Online gambling platforms have become popular in recent years, providing convenient access from homes and plenty of options for players to explore. Technological advancements and evolving legal environments fuel the global growth of online gambling platforms, including in the U.S.
Online gambling platforms are websites or applications that offer diverse online gambling activities. These platforms host games and betting options, allowing users to wager real money.
As of today, states in the U.S., like Florida, allow only certain types of gambling. As players, it is important to know the types of online gambling platforms that align with Florida’s online gambling law. This measure will let players know better to choose responsible gambling practices.
Online Sports Betting
Individual states have the legal authority to regulate sports betting within their jurisdictions. Florida’s online sports wagering was halted after a brief period in November 2021. Hard Rock briefly offered legal online sports betting before a federal judge nullified the Seminole Tribe’s exclusive jurisdiction.
However, Florida’s ban on real money online casinos may change. A recent legal development indicates a potential return. In June 2023, a Court of Appeals ruling favored the Tribe’s right to offer online betting.
This change sets the stage for possible sports betting revival and improved conditions for online gambling in Florida. Experts anticipate the relaunch of the Tribe’s online sportsbook before the highly-anticipated NFL 2023 season.
Florida has many popular sports events which attract bettors. The events include NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and NCAA tournaments. The state’s teams, like the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, continue to attract fans. MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins, NHL’s Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning, and MLS’s Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF also offer exciting opportunities for betting.
This is why we can expect that once the halt on legal sports betting is lifted, it will be a popular gambling activity in the Sunshine State.
The D.C. Circuit’s ruling in June 2023 may signal potential progress. However, the legal waiting period delays Hard Rock’s re-launch until late August. Meanwhile, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) remains accessible in the state.
Fantasy Sports
Unlike sports betting, Florida has taken a favorable stance toward fantasy sports. The state even recognizes it as a game of skill rather than gambling. As a result, fantasy sports platforms are legal and operational in Florida under certain regulations.
Fantasy sports aim to create virtual teams of real-life athletes. The teams are based on the statistical performance in real-life games. Participants draft players, manage their teams and make strategic decisions to win.
Fantasy sports platforms provide diverse contests and game formats like fantasy football, fantasy basketball, fantasy baseball, and fantasy soccer. Players can join season-long leagues or participate in daily and weekly contests.
As online gambling platforms develop among players, virtual reality (VR) plays a role within them. It introduced a new dimension to the online gambling experience. Several gambling platforms like SlotsMillion, Jackpot VR and PokerStars VR include VR features, allowing users a more realistic experience.
Aside from VR, augmented reality (AR) overlaps digital information and virtual objects onto online gambling platforms. With AR, players can use smartphones or AR glasses to overlay virtual games onto their physical surroundings.
Online Sweepstakes Casino
Sweepstakes casinos provide the chance to engage in casino-style games and win prizes using the sweepstakes model. It typically uses virtual currencies like coins or tokens.
In Florida, sweepstakes casinos and their online platforms are legal since they do not involve direct gambling with real money. Instead, players buy or acquire virtual currencies to play various casino-style games.
On these platforms, players can use virtual currencies like gold coins (purchased) and sweeps coins (given as sweepstakes entries) to play casino games, such as slots, blackjack and video poker.
