Is Poker legal in Florida (FL)? Online Poker Laws in Florida Explained

Want to know the situation of poker in Florida, or if live and online poker are legal in the state? We've got you covered.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain Florida’s current poker laws and where you can play, whether you’re interested in visiting one of the state’s high-traffic cardrooms or exploring legal online options.

What Is the Situation with Poker in Florida?

Live poker is legal in Florida, while online poker is yet to be regulated and is currently illegal.

Florida has emerged as one of the premier states for live poker in the United States. With iconic venues like the Seminole Hard Rock and regular tournament series that attracts a selection of pros, the Sunshine State is a top-notch option for any poker enthusiast.

Live poker is fully legal and highly active across the state. Florida has dozens of cardrooms operating inside racinos, tribal casinos, and pari-mutuel venues, and offers a wide range of stakes and games. From low-limit cash tables to major tournament series with six and seven-figure prize pools, it's not difficult to see why players are attracted to the area.

However, real-money online poker is not currently legal in Florida. While social poker apps are accessible, regulated real-money online poker has still not been legalized by lawmakers. The interest is there, but there is presently not set path to legalization at the moment.

Is Live Poker Legal in Florida?

Yes, live poker is completely legal and thriving in Florida.

This has been the case since the late 1990s, where laws were implemented that permitted cardrooms at licensed pari-mutuel facilities and tribal casinos. While nowadays, further amendments to law have allowed for poker as we know it in the traditional sense, there were many limitations early on when poker was first legalized in Florida.

Today, Florida boasts more than 25 legal poker rooms, offering everything from casual $1/$2 Hold’em to high-stakes Omaha and Mixed Games. The state’s poker rooms are regulated by the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering, with venues operating under federal oversight.

Notable cardrooms include the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, bestbet Jacksonville, and Palm Beach Kennel Club. These venues are among the best to offer professionally-run cash games and tournaments. Some even host televised events with enormous prizepools.

Is Online Poker Legal in Florida?

No, regulated real-money online poker is not currently legal in Florida. While the state has shown a willingness to legalize sports betting through tribal partnerships, online poker in FL has yet to join a handful of other states in being legalized.

Florida players do have access to free-to-play platforms like the WSOP Poker App and Replay Poker. These platforms allow you to practice your skills, enter tournaments, and enjoy poker all the great aspects of online poker in a legal environment - though these don’t offer real-money prizes.

While offshore sites may offer access, these are unregulated and risky, providing no consumer insurance, guarantees for fair play or fund protection. As such, we strongly advise sticking with legal social platforms.

Is Online Poker Likely to Become Legal in Florida?

Florida is unlikely to legalize online poker anytime soon.

It’s possible in the long term, especially given Florida's history of expanding gambling through compacts and state-sanctioned measures. However, there’s no bill currently under serious consideration that would authorize real-money online poker. Legalization would require the state's main stakeholders (the live casino brands) to be on board. If they agree to allow for privately issued online poker licenses, it would mean greater competition and would directly impact their revenues.

So, future legalization would hinge on broader online gaming talks involving tribal interests and the state government. This is why it's unlikely to be legalized in the near future. There is cautious optimism that one day, things might change, but don't expect any imminent progress.

When Will Online Poker Be Legalized in Florida?

No official timeline exists, and online poker legalization is not currently on the legislative calendar. Optimistically, the next 2–5 years could bring new proposals, particularly if online sports betting proves successful and expands to include casino-style games.

Until then, social poker apps remain the only legal online option for Floridians who want to play poker from home.

Live Poker Rooms in Florida

Florida’s live poker scene is among the best in the country, with an array of fully-functioning poker rooms operating within the state. Whether you're on the Gulf Coast, in the Panhandle, or down in Miami, you’re never far from a licensed cardroom offering action across all stakes.

Top 10 Best Live Poker Rooms in Florida

Major Poker Tournament Series in Florida

Florida hosts several top-tier tournament series throughout the year. These events attract national talent and feature deep structures, large guarantees, and multiple game formats. If you’re a serious player, these events might just be worth traveling for.

How Live Poker Rooms Operate in Florida

Poker in Florida is classified as a player-banked game, meaning the casino does not have a stake in any of the games played. This is contrary to games like Blackjack or Roulette, where you're essentially playing against the house and any winnings are paid by the casino. Instead, poker rooms earn revenue by charging seat fees or raking pots, with regulation overseen by state gaming authorities.

Players can find cash games running daily, often from early morning into late night. Tournaments are scheduled daily, weekly and monthly, with guaranteed prize pools and re-entry formats common. Most venues offer progressive jackpots, high-hand bonuses, or bad beat promos as well that add action and excitement to the games.

Legal History of Online Poker in Florida (Timeline)

Florida's history with gambling and poker legality in particular has been up and down over the years, with some interesting flashpoints. Here is an overview of what's happened.

• Florida Legalizes Limited-Scale Poker (1996)
  Florida authorized poker games at licensed pari-mutuel facilities (e.g., racetracks, jai alai frontons). However, it wasn't exactly clear-cut and a full, limitless offering, with games being heavily restricted. Pots were limited to $10 max, and only specific low-stakes games like draw and stud poker were permitted.
• Pot Limits Increased to $100 (2003)
  Amendments to the 1996 law raised the maximum allowed pot from $10 to $100, a move which generated more interest in legal poker rooms. This helped cardrooms become more competitive and attract recreational players.
• Legalization of Tournament Poker (2007)
  Florida permitted structured poker tournaments, allowing cardrooms to host events with fixed entry fees and prize pools. This helped FL align more closely with casino-style poker formats in other states.

• Major Poker Expansion (July 1, 2010)
  This was the most significant shift in Florida poker law. The HB 5005 Bill being introduced made Florida one of the most poker-friendly states in the U.S. Here's what it changed:

  -Removed pot and buy-in limits
  -Extended the hours in which poker rooms could operate
  -Authorized major tournaments and cash games

• Seminole Compact Signed, Including Online Sports Betting (April 23, 2021)
  Governor Ron DeSantis signed a historic 30-year compact with the Seminole Tribe. The compact was later challenged but became central to the debate around online gambling expansion. The compact:

  -Authorized retail and mobile sports betting
  -Expanded table games like craps and roulette
  -Did not legalize online poker

• No Bills Introduced for Online Poker (2024–2025)
  As of mid-2025, there are no active bills for online poker regulation. Lawmakers are focused on resolving sports betting and broader gambling compact issues. The most likely pathway for online poker remains future expansion tied to tribal gaming or broader iGaming legislation.

Online Poker Sites in Florida

Real-money online poker platforms like PokerStars, BetMGM, and WSOP.com are not legally available in Florida. However, they may enter the market if future legislation is ever passed. In fact, if online poker is legalized, we expect many of the big name operators to flock to the state, given its large population and attractive gambling landscape.

Can You Play PokerStars in Florida?

No, PokerStars is not legally available for real-money play in Florida. Until online poker is regulated, the site cannot accept players from the state.

PokerStars already operates in several regulated US states and is a likely contender should Florida legalize online poker.

Can You Play BetMGM Poker in Florida?

No, BetMGM Poker is not licensed to operate in Florida. If legislation is passed, BetMGM is expected to pursue a license, given its success in other US markets.

Can You Play GGPoker in Florida?

No, GGPoker does not operate in Florida. It has yet to enter any regulated US market directly. Until Florida passes iGaming legislation, access is unavailable. However, given that NSUS Group (GG's operator) purchased WSOP from Caesars in 2024, that might give it a foot in the door it needs if online poker ever becomes legal.

How to Play Real Money Online Poker in Florida Legally

Currently, the only legal way to enjoy poker online in Florida is through social and training platforms. These sites don’t involve real-money gambling but offer a legal, enjoyable, and often competitive poker experience.

Best Sites to Legally Play Online Poker in Florida

WSOP Poker App

The WSOP Poker App brings the prestige of the World Series of Poker straight to your screen. Designed for mobile and desktop, the free-to-play app offers a wide range of Texas Hold’em and Omaha games with no real-money stakes required.

Daily challenges, seasonal events, and interactive leaderboards add to the experience, making it ideal for both casual players and aspiring pros. You’ll earn chips through gameplay and bonuses, with no need to deposit or risk cash. It’s the perfect way for Florida players to enjoy poker legally and competitively online—backed by one of poker’s most iconic brands.

Replay Poker

Replay Poker is a fully legal, browser-based poker platform designed for players who enjoy the game’s strategy without the financial risk. It offers realistic gameplay across a variety of formats, including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud, all in a safe and community-focused environment.

Players can join daily ring games and multi-table tournaments, with detailed stats and leaderboards tracking your progress. Replay is particularly popular with committed recreational players in Florida thanks to its clean interface, active user base, and frequent free events. With no downloads or payments required, it’s one of the most accessible poker options in the state.

GTO Wizard Play Mode

GTO Wizard Play Mode offers a unique, educational twist on traditional poker apps. Rather than playing against opponents for chips, players simulate hands and receive instant feedback based on Game Theory Optimal (GTO) strategies.

This tool is an excellent tool for Florida players who want to sharpen their skills, improve decision-making, and study advanced poker concepts in a hands-on format. You’ll see how your plays stack up against solver-approved strategies in real time. Whether you're preparing for live tournaments or just refining your thought process, GTO Wizard’s Play Mode is a powerful, free tool for strategic growth and high-level practice.

Florida Poker Legality FAQs