Florida Online Poker: Legal Status, Sweepstakes Options, and What’s Next

Florida is known as the Sunshine State 🌞. It is also one of the largest US jurisdictions where players can access online poker and win real money prizes through alternative formats.

There is no state‑regulated market for real‑money online poker in Florida, which is why major operators such as PokerStars and WSOP do not operate in the state. That situation is unlikely to change in the near future due to political opposition from the Seminole Tribe, which holds exclusive control over most forms of online gambling in Florida, as well as resistance from state‑registered cardrooms. Any expansion of online gambling would also require voter approval.

In the absence of a regulated market, some Florida players choose to play on sweepstakes‑based online poker platforms. These sites use promotional sweepstakes models rather than direct wagering and allow players to compete in tournaments, sit & gos, and ring games for prizes that can be redeemed for real money. Florida law does not currently prohibit players from participating in sweepstakes poker, and there have been no enforcement actions taken against these platforms to date.

Sweepstakes poker platforms are not regulated gambling operators, and their status could change if Florida law or enforcement priorities shift. Players should be aware of this distinction when choosing where and how to play online poker in the US.

Florida players can also access free‑play social poker sites, which can be useful for beginners looking to learn hand rankings, betting structures, and basic poker mechanics without risking real money.

Is Online Poker Legal in Florida?

Florida does not have a regulated real‑money online poker market. There are no state‑licensed online poker rooms operating in Florida, and major regulated operators such as PokerStars or WSOP do not offer real‑money online poker in the state.

That said, Florida law does not currently prohibit players from participating in sweepstakes‑based online poker platforms, and there have been no enforcement actions taken against these sites to date. Because of this, Florida players are able to access online poker through sweepstakes models rather than traditional real‑money wagering.

Sweepstakes poker platforms operate differently from regulated online poker rooms. They use promotional sweepstakes structures instead of direct cash buy‑ins, allowing players to compete for prizes that may be redeemed for real money. These platforms are not licensed or regulated gambling operators in Florida, and their status could change if state law or enforcement priorities shift.

In short, real‑money online poker is not regulated or licensed in Florida, but online poker is still accessible to players through sweepstakes‑based platforms under current law.

How Florida Players Play Online Poker Today

Because Florida does not offer a state‑regulated real‑money online poker market, players who want to play online use alternative formats rather than licensed poker rooms. How players choose to play typically depends on whether they want to compete for prizes that can be redeemed for real money or simply play poker for fun or practice.

The most common option for Florida players seeking prize‑based online poker is sweepstakes poker. These platforms offer poker‑style games such as tournaments, sit & gos, and ring games using a promotional sweepstakes model rather than direct cash wagering. Players compete against others from across the United States, and prizes can often be redeemed for real money.

Other players, particularly beginners, choose free‑play social poker sites. These platforms use play‑money only and do not offer cash or prize redemptions. Free‑play poker is often used to learn the basics of the game, including hand rankings, betting structures, and table dynamics, without financial risk.

Until Florida establishes a regulated online poker market, these formats remain the primary ways players access online poker in the state.

Sweepstakes Poker in Florida

Sweepstakes poker is currently one of the main ways Florida players access online poker games with prize redemption. These platforms operate using promotional sweepstakes structures rather than traditional real‑money wagering. Instead of buying into games directly with cash, players typically purchase gold (free‑play) coins and receive sweepstakes coins as a bonus, which can then be used to enter poker‑style games.

Sweepstakes poker sites offer many of the same formats found on traditional online poker platforms, including multi‑table tournaments, sit & gos, and ring games. Prizes won using sweepstakes coins may be redeemed for real money or cash equivalents, depending on the platform’s rules.

Florida law does not currently prohibit players from participating in sweepstakes‑based poker platforms, and there have been no enforcement actions taken against these sites to date. However, sweepstakes poker platforms are not regulated or licensed gambling operators in Florida, and they do not provide the same oversight or consumer protections found in regulated online poker markets.

Because of this, players should understand how sweepstakes poker works, review each platform’s terms carefully, and be aware that availability and rules could change if Florida law or enforcement priorities shift in the future.

Sweepstakes Poker Platforms Available in Florida

Because Florida does not regulate real‑money online poker, sweepstakes poker platforms have become the primary way many players access online poker games with prize redemption. These sites are accessible to Florida players under current law and operate using promotional sweepstakes models rather than direct cash wagering.

Sweepstakes poker platforms typically allow players to purchase Gold Coins, which are used for free‑play games and have no cash value. With these purchases, players usually receive a second type of currency, often called Sweeps Coins, as a promotional reward. Sweeps Coins can be used to enter poker games such as tournaments, sit & gos, and ring games, where prizes may be redeemed for real money or cash equivalents.

Several different sweepstakes poker platforms are available to players in Florida. While each site follows the same basic sweepstakes concept, they can differ significantly in software quality, available poker formats, game features, prize structures, and player pools. Some focus on modern poker software with features like bomb pots and mixed games, while others emphasize tournaments, training tools, or subscription‑based access.

It’s important to note that sweepstakes poker platforms are not licensed or regulated gambling operators in Florida. There is currently no enforcement action prohibiting Florida players from using these sites, but their availability and operating models could change if state law or enforcement priorities shift in the future. Players should take time to understand how each platform works and review individual terms and conditions before participating.

Below, you’ll find overviews of several sweepstakes poker platforms that are accessible to Florida players today, along with links to detailed reviews covering gameplay, features, and how each site operates.

Clubs Poker

Clubs Poker is a sweepstakes‑based online poker platform that follows the modern sweepstakes model. Players purchase Gold Coins for use in free‑play games and typically receive Sweeps Coins as a reward, which can be used to enter poker games offering prizes that may be redeemed for real money.

The platform supports a wide variety of poker formats, including No‑Limit Texas Hold’em, Pot‑Limit Omaha, Omaha Hi‑Lo, Seven Card Stud, HORSE, and 2‑7 Draw. Available game types include ring games, sit & gos, and tournaments. Clubs Poker also includes several modern poker features such as bomb pots, straddles, run it twice, and mixed games.

Clubs Poker operates as a sweepstakes platform rather than a regulated online poker room. Prize redemption and gameplay are governed by the site’s sweepstakes rules and terms.

👉 Read our full Clubs Poker Review

Stake.us Poker

Stake.us Poker is a sweepstakes and social poker platform that offers online poker games using a promotional sweepstakes structure. Players purchase play‑money tokens and receive sweepstakes currency as a bonus, which can be used to participate in prize‑eligible poker games.

The platform offers tournaments, ring games, and sit & gos, with poker variants that include No‑Limit Hold’em, Pot‑Limit Omaha, and Pineapple Hold’em. Stake.us emphasizes community features and frequent promotions alongside its poker offerings.

Stake.us Poker is accessible to Florida players under current law, though it is not licensed or regulated as a gambling operator. Players should review the platform’s rules and redemption policies before participating.

👉 Read our full Stake.us Poker Review

ClubWPT Gold

ClubWPT Gold is a sweepstakes poker platform operated by WPT Enterprises, the company behind the World Poker Tour. Following a major 2025 relaunch, the site moved away from the traditional Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins model.

Players now purchase Hand Analysis Credits, which unlock integrated training tools and award Chips that can be used to play poker, enter tournaments, or be redeemed for real‑world prizes. The platform combines sweepstakes poker with poker education, including solver‑based hand analysis and a dedicated training hub.

Poker games on ClubWPT Gold focus primarily on Texas Hold’em ring games and tournaments. While the platform stands out for its training features and WPT branding, some standard poker software features such as in‑game chat and advanced multi‑tabling remain limited.

👉 Read our full ClubWPT Gold Review

ClubWPT

ClubWPT operates on a subscription‑based sweepstakes poker model. Players pay a monthly membership fee in exchange for access to a full schedule of poker tournaments that award prizes redeemable for real money and entries into World Poker Tour events.

The platform is tournament‑only and does not offer ring games. Its structure is similar to live cardrooms in Florida, where players pay fees to participate rather than wagering directly against the house.

ClubWPT is owned and operated by WPT Enterprises and has been active in the US for many years, making it one of the longest‑running sweepstakes poker platforms available to players.

👉 Read our full ClubWPT Review

Global Poker

Global Poker is one of the largest sweepstakes poker platforms in the United States and follows a traditional sweepstakes model. Players purchase Gold Coins for free‑play games and typically receive Sweeps Coins as a reward, which can be used to enter prize‑eligible poker games.

The site offers a full range of poker formats, including ring games, sit & gos, and multi‑table tournaments. Global Poker is particularly known for its large tournament series and nationwide player pools, which help ensure consistent game availability.

In addition to prizes that may be redeemed for real money, Global Poker also awards non‑cash prizes such as custom avatars, branded merchandise, and trophies. Like other sweepstakes platforms, it is accessible to Florida players but is not a regulated online poker operator.

👉 Read our full Global Poker Review

Free‑Play Poker in Florida

Florida players also have access to free‑play poker sites, which offer poker games that use play money only and do not award prizes redeemable for real money. These platforms are commonly used by beginners and casual players who want to learn the basics of poker without any financial risk.

Popular free‑play poker options available to Florida players include standalone sites such as Zynga Poker, Replay Poker, and Governor of Poker. Free‑play poker is also widely available through social media platforms like Facebook, as well as through mobile apps downloadable in the Sunshine State.

Several major poker brands, including PokerStars and WSOP, operate free‑play versions of their platforms. These products mirror real‑money poker formats but do not require deposits or withdrawals. Operators use free‑play poker to introduce new players to poker rules, table dynamics, and betting structures, particularly in states where real‑money online poker is regulated.

While free‑play poker is useful for learning fundamentals such as hand rankings and betting mechanics, it does not fully replicate real‑money poker strategy. With no financial stakes involved, player behavior can differ significantly from prize‑based or cash‑game environments.

Real‑Money Online Poker in Florida

Florida does not have a regulated market for real‑money online poker. In states where online poker is regulated, players deposit and withdraw funds directly through licensed operators such as BetMGM, PokerStars, or WSOP. That type of system does not currently exist in Florida.

A regulated online poker market in Florida is widely viewed as unlikely in the near future. The two most influential stakeholders in the state’s gaming landscape — the Seminole Tribe and Florida’s state‑registered cardrooms — would likely oppose any effort to introduce licensed online poker, though for different reasons.

The Seminole Tribe holds exclusive control over most forms of online gambling in Florida through an amended gaming compact approved in April 2021. Because the Seminoles are a federally recognized tribe, the amended compact required approval from the US Department of the Interior. A regulated online poker market could be seen as undermining that exclusivity.

At the same time, Florida’s 27 registered cardrooms would likely oppose regulated online poker due to concerns about increased competition. Cardroom operators argue that large national online poker brands could draw players away from live poker rooms across the state.

Florida’s constitution also requires voter approval for most gambling expansions. While the Seminole Tribe was able to bypass this requirement through its compact — a move that led to multiple lawsuits — there is no guarantee that Florida voters would support legalizing online poker at the ballot box. Florida’s electorate includes a large number of older and socially conservative voters, many of whom are opposed to expanding gambling.

Taken together, these factors strongly suggest that Florida is unlikely to establish a regulated real‑money online poker market in the foreseeable future.

Sites That Would Launch in Florida

With a population of approximately 22.6 million residents, Florida would rank among the largest regulated online poker markets in the US if it chose to legalize the activity. Only California and Texas would likely rival Florida in market size.

Six states with regulated online poker — Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and West Virginia — currently participate in the Multi‑State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). This compact allows participating states to share player pools, increasing liquidity and supporting larger tournaments and prize pools.

Because of its population size, Florida would not necessarily need to join MSIGA to sustain a viable online poker market. It could operate as a standalone, segregated market similar to Ontario or Pennsylvania. However, joining a shared liquidity agreement would likely be attractive to operators and players alike.

If Florida were to establish a regulated online poker market, the most likely licensing model would involve standalone online poker licenses, as the state does not have commercial casinos. Under that scenario, the market could plausibly include the following operators:

Live Poker in Florida

Live, in‑person poker is widely available across Florida and remains the most established form of real‑money poker in the state. Most players are within driving distance of at least one of Florida’s 27 registered cardrooms, all of which must be registered with and overseen by the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC).

Under Florida law, registered cardrooms are permitted to charge fees for hosting poker games. These fees may take the form of a traditional rake taken from each pot, a flat per‑hand fee, or an hourly seat charge, depending on the venue. Cardrooms are required to clearly post their fee structures at each table so players can easily understand the costs of play.

In addition to standalone cardrooms, six poker rooms operate within tribal casinos in Florida. The state does not have commercial casinos, making cardrooms and tribal venues the primary locations for legal live poker.

The approach to live poker in Florida differs significantly from other large poker states. California and Texas, for example, prohibit cardrooms and private poker clubs from taking a rake. California allows cardrooms to charge collection fees, while Texas poker clubs typically operate on a membership‑fee model. Florida’s system is more straightforward, permitting clearly disclosed rakes or fees at registered cardrooms.

For a deeper look at the state’s live poker landscape, including laws, cardroom operations, and local rules, see our dedicated guide to Poker in Florida.

The Largest Registered Cardrooms in Florida

The FGCC’s Division of Pari‑Mutuel Wagering maintains an official list of registered cardrooms operating in Florida. Based on available data, the following venues each offer 50 or more poker tables, making them the largest cardrooms in the state:

Florida Online Poker Frequently Asked Questions

Is online poker available in Florida?

Yes, online poker is available to players in Florida, though not through state‑regulated real‑money poker sites. Because Florida does not license online poker rooms, players who want to play online typically use sweepstakes‑based poker platforms or free‑play social poker sites.

Sweepstakes poker platforms allow players to compete in poker games for prizes that may be redeemed for real money using promotional sweepstakes models. Free‑play poker sites use play money only and are designed for casual play or practice.

How do sweepstakes poker sites work in Florida?

Sweepstakes poker sites operate differently from traditional online poker rooms. Players usually purchase Gold Coins, which are used for free‑play games and have no cash value. With these purchases, players typically receive a second currency, often called Sweeps Coins, as a promotional bonus.

Sweeps Coins can be used to enter poker games such as tournaments, sit & gos, and ring games that offer prizes redeemable for real money. Florida law does not currently prohibit players from participating in sweepstakes poker, and there have been no enforcement actions taken against these platforms to date.

Are there online ring games available to Florida players?

Yes, some sweepstakes poker platforms accessible to Florida players offer online ring games. These games are entered using sweepstakes currency rather than direct cash buy‑ins, and prizes may be redeemed according to each platform’s rules.

Can Florida players play in online poker tournaments?

Yes, sweepstakes poker platforms typically offer a variety of tournament formats. These may include daily tournaments, multi‑table tournaments (MTTs), sit‑and‑go tournaments (SNGs), bounty tournaments, and progressive knockout tournaments (PKOs), depending on the platform.

What types of poker games are available online in Florida?

The most common online poker game available to Florida players is No‑Limit Texas Hold’em. Some sweepstakes platforms also offer additional variants such as Pot‑Limit Omaha (PLO), Omaha Hi‑Lo, Seven Card Stud, 2‑7 Draw, and mixed games like HORSE.

Is PokerStars legal in Florida?

PokerStars does not operate in Florida. Neither PokerStars nor other major regulated operators such as BetMGM Poker or WSOP Online are available because Florida does not have a regulated online poker market.

Will Florida legalize or regulate online poker anytime soon?

A regulated online poker market in Florida appears unlikely in the near future. The state has granted the Seminole Tribe exclusive control over most forms of online gambling, and Florida’s constitution requires voter approval for gambling expansions. Together, these factors make major changes to online poker law improbable for now.

Can I play real‑money online poker on offshore sites from Florida?

Some offshore websites claim to offer real‑money online poker to Florida players, but these sites are not regulated in the United States. Players generally have no consumer protections or legal recourse if disputes arise. For these reasons, offshore real‑money poker sites are not recommended.

Can I play on GGPoker, PokerStars, or WSOP Online in Florida?

No. GGPoker, PokerStars, and WSOP Online do not operate in Florida because the state does not regulate online poker. Florida players looking to play online typically use sweepstakes‑based poker platforms or free‑play poker sites instead.