Details about the Florida Gaming Commission
Similar to what is happening in New Zealand, gambling-related activities are audited by official entities . Various state organizations work towards ensuring that gambling is safe and certified. There are two types of licenses here: commercial and tribal. The laws in force do not include or mention online gambling, which means that it is possible to bet on foreign gambling sites, even if it is not legal.
On the other hand, there are other forms of gambling in Florida that are already regulated and which you can enjoy legally. These include poker table games, horse racing, slot machines and many others. This activity can be practiced in Florida casinos such as the Miami Casino, Calder Casino, The Racecourse Casino or the Dania Beach Casino.
You will also find some of the best casino boats , an experience that join cruises, casino games and a lot of adventure. The following table gives you some information on what you can find if you are thinking of visiting Florida and suddenly come across one of these gambling institutions.
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal forms of gambling: | Commercial and Tribal |
| Legal cash game since: | 1932 |
| Administrative Body: | Florida DBPR, Florida Department of Agriculture, State Enforcement Agency |
| Laws of gambling: | Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, Florida Statutes, Florida Administrative Code |
| Gaming regulators: | Pari-Mutuel betting division, Florida Lottery, Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission |
| Gambling Commission phone number: | (850)487-1395 (DBPR Customer Support) |
| Counties with licensed slot operators: | Miami-Dade, Broward |
| Annual fee applied to slot operators: | $2 million |
| Annual Contribution Against Problem Gambling: | $250.000 |
| Dog racing operators in 2019-2020: | 14 |
| Jai-Alai operators: | 10 |
| Horse racing operators: | 4 |
| Responsible Gambling organizations: | American Gaming Association, FCCG, NCPG, Gamblers Anonymous, NCRG |
As mentioned earlier, there are two main divisions in the gambling industry in Florida: commercial and tribal. The Florida Gaming Commission entity that audits commercial gambling establishments is the Department of Business & Professional Regulation, more specifically, the aforementioned Pari-Mutuel betting division.
In the case of tribal gaming establishments, the responsibility lies with the Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission. This is the only entity to authorize a gambling offer categorized as Class III, where traditional casino games are included . These include some of the following: blackjack games , roulette, craps and poker. In the following sections, we will introduce you to some of the responsibilities of regulators in Florida.
Pari-Mutuel betting division
The Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering regulates all aspects of gambling in the state that relate to commercial establishments where pari-mutuel wagering exists. These include dog racing, horse racing or jai alai. In addition, you can also find Florida poker and slot machines. The common point between these modalities is the form of BET (pari-mutuel), which means that all bets are placed together and players are not required to attend in person.
The Office of Slot Operations is responsible for regulating and licensing Slot operators. establishments with slot machines pari-mutuel betting scheme. According to the statutes of the Florida Gaming Commission, the largest Florida casinos can be found in Miami-Dade and Broward.
These include the Calder Casino with an area of 9,300 square meters, or the Miami Casino with 3,700 square meters. Both are unmissable for anyone passionate about gaming as part of their roadmap. To understand the structure of casino licensing in Florida, there are some initiatives by the Pari Mutuel betting division:
- Regulates and licenses pari-mutuel betting in Florida in the modalities of horse racing, dog racing, jai alai games and poker games;
- Regulates and licenses pari-mutuel slot machine establishments in Miami-Dade and Broward counties through the Office of Slot Operations subdivision;
- It has the responsibility to collect and safeguard the due winnings coming from the game and deliver them to the state;
- Issues reports to the Florida Gaming Commission regarding pari-mutuel gambling licenses on an annual basis;
- Issues various publications and annual reports, including newsletters, audit forms, general and licensing information, brochures and other elements;
- Investigates and approves licenses to entities wishing to offer gaming products;
Florida Lottery
Florida lotteries are relatively recent , beginning in 1986 after authorization by a constitutional amendment. The Florida Lottery has thus been established as the primary entity responsible for offering high quality play in the lottery category throughout the state. Currently there are several popular products such as Powerball, Mega Millions, Triple Play Jackpot and Fantasy Five.
As in New Zealand, scratch cards are also extremely popular . Among the portfolio are games like Remaining Top Prizes and $10 games, among many others. Bettors can purchase lottery tickets and other products at Florida Lottery authorized outlets. However, until now the legislation in force does not authorize video lottery machines.
Florida Department of Agriculture
This is the administrative entity responsible for stipulating the rules through different sectors of activity when it comes to promoting the game . These operators provide for numerous forms of contests, games of chance or prize competitions and must therefore comply with the FDACS rules.
In these game categories, a prize and / or element of luck is present. Therefore, operators offering gambling promotions with prizes worth more than $5,000 must request authorization to this entity, the FDACS or Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In short, the Florida Department of Agriculture takes upon itself responsibilities pertaining to the Florida Gaming Commission.
Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission
Tribal gambling establishments are regulated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. As we mentioned earlier, this is the only entity that can authorizing Class III games in Indian casinos. Its activity is provided for in the IGRA, or Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
The SCA, or State Compliance Agency, is the federal entity that monitors the activity of Indian casinos in Florida. Land-based casino complexes share great similarities with those of Indian origin. On the other hand, the main difference from the commercial game is related to the testing requirements .
The Florida Gaming Commission regulates and approves only slot machines that have been audited by independent entities. But, tribal gaming legislation does not require let these games be tested. Although you might think otherwise, Indian casinos offer some of the best slot machines and other games.
They are often seen as a monopoly of slot machine establishments throughout the state, with the exception of the aforementioned Miami-Dade and Broward counties. It is, however, Indian casinos that stand out with some of the largest and most profitable establishments in the state.
It includes the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center, the Seminole Casino Immokalee and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. Therefore, the responsibilities of the Florida Gaming Commission they stand out in some of the following points :
- Takes on the role of the Florida Gambling Commission by issuing gambling licenses to gambling operators and providers in the state;
- Regulates Indian casinos in accordance with the applicable legislation provided for in the Tribal Gaming Ordinance and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act;
- Reimburses the state annually for the cost of audit activities by the State Compliance Agency;
- Returns to the state a stipulated minimum payment or a percentage of the profit from gambling establishments;
- Draws up the list of self-excluded in tribal gambling establishments;
- Issues annual reports, certificates of self-regulation, News and other relevant publications;
Responsible gambling in Florida
There are several entities with a commitment to an enjoyable and safe gaming experience in the state of Florida. These agencies and organizations are an important part of the Florida Gaming Commission, while provide help with problem gambling and / or provide professional advice with a view to preventing these situations.
Check out some of the key national and local agencies responsible for responsible gambling policies in Florida below. As in New Zealand, its existence is essential to ensure a balanced and socially responsible gambling offer.
- American Gaming Association
- Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling (FCCG)
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
- Gamblers Annonymous (GA)
- National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG)
History of the game in the state of Florida
The Florida Gaming Commission has a storied history throughout its membership
in the 1930s
. Pari-mutuel betting was first legalized in 1932 after the Great Depression seriously affected the state's economy. Years after this measure, it became obvious that the main tourist destinations in the state were areas where gambling was available.
The establishments with bingo they were the first to be legalized in 1979, with numerous cruises emerging as ideal places to play. We have already mentioned them here before, as well as in an article dedicated to this topic. Lotteries were legalized in 1986, and in the following decades there were periods when gambling was illegal throughout the state.
In 2004, the game allowed again and so it remains to this day. Florida today assumes itself as one of the main references of this sector in the United States. As such, there are at least 130 commercial and tribal gambling establishments in Florida that contribute to tourism revenues.
We hope this article has been useful for you to know a little more about distinct reality of gambling in Florida . Whether you plan to visit the state or have already played through these stops, it is interesting to consider that there are different licenses and entities regulating the medium. The important thing is that they work in unison to create a safe and fun gaming environment for everyone.
Frequently asked questions: in Florida the Casino is just one of the strands
We have established that there are different approaches to the game, such as commercial or tribal licenses. Here there is also some gambling offer that you will hardly find in New Zealand, such as dog and horse racing. In case something was not clear, it is possible that one of the following questions and answers help you.
