As of my last update in early 2023, betting in Florida is subject to a complex legal framework and has been a topic of ongoing legislative debate. Here’s a general overview of the current status:
1. **Sports Betting**: Sports betting in Florida was temporarily halted after the state supreme court ruled in November 2021 that a ballot measure related to sports betting was invalid. However, in May 2022, a new law was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis that allowed sports betting through a compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This compact was approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior, and as a result, sports betting became legal in the state through a mobile platform run by the Seminole Tribe.
2. **Casinos and Gambling**: Casinos are primarily found on Indian reservations in Florida, operated by various tribes. These casinos offer a variety of games including slot machines, poker, and bingo. There are also pari-mutuel facilities where betting on horse and dog races is allowed.
3. **Lottery**: Florida has a state lottery, which offers various games including scratch-off tickets, draw games, and multi-state lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions.
4. **Online Gambling**: Outside of the Seminole Tribe’s sports betting app, online gambling is not explicitly legal in Florida, and there are no state-licensed online casinos.
It’s important to note that the legal status of betting can change due to new laws, court decisions, or referendums. For the most current information, you should check with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation or consult with a legal expert in the state. Additionally, always ensure that any betting activity is conducted through legal and licensed channels to avoid any legal repercussions.