The current situation for Florida online casinos is improving. As things stand, slot machines, cardrooms, poker games, and electronic gaming machines are available at certain licensed pari-mutuel wagering locations. However, online gambling is unregulated by the state.
This law might change soon enough. Native American territories offer options for the local population. Just recently, though, the Supreme Court decided to allow states to legalize sports betting and online gaming wagers.
Contents
Most Likely Florida Online Casino Sites
FL is the third most populous State in the country. Its politic capital is Tallahassee but its main city is Miami. There is a large number of gaming establishments in the territory of FL.
As legislation advances to expand the options for Florida online casinos and Florida sportsbooks, many big names are starting to size up the state. There are a few well-known brands that are sure to hop into the fray.
BetMGM Casino
This is the perfect example of one of the best online casinos that is expanding day by day. They recently moved into New Jersey and have plenty to offer for their players and bettors. It's very likely that BetMGM will become one of many future Florida online casinos and online sportsbooks.
- 2021's top casinos in Florida include Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Casino + Victory Casino Cruises. Add these and more to your travel plan.
- CENTRAL FLORIDA'S #1 GAMING DESTINATION. Seminole Casino Brighton is a 27,000-square-foot casino with over 400 slot and gaming machines, high-stake bingo action, table games, and Josiah, a full service restaurant and lounge. Its warm and friendly staff, ultra-modern air-conditioning system, clean atmosphere, and rewarding casino.
Hard Rock Casino
Hard Rock Casino is another powerhouse amongst the best online casinos. They have a huge variety of games and promotions for their bettors. They're also likely to become an exceptional addition to the online casinos in Florida. They already have a few brick and mortar casinos in Florida. Keep an eye out for them.
FOX Bet Casino
FOX Bet just entered the market in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. While it's not as popular as other online casinos, it's always great to have more competition. If you consider their quick expansion, it's easy to see why FOX Bet is sure to become another Florida online casino.
Best Casinos in Florida
If you're looking for brick and mortar casinos in Florida, there are some great choices. And, yes, these casinos are entirely legal because they're on Native-owned land. This is great news for tourists and Floridians alike. So, while you wait for Florida online casinos, you can try your hand at one of these locations.
Seminole Classic Casino
The Seminole Classic Casinos is considered one of the most exciting casinos in Fort Lauderdale. It has over 1,000 Vegas-style slot machine games. Some of these include Fort Knox, Quick Hits Platinum, and Bombay. They host massive Bingo sessions as well as table games, and a unique Seminole Wild Card game for bettors.
The casino offers a Comp Dollars rewards program, which operates as a cash-back program. You can spend your Comp Dollars at restaurants, stores, or hotels.
Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
This Seminole location is part hotel and part casino. It's located on the Paradise Coast of Immokalee. They boast unique culinary experiences, a highbrow club, and top-notch rooms where players can rest after visiting the high-energy casino.
The casino itself boats almost 1,400 slot machines. In addition, they have High Stakes poker tables, Pai Gow, and tons of other table games to suit most players. Their Zig Zag Pit even offers complimentary cocktails.
Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club
The Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club is located at Daytona Beach. It's just a short drive from the famous Daytona International Speedway.
It features a 50-table card room, Greyhound races, private betting carrels, and over 300 high-definition televisions. These sets cast thoroughbred racing, Harness racing, Jai-Alai, and Greyhound racing.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is another healthy mix of rooms for rest and relaxation and a ton of casino games to enjoy. It stands out, though, with its famous cuisine and ever-changing demos and in-house concerts.
Casinos hate when you do this. The casino boasts a Poker room with 46 high-stakes tables. The Mezzanine Level Casino contains 400 slots and 15 live tables with blackjack and baccarat on offer. There's also a dedicated High Limit Tables room for those with more cash to burn.
List of Florida Casinos
Here's a list of all the casinos available in Florida:
- Big Easy Casino
- Casino Dania Beach
- Casino Miami
- Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino
- Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park
- Miccosukee Resort & Gaming
- Seminole Casino Brighton
- Seminole Casino Immokalee
- Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Tampa
- Victory Casino Cruises - Cape Canaveral
- Tropical Breeze Casino
Florida Casino Laws
Most gambling in Florida is regulated at the state level. Casinos are mostly limited to Native American reservations. Gambling, gaming, casinos, racetracks, and lotteries, however, are regulated at both a federal and state level.
In 2018, voters approved two big amendments that affect gambling in the state:
- Amendment 3: A measure that makes it more difficult for gaming companies to build new casinos in the state.
- Amendment 13: While 11 Greyhound tracks are currently operating, this legislation aims to ban the sport in its entirety. These tracks are to leave by the end of 2020.
Betting on skill games is illegal in Florida. In addition, while Floridians can visit online casinos, it's currently illegal to host web casinos in the state. Other location-based gambling laws are a bit messy. To simplify this, here's a list of prohibited and approved gambling games:
Approved Gambling
- Live poker games
- Tribal casinos and racetracks
- Pari-mutuel machines for horse racing
- Jai-Alai
- Lottery Betting
- Bingo Games
- Big-prize Bingo in Seminole tribal territories
Prohibited Gambling
- Online poker games
- Cafe casinos
- Sports betting
- Games of skill
- Hosting an online Casino
- Bowling tournaments (unless for a fixed cash prize)
Future Casino Legislation in Florida
Florida lawmakers are making haste to change state gambling laws. However, Amendments 3 and 13 make things a bit more difficult. Something that improves the outlook is the coordination between the Seminoles and the state legislators. Their aim is to resolve a legal battle over 'designated player' card games by many Florida pari-mutuels.
This is a big step in a positive direction for future online sportsbooks and Florida online casinos. They're also pushing for increased bet limits and expanding the selection of authorized sports betting and fantasy sports. Pari-mutuel operators can expect more perks in the near future.
The biggest piece of this puzzle is the population. Currently, the decisions on gambling in the state rest in the hands of the people. Legislators can't make choices on their own; instead, voters have a majority of the say. The state government can alter rules for the pari-mutuels, though. Because of this, their plan is to aid these groups as much as possible.
In the end, the building pressure is turning a tough situation into one with only one reasonable conclusion: online sportsbooks and Florida online casinos. The state has too much to win, and the number of people in favor of more gambling options in Florida is growing exponentially.
Casino Games Available
While you might need to wait for Florida online casinos, there are plenty of options at brick and mortar casinos and various Florida sportsbooks. Note that many games only allow players aged 18 or older. The age requirements are as follows:
- Land-based casinos: 21
- Poker Rooms: 18
- Lottery: 18
- Pari-mutuel wagering: 18
- Bingo: 18
Apps with real prizes. Some examples of available casino games are listed below:
Slots
Slot machine gambling in Florida comes in the form of eight pari-mutuel racetracks, seven tribal casinos, and casino cruises. The racetracks have slot machines, believe it or not. There are thousands of machines across these locations.
Recently, Seminole Hard Rock in Tamba increased the number of available machines by 25%. So, the variety and availability isn't dropping. It's worth noting, though, that any pari-mutuel wagering with slot machines have a supposed payout of 85%. This differs between locations, and the return statistics are available online.
Table and Card Games
Table games find their home in various on-location casinos in Florida. Many of these casinos host Blackjack and Three Card Poker.
Fl Casinos And Gambling No Deposit
The Blackjack is typically the traditional Vegas-style Blackjack. It's all about coming as close to 21 as possible without exceeding the number. You can place an additional wager to 'match the Dealer' for a chance to win twenty times your bet.
Poker Options
The Three Card Poker has a six-card bonus wager. This presents three opportunities to win for each player. You can bet all three cards against the dealer's. The dealer only qualifies with a 'Queen high.' Otherwise, you win. A 'Pairs Plus Wager' is also available and can net you a 100-1 on your bet or 1000-1 for six-card bonus wagers.
Florida Casino Apps
Floridians will have to wait for legislation before Florida online casinos and online sportsbooks can base themselves in the state. There are a few Florida sportsbooks, but they're not yet available online.
There's a chance, though, that the state will host some of the best online casinos in the near future. Florida online casinos have a chance to provide a service to many enthusiastic gamblers. And, with big names making a huge push for licenses and regulation, it seems that the wait won't be too long.
Florida Online Sportsbooks
Another interesting opportunity presents itself in the form of online sportsbooks. The state currently limits wagers for sports and racing to brick and mortar locations. This is yet another hole in the market waiting for a group to fill it. Of course, just like with online casinos, big brands are waiting for voters and legislators to make the final call.
As mentioned before, it shouldn't take too long. The pros heavily outweigh the cons. It's also contradictory to allow pari-mutuel wagers for Greyhound and horse racing, but force players to do so at physical locations. A green light for online sportsbooks simply makes sense.
Final Thoughts on Casino Gambling in Florida
Florida is a pioneer for gambling in the United States. For better or for worse, recent years have seen many changes that make it difficult to continue licensing and regulation in the state. Currently, there are many local options for tourists and Floridians. However, the online frontier is still waiting for the floodgates to open.
There's only good news, though. Legislators are working with local Seminole tribes and other gambling locations. Their push might be enough to allow Florida online casinos and online sportsbooks. If the people want it, then the state should provide it.
Gambling in Florida has been legal in various forms since 1931, but what's available continues to be as diverse as the state of more than 21 million.
Fl Casinos And Gambling
Wagering in the state began with dog and horse racing, followed by jai alai, all in the 1930s. Whereas horse racing remains not only an important part of the economy, but to Florida gambling, jai alai is quickly fading into oblivion and voters chose to outlaw greyhound racing beginning in 2021, turning such storied venues as Derby Lane in St. Petersburg into card rooms. So-called racinos are located within race tracks across the state, also offer these gambling amenities.
Tribal casinos came to Florida in the late '80s, offering table games and slot machines. There are currently seven such casinos – six operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and its Hard Rock brand – which comprise all of the standalone, non-racino venues. Some casino-style gambling is available on small day-cruise boats once out in international waters and Princess Cruises plans offers larger casinos and sports betting on the ocean liners. Poker is legal in card rooms.
Online gaming has not yet come to Florida, , but residents can take advantage of social gaming, however, where they can play the slots or poker for fun instead of money.
Sports betting in Florida remains a complicated non-reality. The Seminole Tribe of Florida believes it owns exclusive rights to offer it, if the state legislature passes a bill, but a 2018 limitation on the expansion of gambling in Florida approved by voters will make the process difficult.
Sweepstakes casinos in Florida
Social casino site options
In Florida, the options for social gaming are similar to other states. Zynga, Slotomania, BigFish, and the rest of the usual suspects are available to Florida residents and visitors.
Residents are typically too far away to take advantage of the MyVegas comps options. However, there are three exceptions: Resorts World Bimini, Royal Caribbean, and the Orlando offerings from Gray Line Tours.
Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to Florida. It's either a short boat or plane ride away from the eastern coast. Though RWB's casino is smallish, with only a few hundred slot machines and a smattering of table games, the property is well-furnished, and the comps offered through MyVegas include discounts on rooms, food, and other activities.
Another MyVegas option that Floridians can truly use is the site's partnership with Royal Caribbean cruises. Rewards offered through MyVegas include onboard credits and, most invitingly, actual cruise comps for interior staterooms on departures out of Fort Lauderdale. It's conceivable that free or nearly-free five-day vacations are convenient for most Floridians. (At least those willing to put in the time to get 750,000 loyalty points.)
The final option is to get comps for the Gray Line Tour options out of Orlando. The rewards offered are mostly companion tickets or discounts, but there are MyVegas options for trips to Miami, Clearwater Beach, St. Augustine, and the Kennedy Center. So, at the very least, if you were planning to go sightseeing in Florida anyway, you might be able to ease the burden on your wallet and do it in style.
Land-based slots environment
Florida has a long history with regard to gambling. Legal forms of wagering have existed in the state since 1931, when dog and horse racing were legalized.
Since that time, there has been an ebb-and-flow to the public's acceptance of gambling options and buildings. Ultimately, Florida has undoubtedly become a destination for more than just beaches and retirement facilities.
Florida first legalized slot machines and jai alai back in 1935. They quickly repealed the machines (but not the jai alai) two years later. Limited slots gaming was introduced in 1988 on tribal lands due to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. But it wasn't until 2004, 67 years after their repeal, that voters revived slot gaming and approved slot machines' introduction to the racetracks and jai alai facilities.
Tribal Casinos
The path that led Florida to become such a gambling-friendly state hinges on one major fact. Florida has a preponderance of Native American tribal lands within its borders.
Florida's interwoven relationship with several tribes – particularly the Seminole tribe – has allowed for the expansion of gaming in Florida. And, unlike other reservation lands, many tribal properties are near or inside major metropolitan areas in the state.
The Seminoles have operated some form of gambling in Florida since 1981, when they began offering bingo at their Tampa-area reservation (one of six reservations in the state). Today, the tribe owns and operates seven different casinos. These include two Seminole Hard Rock locations in Tampa and Hollywood.
In 2009, Governor Charlie Crist signed a bill into law that relaxed rules on much of gambling, particularly with regard to poker. Those seven Seminole casinos, one Miccosukee-run facility, and several casino cruise boats offer slot gamblers more than 25,000 machines and over 750 table games upon which to play.
Additionally, players can find over 800 Florida poker tables in cardrooms and racinos throughout the state. Below is a listing of the properties.
Land-based slots options
Property | Location | Number of Slot Machines |
---|---|---|
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa | Tampa | 4,000 |
Seminole Coconut Creek Casino | Coconut Creek | 2,000 |
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood | Hollywood | 2,000 |
Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center | Miami | 1,700 |
Seminole Casino Immokalee | Immokalee | 1,300 |
Seminole Classic Casino | Hollywood | 850 |
Seminole Casino – Brighton | Okeechobee | 450 |
Online gambling options
As of right now, Florida has no laws either for or against online gambling but has no regulated sites of its own to offer.
However, since the legislature has a budget shortfall and what seems to be a favorable opinion about gambling within the state, it would be no major surprise if Florida iGaming became a legal reality.
With so many land-based options and no major public backlash to be seen, Florida is definitely on the upswing with its gambling. So, those who prefer online games are likely to find options fairly soon. Chumba casino tips.
Operator profile
Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center
This is the perfect example of one of the best online casinos that is expanding day by day. They recently moved into New Jersey and have plenty to offer for their players and bettors. It's very likely that BetMGM will become one of many future Florida online casinos and online sportsbooks.
- 2021's top casinos in Florida include Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Casino + Victory Casino Cruises. Add these and more to your travel plan.
- CENTRAL FLORIDA'S #1 GAMING DESTINATION. Seminole Casino Brighton is a 27,000-square-foot casino with over 400 slot and gaming machines, high-stake bingo action, table games, and Josiah, a full service restaurant and lounge. Its warm and friendly staff, ultra-modern air-conditioning system, clean atmosphere, and rewarding casino.
Hard Rock Casino
Hard Rock Casino is another powerhouse amongst the best online casinos. They have a huge variety of games and promotions for their bettors. They're also likely to become an exceptional addition to the online casinos in Florida. They already have a few brick and mortar casinos in Florida. Keep an eye out for them.
FOX Bet Casino
FOX Bet just entered the market in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. While it's not as popular as other online casinos, it's always great to have more competition. If you consider their quick expansion, it's easy to see why FOX Bet is sure to become another Florida online casino.
Best Casinos in Florida
If you're looking for brick and mortar casinos in Florida, there are some great choices. And, yes, these casinos are entirely legal because they're on Native-owned land. This is great news for tourists and Floridians alike. So, while you wait for Florida online casinos, you can try your hand at one of these locations.
Seminole Classic Casino
The Seminole Classic Casinos is considered one of the most exciting casinos in Fort Lauderdale. It has over 1,000 Vegas-style slot machine games. Some of these include Fort Knox, Quick Hits Platinum, and Bombay. They host massive Bingo sessions as well as table games, and a unique Seminole Wild Card game for bettors.
The casino offers a Comp Dollars rewards program, which operates as a cash-back program. You can spend your Comp Dollars at restaurants, stores, or hotels.
Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
This Seminole location is part hotel and part casino. It's located on the Paradise Coast of Immokalee. They boast unique culinary experiences, a highbrow club, and top-notch rooms where players can rest after visiting the high-energy casino.
The casino itself boats almost 1,400 slot machines. In addition, they have High Stakes poker tables, Pai Gow, and tons of other table games to suit most players. Their Zig Zag Pit even offers complimentary cocktails.
Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club
The Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club is located at Daytona Beach. It's just a short drive from the famous Daytona International Speedway.
It features a 50-table card room, Greyhound races, private betting carrels, and over 300 high-definition televisions. These sets cast thoroughbred racing, Harness racing, Jai-Alai, and Greyhound racing.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is another healthy mix of rooms for rest and relaxation and a ton of casino games to enjoy. It stands out, though, with its famous cuisine and ever-changing demos and in-house concerts.
Casinos hate when you do this. The casino boasts a Poker room with 46 high-stakes tables. The Mezzanine Level Casino contains 400 slots and 15 live tables with blackjack and baccarat on offer. There's also a dedicated High Limit Tables room for those with more cash to burn.
List of Florida Casinos
Here's a list of all the casinos available in Florida:
- Big Easy Casino
- Casino Dania Beach
- Casino Miami
- Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino
- Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park
- Miccosukee Resort & Gaming
- Seminole Casino Brighton
- Seminole Casino Immokalee
- Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Tampa
- Victory Casino Cruises - Cape Canaveral
- Tropical Breeze Casino
Florida Casino Laws
Most gambling in Florida is regulated at the state level. Casinos are mostly limited to Native American reservations. Gambling, gaming, casinos, racetracks, and lotteries, however, are regulated at both a federal and state level.
In 2018, voters approved two big amendments that affect gambling in the state:
- Amendment 3: A measure that makes it more difficult for gaming companies to build new casinos in the state.
- Amendment 13: While 11 Greyhound tracks are currently operating, this legislation aims to ban the sport in its entirety. These tracks are to leave by the end of 2020.
Betting on skill games is illegal in Florida. In addition, while Floridians can visit online casinos, it's currently illegal to host web casinos in the state. Other location-based gambling laws are a bit messy. To simplify this, here's a list of prohibited and approved gambling games:
Approved Gambling
- Live poker games
- Tribal casinos and racetracks
- Pari-mutuel machines for horse racing
- Jai-Alai
- Lottery Betting
- Bingo Games
- Big-prize Bingo in Seminole tribal territories
Prohibited Gambling
- Online poker games
- Cafe casinos
- Sports betting
- Games of skill
- Hosting an online Casino
- Bowling tournaments (unless for a fixed cash prize)
Future Casino Legislation in Florida
Florida lawmakers are making haste to change state gambling laws. However, Amendments 3 and 13 make things a bit more difficult. Something that improves the outlook is the coordination between the Seminoles and the state legislators. Their aim is to resolve a legal battle over 'designated player' card games by many Florida pari-mutuels.
This is a big step in a positive direction for future online sportsbooks and Florida online casinos. They're also pushing for increased bet limits and expanding the selection of authorized sports betting and fantasy sports. Pari-mutuel operators can expect more perks in the near future.
The biggest piece of this puzzle is the population. Currently, the decisions on gambling in the state rest in the hands of the people. Legislators can't make choices on their own; instead, voters have a majority of the say. The state government can alter rules for the pari-mutuels, though. Because of this, their plan is to aid these groups as much as possible.
In the end, the building pressure is turning a tough situation into one with only one reasonable conclusion: online sportsbooks and Florida online casinos. The state has too much to win, and the number of people in favor of more gambling options in Florida is growing exponentially.
Casino Games Available
While you might need to wait for Florida online casinos, there are plenty of options at brick and mortar casinos and various Florida sportsbooks. Note that many games only allow players aged 18 or older. The age requirements are as follows:
- Land-based casinos: 21
- Poker Rooms: 18
- Lottery: 18
- Pari-mutuel wagering: 18
- Bingo: 18
Apps with real prizes. Some examples of available casino games are listed below:
Slots
Slot machine gambling in Florida comes in the form of eight pari-mutuel racetracks, seven tribal casinos, and casino cruises. The racetracks have slot machines, believe it or not. There are thousands of machines across these locations.
Recently, Seminole Hard Rock in Tamba increased the number of available machines by 25%. So, the variety and availability isn't dropping. It's worth noting, though, that any pari-mutuel wagering with slot machines have a supposed payout of 85%. This differs between locations, and the return statistics are available online.
Table and Card Games
Table games find their home in various on-location casinos in Florida. Many of these casinos host Blackjack and Three Card Poker.
Fl Casinos And Gambling No Deposit
The Blackjack is typically the traditional Vegas-style Blackjack. It's all about coming as close to 21 as possible without exceeding the number. You can place an additional wager to 'match the Dealer' for a chance to win twenty times your bet.
Poker Options
The Three Card Poker has a six-card bonus wager. This presents three opportunities to win for each player. You can bet all three cards against the dealer's. The dealer only qualifies with a 'Queen high.' Otherwise, you win. A 'Pairs Plus Wager' is also available and can net you a 100-1 on your bet or 1000-1 for six-card bonus wagers.
Florida Casino Apps
Floridians will have to wait for legislation before Florida online casinos and online sportsbooks can base themselves in the state. There are a few Florida sportsbooks, but they're not yet available online.
There's a chance, though, that the state will host some of the best online casinos in the near future. Florida online casinos have a chance to provide a service to many enthusiastic gamblers. And, with big names making a huge push for licenses and regulation, it seems that the wait won't be too long.
Florida Online Sportsbooks
Another interesting opportunity presents itself in the form of online sportsbooks. The state currently limits wagers for sports and racing to brick and mortar locations. This is yet another hole in the market waiting for a group to fill it. Of course, just like with online casinos, big brands are waiting for voters and legislators to make the final call.
As mentioned before, it shouldn't take too long. The pros heavily outweigh the cons. It's also contradictory to allow pari-mutuel wagers for Greyhound and horse racing, but force players to do so at physical locations. A green light for online sportsbooks simply makes sense.
Final Thoughts on Casino Gambling in Florida
Florida is a pioneer for gambling in the United States. For better or for worse, recent years have seen many changes that make it difficult to continue licensing and regulation in the state. Currently, there are many local options for tourists and Floridians. However, the online frontier is still waiting for the floodgates to open.
There's only good news, though. Legislators are working with local Seminole tribes and other gambling locations. Their push might be enough to allow Florida online casinos and online sportsbooks. If the people want it, then the state should provide it.
Gambling in Florida has been legal in various forms since 1931, but what's available continues to be as diverse as the state of more than 21 million.
Fl Casinos And Gambling
Wagering in the state began with dog and horse racing, followed by jai alai, all in the 1930s. Whereas horse racing remains not only an important part of the economy, but to Florida gambling, jai alai is quickly fading into oblivion and voters chose to outlaw greyhound racing beginning in 2021, turning such storied venues as Derby Lane in St. Petersburg into card rooms. So-called racinos are located within race tracks across the state, also offer these gambling amenities.
Tribal casinos came to Florida in the late '80s, offering table games and slot machines. There are currently seven such casinos – six operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida and its Hard Rock brand – which comprise all of the standalone, non-racino venues. Some casino-style gambling is available on small day-cruise boats once out in international waters and Princess Cruises plans offers larger casinos and sports betting on the ocean liners. Poker is legal in card rooms.
Online gaming has not yet come to Florida, , but residents can take advantage of social gaming, however, where they can play the slots or poker for fun instead of money.
Sports betting in Florida remains a complicated non-reality. The Seminole Tribe of Florida believes it owns exclusive rights to offer it, if the state legislature passes a bill, but a 2018 limitation on the expansion of gambling in Florida approved by voters will make the process difficult.
Sweepstakes casinos in Florida
Social casino site options
In Florida, the options for social gaming are similar to other states. Zynga, Slotomania, BigFish, and the rest of the usual suspects are available to Florida residents and visitors.
Residents are typically too far away to take advantage of the MyVegas comps options. However, there are three exceptions: Resorts World Bimini, Royal Caribbean, and the Orlando offerings from Gray Line Tours.
Bimini is the closest Bahamian island to Florida. It's either a short boat or plane ride away from the eastern coast. Though RWB's casino is smallish, with only a few hundred slot machines and a smattering of table games, the property is well-furnished, and the comps offered through MyVegas include discounts on rooms, food, and other activities.
Another MyVegas option that Floridians can truly use is the site's partnership with Royal Caribbean cruises. Rewards offered through MyVegas include onboard credits and, most invitingly, actual cruise comps for interior staterooms on departures out of Fort Lauderdale. It's conceivable that free or nearly-free five-day vacations are convenient for most Floridians. (At least those willing to put in the time to get 750,000 loyalty points.)
The final option is to get comps for the Gray Line Tour options out of Orlando. The rewards offered are mostly companion tickets or discounts, but there are MyVegas options for trips to Miami, Clearwater Beach, St. Augustine, and the Kennedy Center. So, at the very least, if you were planning to go sightseeing in Florida anyway, you might be able to ease the burden on your wallet and do it in style.
Land-based slots environment
Florida has a long history with regard to gambling. Legal forms of wagering have existed in the state since 1931, when dog and horse racing were legalized.
Since that time, there has been an ebb-and-flow to the public's acceptance of gambling options and buildings. Ultimately, Florida has undoubtedly become a destination for more than just beaches and retirement facilities.
Florida first legalized slot machines and jai alai back in 1935. They quickly repealed the machines (but not the jai alai) two years later. Limited slots gaming was introduced in 1988 on tribal lands due to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. But it wasn't until 2004, 67 years after their repeal, that voters revived slot gaming and approved slot machines' introduction to the racetracks and jai alai facilities.
Tribal Casinos
The path that led Florida to become such a gambling-friendly state hinges on one major fact. Florida has a preponderance of Native American tribal lands within its borders.
Florida's interwoven relationship with several tribes – particularly the Seminole tribe – has allowed for the expansion of gaming in Florida. And, unlike other reservation lands, many tribal properties are near or inside major metropolitan areas in the state.
The Seminoles have operated some form of gambling in Florida since 1981, when they began offering bingo at their Tampa-area reservation (one of six reservations in the state). Today, the tribe owns and operates seven different casinos. These include two Seminole Hard Rock locations in Tampa and Hollywood.
In 2009, Governor Charlie Crist signed a bill into law that relaxed rules on much of gambling, particularly with regard to poker. Those seven Seminole casinos, one Miccosukee-run facility, and several casino cruise boats offer slot gamblers more than 25,000 machines and over 750 table games upon which to play.
Additionally, players can find over 800 Florida poker tables in cardrooms and racinos throughout the state. Below is a listing of the properties.
Land-based slots options
Property | Location | Number of Slot Machines |
---|---|---|
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa | Tampa | 4,000 |
Seminole Coconut Creek Casino | Coconut Creek | 2,000 |
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood | Hollywood | 2,000 |
Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center | Miami | 1,700 |
Seminole Casino Immokalee | Immokalee | 1,300 |
Seminole Classic Casino | Hollywood | 850 |
Seminole Casino – Brighton | Okeechobee | 450 |
Online gambling options
As of right now, Florida has no laws either for or against online gambling but has no regulated sites of its own to offer.
However, since the legislature has a budget shortfall and what seems to be a favorable opinion about gambling within the state, it would be no major surprise if Florida iGaming became a legal reality.
With so many land-based options and no major public backlash to be seen, Florida is definitely on the upswing with its gambling. So, those who prefer online games are likely to find options fairly soon. Chumba casino tips.
Operator profile
Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center
With the Seminole tribe dominating so much of Florida's gaming scene, it's important to remember the other group that has a stake. The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida operates the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center. This is located on the corner of Krome Avenue and Tamiami Trail in the far western portion of Miami.
It's a 56,000-square-foot facility offering over 1,700 slot machines, poker, and bingo. They also have a 1,200-seat entertainment venue and three restaurant options.
The center is on 25 acres of Miccosukee reservation land. However, the Miccosukees (like their Seminole counterparts in Florida) have more than one discontiguous piece of reservation land throughout the state. In fact, the primary area is within the Everglades, where the tribe has resided for over 100 years. In fact, the Miccosukees are descended from a group of Creeks who eluded capture in the wetlands area.
Today, more than 600 tribal members live in the area. They are direct descendants of that group of Creeks, who spoke Mikasuki – hence the new tribal name. The tribe is federally recognized by the United States government and maintains roughly 75,000 acres of reservation land in total (plus a perpetual lease for another 189,000 acres).
State legal environment
Permitted/Offered? | Notes & Restrictions | |
---|---|---|
Land-based Gambling | Yes | Restricted to tribal lands and cruises |
Online Gambling | No | Expected to be offered soon – favorable legislative environment |
Lottery | Yes | State lottery, Mega Millions and Powerball offered |
Charitable or House-based Gambling | Yes | Bingo only |
Minimum Gambling Age | 21 for casino gambling, both online and live; 18 for horseracing |