the state via the Hard Rock Bet app. This exclusive right makes them a powerful economic force, generating revenue for both the tribe and the state government.
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
Operations: The Miccosukee Tribe’s gambling operations are centered at the Miccosukee Casino & Resort, located near Miami. This facility offers a variety of games, including slot machines, a poker room, and a bingo hall. While not as large as the Seminole’s Hard Rock properties, the Miccosukee Casino is a key part of the South Florida gaming scene.
Separate Compact: The Miccosukee Tribe operates under its own legal authority and is not part of the Seminole Tribe’s compact with the state. This means they do not participate in the statewide sports betting monopoly.
Current State Laws of Florida regulating Gambling
Here’s an up-to-date summary of the current Florida state laws that regulate various forms of gambling, based on the most recent Florida Statutes (as of 2024–2025):
Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC)
Established regulatory authority over all state-sanctioned gambling, including pari-mutuel wagering, cardrooms, slot machine facilities, and state-tribal compacts.
Charged with ensuring due process, reviewing tribal sports betting rules, promoting consumer protection, and safeguarding integrity in wagering activities.
Pari-Mutuel Wagering Laws – Chapter 550
Governs horse racing, jai alai, greyhound racing, simulcasts, and associated wagers.
Imposes strict application procedures, including county voter approval for permits, geographic distance restrictions, and background checks.
Authorizes FGCC to fine up to $1,000 per offense, revoke permits, oversee racing integrity and animal welfare, and manage occupational licensing.
Cardroom Regulation – Chapter 849
Licenses player-banked card games at parimutuel facilities only. House cannot bank.
Requires taxes: 10% of gross revenue plus admission tax (either 15% or $0.10).
Includes provisions for record-keeping, reporting, license suspensions, and felony penalties for unlicensed operations.
Slot Machine Licensing – Chapter 551
Sets occupational license fees (up to $50 for employees, $1,000 for business providers).
Empowers FGCC to deny or revoke licenses based on criminal history or violations in other jurisdictions.
Legislative Restructuring of Oversight Fund (2022 Bill)
Transferred administration of the Pari-Mutuel Wagering Trust Fund (PMW) from DBPR to FGCC.
Redirected licensing fees to support commission operations, removed automatic fund transfers to general revenue.
Latest Florida Betting Legislative Updates
With Florida’s gambling industry tightly regulated and dominated by tribal compacts, the legislative landscape continues to evolve through ongoing debates and enforcement actions.
In this section, we track the latest developments such as proposed bills targeting sweepstakes casinos, efforts to strengthen penalties against illegal operators, and regulatory shifts driven by the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
We also highlight the Seminole Tribe’s negotiations and court victories that reinforce its exclusivity over sports betting and expanded casino games.
Stay informed on these legal updates as they shape the future of casinos, sports betting, and online gaming in one of the nation’s most contested gambling markets.
Active Legislative Proposals regarding Gambling in Florida
House Bill 1467 (HB 1467)
Key provisions:
Strengthens penalties for illegal gambling operations.
Regulates fantasy sports contests under more defined requirements.
Expands reporting duties for pari-mutuel permit transfers.
Increases criminal penalties for offenses such as betting on prearranged contests, trafficking slot machines, and transporting individuals to facilitate illegal gambling.
Preempts local jurisdictions from enacting their own gambling rules.
Status: Passed through House committees, including Budget and Commerce, but died in the Senate Rules Committee on June 16, 2025.
Senate Bill 1404 (SB 1404)
Key provisions:
Seeks to broadly define and prohibit “internet gambling” and “internet sports wagering” except under tribal compact.
Prohibits betting on athletic contests with knowledge of predetermined results.
Strengthens penalties for illegal slot machine operations and trafficking.
Regulates cardrooms and imposes age restrictions.
Aims to criminalize sweepstakes-style digital gaming.
Status: Advanced through several Senate committees but ultimately failed to move forward and died in committee, effectively being shelved for the session.
House Bill 1017 (HB 1017)
Key provisions:
Enhances enforcement authority of the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC).
Elevates penalties for illegal gaming activity, including felony charges for operating illegal gambling venues, trafficking slot machines, and false advertising.
Addresses bail considerations and asset seizure related to gambling offenses.
Repeals outdated provisions regarding gaming on billiard/pool tables and revises definitions for “instant bingo.”
Status: Introduced and referred to multiple committees. However, the bill was indefinitely postponed and withdrawn in June 2025.
Additional Legal Developments
Seminole Tribe Settles Lawsuit, Expands Jai Alai Offerings – October 2024
The Seminole Tribe reached a settlement with racetrack and poker-room operators challenging its sports betting monopoly. The deal allows collaboration on Jai Alai wagering through Hard Rock Bet, boosting the tribe’s market dominance and projected revenues.
Florida Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge to Tribal Compact – March 2024
The Florida Supreme Court refused to hear a lawsuit against the 2021 Seminole compact granting exclusivity in online sports betting. This followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial in June 2023, cementing the compact’s legality.
Budget Clash Over Gaming Enforcement Funding – April 2025
Florida lawmakers clashed over FGCC’s funding: the Senate proposed $37.09 million, while the House offered $31.6 million. The unresolved $5.49M gap could delay enforcement and licensing improvements.
FGCC Crackdowns on Offshore Operators – February 2025
The Florida Gaming Control Commission issued cease-and-desist orders to offshore operators like BetUS, Bovada, and MyBookie, targeting unauthorized online gambling platforms.
Sweepstakes Casino Bills Withdrawn – May 2025
Bills HB 953 and SB 1404, which aimed to criminalize sweepstakes casinos and restrict non-tribal online betting, were withdrawn before passage, leaving regulatory gaps in the digital gambling sector.
Land-Based Sports Betting in Florida
Legal Status: Legal, but only in Seminole Tribe-operated Establishments
Land-based sports betting in Florida occupies a unique legal position shaped by the state’s exclusive compact with the Seminole Tribe.
Under the 2021 Gaming Compact between the Tribe and the State of Florida, the Seminoles were granted the right to offer both retail and online sports betting through their Hard Rock brand.
However, legal challenges quickly complicated implementation, creating uncertainty for both bettors and operators.
After prolonged litigation, the U.S. Supreme Court (June 2023) and the Florida Supreme Court (March 2024) declined to block the compact. These rulings effectively upheld the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive control over sports betting. As a result, land-based sports betting is legal in Florida, but only within tribal casinos operated by the Seminole Tribe.
Currently, players can place in-person bets at Seminole-owned casinos, such as Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and other tribal venues.
Non-tribal facilities, including racetracks and pari-mutuel venues, are prohibited from offering retail sportsbooks unless integrated under the Seminole compact framework.
Thus, Florida’s land-based sports betting environment is legal but highly restricted, available exclusively through Seminole venues.
This exclusivity continues to fuel debate among competing stakeholders, including racetracks, poker rooms, and commercial operators, who remain excluded from the market.
Florida’s land-based sports betting atmosphere remains legal but limited, as non-tribal casinos, pari-mutuel facilities, and commercial operators are excluded. This exclusivity ensures the Seminole Tribe maintains firm control over Florida’s rapidly expanding sports wagering market.
List of Land-Based Casinos in Florida
At present, Floridians and visitors can place in-person wagers at the following Seminole Tribe casinos:
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Located in South Florida, this flagship property offers luxury accommodations, an iconic guitar-shaped hotel, and a massive gaming floor. It features thousands of slot machines, table games, and world-class entertainment venues.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
This Tampa destination is one of the largest casinos in the United States. It offers a full range of gaming, fine dining, and live music experiences.
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
Situated in Broward County, this casino provides an upscale yet relaxed atmosphere. Guests enjoy over 2,000 slot machines, poker rooms, and diverse dining options.
Seminole Classic Casino (Hollywood)
As Florida’s first tribal casino, Seminole Classic delivers a traditional gaming experience. It features slot machines, electronic table games, and a classic casino ambiance.
Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Located near Naples, this casino combines resort-style comfort with vibrant gaming options. It includes a hotel, multiple restaurants, and a lively entertainment lineup.
Seminole Brighton Casino
Found on the Brighton Seminole Reservation, this casino offers a welcoming, community-focused experience. It provides slot machines, bingo, and a laid-back rural setting.
Additionally, these venues now feature retail sportsbooks in addition to their slot machines, poker rooms, and table games.
Florida Online Sports Betting
Legal Status: Legal, but Only under Seminole Tribe-Run Operations
Online sports betting in Florida remains legal but operates under a highly controlled and exclusive framework.
The 2021 Gaming Compact between the Seminole Tribe and the state gave the tribe exclusive rights to run online sportsbooks. This exclusivity extends to the Hard Rock Bet app, which officially relaunched in late 2023 after extended legal disputes.
Courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court and Florida Supreme Court, declined to overturn the compact. As a result, Hard Rock Bet stands as the only legal online sportsbook in Florida. Players can register, deposit funds, and place wagers directly through the app.
However, non-tribal operators and commercial sportsbooks remain banned. Racetracks and pari-mutuel facilities have no legal pathway to offer online sportsbooks. This has caused significant debate among stakeholders who argue for more competition and consumer choice. Despite opposition, online sports betting in Florida continues to grow under the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive control.
Other Online Sports Betting Options for Florida Residents
Betting sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for Florida players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of Florida players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Florida Daily Fantasy Sports
Legal Status: Gray Area
Daily fantasy sports in Florida occupy a legally uncertain and heavily debated space. The state has never passed a specific law authorizing DFS contests. However, major operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel continue to serve Florida players. They argue that DFS is a game of skill and not gambling.
At the same time, state officials have expressed mixed views. The Florida Attorney General has not issued a binding opinion on daily fantasy sports. Moreover, the Florida Gaming Control Commission has shown interest in regulating online wagering activities, which may include DFS.
Because no statute directly bans daily fantasy sports, players can still enter contests. Yet, the lack of clear regulation creates risks for operators and participants. Lawmakers have introduced DFS-related proposals before, but none passed into law.
As a result, daily fantasy sports in Florida remain accessible but legally ambiguous, awaiting future legislative or regulatory clarity.
Florida Land-Based Casino Gambling
Legal Status: Legal at Indian Casinos and some racetracks
Land-based casinos in Florida play a central role in the state’s gambling industry. The Seminole Tribe dominates this sector under the 2021 Gaming Compact.
Through this agreement, the tribe operates six major casinos, including the Seminole Hard Rock properties in Tampa and Hollywood.
These casinos offer slot machines, table games, poker, and retail sportsbooks. Moreover, the compact authorized expanded gaming options, strengthening the Seminoles’ exclusivity.
Non-tribal facilities, including pari-mutuel venues, face strict restrictions on slot machines and casino-style games. They may only operate in select counties like Broward and Miami-Dade.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission oversees enforcement and regulates non-tribal gaming activity. However, tribal casinos fall under federal and tribal jurisdiction, limiting state influence.
Despite these restrictions, land-based casinos continue to attract millions of visitors and generate significant revenue.
As legal battles settle, Florida’s land-based casino industry remains stable, tribal-controlled, and positioned for continued growth.
List of Land-Based Casinos in Florida
Here are the top land-based casinos in Florida, primarily operated by the Seminole Tribe:
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Located in Hollywood, this is Florida’s largest casino, famous for its iconic Guitar Hotel, extensive gaming floor, luxury hotel, and entertainment venues.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
One of the most profitable casinos in the U.S., offering thousands of slot machines, table games, poker, and upscale dining options.
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
A popular casino near Fort Lauderdale with a wide range of slots, poker, and live entertainment.
Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
Located in Southwest Florida, it features slots, table games, dining, and a hotel, serving as a regional gaming hub.
Seminole Classic Casino (Hollywood)
Florida’s first large-scale casino, offering a mix of slot machines, electronic table games, and poker.
Florida Online Casino Gambling
Legal Status: No local license or regulation
The landscape for online casinos in Florida remains complex. Currently, the state does not legally permit or regulate online casinos. Florida law prohibits online casino games like slots and table games. Consequently, no state-sanctioned real-money online casinos operate within Florida’s borders.
However, many residents still play on offshore sites. These platforms are not subject to Florida’s regulations. Players face risks when using these unregulated sites. These risks include a lack of consumer protection and uncertain payouts. Furthermore, Florida officials continue to crack down on illegal gambling. They seize illegal machines and cash.
The future of online casinos in Florida is uncertain. A compact with the Seminole Tribe allows online sports betting. This deal does not include online casinos. Some lawmakers support legalization to generate tax revenue.
The state Supreme Court is currently reviewing the Seminole compact. A ruling could impact future gambling expansion. For now, legal online casinos are not an option.
Other Online Casino Options for Florida Residents
Online casinos based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for Florida players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Poker in Florida
Status: Legal in Licensed Cardrooms
Land-based poker is thriving in Florida. Players have access to dozens of licensed cardrooms. These rooms are found at both pari-mutuel facilities and tribal casinos.
The state’s 2010 law removed buy-in and pot limits. This change has made Florida a major poker destination. It also allows for large cash games and major tournaments.
The Seminole Tribe runs several high-profile poker rooms. Hard Rock properties in Hollywood and Tampa are popular spots. These venues host major tournament series. Many professional players visit them regularly.
Furthermore, a recent gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe has added new games. Players can now enjoy craps and roulette. However, this compact does not affect existing poker rooms. Pari-mutuel facilities continue to operate their cardrooms.
The future of land-based poker remains very strong. Its popularity continues to attract both tourists and local players. The state’s legal framework has helped the game flourish.
List of Poker Operations in Florida
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Tables: Approximately 40 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida
As one of the largest and most luxurious casinos in the country, its poker room is a premier destination. It hosts major tournament series like the Seminole Hard Rock Poker Open (SHRPO) and is known for its high-stakes cash games.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
Tables: Approximately 46 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida
Located on the state’s west coast, this massive poker room is a hub for action. It’s known for its huge daily tournaments, promotions, and a lively atmosphere that draws players from all over the region.
Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park (now Harrah’s Pompano Beach)
Tables: Approximately 40 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment
This cardroom is a key part of the South Florida poker scene. It’s known for its daily tournaments and cash games, and it attracts a consistent crowd of serious players.
Palm Beach Kennel Club
Tables: Around 65 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Owned by the Rooney Family
A long-standing fixture in the state, this operation in West Palm Beach is a favorite among players. It offers a variety of games and is well-regarded for its tournament schedule and promotions.
Daytona Beach Racing & Card Club
Tables: Approximately 56 poker tables
Owner/Operator: Owned by Delaware North Companies, Inc.
This is a top destination in Central Florida, known for its well-maintained room and its own popular tournament series, including the Great American Poker Tournaments (GAPT).
Florida Online Poker
Status: Not locally licensed or regulated
Online poker in Florida remains illegal under current state laws. The legislature has not authorized any regulated or locally licensed platforms for real-money online play. However, residents still access offshore sites, even though these platforms are not locally licensed and lack consumer protections.
Florida law allows land-based poker rooms at tribal casinos and pari-mutuel facilities. Yet, it does not extend these permissions to online poker. The Seminole Tribe’s compact covers retail and online sports betting but excludes internet poker. Consequently, no operator is locally licensed to provide online poker games within Florida.
Social poker apps and sweepstakes models remain the only lawful online alternatives. These platforms use virtual chips or prize-based systems to avoid gambling classifications. Lawmakers have debated online gaming expansion, but no bills passed to legalize online poker.
Therefore, online poker in Florida remains unregulated and not locally licensed, while land-based venues dominate the state’s vibrant poker scene.
Other Online Poker Options for Florida Residents
Online poker sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for Florida players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of Florida players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
Florida Horse Betting
Legal Status: Legal
Horse betting in Florida operates under a complex system of laws. It is a legal activity in the state. Pari-mutuel wagering is regulated by the Florida Gaming Control Commission.
Betting is available at licensed racetracks. It is also available at off-track betting (OTB) facilities. These places also offer simulcasting of races. Florida is home to major thoroughbred tracks. Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs are prime examples.
However, the industry has seen significant changes. A 2021 law allowed “decoupling” for most pari-mutuels. This means they can offer cardrooms and slots without live racing. This law did not apply to thoroughbred tracks.
The thoroughbred industry remains strong. But other racing types, like harness racing, have largely disappeared. Legal online horse betting is available through various licensed platforms. These are called advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites.
They are not regulated by the state of Florida itself, but they are tolerated. The legal situation remains a bit cloudy. Florida’s gaming landscape is still evolving.
List of Horse Betting Racetracks in Florida
Gulfstream Park
Owner/Operator: Stronach Group (operates as 1/ST Racing)
Gulfstream Park is a premier Thoroughbred racetrack and casino located in Hallandale Beach. Known for its year-round live racing, it’s a major hub for high-stakes competition, especially during its Championship Meet.
Beyond the track, the property is a massive entertainment complex, featuring a casino, a shopping village known as “The Village at Gulfstream Park,” and numerous dining and nightlife options.
Tampa Bay Downs
Owner/Operator: the Thayer family, with Stella F. Thayer serving as president.
As the only Thoroughbred racetrack on Florida’s west coast, Tampa Bay Downs has a long history, dating back to 1926. Located in Oldsmar, it is known for its laid-back, “country fair-style” charm. The track hosts a live racing season from late fall to early spring. In addition to racing, the facility includes a popular poker room and a golf practice facility.
Harrah’s Pompano Beach (formerly known as Pompano Park)
Owner/Operator: Caesars Entertainment
This property, formerly known as Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, was a historic harness racing track. While live harness racing ended in 2022, the facility remains a prominent gambling and entertainment destination under its new ownership.
It now operates as a casino with a large poker room, slot machines, and simulcast wagering. The track itself was demolished, but its legacy as a winter home for harness racing is well-known.
Hialeah Park Racing & Casino
Owner/Operator: the Brunetti family
Hialeah Park is one of the most historic and beautiful racetracks in the world, with a unique Mediterranean Revival architectural style and an infield famous for its flock of flamingos. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
While it no longer hosts a full season of Thoroughbred racing, it has a casino and continues to be a venue for Quarter Horse racing. Its historic grandstand and gardens make it a landmark.
Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS)
Owner/Operator: Owned by a group of local horse owners and breeders, with Tom Ventura serving as President. While primarily a sales company, it also operates a track.
OBS is a different type of operation. It is not a traditional racing track with regular public race days. Instead, it is a renowned Thoroughbred sales company that operates a training track.
It’s a key part of the Ocala region’s horse breeding industry, hosting auctions for 2-year-olds in training and other sales. These events often include “under tack” shows, where horses are worked on the track for potential buyers.
Florida Online Horse Betting
Legal Status: Gray Area
Online horse betting in Florida exists in a legally gray area. The state itself does not explicitly regulate online platforms. Florida’s gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe focuses on sports betting and casino games.
However, advance-deposit wagering (ADW) sites operate openly in the state. These sites are licensed in other states. They are not specifically illegal under Florida law. Therefore, many residents use these platforms to place bets. They can bet on races at tracks nationwide.
Florida’s gambling laws are very complex. The state’s focus is on regulating land-based operations. The Florida Gaming Control Commission oversees pari-mutuel facilities. These include racetracks and jai alai frontons.
The ADW model is not directly under their authority. This leaves a regulatory gap. Residents can legally use established sites like TwinSpires and FanDuel Racing. But these sites are regulated by other state authorities, not Florida. The state’s position is one of toleration rather than active regulation.
Other Online Horse Betting Options for Florida Residents
Online horse betting based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for Florida players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
Florida Lotteries
Legal Status: Legal
The Florida Lottery is a well-established and highly active government-operated lottery. It offers a wide variety of games, including both in-state and multi-jurisdictional options.
Popular games include scratch-off tickets, which generate the majority of sales. The state also participates in nationwide games. These include Powerball and Mega Millions. Florida Lotto is another major draw game.
The lottery’s sole mission is to maximize revenues for education. A large percentage of all ticket sales goes to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund.
This fund supports public schools and colleges. It also funds the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Lottery proceeds are a significant source of funding for Florida education.
Despite its success, the Florida Lottery does not permit online ticket sales. Customers must purchase tickets in person. They can buy them from over 13,000 retailers statewide. Players must also be 18 years of age or older.
The state maintains a focus on responsible gaming practices. This ensures the integrity of the lottery.
List of Florida Lottery Games
The Florida Lottery operates all legal lotteries within the state. It is a government-run entity. The “top 5 lotteries” are actually the most popular and well-known games offered by this single operator. Here’s a quick overview of each:
Powerball
Operator: Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL), with the Florida Lottery as a member.
Powerball is a wildly popular multi-state draw game known for its massive, life-changing jackpots. It holds the record for the largest jackpot ever won in the United States. Players select five numbers and a separate Powerball number.
Mega Millions
Operator: Mega Millions Consortium, with the Florida Lottery as a member.
Similar to Powerball, Mega Millions is a large multi-state jackpot game. It features huge rolling jackpots and is drawn twice a week. It is one of the most recognized and played lottery games in Florida, thanks to its high jackpot potential.
Florida Lotto
Operator: Florida Lottery
This is Florida’s own signature jackpot game. It’s a draw game exclusive to the state, offering a chance to win significant jackpots that start at $1 million and roll over until won. The game has a strong local following as it directly benefits Florida’s education system.
Fantasy 5
Operator: Florida Lottery
Fantasy 5 is a daily draw game offering better odds of winning a top prize than the major jackpot games. The top prize is fixed at $100,000. It’s popular for its more frequent drawings and higher win probability, which appeals to players looking for more regular payouts.
Scratch-Offs
Operator: Florida Lottery
While not a single game, scratch-off tickets are a dominant force in Florida’s lottery sales. The Florida Lottery offers a constant rotation of scratch-off games at various price points, from $1 to $50, with top prizes ranging from a few thousand dollars to tens of millions. They are popular for the instant gratification of winning.
Florida Sweepstakes Casinos
Legal Status: Promotional Sweepstakes (Legal); Sweepstakes Casinos (Legality disputed)
Sweepstakes casinos in Florida currently operate in a legal gray area. The state has not passed a law that formally authorizes or regulates them. However, lawmakers have attempted to restrict their use, but the recent bills HB 953 and SB 1404 failed to advance in 2025. As a result, sweepstakes casinos continue to accept Florida players without being locally licensed.
These platforms use a promotional model that awards sweepstakes entries with the purchase of virtual currency. Players use these entries to play casino-style games for a chance to win cash prizes. This model avoids direct classification as gambling under Florida law.
Promotional sweepstakes themselves are legal in Florida. Businesses often use them for marketing purposes, provided they follow consumer protection rules. However, casino-style sweepstakes remain unregulated.
Therefore, sweepstakes casinos in Florida remain accessible but not locally licensed. Their legal future depends on whether lawmakers eventually pass specific restrictions or regulatory measures.
List of Sweepstakes Casinos in Florida
Chumba Casino
Owner/Operator: Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW)
Chumba Casino is one of the most well-known sweepstakes casinos in the industry. It was one of the pioneers of the sweepstakes model. It features a wide variety of proprietary slot games, as well as a selection of table games like blackjack and roulette. Its long-standing reputation makes it a trusted name for players.
Pulse Casino
Owner/Operator: Yellow Social Interactive Limited
Pulsz Casino has quickly become a top-tier option with a large library of over 500 games, including many titles from well-known developers like Pragmatic Play and NetEnt. It offers a user-friendly experience and a robust mobile app, making it a popular choice for players who want to game on the go.
McLuck Casino
Owner/Operator: B2Services OÜ
McLuck Casino is a newer but rapidly growing sweepstakes casino. It has quickly gained popularity for its extensive collection of slot games, including exclusive jackpot titles. McLuck focuses heavily on providing a wide variety of high-quality slots and jackpot opportunities, appealing to players who enjoy that type of gameplay.
WOW Vegas
Owner/Operator: WOW Entertainment Limited
WOW Vegas is known for its wide selection of over 800 games, including slots, live dealer games, and more. It offers a visually appealing and engaging user experience that aims to replicate a Vegas-style atmosphere. The platform also stands out for its frequent promotions and bonus offers.
High 5 Casino
Owner/Operator: High 5 Entertainment LLC
High 5 Casino has a long history, initially starting as a social casino on Facebook before evolving into a sweepstakes model. It offers a massive library of over 800 games, many of which are original titles created by its in-house development studio. This makes it a great choice for players looking for unique content not found on other sites.
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