Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Online Poker

Following are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning Florida online poker. The legality and availability of this type of gambling entertainment has become somewhat confusing in the last few years, and this guide is designed to assist players in obtaining clear and concise information that allows them to make informed decisions regarding what type of poker action is best for them and their needs. At the bottom of the questions is a table that includes our recommended Florida online poker sites. Each of them has been vetted by a team of professional analysts and was verified to be legally operating within the industry and to deliver an overall secure, high quality and enjoyable online poker gambling experience.

Will I get in trouble if I access online poker options in Florida?

If you limit your online poker gambling to legally licensed and regulated online poker sites located outside of the United States, then you are not participating in anything illegal. There are no federal or state laws which prohibit US players from engaging in legal online poker activity. This guide will provide you with access to these types of legal online poker offerings. Because it is not legal to operate an online gambling site within the state of Florida at this time, if you were to access any type of online poker site that is based here in Florida, then yes, this could get you into trouble. While law enforcement focuses on the illegal gambling operators in these cases, you do open yourself up to be at risk for participating in illegal gambling, and at best you are at risk for becoming a victim of theft, identity theft or other cyber crimes. These types of sites rarely pay out any winnings and often drag players into additional illegal activities. Until state licensed online poker is legalized in the state, we urge you to stick with the legally licensed offshore brands recommended in this guide.

What is the legal gambling age in Florida?

In Florida, players must be 18 years of age to participate in playing the lottery, poker, or engaging in pari-mutuel wagering. Players must be 21 years of age to participate in casino gambling.

How do I get started in participating in Florida online poker?

The first step is to select one of the reputable online poker brands recommended in our guide. Once you select one, you can visit the site and register for a player account. Before you make any type of deposits into your account, we suggest you review the bonus offers and the free play options. Playing some free poker games will allow you to acclimate to the user interface prior to getting into any real money games. Once you are comfortable with navigating through the sites features, you then visit the poker room's cashier to fund your account. All of the brands included in this guide have stellar banking suites that provide effective options for US players. I personally use my Visa to fund my online poker gaming, but there are various prepaid, wire transfer and ewallet options out there as well. The available payment methods will vary by brand.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings from Florida online poker games?

All players are subject to the tax laws currently in effect in their state, as well as federal laws, including those in Florida. Gambling winnings should be reported on your annual income tax return. In most cases, winnings exceeding a specific amount are subject to income tax inclusion.

Where can I get assistance if I develope a gambling problem?

The following agencies are in place to provide support and assistance for Florida players struggling with gambling problems.

Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling

Florida Family Policy Council

Is it likely that we will see state licensed online poker options emerge in the state of Florida?

Yes, it is definitely within the realm of possibilities. There have been discussions concerning the potential of legalizing online poker in the Sunshine State, however no formal legislation has come forward, and discussions have not gotten very far. With other states already on this path, and online poker sites successfully contributing to the states' revenue in those regions, we anticipate that the benefits will speak for themselves and entice additional participation from states who are currently on the sidelines watching to see how things turn out. Florida is considered to be a pro-gambling region.

Recommended Online Poker Sites Accepting Players From Florida