Florida Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in FL

The history of state-sanctioned gambling in Florida dates back to 1931 when local legislators legalized on-site betting on dog and horse racing as well as jai alai. Nowadays, most facilities that offer these services also host slots and even poker rooms. Additionally, the Sunshine State houses independent bingo halls and card rooms that provide competitive poker.

Tribal gambling was introduced to Florida with the federal Indian Regulatory Gaming Act of 1988. The local tribes established eight casinos that host legal slots and table games. The Seminole tribe operates seven of these casinos, and the Miccosukee tribe owns the eighth. The Florida Lottery has a monopoly on lottery games. Charitable gambling is allowed.

According to Section 848 of the Florida code, taking part in unlicensed land-based gambling is a second-degree misdemeanor.  However, the state does allow home games and doesn’t have any regulations that could be directly applied to online play. Consequently, Florida-based gambling enthusiasts are pretty much free to play on offshore gambling sites, especially since the local authorities aren’t interested in finding a potential loophole that could allow them to prosecute individual players.

Gambling within the borders of the Sunshine State is covered by Florida Statutes 849.01 et seq. and 550.001 et seq.

List of Top Gambling Venues in Florida

Related reading: Florida online casinos

Reviews of the Top Casinos in Florida

1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a popular casino located in Hollywood, Florida. The casino was launched in 2004, and it is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The casino covers an expansive area, with over 140,000 square feet of gaming space, and offers a wide variety of games, including slot machines, table games, and poker.

The slot machines at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino include popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link. The table games offered at the casino include blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, as well as novelty games such as War and Three Card Poker. The poker room at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is one of the largest in the region, offering 40 tables and hosting high-stakes tournaments like the World Series of Poker Circuit.

In addition to gaming, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers a variety of dining options, ranging from fine dining at Kuro to casual fare at the Hard Rock Cafe. The casino also features a variety of bars and lounges, including L Bar and Center Bar, which offer live entertainment and signature cocktails.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino also offers a hotel with over 450 guest rooms and suites, each featuring modern decor and luxurious amenities such as plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, and high-speed internet. The hotel also offers a full-service spa, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool with cabanas and a bar.

Overall, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers a luxurious and exciting gaming and entertainment experience, with a wide variety of games, dining options, and amenities for guests to enjoy.

2. Miccosukee Resort & Gaming

Miccosukee Resort & Gaming is a casino located in Miami, Florida. The casino was launched in 1999 and is operated by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. The casino has a large gaming space, covering over 67,000 square feet and offering a wide variety of games, including slot machines, table games, and poker.

The slot machines at Miccosukee Resort & Gaming include popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link. The table games offered at the casino include blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, as well as novelty games such as War and Three Card Poker. The poker room at Miccosukee Resort & Gaming offers a variety of cash games and tournaments.

In addition to gaming, Miccosukee Resort & Gaming offers several dining options, including an international buffet, a cafe, a grill, and a lounge. The casino also features a bar and nightclub that offers live entertainment and a variety of drinks.

Miccosukee Resort & Gaming also offers a hotel with over 300 guest rooms and suites, each featuring modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and high-speed internet. The hotel also features a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a spa that offers a variety of treatments.

3. Victory Casino Cruises

Victory Casino Cruises is a unique gaming experience in Florida, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy casino games while aboard a cruise ship. The ship departs from Cape Canaveral and offers two daily sailings.

The casino on board Victory Casino Cruises is a 4-deck vessel, with over 600 slot machines and table games such as blackjack, craps, and roulette. The slot machines include popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link. In addition, the casino offers a sportsbook, where guests can place bets on a variety of sports.

Guests on board Victory Casino Cruises can enjoy dining options ranging from a full-service buffet to a la carte dining at the ship’s two restaurants. The ship also features several bars and lounges, where guests can enjoy live entertainment and a variety of drinks.

Victory Casino Cruises does not have a hotel on board, as the ship operates as a day cruise. However, guests can book a variety of packages that include transportation to and from the ship, as well as meals and drinks on board.

4. Calder Casino

Calder Casino is a casino located in Miami Gardens, Florida. The casino was launched in 2010 and features over 1,000 slot machines and table games, including blackjack, baccarat, and pai gow poker.

The slot machines at Calder Casino include popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link. The table games at the casino include blackjack, baccarat, and pai gow poker, as well as novelty games like Casino War and Three Card Poker.

In addition to gaming, Calder Casino offers several dining options, including a buffet, a cafe, and a lounge. The casino also features a bar and a sportsbook, where guests can place bets on a variety of sports.

Calder Casino does not have a hotel on site, but there are several hotels located nearby. The casino also features a Players Club, where guests can earn rewards and benefits for their play.

In short, Calder Casino offers a diverse gaming and dining experience, with a variety of slot machines and table games, as well as several dining options and a sportsbook. The casino also offers a Players Club program for guests to earn rewards and benefits.

5. Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park

Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park is a casino located in Pompano Beach, Florida. The casino was launched in 1964 and features over 1,500 slot machines and table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette.

The slot machines at Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park include popular titles such as Wheel of Fortune, Buffalo Gold, and Lightning Link. The table games at the casino include blackjack, craps, and roulette, as well as novelty games like Casino War and Three Card Poker.

In addition to gaming, Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park offers several dining options, including a buffet, a steakhouse, and a deli. The casino also features several bars and lounges, where guests can enjoy live entertainment and a variety of drinks.

Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park does not have a hotel on site, but there are several hotels located nearby. The casino also features a Players Club, where guests can earn rewards and benefits for their play.

The casino also has a racetrack, where guests can watch and wager on horse racing. The racetrack hosts several events throughout the year, including the annual Isle Classic, which is a major racing event.

Florida Gambling Revenues

Florida’s gambling industry generates billions of dollars in revenue each year. In 2021, the state’s total gambling revenue amounted to $2.9 billion, according to the American Gaming Association. This includes revenues from various forms of gambling such as casinos, horse racing, and lotteries.

The state of Florida allocates a portion of gambling revenues towards education and other public programs. For instance, a portion of lottery revenues goes towards the state’s education budget. Additionally, the state collects taxes from casinos and other gambling establishments, which are then used to fund public services such as healthcare and infrastructure.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida, which operates several casinos throughout the state, also contributes a significant amount of revenue to the state’s economy. In 2019, the tribe paid $500 million to the state in exchange for exclusive rights to operate certain types of gambling, including slot machines and blackjack.

Despite the significant amount of revenue generated from gambling, the industry is not without controversy. Some argue that gambling can lead to addiction and other social problems, while others point to the potential economic benefits. Ultimately, the decision to allow or restrict gambling in Florida remains a contentious issue that is likely to be debated for years to come.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Florida

Florida is home to several Indian gaming tribes that operate casinos and other gambling establishments throughout the state. These tribes have a long history in Florida and have often been at the center of controversy over gambling laws and regulations.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is one of the most well-known Indian gaming tribes in the state. The tribe operates several casinos throughout Florida and is the largest employer in the state. In 2019, the Seminole Tribe paid $500 million to the state in exchange for exclusive rights to operate certain types of gambling.

The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida is another Indian gaming tribe in the state. The tribe operates a casino and resort in Miami and has faced legal battles with the state over gambling laws. In 2018, the tribe was ordered to pay $4.2 million in back taxes to the state.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, based in Alabama, also operates a casino in Florida. The Wind Creek Casino & Hotel in Atmore, Alabama, is located just across the state line and attracts many visitors from Florida.

Other Indian gaming tribes in Florida include the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Brighton Reservation and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida’s Alligator Alley Reservation.

List of Indian Gaming Tribes in Florida:

• Seminole Tribe of Florida
• Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida
• Poarch Band of Creek Indians (Alabama-based)
• Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Brighton Reservation
• Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida’s Alligator Alley Reservation.

Gambling Taxes in Florida

Gambling winnings in Florida are subject to both state and federal taxes. Under federal law, gambling winnings are considered taxable income, and you must report them on your tax return. In Florida, gambling winnings are subject to a flat tax rate of 24%, which means that you must pay 24 cents in tax for every dollar that you win. For example, if you win $1,000, you must pay $240 in taxes.

If you win a large sum of money at a casino, you may be subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is a form of tax withholding that applies to certain types of income, including gambling winnings. If you win more than $5,000 in a single payout, the casino may withhold 24% of your winnings for federal taxes.

To pay your gambling taxes in Florida, you must file a tax return with the Florida Department of Revenue. You can do this online or by mail. If you are a resident of Florida, you must file a state tax return and report all of your gambling winnings, regardless of where you won the money. Non-residents of Florida must file a state tax return if they have gambling winnings from the state.

If you fail to report your gambling winnings on your tax return, you may be subject to penalties and interest. The penalties for failing to report your gambling winnings can be substantial, and you may also face legal action from the state.

It’s essential to keep accurate records of your gambling winnings and losses, as this will help you accurately report your taxes. You should keep track of all of your gambling winnings, including the date, location, and amount of each win. You should also keep receipts and other documentation of your gambling losses, as these can be used to offset your gambling winnings for tax purposes.

A History of Gambling in Florida

Florida has a rich history of gambling that dates back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s, illegal gambling establishments, known as “bolita” games, were widespread in Florida. Bolita was a popular game of chance that involved drawing a numbered ball from a bag. The game was often associated with organized crime and corruption.

In the 1930s, the state of Florida cracked down on illegal gambling and passed a series of laws that banned most forms of gambling. These laws remained in place until the 1970s when the state began to explore the possibility of legalizing gambling.

In 1978, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment that allowed parimutuel betting on horse and dog races. This amendment led to the opening of several racetracks throughout the state, including the Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park.

In the 1980s, the Seminole Tribe of Florida began operating bingo games on their reservations. The state initially tried to shut down these games, but the tribe argued that they were protected under federal law. The dispute between the state and the Seminole Tribe ultimately led to a landmark Supreme Court decision that allowed Indian gaming on reservations.

In 1988, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed, which established a framework for regulating Indian gaming. Under this law, Indian tribes were allowed to operate casinos on their reservations if the state in which they were located allowed some form of gambling. The Seminole Tribe of Florida was one of the first Indian tribes in the country to open a casino, the Seminole Bingo Hall, in 1979.

In 2004, Florida voters approved a constitutional amendment that allowed slot machines at racetracks in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. This amendment led to the opening of several casinos, including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

In 2010, the Seminole Tribe of Florida signed a gaming compact with the state that allowed them to operate table games, such as blackjack and baccarat, at their casinos. The compact also gave the tribe exclusive rights to operate certain types of gambling, including slot machines, in exchange for a portion of the revenues.

Today, gambling is a significant industry in Florida, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. The state’s gambling industry includes casinos, racetracks, lotteries, and other forms of gaming.

Despite its popularity, gambling remains a controversial issue in Florida, with some arguing that it can lead to addiction and other social problems. Nevertheless, the industry continues to grow, and its impact on the state’s economy and society is likely to be debated for years to come.

Florida Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Florida casinos before being taxed?

In Florida, all gambling winnings are considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). However, casinos are not required to withhold taxes on winnings of $1,200 or less on slot machines or $5,000 or less on poker tournaments. If you win more than these amounts, the casino will withhold 24% of your winnings for federal taxes.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Florida?

If you feel that you may have a gambling problem, you can self-exclude from Florida casinos by signing up for the Florida Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. This program allows you to ban yourself from all Florida casinos for a minimum of one year, five years, or lifetime. You can sign up online or in person at a participating casino.

Who regulates gambling in Florida?

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is responsible for regulating gambling in Florida. The DBPR oversees all aspects of the state’s gambling industry, including casinos, racetracks, and card rooms. The DBPR is also responsible for licensing and regulating all individuals who work in the gambling industry, including dealers, pit bosses, and other casino employees.

What is the minimum gambling age in Florida?

In Florida, the minimum gambling age is 18 for all forms of gambling, with the exception of bingo and certain poker games, which have a minimum age of 21. This means that you must be at least 18 years old to play slot machines, table games, and poker tournaments at Florida casinos. Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase lottery tickets or bet on horse and dog races in the state.