Florida Online Poker Sites

Legal Gambling Age in Florida Players must be 18 years of age or older to play at offline and online poker rooms, horse and dog tracks, and online bingo sites. The minimum age to play at land based casinos, online casinos and online. At this time there are no online poker sites located in Florida. As more states pass legislation regulating online poker Florida will most likely open an online poker site themselves. Check back shortly for a listing of legal online poker sites located in Florida. In the meantime play online poker at any of the below recommended poker sites. Online Poker Legislation in Florida. Unfortunately, home games aren’t the only form of gambling banned in Florida – online gambling isn’t allowed either. Online gaming is not specifically mentioned in the. Is there an online poker room that accepts players from Florida? Yes, Florida players can play at Bovada, Sportsbetting Poker and BetOnline. What other forms of regulated gambling is offered in Florida? Other major online poker site brands, including partypoker, World Series of Poker (WSOP) and 888poker, offer similar free-to-play platforms. If the software is available in Florida, players can create an account.

• Online Poker Florida Legal
• Online Poker For Florida Residents
• Poker In Florida

Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi, Jason Mercier, and current November Niner Amir Lehavot– these are just a few of the real money poker behemoths originally hailing from the Sunshine State, Florida. In fact, in six of the past seven years, at least one resident of Florida has made the WSOP Final Table at one of the poker world’s most prestigious real cash poker betting events. This is in large part due to the popularity of online poker on legal poker websites in Florida prior to Black Friday.

Since then, things have died down a bit in the Internet poker gambling world in FL. Recently implemented gambling and betting laws raise the question as to whether all forms of device driven gambling, like Internet poker betting for real cash, are technically illegal in 2021. Additionally, the state prohibits unregulated gambling in any shape, way or form meaning lawful poker websites are the only option for Florida’s poker betting fans.

Still, the state’s 26 casinos, poker rooms with Texas Hold’em games and other poker games plus multiple racetracks are physical proof that real money poker and other gambling variants are thriving. And most of the state’s gambling community is widely in favor of passing legislation that would legalize online poker and usher in a new era of legit Internet poker websites for FL citizens. Yet, while several Internet poker bills have been brought to the table, it appears as though the betting residents of Florida are going to have to wait an indefinite amount of time before taking to the virtual real money poker felt.

As it stands in 2021, gambling online in The Sunshine State raises some questions. However, with the right real money US poker site, making a wager can be done.

History Of Florida Poker Legislation

Quick Jump

• 4 Is Online Poker Legal In Florida?
• 6 The History Of Gambling In Florida

In early 2011, State Representative Joseph Abruzzo introduced an Internet poker bill entitled HB 77 that would regulate intrastate online real cash poker websites throughout the state of FL. At the time, online poker was not illegal and many people were enjoying legal Internet poker as much as they could. However, according to the UIGEA of 2006, it was against federal law for a company based in the US to operate an online poker room or real money poker website for monetary compensation.

According to Abruzzo’s proposal, the state of Florida would receive 10 percent of all revenue generated through online poker and Internet poker transactions. His goal was to pass a form of the bill by March 2011 to be implemented no later than July 1st of that year. Unfortunately, the lawful poker websites bill died in the Senate Criminal Justice Committee in April 2011 ^[1].

Abruzzo would try again to get his Internet gambling and poker betting bill through in 2012, but due to heavy resistance from the Seminole tribe – the largest Indian gambling interest in the Sunshine State – efforts to legalize online gambling fell short and the reality of legit poker websites disappeared. It was around the same time that FL State began cracking down on Internet café gambling. This is when players go online and access real cash poker websites in public places. In the past that was a popular way to bypass the poker laws and get a game of Texas Hold’em real money poker in!

Latest Florida Poker News

Can Players From Florida Play Online Poker?

As of the time of writing, real cash poker players from Florida are still permitted to register accounts on US-facing poker websites. In light of recent laws passed by the state’s government, this could change at any time. So, if you’re playing Internet poker from FL in 2021, be aware and stay up to date with the Florida government’s most recent position on whether gambling on real money poker websites is legal.

There are still a lot of online poker rooms and poker websites that accept players from the United States, but they are not accepting players from all states. If you do decide to take to the virtual Texas Hold’em poker felt, it is recommended that you take a look at our list of the best Florida Poker Sites for real money.

Is Online Poker Legal In Florida?

While we are no legal authority on the subject of legit Internet poker in FL, we can say with confidence that Florida’s gambling and real money poker laws are vague, at best. Technically, there are no laws prohibiting someone from playing online poker for real cash at a poker website. However, some of the state’s laws can be interpreted to say it is illegal for FL poker players to play Internet poker.

If anything, Florida has failed to mention much of anything regarding the legality of online poker and whether gambling for real money at poker websites is legal. And although it is best to seek on the subject of Internet poker before participating in any online gambling or real money poker activity, we’ve summarized the key facets of 2021‘s gambling and real cash poker law in Florida, some of which can be interpreted to encompass online poker at poker websites:

• According to Section 849.08, unregulated gambling in the state of Florida is illegal and considered a second degree misdemeanor. ^[2]
• 849.08 goes on to state that playing cards, possibly including poker games like Texas Hold’em poker, on an unregulated device or at an unregulated facility is also illegal. Cards could be interpreted to include poker and Internet poker games, although the word “poker” is never specifically referred to.
• Real money poker rooms are legal, but must adhere to a strict set of principles and guidelines set forth by the state.
• Penny-ante home real cash poker games, where the winner of a hand wins no more than $10 are considered legal in so long as the poker betting game takes place at a dwelling – which can be interpreted as a place of residence. ^[3]

From this it can be concluded that playing online poker from a computer on poker websites, despite the location of the device, could be considered illegal. However, since no one has been prosecuted for playing online poker, it’s impossible to know how state officials would react to the issue of online poker and Internet poker play if presented before a court of law.

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HB3 – Prohibition of Simulated Gambling Devices

In early-2013 Florida passed HB3. For the sake of simplicity, we’ve paraphrased it below:

Section 849.16 indicates that machines or system[s] directly or indirectly operated by a user that can be used to play games of skill or by reason of any element of chance or any other outcome unpredictable by him or her are illegal, in so long as an exchange of real money, credit, allowance, or thing of value can be traded for.

HB3 was meant to outlaw Internet cafes where FL citizens went to play legal Internet poker in Florida. However, the language is so broad that it can be interpreted that any device, including computers, smartphones and tablets, that can be used to play on gambling and poker betting websites, are all technically illegal in 2021. ^[4] Absurd, we know – but that’s one way to read it.

The bill will likely be amended, and there are some that believe the new bill will include provisions outlawing Internet poker, including both off-shore real money poker websites and legal free-play Internet poker sites in the US. To support this theory, subscription-based online poker site ClubWPT.com ^[5] pulled out of Florida two days after the poker website gambling bill was signed into law by Governor Scott.

The Facts

The History Of Gambling In Florida

1932

1932

Due to the suffering that the economy endured during the early 30’s, the state of Florida legalized pari-mutuel gambling.

1935

1935

Gambling started to grow even more and slots were legalized in Florida.

1937

1937

Online Poker Florida Legal

Unfortunately, this law was revoked and slots were no longer available to play in the state of Florida.

1978

1978

Gambling was on the verge of growing even more throughout the state, but the referendum on granting casino gambling in Broward and Miami-Dade was defeated. This referendum was re-introduced in 1986 and 1994, resulting in the same outcome.

1979

1979

The Seminole Tribe made real strides in the gambling world and opened a high-stakes bingo hall on their own lad. Unfortunately, this did not conform with the state’s law but the appeal was won and the bingo hall remained open.

2004

2004

Finally, the referendum from previous years was passed and Broward and Miami-Dade got their casinos. This allowed them to expand their slots offerings, which would ultimately lead to more customers in the tribal casinos.

2010

2010

Legislature allows “No-Limit” poker to be played in live casinos. Resulting in a boom in venues throughout the state. Gambling was becoming a big thing in the state of Florida and was constantly growing in popularity.

2013

2013

This year saw a big decline in gambling facilities as internet cafes banned all gambling games from being accessed.

Gambling and real cash betting, whether sanctioned by the state or not, has existed in Florida since Henry Flagler enticed high-roller real money poker betting and casino fans by erecting the landmark (and illegal) Bacchus Club casino in 1888.

In the 1920s, the underground gambling and poker betting scene in both Tampa and Miami was thriving. A game called bolita, which originated in Cuba, was the poison of choice for most real cash high-rollers gambling in FL. In the 1930s, the rise of crime bosses like Al Capone led to illicit gambling circles and real money poker games throughout the state. Stories of murder, mayhem and corrupt police officers were common, and while not all of them were true, illegal gambling and poker betting become so popular that by the 1940s popular casino games were said to be buying elections in Florida.

The Great Depression compelled Florida’s government to seek ways to raise additional revenue. Subsequently, legislation legalizing real money gambling on horse racing was passed in 1931. This marked the first time gambling in any form was legal in Florida. Four years later, slot machines became legal.

The Florida State Lottery was sanctioned in 1988 and by 2008 generated more than $4.2 billion in annual real cash gambling wagers. Lottery officials claim that in the past two decades, over $20 billion in betting profits has been collected from the lottery fund to support educational causes.

Despite this, organized crime ruled the gambling and real money poker world in Florida throughout much of the 20th century. And it wouldn’t be until 2004 that the Seminole tribe would win the battle to operate Vegas-style real cash gambling slots in the state of FL.

Since then the Indian tribe has gained the right to spread more games in its various casinos. The state has settled its differences with the tribe, in large part due to the more than $2 billion in state revenue they generate each year in real money gambling profits for the government of Florida.

In 2010, Texas Hold’em No-Limit poker and other No Limit poker games became legal in Florida’s then 23 real money poker betting rooms and all Seminole poker rooms.

Today in 2021, Florida’s online and offline gambling and Internet poker community is bustling. Over two dozen real cash legal poker rooms, more than half-a-dozen tribal gaming casinos and three horse tracks litter the highly populated, tourist friendly Sunshine State of FL.

Although the state laws seem to be in flux, US poker players in Florida do have access to Internet poker rooms that take US players.

Regulated Gambling Options In Florida

The only type of regulated gambling not offered in Florida is commercial casinos. Horse racing, slot machines and lawful real money poker card rooms are all prevalent throughout the state. Florida also offers a state lottery, Powerball, bingo and raffles (only for charity) and para-mutual gambling on top of its wide legit real cash poker gambling offerings.

The Future Of Regulated Online Gambling In Florida

HB3 has most advocates of state regulated online poker extremely concerned about the possibility of legal Internet poker websites. Some fear a scenario where HB3 will be amended to ban online poker and gambling at Internet poker websites completely. And while the Internet poker bill is certainly not the last nail in the coffin, the Seminoles will likely resist any online poker legislation making Internet poker legal unless it can be amended to not jeopardize their poker gambling earnings.

The Bottom Line

It could be a long while before proposed online poker legislation is heard by the committee in FL. Will we eventually see some sort of legalized online poker giving the Sunshine State’s gambling fans somewhere legal to play real money poker in Florida? Probably, it won’t happen soon and all bets are off on when the first legit poker websites will open their doors.

Floridians best hope might be for the federal government to come around on the issue of legal Internet poker and gambling for real cash on poker websites. Until then, FL players are encouraged to enjoy Florida’s prospering no-limit real cash poker scene, and other poker variants. It’s a good way of getting in some real cash gambling practice before legit Internet poker betting for real money eventually comes to Florida!

References

[1] ↑Florida’s internet poker legislation won’t pass this session

[2] ↑Statute 849.08

[3] ↑Statute 849.085

[4] ↑Did new Florida law make computers and phones illegal?

[5] ↑ClubWPT

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With a population of more than 21 million people, Florida has one of the largest gambling markets in the country. Casino laws have relaxed here in recent years and more people have begun looking into playing poker online. In this guide, our team of gambling experts is going to explain how you can find the best Florida poker sites.

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Below, you’ll find some of the best real money poker sites in Florida right now. Check out all of the different games they offer!

Rank	Gambling Site	Deposit Bonus	Get Started
#1	888poker	100% Up To €400	Visit Site

Florida has changed its gambling regulations several times recently. Many have questions about the legality of online poker gambling here. Luckily for you, our team is well-versed and will go over your poker options in the Sunshine State.

As most of you already know, there are a plenty of world-class poker sites in FL. Some individuals who are just getting into this industry have a difficult time choosing which one to join. We’ll make this process easier by going over some features that all the top poker sites offer.

Florida has taken an unusual approach to the gambling industry. This page should make it easy to find a great poker website.

Four Basic Steps to Finding the Best Florida Poker Sites

The US has a lot of poker websites to choose from, and the majority of them are great options. But there are some that have gained sketchy reputations, so it’s important to be able to differentiate good online Florida poker sites from bad ones.

Below, you’ll learn a few steps to ensure the online poker room you join is safe and fun!

Check Poker Site Reviews at Reliable Sources

The easiest way to learn more information about a poker website is by checking these Florida online poker sites out for yourself. A good review should be able to tell you just about everything you need to know about different websites. This includes information on the site’s payment options and a list of available online casino games.

It’s very easy to find reviews for different sites with online poker in Florida. You can head over to our gambling site reviews page right now. Here, we provide useful information about all of the top Florida poker sites available. We’ll be the first to let you know if a site is worth joining.

Compare Payment Options

The most important feature of a poker site is its payment system. Nothing is more important than knowing the money you’re gambling with is safe. With that in mind, we highly recommend that you spend time checking out which payment options are available through different websites offering online poker in Florida.

We recommend that people join Florida online poker sites that allow deposits and withdrawals to be made without any extremely high fees. It also helps to join real money Florida poker sites that offer payouts to be made within a few days. The most important thing is knowing the money you’re gambling with is secure.

Check Out the Full List of Poker Options Available

Poker is a relatively general term. There are actually many different types of poker games out there. It’s important to join a site that always offers the kinds of poker games you want to play. Fortunately, this is an extremely easy thing to look into.

The majority of Florida poker sites operating today feature a full list of poker games directly on their homepages. If you want to play Texas Hold’em, find a site that offers it. It’s that easy!

See What Promotional Offers Are Being Offered

Promotions are amazing tools that different real money online gambling sites offer nowadays. Some Florida online poker sites are known for offering better promotions than others. We feel that it’s a good idea to join a FL poker site that offers great promotions to new and existing members.

All of the top Florida poker sites offer a good welcome bonus. Usually, this adds money onto whatever you first deposit into your account. We also feel that it’s a good idea to check out some of the loyalty promotions being offered to current members. These can significantly increase the amount of money you have to gamble with!

As long as you follow these steps, there’s a very good chance you will find a few great Florida poker websites. Now, simply choose which one you like the most!

Online Poker Sites in Florida Are Growing More Popular

Many are starting to notice that the popularity of online poker gambling is growing quickly. This is certainly true in Florida. In this state, more people are choosing to play poker games online every single month.

It looks like there are several reasons why. One major reason that most people point out is the convenience that these Florida online poker sites offer. They allow people to play different poker variants from the comfort of their home. In fact, they allow you to make bets from anywhere in the state as long as you have internet connection!

Florida is home to several popular casinos now. Not everyone wants to travel to one of these gambling venues, though. Many are beginning to realize how easy it is to play poker from home.

The majority of poker sites in Florida also allow you to make bets using just your phone! Mobile poker gambling is beginning to grow even more popular than making bets through a desktop computer.

Have you already checked out a few FL poker sites? If so, you may have noticed how many different poker variants are being offered. Many are astounded to see just how many amazing poker options are available online.

This wide range of poker games has also helped this industry grow quickly. Many of these sites offer more games than some of the biggest land-based poker rooms in the country.

Spend a little time checking out some of the poker sites in Florida. You’ll quickly begin to realize why this industry is growing so quickly.

List of Land-Based Real Money Poker Venues in Florida

For many years, lawmakers in the Sunshine State completely banned gambling venues. That’s no longer the case! Nowadays, live poker gambling is available on tribal land.

There are plenty of land-based poker halls in Florida. Below are the names and locations of the best poker venues in the state.

• Big Easy Casino: Hallandale
• Ebro Poker Room: Ebro
• Kings Court Key Poker Room and Jai Alai: Homestead
• Oxford Downs Poker Room: Summerfield
• Pensacola Greyhound Track: Pensacola
• The Casino at Dania Beach: Dania
• Creek Entertainment Gretna: Gretna
• Derby Lane Poker Room: St. Petersburg
• Isle Casino Pompano Park: Pompano Beach
• Ocala Gainesville Poker: Reddick

A lot of gamblers in Florida still prefer to play poker the old-fashioned way. If you’re in any of the cities above, make sure to check out the local poker halls!

Legality of Online Poker Sites in Florida

Florida’s gambling laws are fairly complex. For a time, this state was known for having very strict gambling laws that prohibited casinos from operating. In the ‘90s, several laws were approved that allowed the Seminole Tribe to open casino resorts.

Today, traditional Class III casinos are perfectly legal on Seminole land.

Fortunately, live poker games are allowed in this state as well. In 2008, the state approved another set of laws that allowed the maximum poker bet to increase from $2 to $100. This breathed new life into the state’s poker industry.

The specific legality of online poker lies in a gray area. Some analysts point to Section 849.08 of the State Statutes, which gives a description of illegal gambling here.

“Whoever plays or engages in any game at cards, keno, roulette, faro or other game of chance, at any place, by any device whatever, for money or other thing of value, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree…”

One section of this text, “by any device whatever,” may indicate an electronic device. That could mean that all forms of internet gambling are banned. Ultimately, however, there are no laws in this state that specifically state that online poker gambling is prohibited.

Will I Get in Trouble for Playing at Poker Sites in FL?

It’s very unlikely. Over the past few decades, lawmakers in Florida have begun to embrace the gambling industry. There doesn’t seem to be anything in the state’s laws that ban internet poker gambling. Our team has not come across a single case of any individuals facing legal trouble for making online poker bets.

*Please note that we are not lawyers. Reach out to a law professional for more information about the specific online casino laws in Florida if you have any concerns.*

How to Safely Play Poker Online in Florida

Florida is starting to develop a large and successful online poker industry. It’s very easy to never come across any issues while playing poker online. Sometimes, however, new online poker players can find themselves getting into trouble.

Below, you’ll find a quick guide to stay safe while playing poker in Florida online. Check it out below!

Choose Reputable Florida Online Poker Sites

As long as you join a reputable site that offers online poker, there’s a very small chance you will ever come across any issues. We highly recommend that you do research before signing up to any of these sites. Make sure the one you join is safe and reliable!

Use Customer Support

As said earlier, a site’s customer support system is very important. It’s the only feature available to answer your questions. If you come across any issues, make sure you’re willing to reach out for help!

Stay Updated on Changes to Florida’s Online Poker Laws

Florida seems uninterested in going after online poker gamblers. That can always change, though. Stay updated on changes to the regulations here. If you see that harsher laws are being implemented, you might want to take a break from online poker gambling for a little while.

Play Games You Understand

Online Poker For Florida Residents

One of the most common mistakes that new online players make is wagering money on poker games they don’t know how to play. This is almost never a good idea, especially when first getting started. As time goes on and your poker skills begin to improve, you can begin to play and bet on different variants of poker.

Understand How All Real Money Promotions Work

As we mentioned earlier, promotions can be great tools to help increase the amount of money you have in your poker account. Some real money Florida poker sites, however, offer promotions that are probably worth avoiding. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of these bonuses before you utilize them. This will help you avoid any unnecessary issues.

FAQ About Online Poker Gambling in Florida

How Much Money Can I Win Playing at Poker Sites in Florida?

That all depends on your skills and your gambling habits. Many professionals choose to play online and are able to win a large sum of money. Your chances of winning will increase when you’re choosing poker variants that you understand well.

What Are the Two Best FL Poker Sites Operating Right Now?

This one is subjective. Everyone has their own favorite poker site to play through. Our team highly recommends both Bovada and Ignition Poker. They’re both safe and offer some fantastic poker gambling options.

Do Florida Poker Sites Offer Other Casino Gambling Options?

Some of them do, and some don’t. Oftentimes, the larger and more established Florida online casinos tend to offer more gaming options. Take a look at some of the online Florida poker sites we recommend at the top of this page. Many of them offer a wide range of casino games.

Is Online Poker Gambling Easier Than Land-Based Gambling?

Poker In Florida

From a convenience standpoint, absolutely. The ability to win, however, is exactly the same. The process is very similar to playing inside a land-based casino. The only difference is that you have the option of playing from the comfort of your home.

Should I Join an Online Poker Site?

That’s up to you! If you enjoy playing poker but don’t want to make the trip to one of the state’s poker halls, these options are probably best for you. The majority of Florida poker sites are safe and offer great payment options and customer support 24/7.

Conclusion on Playing Online Poker in Florida

With all things considered, Florida is a great state to be a poker fan in. There are many land-based venues that legally offer poker games. A large number of legitimate FL poker websites are also available right now.

Keep in mind, laws toward gambling can change very fast. Follow our gambling news page for more updates on this situation. In the meantime, it looks likely that all poker sites will eventually become state-regulated in Florida.

Feel free to reach out with any more questions on Florida online poker sites. Good luck making your bets!