Online poker remains a hot topic in Florida, with many residents wondering whether they can legally play for real money. While the state has a long history of poker games at licensed casinos and card rooms, online poker exists in a legal gray area.
Currently, Florida law does not explicitly legalize or regulate online poker sites, meaning no state-licensed platforms are available. However, discussions surrounding gambling expansion continue, and future legislation could change the landscape for online poker in the Sunshine State.
Here’s what you need to know about the current status of online poker in Florida, including legal updates, potential changes, and what options may be available for players in the near future.
Is Online Poker Legal in Florida?
Florida’s gambling laws are complex, with online poker in a legal gray area. While land-based poker is permitted at licensed card rooms and tribal casinos, the state has not authorized or regulated online poker, leaving no legal state-licensed platforms.
Lawmakers have debated expanding online gambling, particularly after a 2021 compact with the Seminole Tribe, but online poker was excluded. While legal online sportsbooks like Hard Rock Bet operate in Florida, no state-regulated online poker sites exist.
| Gambling Type | Legal Status |
| Land-Based Poker | ✅ Legal at licensed card rooms & tribal casinos |
| Online Poker | ❌ Not regulated; no state-licensed platforms |
| Sports Betting | ✅ Limited to Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet |
| Online Casinos | ❌ Not permitted under state law |
| Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) | ⚠️ Unregulated; major operators accept FL players |
The History of Online Gambling Laws in Florida
Florida has a long and evolving history with gambling regulation. While land-based poker and casino gaming have been present for decades, online gambling laws remain uncertain. Below is a timeline of key legal developments impacting online poker and gambling in the state.
The PASPA Repeal and Its Impact (2018)
In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to legalize sports betting. While this led to a wave of gambling expansion nationwide, Florida took a cautious approach, focusing on tribal gaming agreements rather than full online gambling legalization.
The 2021 Seminole Compact and Legal Sports Betting
In 2021, Florida signed a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe, granting them exclusive rights to offer online and mobile sports betting through Hard Rock Bet. However, the agreement did not include online poker or casinos, leaving those areas unregulated.
Legal Challenges and Court Rulings (2021–2023)
The Seminole Compact faced legal disputes, with opponents arguing that mobile sports betting violated state and federal laws. After a series of court battles, the compact was upheld in 2023, allowing sports betting to continue – but online poker remained unaddressed.
Online Poker Laws in Other States and Florida’s Market Potential
Several states have successfully legalized and regulated online poker, demonstrating its potential as a significant revenue source. While Florida has yet to authorize online poker, states with legal markets have generated billions in total gaming revenue, contributing substantially to state tax income.
| State | Online Poker Legal? | Total Online Gambling Revenue (2024) | Tax Revenue (2024) |
| New Jersey | ✅ Yes | $6.30 billion (total gaming) / $2.39 billion (iGaming) | $622.6 million |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ Yes | $6.14 billion (total gaming) / $2.18 billion (iGaming) | $2.66 billion |
| Michigan | ✅ Yes | $2.9 billion (iGaming & sports betting) | $466.1 million |
With its large population and well-established gambling industry, Florida has the potential to generate hundreds of millions annually if it legalizes online poker. The recent success of iGaming in states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan indicates a strong demand for regulated online gambling.
Despite Florida’s progress in legalizing online sports betting through the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet platform, online poker remains unauthorized. The success of iGaming in other states highlights the potential tax benefits for Florida, especially as neighboring states continue expanding their online gambling offerings.
As other states embrace online poker, Florida risks losing potential tax revenue to competitors. Legalization could support local gaming operators, create jobs, and provide substantial state income. With the growing momentum of online gambling legislation across the U.S., Florida lawmakers may need to reconsider the economic opportunities regulated online poker can bring to the state.
Who’s Influencing Online Poker Laws in Florida?
Florida’s online gambling is shaped by several key stakeholders, each with competing interests in potential regulation.
- Seminole Tribe of Florida – Through its compact with Florida, the Seminole Tribe holds exclusive rights to casino-style gambling in the state. This agreement currently allows Hard Rock Bet to offer mobile sports betting but does not cover online poker. Any expansion into online poker would likely require renegotiations with the tribe.
- Lawmakers and Advocacy Groups – While some legislators advocate for gambling expansion to boost state revenue, others oppose it, citing concerns about gambling addiction and tribal exclusivity. Proposals for online poker have yet to gain traction, but future legislative sessions may revisit the topic.
- Major Gambling Operators – Companies like DraftKings and FanDuel have actively lobbied for expanded gaming in Florida. In 2022, they backed a failed ballot initiative to legalize online sports betting. If political conditions become favorable, these operators may push for online poker legalization.
Responsible Gambling
While online poker and other forms of gambling can be entertaining, they also come with risks, including financial losses, gambling addiction, and emotional distress. Players need to practice responsible gaming by setting spending limits, taking breaks, and never wagering more than they can afford to lose.
Florida provides several resources for individuals struggling with gambling problems:
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
- Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling: www.gamblinghelp.org (1-888-ADMIT-IT)
- Gamblers Anonymous: www.gamblersanonymous.org
What’s Next for Online Poker in Florida?
The future of online poker in Florida remains uncertain, but ongoing discussions about gambling expansion indicate that changes may be possible. While there are no current legislative efforts to regulate online poker, the success of legal online gambling in other states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania may influence future decisions.
One key factor will be the role of the Seminole Tribe, which holds exclusive gaming rights in Florida. Any move toward online poker legalization would likely require renegotiating existing compacts or passing new legislation. Additionally, major gambling operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel have previously attempted to push for expanded gaming, though their efforts have yet to gain approval.
For now, Florida residents must wait to see if lawmakers revisit online poker regulation. With online gaming revenue growing nationwide, the state may eventually explore legalization to generate new tax revenue and provide a regulated environment for players.
Whether you’re a poker shark or a complete beginner, the best Florida online poker sites have got you covered with high-traffic poker rooms and exciting tournaments.
The hottest action right now is to be found at Ignition – there are hundreds of daily tournaments for players to join and cash game traffic at all hours of the day.
But before you go any further, make sure to take a look at our full top 10 list, as there’s something for everyone.
Sounds good? Let’s begin!
Best Florida Online Poker Sites
- Ignition: Best overall
- Bovada: Anonymous tables
- BetOnline: Biggest GTD tournaments
- Black Chip Poker: Highest traffic poker rooms
- Americas Cardroom: $2,000 welcome bonus
- Everygame: User-friendly website
- Sportsbetting.ag: Excellent mobile site
- Bitstarz: Top pick for crypto
- mBit Casino: Fast payouts
Heads up about our links! Adblock might get confused so please disable it if you have any issues.
Wondering how we ranked these sites? Keep reading for our individual reviews of the best poker sites in Florida and find out more.
1. Ignition – Best Florida Online Poker Site Overall
Pros:
- $3,000 welcome bonus
- Hosts regular poker tournaments
- Fun features like rabbit cams
- Anonymous poker tables
- Special poker reload bonuses
Cons:
- Could use more banking options
- Design is not the best
What’s your poison — cash games or tourneys? It doesn’t really matter when you play poker online at Ignition, as they have the best of both worlds, plus a few fun features that ensure every session is fun and unique.
Game Selection: 5/5
The best real money online poker room in Florida has games running 24/7, so regardless of what time of day you’re playing, you’ll find your perfect table to join.
The player base is very large, ensuring you can get in a game in seconds, and they have a zone poker feature that lets you get a new hand every time you fold.
Tournaments are just as stellar here, with $100k guaranteed MTTs every Sunday and jackpot SNGs running 24/7.
The gameplay here stays fresh thanks to features like their rabbit cam, which lets you see the river card after folding, and you can get in a ton of hands at one of their zone poker tables.
Bonuses: 4.9/5
The first deposit bonus here is very exciting – it’s an up to $3,000 welcome package if you deposit with crypto. Prefer playing with fiat? Then, you’ll get a $2,000 bonus instead. You just need to make a $20 minimum deposit to qualify.
The bonus is released a dollar at a time when you earn 30 Ignition Miles. You have 30 days to redeem the entire bonus.
Make sure to keep coming back for more, as the best Florida online poker features some of the top reload bonuses. These are some of the best bonuses for online poker in Florida!
Banking Options: 4.9/5
The best online poker site FL accepts a good range of deposit options, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether on the crypto side and Visa and MasterCard on the fiat side.
Regardless of how you deposit, you’ll need to pony up at least $25.
You won’t pay any cashout fees unless you request a couriered check, and your cashout should be approved within 15 minutes or so.
Enjoy your $3,000 welcome bonus
2. Bovada – Best Online Poker Real Money Florida Site for Anonymous Tables
Pros:
- Features anonymous poker tables
- Weekly tourney of up to $2 million
- Turbos, knockouts, and other fun tournaments
- Great low-stakes action
- Poker bonus up to $500
Cons:
- Most buy-ins are high
- 30-day bonus expiry period
If you are looking for the best poker site in Florida for anonymous tables, you should look no further than Bovada – it also features some generous poker bonuses and regular tournaments.
Game Selection: 4.9/5
This FL online poker site has many of the same features that make Ignition great, like anonymous tables and zone poker options. And when it comes to the tourney action, it is second to none.
With over $2 million in weekly tournaments, you won’t lack juicy prizes to aim for. That includes a $200k guarantee on Sunday, but other options are starting every half-hour or so.
The variety is excellent, with regular MTTs and SNGs being joined by knockout events, turbos, and other special options. There’s a good balance between high-limit buy-ins and lower-stakes options, and even the pricier tourneys usually have satellites attached.
In addition to all these, Bovada is also one of the best sports betting sites in Florida!
Bonuses: 4.85/5
If you enter code PWB500 when signing up, you’ll be eligible for a 100% deposit match up to $500. That’s not as much as some other sites, but it’s strictly for poker, so you won’t have to kill time at the slot machines to earn all your extra cash. Not many other casinos have bonuses like this for online poker in Florida.
The site releases the funds in $5 increments, making it easier to earn this bonus than some others.
Not only that, but you get credit for tourney fees as well, so you don’t have to play cash games to qualify.
Banking Options: 4.8/5
You can use both crypto and traditional funding methods here, including BTC, USDT, ETH, and Visa/MasterCard. In fact, it’s one of the best Bitcoin poker sites we found.
You’ll need to make at least a $25 deposit to start gambling here, but for withdrawals, the minimum you can cash out is just $10. Most withdrawals are processed within an hour.
Enjoy up to a $500 poker bonus
3. BetOnline – Biggest Poker Online Florida Tournaments
Pros:
- Great app for playing on-the-go
- Bonus up to $1,000
- Biggest GTD tournaments
- Features like all-in cashouts and straddles
- Unique games like six-plus Hold’em
- Hundreds of other casino games
Cons:
- Must deposit $50 to qualify for bonuses
- Design could be better
Want the best poker tournaments in Florida? Look no further – BetOnline’s got you covered with some of the most exciting GTD tournaments we could find.
Game Selection: 4.9/5
The traffic here is excellent and rivals what you’d find at the two Florida online poker rooms ranked above it. However, what helped this online poker Florida site earn high marks in this category is the rare games it offers.
You can play games like six-plus Texas hold’em – it is a regular hold’em, but with all cards below a six removed from the deck. There’s also open-face Chinese poker and other amazing titles.
As with many other online gambling sites in Florida, Sunday is the big day for tourneys, with the Sunday Major MTTs being the main event. There are several big-money MTTs on tap each week, the biggest of which boasts a $150k guarantee.
So, if you want to play online poker in Florida and enjoy exciting tournaments, this is a great site to join.
Bonuses: 4.7/5
If you enter code POKER1000 when opening your account, you’ll qualify for a 100% deposit match up to $1,000. This will be released $5 at a time when you contribute $50 in rake.
There’s a 30-day expiry period on the bonus, and you must deposit at least $50 to qualify.
While not a bonus per se, the site offers a bad-beat jackpot to anyone unlucky (or lucky?) enough to have aces full of kings beaten by a better hand. The jackpot is usually somewhere in the low six figures, so it’s a nice payday for being snakebit.
Banking Options: 4.7/5
If you’re a crypto fan, you’ll have 16 varieties to choose from when making a transaction. These range from popular coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum to rarer altcoins like Cardano.
Most deposit options have a $20 minimum, although it can be much higher than that for things like money orders. Similarly, cashout minimums tend to be at least $50 but can be as high as $500 if you need a check delivered.
4. Black Chip Poker – Highest Traffic Online Poker Site in Florida
Pros:
- High-traffic poker tables
- Special events with million-dollar-plus prize pools
- Deposit bonus up to $2,000
- Cheap MTT satellites for low-stakes players
- Accepts 60 types of cryptocurrency
Cons:
- Some payouts take longer
- Design could be better
There are many things that make Black Chip Poker unique, but its biggest advantage is the highest-traffic poker rooms it features. No matter when you want to play, you can easily find a table to join here.
Game Selection: 4.6/5
We were very impressed with the player traffic here – it seems like you can play poker any time of the day because there’s always a table open for you to join.
The tournament scene is also quite exciting, with big-money tourneys every Sunday. They also occasionally run special events like the Venom PKO, which boasts a $5 million guarantee, so don’t be surprised to see yourself sitting next to the who’s who of the poker world in that one.
Bonuses: 4.8/5
Deposit at least $25 when making your account at this online poker Florida real money site to get a 100% match up to $2,000. You’ll get a dollar released every time you accumulate 27.5 award points, which is an extremely specific number.
You’ll have two months to earn the whole bonus, which gives you plenty of time, but it will take a while to clear $2,000.
Banking Options: 4.6/5
We found various cryptocurrencies available at this Florida online casino, including options like USDT, ETH, BTC, and LTC. Want to use other cryptos? Make sure to contact their customer support and they’ll help you out.
If crypto isn’t your thing, you can also use MoneyGram, Payz, and credit cards.
5. America’s Cardroom – Best Bonuses of All Real Money Online Poker Florida Sites
Pros:
- $2,000 welcome bonus
- $500k MTT guarantees on “Big Poker Thursdays”
- Backed by big-name pros like Chris Moneymaker
- Promos include things like trips to the Bahamas
Cons:
- $50 minimum for crypto cashouts
- Some payouts take longer
Americas Cardroom — also known as ACR Poker — is part of one of the biggest poker networks in the world, and you can regularly find tens of thousands of players here. Don’t forget to activate the $2,000 welcome bonus once you sign up!
Game Selection: 4.4/5
As with most of the other online casinos in Florida today, the action here heavily centers around No-Limit Hold ‘em and Pot Limit Omaha. They claim to offer stud and stud hi/lo tables, but we’ve never actually seen them running, so good luck getting a game.
You’ll have plenty to keep you occupied here, though, as there’s ring game action at all limits around the clock.
Bonuses: 4.8/5
Want the best bonuses? Then make sure to sign up for a new account at America’s Cardroom and score your $2,000 welcome bonus!
This promo is a 100% match, and it’s released by accumulating points. You’ll have two months to clear this bonus as well.
Banking Options: 4.5/5
Funding your account is easy at this online poker real money Florida site, as you can use major cryptocurrencies, credit cards, e-wallets, and Luxon Pay.
Getting money out of your account is simple as well, as you can cash out with most of the options above, plus paper checks or money transfers, although there may be fees assessed on the latter two possibilities.
Grab up to $2,000 welcome bonus
Best Online Poker Sites for Florida – Our Ranking Criteria
Game Selection
When looking for the best online poker Florida sites, we examined everything from the types of games they offered to the limits, as well as the traffic at various hours of the day. We did this for both ring games and poker tournaments, ensuring there’s always a quality game running, no matter the time of day.
Some of our top picks offer much more than poker games, though – they double down as sports betting apps and have hundreds of slots, table games, and much more for your enjoyment.
Bonuses and Promotions
The size and quality of the deposit bonus varies greatly from site to site. Some don’t offer much cash, while others promise the world but make it almost impossible to cash in on those promises. Our top picks, however, feature excellent bonuses with fair terms and conditions.
Banking Options
It’s not always easy (or cheap) to get your money on and off of a poker site. However, the best sites we found for Bitcoin gambling in Florida make transactions faster and more cost-effective with cryptocurrencies. These sites also offer fiat currency options for those who prefer traditional banking methods, ensuring smooth funding of your account regardless of your choice.
Withdrawal Speed
For Florida online poker players, fast and fee-free withdrawals are a top priority. We reviewed each site’s withdrawal process, focusing on the speed of transactions and the variety of payout options available, ensuring players can access their winnings quickly.
Security and Fairness
We ensure the top FL online poker sites use reputable licensing and auditing agencies to guarantee game fairness and player security. This includes SSL encryption and RNG certifications, providing a safe and transparent gaming environment.
User Experience
We evaluated each online poker site’s user interface and mobile compatibility, emphasizing ease of navigation, load times, and overall design. The top sites offer equally great experiences on both desktop and mobile, ensuring players can enjoy their games without interruption.
Customer Support
Reliable customer service is crucial for playing online poker in Florida. We tested the responsiveness and helpfulness of each site’s support team through live chat, email, and phone, making sure that players receive timely and effective assistance.
Traffic and Competition
Player traffic affects the quality of games available. We analyzed the number of active players and the competitiveness of the games, ensuring that each poker site offers a vibrant and engaging community, from casual players to high-stakes pros.
Can You Play Online Poker in Florida?
Yes, you can play real money online poker in Florida. Dozens of poker sites accept players from the state, offering a wide range of games and stakes to suit all preferences.
However, not all online poker sites are created equal in terms of game quality, security, and overall user experience. To ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience, it’s important to choose established sites like the ones listed here.
Most Popular Online Poker Variants in Florida
Online poker players in Florida have access to a variety of exciting poker games. Here are some of the most popular poker games you can find:
Texas Hold’em
Texas Hold’em is arguably the most well-known and widely played poker game in the world.
At Florida online poker sites, you’ll find numerous tables and tournaments dedicated to this classic game. Players receive two private cards and share five community cards, aiming to make the best five-card hand.
Omaha
Omaha is another favorite among FL online poker players. In this game, players receive four private cards and must use exactly two of them along with three of the five community cards to make the best hand.
Seven-Card Stud
Before Texas Hold’em became dominant, Seven-Card Stud was the poker game of choice. It remains a staple at many Florida online poker sites. Players are dealt seven cards, three down and four up, and must make the best five-card hand possible.
Five-Card Draw
Five-Card Draw is one of the simplest forms of poker and a great game for beginners. Each player receives five private cards and can choose to discard or draw new ones to improve their hand.
Why Is Ignition the Best FL Online Poker Site?
After applying the above criteria to the various poker sites available to players in Florida, Ignition was the clear winner. Here’s why:
Great Action: You’ll find plenty of action at all limits, and you can get in hundreds of hands per hour at zone poker tables.
Best Bonuses & Promos: New players can get up to $3,000 in bonus cash, which dwarfs the offerings you’ll find at most other poker sites. It’s a crypto-only welcome bonus, but Ignition also features a $2,000 sign-up bonus for fiat users.
Instant Withdrawals: Ignition is also known as one of the fastest withdrawal casinos ensuring that players can access their winnings quickly and without hassle. This speedy payout system, especially for Bitcoin transactions, sets it apart from many competitors.
Exciting Features: There’s nothing more frustrating than having to fold on the turn before you know if you’ll make the nut flush — but with features like Ignition’s rabbit cam, you can find out for sure if you made a good fold or just cost yourself a big pot.
Florida Online Poker – FAQs
Is Online Poker Legal in Florida?
At the time, there are no licensed online casinos in Florida that offer legal online poker games. Therefore, the only way for FL residents to play online poker is by joining sites with an offshore license. For your convenience, we’ve listed the top choices in this guide.
In the future, a regulated online poker market is a possibility to look forward to.
Is Playing Online Poker Safe?
Yes, online poker in FL is safe – if you play at reputable sites.
Trustworthy sites like the ones listed above are regulated by established gaming commissions, and most use bank-level encryption services to keep your information safe. Joining an online poker room is as safe as shopping online if you do it right.
Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in Florida?
Yes, Floridians can play real-money poker games online. Most sites have limits ranging from pennies a hand to $5/$10 blinds and up, so there’s a game for just about any bankroll.
Is Poker Skill or Luck?
It’s both! Skilled players will win in the long run, but anyone can win in any given session.
It’s one of the things that makes poker great — can you name another game where a complete amateur can beat the best players in the world straight-up?
Which is the Best Real Money Online Poker Site in Florida?
We recommend that Florida players start off at Ignition. It has great traffic, excellent features, lucrative bonuses, and some of the best security around.
What Casinos Have the Best Poker Tournaments in Florida?
Ignition hosts some of the best poker tournaments in Florida right now, offering a wide range of events, including daily and weekly tournaments, with various buy-ins for players of all levels.
Other great options include sites like Bovada, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker, and others.
Top 5 Best Online Poker Sites – Quick Comparison
Ignition: Want the best overall poker site in Florida? Look no further! Ignition has it all: high-traffic poker tables, biggest tournaments, and much more. Sign up for a new account and get your $3,000 welcome bonus.
Bovada: There are $2 million in weekly prizes up for grabs at Bovada, as well as new tourneys starting every half hour. It also features anonymous tables! New players can get a $500 welcome bonus by using code PWB500.
BetOnline: The biggest tournaments for poker in Florida are available at BetOnline. There’s a poker-only bonus of up to $1,000 for anyone who registers a new account as well.
Black Chip Poker: If you want the highest-traffic poker tables, make sure to use this casino. You can also get a 100% deposit match up to $2,000 when you first sign up.
Americas Cardroom: If you stick around for a while at Americas Cardroom, make sure to have a look at Americas Cardroom. There’s a $2,000 deposit match for new players here as well.
How To Play Florida Poker Online for Real Money
Ready to start playing online poker in Florida? Getting set up with a new account is easy and only takes a minute or two. Here’s how to do it, using Ignition as an example:
Step 1: Create a New Poker Account
- Open the Ignition website
- Click the orange “Join” button in the upper right-hand corner
- You’ll be taken to a registration form
- Fill out the required info
- Be sure to check the box verifying your age at the bottom
- Click “Register”
Step 2: Check Your Email
- The site will send a verification email to the address you provided
- Open the email and click the link inside
- You’ll be redirected back to the poker website
- If you don’t see the email, check your spam folder
Step 3: Make the First Deposit
- Pick your preferred deposit method
- Enter the amount you’d like to deposit
- If you have a bonus code, now is the time to enter it
- Make your deposit
Step 4: Play Online Poker in Florida
- Open your account
- Open the poker page
- Join an online poker room & play
So What Are the Best Sites To Play Online Poker in Florida?
So, are you ready to start playing online poker in Florida? Then make sure to have a look at our top picks!
If you’re just getting started, we’d recommend trying Ignition first, as it has some of the most player-friendly features you’ll find anywhere. Don’t be shy about trying several sites, though, as it may take some trial and error before you find your poker site of choice.
Wherever you end up playing poker online, be sure to gamble responsibly – and remember to always have fun.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Online gambling comes with risks. There’s no guarantee of financial gain, so you should only gamble with what you can afford to lose.
While gambling can be fun, it can also be addictive. If you or anyone you know suffers from a gambling addiction problem, we recommend that you call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 to speak with an advisor. Please remember that our guides and all gambling sites are only for people who are 21+. Also, check with local laws to find out if online gambling is legal in your area.
For free online gambling addiction resources, visit these organizations:
