Legal Gambling Age in Florida Players must be 18 years of age or older to play at offline and online poker rooms, horse and dog tracks, and online bingo sites. The minimum age to play at land based casinos, online casinos and online sportsbooks is 21. Online Poker in Florida. Gambling in Florida. Prior to 1931, gambling was outlawed in Florida. The Florida State Legislature passed a law to allow wagering on horseracing and dogracing, which Gov. Doyle Carlton (D) vetoed. Legislators voted to override the governor's veto, enacting the law on June 5, 1931. What Is The Legal Gambling Age? What the legal gambling age is depends on the state in which you live. Based on the powers of the states, each state's rights, and the lawmakers utilizing these rights, these ages can vary. The variance comes into play with different forms of gambling, different states, and, in the case of online gambling, the age requirement offered by a gambling site. 18-year-olds do not need to go to the casinos to gamble (Page 1, May 17, 'A Lower Age For Gambling?' ) all they need to do is use the Internet to access any number of online gambling sites.
Home» US Poker Laws » State Laws » Florida Poker Laws
Relevant state code: 849.01 et seq.; 550.001, et. seq.
With sweeping statutes and a bevy of arcane rules, Florida easily ranks as one of the least-friendly states for gamblers. The state takes a very strict approach to regulating gambling, and has a very broad definition of what constitutes gambling:
After the loss of roughly $350 million a year in payments from the Seminole Tribe of Florida, House and Senate leaders are rethinking the state’s approach to gambling, one of the Legislature’s.
Section 849.08
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
A separate part of Florida law specifically outlaws wagering on (unregulated) games of skill:
Section 849.14
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
These two aspects of Florida gambling law essentially make any sort of wagering that is not explicitly authorized by the state de facto illegal.
Florida has especially stiff penalties for those operating an illegal gambling business. In addition to the various direct charges that could result from the running or participation in the advancement of such an enterprise, Florida law treats gambling offenses as predicate offenses that can trigger more severe racketeering charges. As for those who merely participate in gambling, Florida has harsher penalties than you'll find in a typical state. Prosecutions of individual gamblers, however, appear to be quite rare in Florida.
What Gambling is Legal Under Florida Law?
Several forms of gambling are legal under Florida law. Parimutuel wagers are allowed at licensed horse and dog racing tracks. Florida administers a state-run lottery, and limited Indian casino gaming is also permitted in the state.
Social gambling is legal in Florida under very specific conditions. As is the case in most states, Florida requires that social gambling take place between people over the age of 18 and in an environment where no one is profiting (or attempting to profit) from the operation of the game. Florida also requires a $10 cap per hand or per round for the game to be considered 'penny ante' (their term for social gambling) and therefore legal. Finally, only bridge, canasta, dominoes, hearts, mah-jongg, pinochle, poker or rummy are allowed under Florida's social gambling exception..
Charitable bingo games are allowed under Florida law when conducted by authorized organizations, as are certain kinds of raffles. Poker games, whether tournaments or cash games, do not appear to be legal under charitable gambling law in Florida.
Can I Play Poker Legally in Florida?
If you play poker for real money at either a recognized tribal casino or in a 'penny ante' game as described above, you are well within the law in Florida.
Otherwise, poker for stakes would appear to be illegal under Florida law. Remember, the statutory definition of gambling includes prohibitions on both games involving cards and games of skill, so there seems to be little room for an exception for poker under current Florida law.
![]()
The question of whether or not individuals would run a real risk of prosecution for playing poker is a much different one. We were unable to locate any instances of individuals prosecuted simply for participating in an illegal poker game in the state of Florida.
Does Florida Allow Online Poker Sites or Gambling Online?
Florida law regarding gambling does not specifically address the issue of gambling or playing poker online.
As is the case with just about every state in the US, gambling law in Florida is vague and broad enough to potentially apply to just about any manner of wagering; for example, one could make a case that an individual playing poker online has essentially turned their computer into a gambling device that would be illegal under Florida law.
The ambiguity surrounding online gambling and the law in Florida is aptly illustrated by the controversy surrounding Internet Sweepstakes Cafes operated in the state. To the casual observer, such cafes would seem to clearly be serving as online casinos - but their operators claim to be within the boundaries of Florida law and may have at least a reasonable legal basis for that claim.
Summary: It is unlikely that either an online poker operator or player is within Florida law when it comes to real money games. Casino operators may have more room to work with thanks to Florida sweepstakes laws. The risk of facing prosecution as an individual player is actual in terms of the letter of Florida law, but apparently insignificant in practical terms..
Florida Gambling Law - Fun Facts
It's illegal to engage in gambling or horseracing within one mile of a religious camp.
Actual gambling isn't required for authorities to classify a place as a gambling house - they only need to find 'any of the implements, devices or apparatus commonly used in games of chance' to assume that a place is being used for the purpose of gambling.
Florida Gambling Law in the News
Florida state rep Joseph Abruzzo floated a law to regulate intrastate online poker back in 2010, but the bill failed to get any traction and was tabled in April of 2011.
A bill seeking to ban Internet sweepstakes cafes passed the Florida House in 2012, but seems to be permanently stalled in the Senate.
Will Florida Regulate and Legalize Online Poker Sites?
Regulated online poker sites in Florida faces a number of hurdles. First, any online gambling regulated or otherwise legally endorsed by the state would have to be in compliance with the current gaming compact the state has with the Seminole Tribe. Second, there appears to be little legislative motivation to tackle online poker, as evidenced by the death of Abruzzo's bill in 2011. Finally, the growing backlash against Internet sweepstakes cafes could conceivably result in legislation that would explicitly prohibit all internet-based gambling, effectively raising the legislative bar for an online poker bill.
It's not all negatives; Florida is the 4th largest state by population in the US and is already a popular destination for poker players thanks to a recent reversal of the state's wagering limits for poker. Those two facts suggest that Florida could be one of the few states where an intrastate poker room would actually be viable in terms of player liquidity.
With that said, it seems relatively unlikely that regulated online poker will come to Florida within the next three years, largely due to a lack of political motivation and the state's generally restrictive stance toward gambling.
Legal Gambling Age by State Resources
What is the legal gambling age in Alabama? - The legal gambling age in Alabama is 21. Alabama residents will be entitled to gamble provided they break the age barrier of 21. What is the legal gambling age in Alaska? - Alaska has a fairly low gambling age. You will be able to enjoy gambling at the age of 18. What is the legal gambling age in Arizona? - Arizona carries a legal gambling age of 21, so you will be able to gamble legally as soon as this date arrives. What is the legal gambling age in Arkansas? - Arkansas only requires you to be 18 for most forms of gambling, though online gambling will require you to be 21 to enjoy the games. What is the legal gambling age in California? - For casino games and the like, the legal gambling age in the state is 21 or higher. What is the legal gambling age in Colorado? - If you live in Colorado, you will be subject to an age requirement of 21 years of age in order to begin gambling. What is the legal gambling age in Connecticut? - The gambling age in Connecticut is set firmly at 21 for most forms of gambling. Unless you are a lottery player, you will be stuck with a 21 year gaming restriction. What is the legal gambling age in Delaware? - Delaware requires all of their gamblers to be 21 if they are going to take part in the action. What is the legal gambling age in Florida? - Florida has a required gambling age of 18 for poker and 21 for casino games. What is the legal gambling age in Georgia? - Georgia has an age limit of 21 for the legal gambling age. You will be required to adhere to this limit if you are going to engage in the games. What is the legal gambling age in Hawaii? - Hawaii has a de facto age of 21 in order to legally gamble. Since online gambling is the only choice players will have for gambling, you must be twenty one to play. What is the legal gambling age in Idaho? - Idaho requires players to be at least 18 years old in order to enjoy the games. You will have to surpass the age of majority in order to play. ![]() What is the legal gambling age in Illinois? - Those who are 21 years of age or older will be able to enjoy legal gambling in their state. What is the legal gambling age in Indiana? - Legal gambling ages in Indiana vary by game, but you will want to be at least 21 before you start playing any online games. What is the legal gambling age in Iowa? - If you are turning to online gambling, then you will have to be at least 21 years of age in order to play the games at hand. Legal Age To Gamble In Florida At CasinoWhat is the legal gambling age in Kansas? - Kansas will require players to be at least 18 in order to join in on the gambling. Kansas gives players the opportunity to join in on the gambling before most other states. What is the legal gambling age in Kentucky? - Kentucky requires players to be above the age of 21 - even if by a minute - in order to legally play the gaming through these online gambling sites. What is the legal gambling age in Louisiana? - Louisiana gamblers must be at least 21 years old in order to enjoy the games without legal recourse. What is the legal gambling age in Maine? - Maine requires players to be only 18 years old in order to jump into the gambling. Maine is one of the very few states with such a low age restriction. What is the legal gambling age in Maryland? - Maryland requires all players to have surpassed their 21st birthday in order to legally gamble. The legal gambling age in Maryland is 21 years old. What is the legal gambling age in Massachusetts? - Massachusetts gamblers must be aged 21 in order to freely gamble within the state, especially through online gambling options. What is the legal gambling age in Michigan? - Michigan Gamblers must be at least 21 years old in order to move forward with gambling. Players beneath this age will be ejected from their choice of gambling site. What is the legal gambling age in Minnesota? - Minnesota gamblers are required to be at least 18 in order to play the games. Players joining online gambling sites, or trying to enter land based gambling havens, must prove their age. What is the legal gambling age in Mississippi? - The legal gambling age in Mississippi is 21, so all players who do not meet or surpass this age will not be eligible to join in on the games. What is the legal gambling age in Missouri? - The 21st birthday of anyone living in Missouri is the day that they become legally able to gamble. What is the legal gambling age in Montana? - Montana has one of the lowest gambling ages in the nation. Players will have to only wait until their 18th birthday to enjoy legal gambling. What is the legal gambling age in Nebraska? - Nebraska has a legal gambling age of 18. If you exceed the 18th year of your life you will be good to go. What is the legal gambling age in Nevada? - The legal gambling age in Nevada is affixed at 21. If you are under 21, you may as well stop trying - for now. What is the legal gambling age in New Hampshire? - New Hampshire has a legal gambling age of 21. You may, however, play the lottery if you are at least 18 years old. What is the legal gambling age in New Jersey? - New Jersey residents must have passed their 21st birthday, otherwise they do not meet the legal gambling age in the state. What is the legal gambling age in New Mexico? - If you are 21 years old, then you can gamble in New Mexico without any fear of legal trouble. What is the legal gambling age in New York? - New Yorkers can gamble as soon as they hit 18, which is not something many states can answer when asked what is the legal gambling age in their state. What is the legal gambling age in North Carolina? - North Carolinians must be at least the age of majority to gamble, so 18 is the legal gambling age in North Carolina. What is the legal gambling age in North Dakota? - North Dakota residents enjoy the comforts of online gambling especially when the snow is deep and the weather is cold, as long as they're 21 years old. What is the legal gambling age in Ohio? - Ohioans must have reached the ripe age of 21 in order to legally gamble through casino type games, as well as online gambling venues. What is the legal gambling age in Oklahoma? - In order to gamble in Oklahoma, you will probably want to be at least 18. The tribal lands are entitled to decide their own ages, however. What is the legal gambling age in Oregon? - Oregonians have a gambling age restriction of 21. If you have not surpassed your 21st birthday then you are ineligible for gambling. What is the legal gambling age in Pennsylvania? - Pennsylvania has a strict age limit of 21 in order to gamble. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board does not take this lightly. What is the legal gambling age in Rhode Island? - Rhode Island is one of the few states that will allow gamblers to place wagers at the age of 18. What is the legal gambling age in South Carolina? - South Carolina hardly takes a pro-gambling stance, but for the sake of the argument we shall say that the legal gambling age is 18. What is the legal gambling age in South Dakota? - Those who reside in South Dakota must be at least 21 years old in order to gamble, otherwise there will be problems. What is the legal gambling age in Tennessee? - The def facto gambling age in Tennessee is 21. Legal Age In Florida StateWhat is the legal gambling age in Texas? - Texas has imposed an age limit of 21 in order to enjoy gambling. Players under this age face fines or worse. Legal Age To Gamble In MichiganWhat is the legal gambling age in Utah? - Utah is a very strict anti-gambling state. As such, there will a de facto gambling age of at least 21. What is the legal gambling age in Vermont? - Vermont players are subject only to an 18 year old limitation on their gambling. Those players above this age limit will be free to gamble as they please. What is the legal gambling age in Virginia? - Virginians must be at least 21 in order to play gambling games in the state. If you do not meet 21, you will not be entitled to gambling. What is the legal gambling age in Washington? - Washingtonians have the luxury of gambling as soon as they reach their 18th birthday. Provided you can prove that you are 18, you are ready to gamble as you wish. What is the legal gambling age in West Virginia? - West Virginia's few land based casinos require that you be at least 21 in order to play the games, or even be on the gaming floor. What is the legal gambling age in Wisconsin? - Wisconsin residents have a 21 year legal gambling age. Players must meet this requirement in order to make the cut. What is the legal gambling age in Wyoming? - Wyoming is the final of the few states with an age of at least 18. Even if you are 18 and a day, you breach the legal gambling age in Wyoming. Legal Age To Gamble In Michigan Casinos
Age To Gamble In Pa
Legal Age To Gamble Nevada
Comments are closed.
|
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |