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. There is nothing stating that online poker is legal, or that it’s not legal. However, there are sections of Florida law that might push you to think that online poker is, in fact, illegal in Florida. 849.08 Gambling. Winning poker is also a science. So, to play poker well, you need to study hard. Studying well means that you know what and why you learned on a single day, and you have plans for how to use this knowledge in the future. It's time to work on the bugs. The secret of poker. Something else to look out for when playing online poker with real money on legal sites are promotions. This is a good way to tell if a site is one where you can easily make money, or if it will be a constant.
The law in Florida as it relates to gambling is pretty clear, and they have in fact gone out of their way to include all forms of gambling, whether that be at a live event or gambling on devices of any kind, including electronic devices. Here’s how the law reads:
“Gambling: 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.”
So by including “by any device whatsoever,” this would involve gambling on electronic devices, so the fact that it the gambling occurs by electronic means would not make it exempt from this law, in spite of what some people may erroneously think.
However, does poker qualify as a game of chance here? The Florida courts have defined this as a game which relies significantly on the element of chance, and this is of course rather vague. It is of note that among the prohibited games mentioned in this section, “cards” is listed first, and poker is indeed a card game.
However, it does mention cards and other games of chance, but what if poker is seen as not a game of chance but a game of skill primarily? Well even if this is the case it wouldn‘t matter, as section 849.14 prohibits wagering based upon contests of skill as well (2), so that won’t even help.
The only saving grace here is that there has never been anyone prosecuted in the United States for playing poker online, even in the states with the harshest laws against it, like Washington State which has laws making playing online poker explicitly illegal. So if it isn’t being prosecuted there wouldn’t seem to be any real reason to be concerned, even if it is illegal.
Live Poker In Florida
Florida has a total of 8 Indian Casinos, in addition 25 non-Native casinos known as “racinos,” since they are all racetracks which have been given casino licenses as well, and 2 “Casino Ships.” (3).
Almost all of these gambling facilities offer poker rooms, although they mostly tend to be on the small side However there is a total of 31 poker rooms spread widely across the state, so while they may not be big in size they certainly are pretty numerous and fairly easily accessible no matter what region of the state you are from.
The poker at the Indian casinos is probably the best you will find, as opposed to the racinos which may only have a few tables. The Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa is noteworthy, and features 50 tables, and boasts one of the state’s largest card rooms. Florida does now have a dedicated card room open which is neither a racino or an Indian Casino, the “Best Bet” in Jacksonville, and is the largest poker room in the state with 70 tables (5).
The state had historically only granted licenses to racetracks and the opening of this new poker room, which found a loophole in the law, may be a trend where legislators are prepared to cash in on live poker more without worrying so much about promoting racetracks while doing so.
Online Poker Regulation In Florida
Florida is one of several states that have introduced a new gaming bill, SBP7082, but the bill notably did not mention online poker. This bill instead looks to make changes in the way gaming is regulated in the state, for instance relaxing standards to operate live poker rooms in the state, but does not address the issue of regulating online gambling (6).
However, discussions about regulating online poker in Florida have been going on for a few years now, and these discussions are continuing, and it may be that an online poker bill may be introduced there in the near future, but nothing is imminent.
As is often the case, there may be opposition from land based operators who may fear that online poker or online gambling may compete with their business, but this has been shown through studies done in other states that it really isn’t an issue.
Florida is the country’s 4th most populous state, with 20 million people, and the people of Florida also are pretty fond of poker, and online poker in particular, so the market here may be huge if and when a deal gets done.
Our Recommended Online Poker Sites For Florida Residents
In the meantime, Florida poker players are flocking to Ignition Poker and Casino, which is one of the most trusted iGaming brands we recommend for players in this region. If you’re looking to play legitimate online poker games – under anonymous names on top of that – then check out our Ignition Review today to learn more and sign up for your account.
It is NOT a crime to play online poker at a trusted offshore site like Ignition, so don’t be hesitant if you’re looking to find a solid game online. They have the best cash games running right now, give out MILLIONS a month in MTT prizes, as well as boast the smoothest software out there today.
References
(1) 2014 Florida Statutes, Title XLVI, 849.08
(2) 2014 Florida Statutes, Title XLIV, 849.14
3) List Of Casinos In Florida
(4) Florida Poker Rooms
(5) Largest Poker Room In Florida Opens To Huge Crowds
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Florida isn't the worst state for poker players, but it isn't the best either.
On one hand poker players are able to play in home poker games, licensed clubs and casinos. However, casinos and home games have to deal with lots of rules to stay compliant.
Intrastate poker legislation has been introduced to inject revenue into the state. On the other hand, the bills were shot down and Florida has recently banned the operation and use of internet sweepstakes cafes. It’s possible that these laws carry over to online gaming.
Do you see what I mean? It is possible to play poker in the Sunshine State, but it could be much easier and player-friendly. Read on to see exactly what I mean.
Playing Poker Legally in Florida
Is Online Poker Legal in Florida?
Like most states online poker isn't specifically addressed. There is nothing stating that online poker is legal, or that it’s not legal.
However, there are sections of Florida law that might push you to think that online poker is, in fact, illegal in Florida.
849.08 Gambling.--
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, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Poker is a card game and according to Florida poker is a game of chance. And online poker sites do not cap how much you can bet or win per round, therefore preventing online poker to fall underneath the social / home game exception. These points lead me to believe that online poker would be (or is) considered illegal in Florida.
What About Home Poker Games?
Home games are only acceptable if you stick to the 'pennie-ante' rules.
849.08 Gambling.--
(a) 'Penny-ante game ' means a game or series of games of poker, pinochle, bridge, rummy, canasta, hearts, dominoes, or mah-jongg in which the winnings of any player in a single round, hand, or game do not exceed $10 in value.
Players must also be 18 to participate.
Other than that, home games are legal so long as no one is profiting from operating the game -- like taking a cover charge, rake, profiting from food and so on.
Do Casinos in Florida Offer Poker?
There are casinos that offer poker in Florida. One of the more popular casinos is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. They're known for running deep-stack guaranteed tournaments and WPT events.
It's also possible to play poker offshore via companies like Victory Casino Cruises. This enables players to bypass Florida casino rules like:
Limits of $2 per betting round.
Limits of $5 bets.
Rooms can only operate for a 12 hour period, per day.
Players can only receive $100 of chips at a time.
The only thing to keep in mind is that these boats must be at least 9 miles off shore to prevent any legal problems.
Florida Poker FAQs
We receive a lot of questions about Florida poker law. We thought it'd be helpful to post those questions and our answers here.
Legal Online Poker Sites In Florida
Will online poker be regulated in Florida?
It's not looking that way. Not any time soon, at least.
Efforts have been made, though. Florida state rep Joseph Abruzzo introduced a bill to regulate intrastate poker in 2010, but it failed and was pulled in April of 2011.
Other than bills failing, another challenge to introducing online poker to Florida is the attitude towards and recent banning of internet sweepstakes cafes. The ban was put into effect in 4/2013. Both (poker and sweepstakes cafes) are considered games of chance, so I think that might impact legislators opinions on whether to regular poker or not. There is a current contract with the Seminole Tribe, too, which the new law(s) would have to comply with.
In short, online poker regulation will be a challenge. But it’s not impossible.
Is Online Real Money Poker Legal In Florida
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?
Florida residents can bet on horses and dog races. There are casino games, bingo and the state lottery, too.
Where can I read more about Florida poker laws?
You can read more about Florida's gambling laws here:
Here are some interesting gambling themed facts about Florida.
Florida casinos have $100 caps on their table games. However, it's possible to take a ship offshore to play high stakes games.
It's illegal for you to gamble or bet on racing within one mile of a religious camp.
Several pro poker players call Florida home. One such player is Cardplayer Magazine 2006 Player of the Year Michael Mizrachi. He has won numerous events including the 2010 and 2012 WSOP $50,000 Players Championship, 2 WPT titles and he finished 5th in the 2012 WSOP Main Event.
In 2010 Mizrachi faced a tax lien of over $300,000, which were related to unpaid taxes on his 2005 to 2007 earnings. He also had to foreclose on 2 properties. Fortunately for him these hiccups have had no effect on his ability to play well.