Orlando (The Theme Park Capital of the World), Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Saint Petersburg, and Tallahassee all offer something unique while being great places to visit in The Sunshine State. But did you know that Florida gambling is quite diverse too? Different types of gaming options are scattered throughout the state’s semitropical landscape.
If you are into land-based casinos, we have you covered with comprehensive coverage of *Seminole Hard Rock Casino, *Big Easy Casino, and others. Our guide also touches on specific types of gambling, such as horse racing and the best jai alai courts. And what about Florida sports betting? We will keep you informed on the latest developments and provide our expert opinions.
Our goal was to produce a top-notch guide that covers everything you need to know about legal gambling in the state. So, please stick around and learn everything from the best casinos in Florida to different types of available games.
Gambling in Florida by Type
Our guide to Florida gambling includes the state’s entire offering. Whether you enjoy playing slots, table games at a casino, or betting on sports, you can find it below.
Florida Casinos
While there is no true Florida LA LA land, things are looking up! As of 2022, the state features a total of *13 casinos and card rooms. Most venues offer live poker, FanDuel Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), and slots.
Voters approved gambling on cruise ships back in 1986. Since then, millions of visitors have enjoyed world-class entertainment, restaurants, and slot machines aboard Florida’s gambling boats.
When it comes to land-based gambling resorts, Florida competes with the likes of Louisiana and North Carolina. Resorts like Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood boast world-class amenities, including luxurious hotels, breathtaking views, pools, spas, etc.
Hard Rock Tampa is another great example. In terms of entertainment, it can measure itself against any Florida casino. When it comes to gaming surfaces, nobody does it better than the Seminole Tribe.
Gamblers can enjoy more than 1,600 games spread across 100,000+ square feet. Some of the most popular titles include Cleveland Crossing, Buffalo, Hot Drop Jackpots, and more.
We should mention that the state of Florida imposes certain restrictions regarding casinos. For example, all gambling establishments must be linked to a resort with specific amenities (hotel, restaurant, spa, etc.).
Moreover, only two groups are allowed to operate casinos in the state – the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the State of Florida (for games on board ships).
As far as the gambling age in Florida goes, it aligns with other US states. You must be at least 21 years old to enter a casino floor but 18+ to bet on greyhound races, participate in the lottery, or play poker.
Best Online Casino in Florida
Rank Casino Bonus Features
Wire Act of 1961
The biggest stumbling block for online gambling in Florida is the Federal Wire Act of 1961. It prohibits any person from “using wire communications” to organize betting schemes in interstate commerce.
The law was initially designed to target organized crime, but its scope is much broader. According to some interpretations, it could outlaw online gambling.
Most states ignored the Wire Act for many years. However, the matter ended up in court, and the Department of Justice (DOJ) had the final say. In 003, the DOJ issued an opinion stating that the Wire Act only applies to sports betting and interstate communications.
Things got even clearer after another interpretation issued in 2011. It stated that the law only bans classifications of sports wagers and doesn’t outlaw online gambling altogether.
Despite being outdated, Florida lawmakers still have their doubts about internet gambling. At this point, there are no state-licensed online casinos in The Sunshine State. Still, gamblers can play various casino games online for real money.
Powerball and Mega Millions draw millions of players every year. The Florida Lottery is responsible for eight in-state draws, Powerball, and Mega Millions. In 2021 alone, players pocketed $347.4 million in scratch-off tickets.
According to some estimates, the Florida Lottery generates almost $1 billion per month for public services. Education takes the largest chunk ($27.5 billion since 1989), followed by debt payment, elder affairs, natural resources, etc.
When it comes to private charities, the Florida Veterans Foundation received over $28.6 million in 2021. Other organizations that benefited from the lottery proceeds included the Horseshoe Veterans’ Ranch ($12.6m), Florida Abuse Hotline ($12m), and Children’s Medical Services ($9.9m).
In addition to buying lotto tickets, Floridians can engage in other forms of charity gambling. Bingo remains the most popular option, but there are rumors suggesting that the legislature might greenlight additional terminals at veteran’s halls.
Games like pull-tabs and instant bingo are legal throughout the state. Keno is also widespread, with over 30 venues across Jacksonville, Orange Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and other cities.
Another legal form of gambling in Florida is raffles. Organizations must follow strict rules to obtain a license and run a successful campaign. For instance, the raffle prize should not exceed $5,000; tickets cost no more than $50 apiece, etc.
Is Las Vegas Baying for Blood Over Sports Betting?
Gambling Boats (Miami/Broward/Palm Beach)
Florida gambling laws allow boat gambling if it takes place 3 nautical miles (or further) from shore. Numerous gaming vessels ply their trade off the coasts of Miami, Broward, and Palm Beach. Some of the most renowned brands include Venture Out, Major Tom, Palace Casino, and Happy Day Trippin’.
online social casino real moneyBoat gambling in Florida became legal in 1991. Gambling boats typically offer everything from slots and video poker to keno, sports betting, and table games with dealers.
Some of the most popular slots titles include Opulence, China Shores, Western Jackpot, and Jade Wins. If you feel lucky, give roulette, craps, three-card poker, or Texas hold ’em a try.
Over 60 gambling boats ply their trade along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Victory Casino Cruise is one of the most recognizable brands. This floating casino is docked in Port Canaveral and takes around three and a half hours to reach international waters.
Round trips depart daily at noon, 4 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. (the last one lasts 6.5 hours). Once you reach the gambling horizon, you can enjoy over 600 of the hottest slot machines, table games, and a cage-less roaming raccoon named Coco.
Victory Casino offers up to four hours of gaming fun and returns to port, allowing gamblers to enjoy the beautiful Indian River Insectarium. The ship has two levels of gaming, two bars, a protective sea wall, and much more!
You don’t have to bring cash because the ship has a Galactic Modern monetary facility that accepts debit cards. Victory Casino Cruises often hosts special events, such as Divas & Dudes Karaoke Cruise, Halloween Party, New Year’s Eve Celebration, etc.
For more information, check out our guide to .
Poker Rooms & Clubs
Poker lovers can pick from 27 clubs and card rooms in Florida. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is one of the venues where you can play Texas Hold ‘Em around the clock.
Club Topper in West Palm Beach is another hotspot for poker enthusiasts. The club features 12 tables, live agents, and professional dealers. Cash games run nonstop, while tournaments start at 7 p.m.
Ways to Liven Up Your Home Poker Games - PokerListingsUnderwater Poker Club in Ft. Lauderdale greets you with a large shark mounted above the poker room. Besides amazing decorations, the venue offers various promotions, including bad beat jackpots.
Florida gambling laws apply to poker games. According to section 849.086, a person must be at least 21 years old to play poker. All clubs must be linked to a restaurant and adhere to strict security requirements.
Cardrooms are not allowed to take more than a 5% commission from each pot. Players who believe they were cheated can request an investigation that won’t reveal the results to anybody except the complainant.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is perhaps the best place to play poker in Florida. Apart from cash games and daily/weekly tourneys, the venue hosted several major events, including the Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Series and World Poker Tour.
The tournament schedule usually includes Texas Hold ‘Em, Omaha Hi-Cha, HORSE, No-Limit 2-7 Triple Draw, etc. The series may last several weeks and feature events for high rollers and amateurs.
Of course, hardcore poker players can engage in action at any time. Cash games range from $1/$2 blinds to $30/$60 blinds + $4 ante, while buy-ins for daily tournaments start at $65 and go up to $230. Seminole Hard Rock also offers monthly events with $10k guaranteed prizes pools.
Another thing that can entice poker players to Hollywood, Fla., is the Annual Florida State High School Championship. Seminole Hard Rock hosts this event alongside the Big Brother Big Sisters of Broward. The 2022 edition featured a $100 buy-in, five 45-minute levels, and unlimited re-entries.
The Main Event took place on May 22 and used the NLH format. The winner received a $20k package for the 2023 Championship. The bundle consisted of $12k cash, an eight-night stay at Atlantis Paradise Island, $4k for travel expenses, and an entry ticket for the $1k Championship Final.
The Package winners from Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties competed for an additional $12k on July 15. Hard Rock Hollywood isn’t the only Florida cardroom hosting high-profile events. Isle Classic Poker Series stands out as one of the most anticipated tourneys south of the border.
The Gulfstream Park Poker Room hosts this event in December. The 2023 edition will feature six tournaments and a mini main event. The main event carries a $200 buy-in, unlimited re-entries, and a hefty $75k guarantee.
Gulfstream Park also organizes the Isle Classic Poker Series in April. This event is even bigger and features nine tourneys, a ladies event, a seniors tournament, and a massive main event with a $150k GTD prize pool. The buy-in is set at $450, and the game of choice is No-Limit Hold ‘Em.
Registrations are open till the end of the fifth level, rebuy period lasts one hour, and late registration is possible for four levels. The winner receives a trophy and qualifies for the Gulfstream Park Poker Final Showdown.
The final stage uses a shootout format and NLHE. The first round will put 30 players head-to-head, while the second features just six gamblers and a $2,500 prize pool. Gulfstream Park also awards precious points to the top 15% of participants, thus creating a leaderboard.
The player with the most points at the end of the series wins a VIP package worth $4,500. It includes free play, a one-night stay at The Ritz-Carlton, and much more!
The best Florida poker players can qualify for the final showdown via satellites or by playing isle classic tournaments. For example, the miniturnament carries a $50 buy-in and a $3k GTD prize pool.
The main event starts at $10k, but The Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park sometimes runs a super satellite with multiple seats to the big dance. Gulfstream Park isn’t the only venue that offers such opportunities. Seminole Hard Rock often hosts qualifications for the Final Showdown.
The road to the Gulfstream Park Poker Final Showdown begins at Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Poker Series. The winner of the opening event gets a seat to SHR poker series and a seat to gulfstream park poker final showdown.
Event 2 rewards the champ with a seat to SHR poker series and a package for the isle classic poker series at Gulfstream Park. The third tournament sends the winner to SHR and awards a seat to the Isle Classic Poker Series main event.
The next three events award Seminole Hard Rock seats, while the seventh puts the winner in front of a choice – a Package for Isle Classic Poker Series or a seat to the SHR series and gulfstream park poker final showdown.
The last chance saturday reload brings the $2,500 GTD prize pool, but the main reward is a seat to the Isle Classic Poker Series opener. Seminole Hard Rock Lucky Hearts Re-Entry also sends the winner to Gulfstream Park. The champion will receive a package for SHR series plus an Isle Classic Poker Series seat.
Needless to say, Florida poker rooms offer a lot of fun to amateur players. High rollers, in turn, can grab a lot of prizes, including trips, vacations, cash, jewellery, luxury cars, etc.
If you want to skip all the small talk and enter the big leagues, we suggest attending SHR or GCFS events without further ado.
Florida Sports Betting
Sports betting fans can use the services of offshore operators. They can wager on football, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, etc. Some online bookies cover hundreds of markets, live streaming, virtual sports, mobile betting, etc.
Legal FL sports betting is still up for debate. A Senate committee voted 7–4 in favor of authorizing sports gambling. Sen. Jeff Brandes introduced a bill (Companion 69L) that would let voters decide the matter during the 2022 midterm elections.
Brandes argued that FL residents are currently spending $3 billion on illegal sports bets annually. He wants to regulate the activity and generate tax revenue, similar to neighboring Georgia and South Carolina.
The seminole tribe supports brandes’ bill and claims it aligns with the current gambling compact. According to James S. Allen, the governor has no authority to enter into compacts that transfer existing state revenues to a sovereign tribe without the consent of the legislature.
Allen also criticized DeSantis for negotiiating in bad faith and attempting to redirect funds to public schools. Governor Ron DeSantis proposes amending the state constitution to legalize sports gambling.
DeSantis worked on the bill together with the Miccosukee Tribe and Bill Galvano, a Bradenton Republican who sponsors the constitutional amendment in the Senate. The proposed bill allows betting shops at the state’s racetracks and seminole retail outlets.
DeSantis insists that it would be unfair to allow sports betting only through the seminole tribe. He also believes the bill provides a fair solution for all parties involved.
Florida sports betting timeline dates back to May 2018 when the seminole tribe expressed interest in offering full sports betting services. Governor DeSantis called a special session in June but failed to gather the needed votes.
Casinos Where Extremely Wealthy People Play - AskGamblers BlogThe legislature met again in 2019 and 2020 but couldn’t pass a single bill. Mobile sports betting is currently banned in The Sunshine State, but offline venues can allow sports gambling in certain areas.
Customers must fill out a bet slip within the viewing area. The bet must be placed before the game begins or within the first few minutes of the event.
Betting on demoskrats.com and dcfan.com is permitted throughout the site, but "all aspects of sports betting...are strictly prohibited." In simpler words, you cannot bet on your own website but find it okay to offer sports gambling on other topics.
Insane, right? Well, at least Florida is not alone. After all, we are talking about one of the most controversial gambling subjects in the United States. Many states have tried to legalize sports betting only to hit a deadlock in the legislative process.
New York, California, Washington, and Texas come to mind immediately. Experts say these states have a lot to gain from legalizing sports betting. Unfortunately, internal conflicts and the strong opposition of indian casinos make it difficult to enact new laws.
Even if a bill passes in the House and Senate, governors like Andrew Cuomo can veto it, citing constitutional issues. That said, I wouldn't give up hope on legal FL sports betting.
Other states have learned from their mistakes and adopted a more pragmatic approach. Some hired prominent sports betting lobbyists to ease internal disputes. Michigan is a good example of how things should be done.
Experienced bettors probably wonder why FL sports betting is such a big deal for offshore tribal casinos. After all, isn't land-based gambling enough?
Well, younger gamblers prefer to use online bookmakers due to their wide range of betting options, bonuses, odds comparisons, etc. In short, offshore casinos offer more benefits at lower costs.
Casino Types & Options
Florida's economy is heavily dependent on tourism, which means the gambling industry must cater to various tastes. That said, you can play slots, blackjack, Caribbean stud, Let It Ride, pai gow, Texas holds 'em, and other table games at many venues.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is one of the best options for high rollers. Besides 1,600+ slots and games at the high-limit rooms, this casino offers exciting promotions, givingaways, rock star suites, world-class dining experiences, etc.
Gulf Breeze Racing & Card Room is one of the smallest venues in Florida. It has 10 tables that spread $1-$2000 and $2-$4000. Players can enjoy poker games nonstop, bingo every day at 14:30 p.m. (with additional sessions on Saturday and Sunday), and special occasions like new year’s eve celebration or thanksgiving afternoon bingo.
What gaming options are available at Gulf Breeze Racing & Card Room?
As you can see, Florida casino options are very diverse. You can find numerous venues offering everything from bingo, keno, and pull-tab games to high-stakes poker, racebook, and slots.
Seminole Casino Brighton is another must-visit location for fans of classic slots, electronic roulette, high-density gaming, and Prom 300. This establishment offers $2 center slices every day at 10 a.m. On the promenade in front of the casino.
The first 300 adults will get a slice of goodness, so arrive early! Seminole Casino Brighton hosts special events like new year's eve celebration or inaugural fishing for dollars. The next gathering of this kind will be the fourth of july blow out.
The management team will announce the details soon, but we know the celebration will begin at 7 p.m. With a patriotic ceremony, giveaways, special gifts to military members, etc. Seminole Casino Brighton will also present a fantastic fireworks display at 9 p.m.
The real fun begins at 10 p.m. With $1,000 tag team poker tournament (no limit texas hold em). The starting chips are worth $50, and the registration ends at 11:30 a.m. Latecomers can join the $1,000 fever poker tournament at 4 a.m.
The starting stack here is worth $300, and the registrations close down 30 minutes later. Needless to say, gamblers at Seminole Casino Brighton are in for a treat!
If you like fishing, you may want to attend the semi-annual fishing trip to hollywood. The next gathering of this kind will take place on august 20. The bus leaves Seminole Hard Rock at 11:30 a.m., while Seminole Casino Brighton departs at 12 p.m.
casinos in miamiThe management team will announce more details shortly, but we know participants will enjoy five hours of fishing at Pier 5 in Hollywood. A party with refreshments awaits every angler that catches something.
Anglers who bag nothing but still want to enjoy the party can purchase a guest certificate. The number of seats is limited, so act fast! Could you paraphrase the text material related to Seminole Casino Brighton's upcoming events and activities?
Horse Racing Betting
Florida gambling laws allow bettors to enjoy live racing and wagering at six venues – Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, The Village at Gulfstream Park, Hialeah Park, Dania Beach Casino & Race Track, and Palm Beach Kennel Club.
FL residents can watch thrilling races featuring Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds. These fast animals compete in hurdle, steeplechase, flat, and other disciplines. Gulfstream Park and Hialeah Park are the best examples of excellent race tracks in Florida.
Let’s start with Gulfstream Park. This establishment is known for Thoroughbred racing, but it also used to host the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and college football’s Orange Bowl. Imbert T. Schunck purchased the track in 2020 and renamed it Gulfstream Park.
Today, this facility offers live racing during winters and fall meets. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays feature evening races, while gaps are filled with matinees on Wednesdays. Gulfstream Park also has simulcast betting, more than 850 historical racing machines, and the likes of steaks, sushi, tacos, etc.
Hialeah Park is the largest thoroughbred racetrack globally, covering 237 acres of land. The establishment hosted the running of the OBT from 1925 to 2001. Becker Huntsman bought Hialeah Park in 2017 and started renovating the premises.
The race track now operates under a 20-year lease. The historic grandstand was renovated, while the clubhouse got a modernization makeover. Fans can once again watch thrilling competitions during the winter meet.
casino live freeTampa Bay Downs offers base earning index housing, Thoroughbred racing, live standardbidge racing, and simulcast betting. The casino has more than 850 historical racing machines, while the dining options include everything from fast food to fine cuisine.
Similarly equipped to Tampa Bay Downs is Dania Beach Casino & Race Track. This establishment has live Thoroughbred racing, simulcast betting, historical racing machines, and delicious food. Dania Beach hosts bike nights, live music, promotions, giveaways, etc.
Palm Beach Kennel Club focuses on dog racing and offers quick grayhounds chasing a plastic rabbit. Visitors can watch the action unfold from various lounges, suites, and outdoor seating sections. Palm Beach Kennel Club also has OTB, restaurants, kiosks, historic photo finish cameras, etc.
Florida is one of twenty states that permit wagering on greyhound racing. Bill Galvano introduced a proposal to phase out this sport by 2021. His bill would let voters decide the matter during the 2022 midterms.
Galvano says greyhounds frequently suffer injuries while training and competing, so it is high time Florida entered the era of “kindness” toward these animals. Those who oppose the bill insist galiano’s data is incorrect and based on old reports.
They say the number of injuries has significantly decreased in recent years. What is your opinion on this matter? Please let us know in the comments section below.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports (DSF) are currently legal in Florida, but only DraftKings and FanDuel operate freely. Other sites use subagent statutes to sue the state for the right to work with FL residents.
This issue went to appeal in March 2017, and STARS came out in favor of the state. A federal judge ruled that fantasysportskyer handled illegally, so the site cannot recover attorney fees under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act.
Monkey Business Institute defines DFS as a game where payers select a team or teams that accumulate statistics driven by the performance of actual professional athletes in sporting events. The game uses the averages these athletes produce during real sports contests.
DFS players make money by outguessing other participants in everyday fantasy sports leagues or tournaments. The company that organizes the contest takes a portion of the prize pool to cover operating expenses.
DFS is a skill game, not a casino or gambling operation. Monkey Business Institute describes it as chess, poker, bridge, and contract bridge. Like these strategy games, DFS requires players to make pre-play decisions that limit or eliminate chances.
Are dfs games of skill or chance?, according to a survey made by Harvard scholars Prasanna Tauh and Avishkar Bordela. The scientists analyzed 600,00 contests on cockatrice – an open-source Fantasy Sports platform.
They discovered that skills make up a 75% contribution to the outcome, whereas luck accounts for only 25%. Another study concluded that DFS players rely on baseball encyclopedias, Excel spreadsheets, focus groups, etc. To build winning lineups.
Skill-based features are also common among online casinos. What is skill-based casino gaming?, according to Michael Bluejay. The author mentions several characteristics typical for skill-based casino games, including a negative expected value, practice improving performance, and optimal strategies.
Can you summarize the legal status of daily fantasy sports in Florida?
Planned Casino Development Projects
Seminole Hard Rock Casino Holly wood is the most significant project of this type in Florida. This establishment cost $1.5bn and replaced the old Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
The construction began on jump 2017 and ended on october 24, 2020. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is the world’s second-largest guitar-shaped hotel (after Cidade Matarosscina in Portugal).
The building has 63 stories, 638 luxurious hotel rooms, 168 suits (many of them rock star oriented), 11 pools, 20 cabanas, and the likes of spas, salons, fitness centers, etc. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is home to countless rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia items.
The list of attractions continues with a 40,000-square-foot (3,700 m2) casino with 2,400 slots and 100 table games, a 40-lane bowling alley, a game room, several lounges, a billiard room, a 3-story bar, and much more!
Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is also famous for its music-themed design. Artists like Madonna, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Jerry Lee Lewis, Aretha Franklin, Def Leppard, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Kid Rock, Stevie Nicks, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Drake, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, and Gwen Stefani left their mark on this edifice.
Seminole Hard Rock International plans to construct 25 similar hotels in the USA, 4 to 6 of which will be built in the next three years. The company will spend $5bn on this project, but the long-term plan is to invest $50bn and create 150,000 jobs worldwide.
Best Social Casinos in the US for 2023Hard Rock Rio de Janeiro will be the tallest of all with 80 stories. Other facilities in the pipeline are Atlanta (60 stories), Baltimore (45), Chicago (71), Indianapolis (65), New York City (68), and Boston (60).
Efforts to Legalize Florida Casino Gambling
What is the situation with casino gambling in florida?, according to Stephen Martinez. The author says the state could benefit from legalizing brick-and-mortar venues and online gambling platforms.
Legal FL casino gambling would attract tourists and boost local economics. Seminole tribes already have experience working with casinos, so it wouldn’t be difficult to expand their businesses or relocate the facilities.
Martinez suggests creating an environment friendly for other casino operators. Amendments to Florida’s Constitution require approval from the governor and 60% of the legislature.
So, can casinos open in florida?, according to Gary Bitner. The author explains the Seminole Compact granted exclusive rights to the Seminole Tribe over banked card games.
Bitner argues that the term ‘banked card games’ is misleading. This term refers to games like blackjack and baccarat that rely on a dealer. Slots and roulettes, on the other hand, are non-banked games because all players depend on randomizers.
Since the compact only allows the Seminole Tribe to host banked card games, other forms of gambling are legal in Florida, he concludes. Another question is whether county fairs and festivals need licenses to operate carnival games.
Yes, according to Attorney John Geragosy. He says the Deerfield Beach PBA Mouse House Carnival needed a license because it offered banking games (carnival game operators act as banks).
City officials canceled the mouse house carnival gaming permits only because the seminole tribe complained. Geragosy believes city authorities violated the Seminole compact and the constitutional rights of deerfield beach police benevolent association, inc.
Another attempt to legalize casinos in Florida happened in 2012. Desoto Management group wanted to build a destination casino resort in Miami-Dade County. The proposal never gained traction because the state constitution limits gambling expansion.
A constitutional amendment is necessary to authorize commercial casinos and expand gambling options. The Desoto Management group collected 678,000 petitions, but the bill died in the Senate regulations committee.
A similar scenario unfolded in 2018 and 2019. The People’s Voice wanted to legalize casinos in Jacksonville, but the Florida department of state rejected all petitions due to irregularities. Several counties announced investigations, but no charges have been pressed so far.
The latest effort to happened in November 2022. Voters decided whether to approve casinos in Brevard Counties. A yes vote meant supporting an amendment that authorized destination resorts in unincorporated areas.
The initiative lost 54% to 46%, meaning casinos will not pop up in Brevard Counties. The unofficial results showed 57% no vs 43% hell yes.
The proponents of this idea claimed destinations resorts would create thousands of jobs, diversify the economy, etc. The cons said the constituion didn’t need new loopholes for corrupt politicians and criminal elements.
Opponents also raised questions about the initiators behind this proposal. According to Jeff Schweers, the people’s voice is a mystery because the organizers didn’t disclose their names.
Schweers and other journalists tried to contact the initiators, but all calls went to voicemail. A man claiming to represent the people’s voice sent a brief email but refused to answer follow-up questions. Based on the available evidence, it is impossible to verify the backers’ identities.
There is one more interesting fact – the people’s voice used a mailing address linked to a divorce attorney from Volusia County. That is all the info we have about the proponents of casinos in Brevard Counties.
Is Gambling in Florida Tax-Free?
Gambling taxes depend on the type of game and winnings amount. While federal income tax is applicable to all, Florida has special rules regarding state tax.
According to , the sunshine state doesn’t collect taxes on gambling income. Locals and tourists can enjoy lottery, casino, and other games without worrying about state taxes. That is a huge advantage compared to New York, Pennsylvania, California, Maryland, and other gambling-friendly states.
The absence of a state income tax dates to 1836 when the Florida Territory created a constitutional convention. That document contained a paragraph prohibiting direct taxes on individuals and properties.
Many people opposed repealing this clause when Florida became a state in 1845. Finally, the income tax ban was added to the 1968 constitution. Today, only seven states have no income tax – Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming.
William Hill Promo Code () - Bonus, Games & ReviewTourists can avoid paying federal income tax on gambling profits if they follow these tips:
- Gamble openly – Try to avoid tricks like hiding losses or inventing fake wins. Even small mistakes can trigger audits.
- Keep tracking your winnings – Make sure to record the date, type of game, location, and amount of winnings.
- Get money orders instead of big bills – This trick will help you determine whether you are winning or losing money.
- Use a credit card – This way, casinos will provide you with statements showing your annual winnings.
What are the FL gambling laws concerning taxes?, according to Patrick A. Fine. The author says tribal casinos share 5% of the net slot machine revenues with the state. That money finances drug abuse education and treatment programs.
Horseracing tracks and jai-alai frontons receive 1.5% and 2.5% of the wagers relative to their gross revenues. Nonprofit organizations that conduct bingo and raffles do not owe anything to the state.
The History of Gambling in Florida
Spain initiated European colonization in Florida in 1513. Hernando De Soto spent a lot of time and money exploring the territory, but the Crown was not impressed. Spain decided to abandon the region in 1763, paving the way for Britain.
The Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Years’ War, so His Majesty George II handed
