History of Online Gambling Laws in Florida
Florida’s first casino establishment opened in Tampa back in 1887. In-person gambling was eventually criminalized and then re-legalized.
Online gambling has a bit of a similar story. Like most states, online gambling was illegal in Florida until 2018, when the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, allowing states to legalize sports betting if they choose.
Governor Ron DeSantis entered into a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe in 2021 to give them the exclusive right to operate online sportsbooks in the state. This agreement was challenged by private sector companies less than two years later, however the compact was upheld by a federal appeals court in 2023.
Here are some other significant events in Florida’s complicated gambling history:
Timeline for Online Casino Gambling in Florida
1937
Slot machines and other forms of gambling are made illegal in Florida.
1970
Bingo is legalized with limits on bingo winnings.
1978
Florida voters vote against amending the state constitution to legalize gambling.
1979
The Seminole Tribe challenges bingo limits and begins hosting high-stakes bingo games.
1986
Voters again reject an amendment to legalize gambling in Florida. However, voters did approve the creation of the Florida Lottery.
1988
President Ronald Reagan signs the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act into law, giving the Seminole Tribe the right to operate video lottery slot machines, poker tables, and other previously banned forms of gambling.
2004
Florida voters finally approve a constitutional amendment to allow slots and other casino games at non-tribal casinos.
2021
Governor Ron DeSantis agrees to a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe to legalize sports betting in Florida.
2023
Federal appeals court upholds Seminole Tribe compact following challenges from private sector competitors.
2025
HB 591 is introduced and proposes broad overhauls to gambling laws, however it has yet to be enacted.