Recent reports indicate that the Seminole Tribe of Florida may seek approval for online casino gaming, also known as iGaming, in Florida as soon as next year.
The Seminole Tribe has played a significant role in Florida’s gambling industry, including the recent launch of sports betting in 2023. The Hard Rock Bet app is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe and already has online casino games in other states that permit iGaming.
If allowed, the introduction of online casino games is expected to generate notable revenue for both the Tribe and the state, aligning with results observed in other states where iGaming has already been implemented.
For individuals who participate in legal gambling in Florida, online platforms would provide access to casino games via smartphones and computers. This includes slots and table games, which may alter how residents participate in these activities.
Approval of iGaming would require the Seminole Tribe to address regulatory requirements and possibly renegotiate agreements with the state government in the tribal compact.
However, there is ongoing discussion about the social implications of expanded gambling, including concerns related to addiction and the need for responsible gaming measures.
Are Offshore Casinos Accessible in Florida?
Yes, several legitimate offshore casinos that accept players from Florida. The state has issued cease-and-desist letters to many of the major players, but no laws outright criminalize online casino gambling. No federal laws or state laws specifically criminalize the act of gambling online.
Florida gambling laws are directed towards operators and do not set punishments for individuals who wager at offshore gambling sites. Most notable online casinos that have been servicing the state have been in operation since the early 2000s and have become the most trusted sources for real-money casino games.
What Is the Florida Gambling Compact?
The Florida Gambling Compact is a legal agreement between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida, most recently updated in 2021.
This compact grants the Seminole Tribe exclusive rights to operate certain types of gambling in the state, including sports betting, craps, roulette, and online wagering, provided the servers are located on tribal land. In return, the Tribe agreed to pay the state a minimum of $2.5 billion over a five-year period.
The compact also allows the Tribe to expand its gaming operations and partner with other gaming entities for marketing. Despite facing legal challenges, the compact was upheld in 2023, solidifying the Seminole Tribe’s dominant role in Florida’s gambling landscape.