From a broad perspective, Florida’s gambling industry has been making significant advances. In fact, just recently, CDC Gaming noted that the state’s eight non-tribal slots casinos contributed $59.7 million in January, a 1.6% increase from the previous year (2024). As if that’s not enough, six of the eight reported more than $5 million in revenue, further emphasizing the industry’s growth.

But if you’re in one of the state’s cities like Sarasota and are wondering whether you can participate in the entertainment, understanding the rules before you roll the dice becomes very important. And since some of these laws might be confusing, we have crafted this article to help you, so keep reading.

What’s legal?

Well, as you have seen, Florida’s gambling industry generally has great potential, given the huge revenues it generates. And, of course, for platforms like Happy Spins Casino targeting new markets, this must be good news. The state recently opened up to online sports betting, meaning that you can place wagers by simply clicking on your phone from any place.

But as much as sports betting is legal, questions about the legitimacy of fantasy sports betting have not ceased. This became very pronounced after the Florida Gaming Control Commission recently sent cease-and-desist letters to some fantasy sports operators while leaving out others.

According to some concerned parties like Sen. Joe Gruters, this approach was problematic because the commission’s public position about this wagering is less definitive. On its website, in the FAQs (frequently asked questions) section, the commission claims that fantasy sports betting is probably not legal, which leaves room for selective enforcement of the law.

While Florida has clear guidelines governing some gambling aspects, you may want to be very cautious when you want to play fantasy sports in Sarasota. The debate about fantasy sports became even more pronounced after the Seminole Tribe of Florida signed a 30-year agreement giving it exclusivity over sports betting, including mobile wagering.

While the agreement was to allow bets across anywhere in the state, wagers were to be processed on tribal lands. As per the agreement, the tribe is to remit at least $2 billion to the state for the first five years of the contract. Plus, the tribe can also partner with the state’s parimutuel operators to provide sports wagering and add craps and roulette at their casinos.

Top casino destinations to consider

There’s not really a large, traditional casino presence in Sarasota, but it doesn’t mean you won’t have options. Of course, casino gambling is not new here, and those who remember destinations like the Lido Casino can relate to this.

For several years, Lido Beach stood as one of Sarasota’s crown go-to destinations, hosting iconic buildings like the Lido Casino. Designed by Ralph Twitchell, Lido Casino provided a spectacular Art Decor playground and a dynamic recreational haven for all manner of events in the region.

However, if you want to immerse yourself in some casino experiences physically, there are several options nearby. A good example is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, which is just about an hour’s drive from Sarasota. To amp up your fun, take advantage of the 245,000 square feet of space to explore their slot variations, table games and live-action poker. 

The hotel provides an experience like no other by displaying great pieces of Hard Rock Music memorabilia lining the location walls and floor.

You may also want to spice up your experience by visiting the Treasure Island Resort & Casino, which is almost an hour’s drive from Sarasota. With its mobile app, you can view promos, find slot locations, make reservations and more. Members can also link their Island Passport Club account to the application to access offers and tier benefits.

What lies ahead?

Online gambling continues to enjoy multicultural influence, and this does not exclude Sarasota residents. Operators have become more innovative by integrating features that have made this industry more appealing than ever. For example, can you imagine that you can explore different art themes while spinning reels in an online environment?

Since art is one of this city’s dynamic cultures, casino games with such themes may appeal to a considerable number of its residents. But remember, online casino gaming has not yet been legalized in Florida, so accessing such digital games might not be possible. This is why some players may opt to use features like VPNs. And since more people are expected to join the online gambling industry, the state may be pressured more to legalize it.

If that happens, operators may turn to more advanced technologies to reach and retain as many residents in this city as possible. For instance, they may use artificial intelligence to tailor gambling experiences and improve their platforms’ safety. Customization alone can improve retention rates by up to 44%, which may lead to the industry’s further spread in the region.

What is our final word?

The regulations around Florida’s gambling industry are quite complex. While participating in some aspects might be okay, you may want to be sure that your favorite gambling form complies with the state’s regulations.

For instance, you can spin some reels at a physical destination but not on an online platform. So, whether you’re visiting Sarasota or are a resident, getting acquainted with such regulations can help you avoid getting on the wrong side of things.