By Abby Gleason
Florida is a big name on the U.S. gambling scene, yet online casinos still aren’t allowed to operate in the state. Tax money is being collected from tribal casinos and online sports betting platforms, but Florida is missing out on a major revenue opportunity from online casino platforms. This is especially the case given how much states that allow this activity have been earning from it.
The market is already there
More and more people across the U.S. are playing casino games online. Those living in the states that allow this activity play on their local platforms while others, including Floridians, do it on offshore platforms that don’t fall under U.S. jurisdiction. Many play online not because they dream about getting rich this way, but simply because they enjoy spinning slots or testing their poker skills.
They’re also playing on sweepstakes sites, which don’t require them to deposit real money upfront. Instead, they use virtual currencies and offer the opportunity to withdraw real money. The best sweep slots mimic those in real online casinos and offer the same overall experience.
This type of online gambling is already a part of daily life for many, especially in cities like Apopka that don’t have direct ties to Florida’s land-based casinos. It’s easily accessible and fits into the routines of people who just want to kill time on their phone and enjoy a few quick games.
Is Florida missing out on tax money?
As mentioned above, gambling activity is on the rise in Florida. People are already playing on online casino-style platforms through offshore and sweepstakes platforms and it’s likely that even more will follow in their footsteps.
If the state were to introduce its own regulated casino market, it would open up a new source of revenue. Other states that have allowed such platforms to operate are already seeing consistent returns. This money is then used to support public infrastructure, education, and first responder benefits.
In other words, Florida’s own online casino market could turn an already existing habit into a source of funding for essential services. The money that revolves in the casino industry isn’t something that can easily be ignored. The gross gaming revenue of casinos in the state stood at $687.5 million in 2024, and that’s without any casinos operating online.
What would it take?
For Florida to allow online casinos to operate in the state, lawmakers would have to revisit the constitutional restrictions on gambling. A bill would have to pass through the state legislature and we’d see a statewide referendum due to the 2018 amendment that requires voter approval for any expansion of casinos.
Additionally, discussions with the Seminole Tribe would have to take place as it currently holds exclusive rights to certain types of gaming in Florida.The process definitely wouldn’t be easy. Even online sports betting, which is currently allowed, faced major obstacles in its early days. In 2021, the activity was halted due to legal challenges and it wasn’t until 2023 that a federal appeals court cleared the way for it to resume.
