Casino Gambling Laws + Statutes In Florida

The Sunshine State is one of the stricter in the nation in terms of its attitude toward gambling. Whether you are looking to enjoy a land-based or online casino setting, it is important that you understand the law so that you can comply with it as you engage in your favorite games. But what, exactly, is the law with regard to gambling in Florida? Below we will take a closer look at some of the statutes that regulate betting activity—and what they mean for you when you head out to the tribal casino or log onto your favorite online casino. LegalFloridaCasinos.com addresses land-based + online gambling statutes to best inform about the options for residents in the state.

What Florida's Gaming Laws Prohibit:

The definition that lawmakers in the state of Florida uphold is quite broad with regard to the idea of gambling. This is what makes the state's stance about this issue so strict, as there are many different activities that fall under this general definition. Ultimately, according to Section 849.08, gambling takes place when an individual plays a game of chance. This may involve keno, cards, roulette, or other gaming forms and must entail the transmission of a valuable object (i.e. money). Basically speaking, losing or gaining money over a game of chance is gambling in Florida.

There are two different categories of games that are often covered with regard to gambling laws. The first, games of chance, we have already discussed. But what about games of skill? Florida has a separate law that speaks to betting on games of skill that are unregulated by the state. Section 849.14 explains that anyone receiving, giving, or even handling money transmitted because of a bet on a game of skill can be found guilty of a misdemeanor.

What The Casino Gambling Laws In Florida Allow:

If these definitions seem to outlaw most forms of betting it's because, essentially, they do. This is why Florida's attitude regarding gambling is so strict; the general nature of these laws allows them to cover so many different activities. That said, though, there are betting opportunities that are allowed by the state. Tribal casinos, pari-mutuel wagering, and social games, as we have covered on a previous page, are all condoned when regulated properly (or, in the case of social games, when caps are kept low and no rake is taken).

Can Florida Residents Legally Play Online Casino Games?

On the topic of online casinos + other forms of online gaming, it is important to note that the legal code doesn't speak to this activity explicitly, as it was written before online gambling was prominent; however, it is easy to see how these laws may be interpreted as pertaining to online gambling. As such, most individuals who want to gamble from the comfort of their own homes turn to legal online casinos and poker rooms that are based in other parts of the world.

The Future Of Casino Gambling In Florida

While it is true that the laws regarding gambling in the Sunshine State are quite strict, it is also true that there are plenty of opportunities for you to engage in your favorite games both online and on land. By keeping the law in mind, you can safety make your bets.