Gambling Age In Tampa Florida
Gambling is a huge source of income for the state of Florida. Tax revenue
from slot machines alone totaled over $70 million in 2016.
- The minimum gambling age in Florida is 18 years for the lottery and bingo, and 21 years for those betting in casinos or the racing tracks. List of Florida Casinos With nearly 40 locations, there are plenty of Florida casinos to visit and play at. Below you will find a detailed list of the casinos in Florida, including their locations and websites.
- Minimum Age to Gamble in United States of America. Below you will find the minimum legal age to gamble in various locations around the U.S., Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. In the 50 American states, some times you'll see a variance, this usually is due to Indian casinos having different age requirements in their casinos than state regulated.
Florida state laws allow multiple local gambling and betting options to players who are 18 years old and over. The state’s gambling laws also do not prohibit Florida’s 18+ players from enjoying casino gaming at legally licensed and regulated online casinos that are located outside of the United States. Casino Bonus Codes – Do I need them? These days most online casinos are quite sophisticated and there’s no longer a Gambling Age In Tampa Florida need for casino bonus codes. In the past, many online casinos required the player Gambling Age In Tampa FloridaGambling Age In Tampa Florida.
But not all types of gambling are legal in Florida.
Online Florida gambling sites, roulette, craps, daily fantasy sports and some
other games are illegal in Florida.
This page covers all these topics, and more.
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Online Gambling and Florida Law
Is Online Gambling Legal in Florida?
No written laws pertain specifically to online gambling in Florida. There’s
not a clear answer to this question, but our best guess is that online gambling
is illegal in Florida.
Section 849.08 of the Florida Statutes says this about 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.”
Thus, playing any game of chance online is illegal.
Most people now consider poker a game of skill. You might think that this
would make poker legal in Florida. You’d be wrong, though.
Section 849.14 covers games of skill.
Here’s what it says:
“Whoever stakes, bets or wagers any money or other thing of value upon the
result of any trial or contest of skill, speed or power or endurance of human or
beast, or whoever receives in any manner whatsoever any money or other thing of
value staked, bet or wagered, or offered for the purpose of being staked, bet or
wagered, by or for any other person upon any such result, or whoever knowingly
becomes the custodian or depositary of any money or other thing of value so
staked, bet, or wagered upon any such result, or whoever aids, or assists, or
abets in any manner in any of such acts all of which are hereby forbidden, shall
be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree”
Based on this, games of skill like poker are also illegal.
This section of the Florida Statutes doesn’t reference devices like
computers, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t apply.
Can I Get Arrested for Gambling Online in Florida?
Online gambling is illegal in Florida. Our advice is to obey the law no
matter where you live.
This does not, however, prevent us from discussing levels of risk involved
with various activities.
No one has ever been arrested or prosecuted for playing online casino games
at Florida gambling sites. The only arrests we know of related to online
gambling were in Oklahoma, and these were related to online sports betting.
Risk levels for players are consistently low. We recommend several offshore
gaming companies who would probably be thrilled to serve customers in Florida.
There’s a legal risk, but it’s small.
Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Florida?
No, daily fantasy sports are not yet legal in Florida.
In 2015, a state senator and representative started a campaign to legalize
daily fantasy sports.
It hasn’t gotten far, but heavy pushes to legalize daily fantasy sports in
Florida are still happening. We wouldn’t be surprised to see it legalized in the
future.
Are Offshore Gambling Sites Safe?
The key to finding safe offshore gambling sites is research. We offer several
recommendations on our site based on our own research, but you should do your
own due diligence, too.
You should research how long the site has been in business and where they’re
licensed.
To keep a business open, you need a steady stream of customers. Finding a
site that has been in business for a considerable length of time means they’re
liked enough to have repeat customers.
You should consider where a site is licensed since different jurisdictions
have different standards. You should look for sites that are licensed in
jurisdictions with stricter regulations, such as the United Kingdom.
Think about the following, too:
How Do I Choose a Good Online Gaming Site?
- Game Variety
- Tournaments
- Bonus Terms & Conditions
- Read Reviews
- Customer Complaints
- Deposit Options
- Contact Customer Service
- Restricted States
What kind of casino games do you want to play? Not all online
casinos offer all casino games. Some players prefer live dealer action, while
others are only interested in having a wide variety of slot machines to choose
from. It’s dumb to sign up for an online casino that only offers slots if you’re
interested in playing card games.
If you’re interested in tournaments, be sure to check out the
sites tournament section. This is where you can find information like the type
of tournaments they hold, the qualifications for each tournament and the
tournament schedule. Not all online casinos offer tournaments.
Almost all online gaming sites offer sign-up
bonuses. Read the conditions of the bonus. You need to know how much you must
wager and what other qualifications you must meet in order to get the bonus.
Reading reviews from the members of the site is the tried and
true way to get uncensored information. Everything you read on the site that’s
written by them is simply advertising to you in order to get you to sign up.
Learn how to distinguish between real reviews and those written by shills.
Look for pages that review both the pros and cons of the site from online
gamblers like you.
Try doing an internet search with the name of the site
and the word “complaint.” You might be able to find some complaints or issues
with the site posted various places around the internet along with how the site
handled the complaint. Keep in mind, too, that not all player complaints are
legitimate. Read everything with a grain of salt and a certain amount of
cynicism.
Visit the cashier’s page on each site to find the deposit
options available. If they don’t have an option you’re familiar with or
comfortable using, there’s no reason to sign up for the site.
The point of contacting customer service is to see
their level of professionalism and to see how quickly they get back with you.
Even if you don’t have a real question, send them a simple question. For
example, ask how long it takes to get your funds when you transfer your winnings
to your bank.
You can tell a lot about a company’s customer service by how they respond to
a question from a potential customer.
Some offshore gambling sites have a restricted list of
states they can’t service. It’s important to check if your state is on this list
or not. You theoretically could end up signing up for the site and winning some
money, but they won’t legally be allowed to pay it to you.
Many of the offshore casinos we recommend on this site are happy to do
business with customers from Florida. Start your research by reading our
reviews. We think you’ll find them more complete and comprehensive than any
you’ll find on our competitors’ sites.
Also On This Page
Gambling Venues in Florida
The Furture of Gambling in Florida
More Gambling Laws in Florida
- Casino Games (Legal With Restrictions)
- Card Rooms (Pari-Mutuel Only)
- Sports and Race Betting (Pari-Mutuel Betting Legal)
- Lottery (Legal)
- Bingo (Legal)
- Social Gambling (Legal With Restrictions)
Casinos: Legal With Restrictions
Casinos can have card rooms that include poker and dominos. They’re also
allowed to offer other games like slot machines, blackjack and baccarat.
But craps, roulette and keno are illegal in Florida.
According to sections 849.08 and 849.11 games of chance are illegal in
Florida.
Here’s what they say:
“849.08Gambling. – 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
849.11Plays at games of chance by lot. – Whoever sets up, promotes or plays
at any game of chance by lot or with dice, cards, numbers, hazards or any other
gambling device whatever for, or for the disposal of money or other thing of
value or under the pretext of a sale, gift or delivery thereof, or for any
right, share or interest therein, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second
degree”
Card Rooms: Pari-Mutuel Only
According to section 849.086 of the Florida Statutes, card rooms are legal at
casinos and pari-mutuel facilities such as racetracks.
Here’s what it says about card rooms:
“It is the intent of the Legislature to provide additional entertainment
choices for the residents of and visitors to the state, promote tourism in the
state, and provide additional state revenues through the authorization of the
playing of certain games in the state at facilities known as cardrooms which are
to be located at licensed pari-mutuel facilities. To ensure the public
confidence in the integrity of authorized cardroom operations, this act is
designed to strictly regulate the facilities, persons, and procedures related to
cardroom operations. Furthermore, the Legislature finds that authorized games as
herein defined are considered to be pari-mutuel style games and not casino
gaming because the participants play against each other instead of against the
house.”
Here’s what the Florida Statutes says about methods of wagering at card
rooms:
“No wagering may be conducted using money or other negotiable currency. Games
may only be played utilizing a wagering system whereby all players’ money is
first converted by the house to tokens or chips which shall be used for wagering
only at that specific cardroom.”
According to the Department of Business & Professional Regulation website,
only poker and dominoes are allowed in cardrooms.
Here’s what it says:
“Only poker and dominoes are authorized for play within Florida’s licensed
cardrooms. Authorized games are played in a non-banking manner, which
means that the house is not a participant in the game and the players compete
only against each other.”
Sports and Race Betting: Pari-Mutuel Betting Legal
Pari-mutuel betting is legal in Florida on horse races, dog races and other
activities – but only if they take place in a pari-mutuel facility.
According to section 550.155 of the Florida statutes:
“Wagering on the results of a horserace, dograce, or on the scores or points
of a jai alai game and the sale of tickets or other evidences showing an
interest in or a contribution to a pari-mutuel pool are allowed within the
enclosure of any pari-mutuel facility licensed and conducted under this chapter
but are not allowed elsewhere in this state, must be supervised by the division,
and are subject to such reasonable rules that the division prescribes.”
Here’s a question and answer from Department of Business & Professional
Regulation website regarding greyhound betting online:
“Q. The Internet offers wagering on greyhound races in Florida and other
states; is this legal?
A. The Florida Attorney General is of the opinion that this type of activity
is illegal. The only place that pari-mutuel wagering can be carried out in
Florida is at a pari-mutuel wagering track or fronton.”
Lottery: Legal
Florida has a state regulated lottery.
According to the Florida Lottery website:
“The Florida Lottery is responsible for contributing more than $31 billion to
education and sending more than 750,000 students to college through the Bright
Futures Scholarship Program. The Florida Lottery reinvests 98 percent of its
revenue back into Florida’s economy through prize payouts, commissions to more
than 13,000 Florida retailers and transfers to education. Since 1988, Florida
Lottery games have paid more than $52.4 billion in prizes and made more than
1,900 people millionaires”
Games include:
- Powerball
- Mega Millions
- Florida Lotto
- Cash4Life
- Lucky money
- Fantasy 5
- Pick 5
- Pick 4
- Pick 3
- Pick 2
- Millionaire Raffle
- scratch offs that range from $1-$25 games
Bingo: Legal
Bingo for profit at casinos as well as bingo for nonprofit charities are both
legal.
Here’s what section 849.0931 of the Florida statutes has about authorizing
bingo games for nonprofits:
“None of the provisions of this chapter shall be construed to prohibit or
prevent charitable, nonprofit, or veterans’ organizations engaged in charitable,
civic, community, benevolent, religious, or scholastic works or other similar
endeavors, which organizations have been in existence and active for a period of
3 years or more, from conducting bingo games or instant bingo, provided the
entire proceeds derived from the conduct of such games, less actual business
expenses for articles designed for and essential to the operation, conduct, and
playing of bingo or instant bingo, are donated by such organizations to the
endeavors mentioned above. In no case may the net proceeds from the conduct of
such games be used for any other purpose whatsoever. The proceeds derived from
the conduct of bingo games or instant bingo shall not be considered solicitation
of public donations.”
Social Gambling: Legal With Restrictions
According to Section 849.085 of the Florida Statutes, certain games are
allowed at home.
Here’s what it says about these games known as penny-ante games:
” (1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, it is not a crime for a
person to participate in a game described in this section if such game is
conducted strictly in accordance with this section.
(2) As used in this section:
(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.
(b) “Dwelling” means residential premises owned or rented by a participant in
a penny-ante game and occupied by such participant or the common elements or
common areas of a condominium, cooperative, residential subdivision, or mobile
home park of which a participant in a penny-ante game is a unit owner, or the
facilities of an organization which is tax-exempt under s. 501(c)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code. The term “dwelling” also includes a college dormitory
room or the common recreational area of a college dormitory or a publicly owned
community center owned by a municipality or county.
(3) A penny-ante game is subject to the following restrictions:
(a) The game must be conducted in a dwelling.”
According to the above information, penny-ante games such as poker, rummy,
etc. can take place in a residential area if each hand or round doesn’t go over
$10.
Gambling Venues in Florida
All casinos in Florida, which are listed below, are located on Indian
reservation land.
Games found at these casinos include:
- Texas holdem
- Bingo
- Slot machines
- Blackjack
- Baccarat
- Casino war
- Mississippi stud
- Pai Gow poker
- Spanish 21
- Let it ride
- Three card poker
- Omaha
Card rooms, slot machines and pari-mutuel betting are available at some
racetracks throughout the state that are not listed below.
1) Miccosuke Resort & Gaming
500 SW 177th Ave
Miami, FL 33194
Phone number: (305) 222-4600
2) Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee
506 S 1st ST
Immokalee, FL 34142
Phone number: (239) 658-1313
3) Seminole Casino Brighton
17735 Reservation Rd
Okeechobee, FL 34974
Phone number: (863) 467-9998
4) Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
4 – 5550 NW 40th St
Coconut Creek, FL 33073
Phone number: (954) 977-6700
5) Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
1 Seminole Way
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
Phone number: (866) 502-7529
6) Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
5223 Orient Rd
Tampa, FL 33610
Phone number: (813) 627-7625
7) Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood
4150 N State Rd 7
Hollywood, FL 33021
Phone number: (954) 961-3220
History of Gambling in Florida
1935Slot machines and jai alai games are legalized.
1937Florida repeals the one-armed bandit’s slot machines only two years after they’re legalized.
1979The Seminole Tribe opens Florida’s first high-stakes Indian bingo hall where bingo jackpots are over $100.
1984“Cruises to nowhere” are simulcasting are introduced.
1994Seminole casinos introduce poker to their game floors.
1996Card rooms are legalized at pari-mutuel facilities.
2000Officials seize more than 350 illegal video slot machines that are found in west-central Florida countries.
2004Tracks and jai alai frontons in Broward and Miami-Dade counties are approved to have slot machines. The Seminole tribe opens two new locations in Tampa and Hollywood called Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
2007Gambling Age In Tampa Florida Hurricanes
The Governor signs an agreement that allows Las Vegas-style slots, baccarat, and blackjack games to be held at the 7 Seminoles tribal casinos. The legislature approves domino games, instant bingo, and regulated poker tournaments to be held in card rooms. They also raise bet limits from $2 to $5 and allow increased hours for slot machine operators.
2009No-limit 24 hour a day poker games and video lottery terminals are approved at dog and horse tracks by the legislature.
2013Internet cafes used as fronts for gambling games are banned.
Additional Resources
This link takes you to a list of the current pari-mutuel wagering
establishments that hold an operating license for the 2017-2018 year.
This link takes you to the Florida lottery websites information page.
The Future & Your Views
Florida tribal casinos offer bingo, poker, blackjack and several other casino
games for residents to enjoy.
If you want to play roulette or craps, you’ll have to take a cruise ship that
heads to international waters or visit another state.
The only change to Florida gambling laws we see happening soon is daily
fantasy sports. There has been a push to legalize it recently.
Legalizing Florida gambling sites could be in the future, but there hasn’t
been much of a push for it.
Florida law enforcement hasn’t arrested anyone for gambling online, so it’s a
low-risk activity. Only you can decide what your risk tolerance is. Our advice
is to obey the law.
If you decide you’re okay with the risk, consider playing at one of the
Florida gambling sites we’ve researched and vetted here.
Responsible Gaming
The Seminole Tribe of Florida takes a leadership position on responsible gaming. We took the initiative to reach out to the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCGG) and together we created Gamble With Care a comprehensive array of programs that ensure a safe and entertaining gaming environment.
We have instituted a policy that prohibits individuals under 18 years of age from taking part in Live Poker or Bingo. An additional policy is in place that restricts individuals under 21 years of age from participating in any other form of casino gaming.
To protect the well-being of Florida's youth, we have established policies that prevent our adult guests from bringing their children into gaming areas or leaving them unattended anywhere on-property. Failure to comply with our clear-cut policies may result in a guest losing their privilege to game.
To assure that we are responsible vendors of alcohol, we founded the Service Intervention Program (SIPs).
To make sure our guests return home safely, we founded the Safe Ride Program. Look for Safe Ride signs and ask for more information at valet points as well as security podiums.
To support those individuals with a compulsion to gamble, we implemented a Self-Exclusion Program, whereby guests can voluntarily have themselves prohibited from our properties.
In addition, we are proud to help fund 1.888.ADMIT.IT, Florida's 24-hour toll-free helpline for casino players with a compulsion to gamble.
Gamble With Care is part of our culture and heritage at The Seminole Tribe of Florida. We have always been, and continue to be honored to uphold a position of leadership when it comes to responsible gaming.
Prevent Underage Gambling and the Consumption of Alcohol
Seminole Casino policy prohibits individuals under 18 years of age from taking part in Live Poker or Bingo. Individuals under 21 years of age are prohibited from taking part in any other form of casino gaming. Minors attempting to utilize false identification will be prosecuted.
Tribal law prohibits anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcoholic beverages.
At no time does the casino take responsibility of unattended minors. Failure to comply may result in action from the casino to exclude the parent or guardian of the child from the premises. Unattended minors may be handed over to the Seminole Police Department if a parent or guardian cannot be located in a reasonable amount of time.
States With 18 Gambling Age
If you should find a child left unattended, please do the following:
- Notify the Security Department immediately at ext. 1177.
- Stay with the child; do not remove them from the area until a member of the Security Department arrives. The child may have been given special instructions by his/her parent or guardian to stay in that area until they return.
Service Intervention Program (SIPs)
Our mission is to be a responsible vendor of alcohol and to ensure the enjoyment and safety of our guests and employees.
SIPs helps to provide our employees with the skills, knowledge and support to ensure world-class guest service.
We review in detail:
Legal Gambling Age In Florida
- The fundamental facts about alcohol
- Its effects on the body
- How to recognize over-indulgence
- How to intervene when necessary
- Protecting the best interest of our guest & liability
- Valid forms of ID for alcohol sales
Self-Exclusion Program
What is the Self-Exclusion Program?
The program was established to allow people with a gambling problem to voluntarily exclude themselves from casino gambling activities in all Seminole Tribe of Florida Casinos. In addition, an ejected individual may not enter any of the gaming facilities (such as Hard Rock Live or any other venue in Seminole Paradise) or any of the restaurants located inside Seminole gaming facilities.
How do I get placed on the Self-Exclusion list?
You can contact a Security Representative in person or by phone who will provide you with information and an application to enter the Self Exclusion Program. After completing the application you will be required to provide photo identification that includes your signature. When you file the form in person you will be photographed. That photo and other identifying information will be distributed to all Seminole Casinos.
Can I just mail back the completed form?
Yes. You can mail the Self Exclusion Request Packet to the Seminole Casino Security Department nearest you or return the application form in person to a Security Representative.
Florida Gambling Laws
What will happen if I go to a casino and try to gamble?
After you are placed on the self-exclusion list, Casino personnel will refuse to accept your wagers or ask you to leave the gaming area. If you do gamble, you would be unable to collect any winnings or recover any losses. Once you are placed into the program you will not be able to receive complimentary goods or services, credit or check cashing privileges or offered any other amenities by the casino.
How long will I be on the self-exclusion list?
That’s up to you. When you request self-exclusion, you will choose whether you want to be excluded for a minimum of one year, five years or for life. If you choose the one-year or five-year option, you must remain on the list for that length of time. Removal from the self-exclusion list will occur automatically at the conclusion of 1 year and 5 year self-exclusions. Lifetime self-exclusions may appeal to have their name removed from the exclusion list only after five (5) years has expired. After that time expires, you may ask to be removed from the list or to be readmitted by writing a letter to the Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission.
To help individuals in their time of need, we collaborated with the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG). They are available for counsel 24-hours a day at 1.888.ADMIT.IT (236.4848).