Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1035
850-487-1395
Website

The Office of Slot Operations within the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering regulates slot machine operations.

The Office of Slot Operations is charged with the oversight of the day-to-day operations at slot facilities, as well as the licensing of individuals and ensuring the integrity of slot machine gaming in the state.

AVAILABLE GAMING LICENSES
Slot Machine Operator License
Business Entity Occupational License

For more information on available gaming licenses, see Regulatory Fact Sheet.

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is the only tribe in the state of Florida authorized to offer Class III gaming.

The Seminole Tribal Gaming Commission is primarily responsible for carrying out the tribe’s regulatory responsibilities under the tribal gaming ordinance, the compact, and the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (the IGRA).

The Governor’s Office in Florida provides oversight of Indian casinos through the state compliance agency (SCA). The compact agreements stipulate that the SCA has the authority to ensure games are conducted in compliance with compact provisions. The SCA can be any agency which the Florida legislature has designated for this purpose. Under the latest compact, the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering has been appointed with state oversight.

The Seminole compact terminates in 2030; however, some of its provisions authorizing the tribe to offer specific games terminated in 2015.

AVAILABLE GAMING LICENSES
Supplier of Gaming Goods or Services License

For more information on available gaming licenses, see Regulatory Fact Sheet.

GAMING TAX RATE
There is a 35 percent slot machine tax.

TAX PROMOTIONAL CREDITS
None

WITHHOLDINGS ON WINNINGS
None

TAX ALLOCATION
Slot machine tax is distributed to the Educational Enhancement Trust Fund of the Department of Education.

EXCLUSIVITY FEE
In May 2019, the Seminole Tribe ceased payments to the state for violation of the tribal-state gaming compact. Until the state and the tribe reach a new agreement over certain card game exclusivity, the tribe will no longer make payments.

TAX PROMOTIONAL CREDITS
None.

WITHHOLDINGS ON WINNINGS
None.

STATE USE OF REVENUE
None.

TRIBAL USE OF REVENUE
Requirements as described in IGRA.

STATUTORY FUNDING REQUIREMENT
Slot machine facilities are required to pay an annual “compulsive or addictive gambling prevention program fee” of $250,000.

SELF-EXCLUSION
Yes

COMPLIMENTARY ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
None

ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS
Each slot machine gaming licensee must establish a responsible gaming advertising program.

ON-PREMISE DISPLAY REQUIREMENT
Required for slot machine gaming licenses

AGE RESTRICTIONS
21+ years of age to gamble
21+ years of age on floor

STATUTORY FUNDING REQUIREMENT
No less than $250,000 per facility annually

SELF-EXCLUSION
Patrons may self-exclude for a minimum of one year, five years, or a lifetime.

COMPLIMENTARY ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
None

ADVERTISING RESTRICTIONS
Advertising and marketing must contain a responsible gambling message and a toll-free helpline number for problem gamblers.

ON-PREMISE DISPLAY REQUIREMENT
Signs bearing a toll-free helpline number and educational and informational materials must be made available at conspicuous locations.

AGE RESTRICTIONS
The Seminole Tribe have instituted a policy that prohibits individuals under 18 years of age from taking part in live poker or bingo. An additional policy is in place that restricts individuals under 21 years of age from participating in any other form of casino gaming.

OPERATION ON HOLIDAYS
Yes

TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Must be approved by a licensed independent testing laboratory.

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING REQUIREMENTS
Federal compliance regulations.

SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
Must be formally approved by state, and requires state employee to be present for delivery.

RESTRICTIONS ON POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
None

CREDIT OFFERED TO PATRONS
None

SMOKING BANS
Yes

CASHLESS GAMING & ALTERNATIVE PAYMENTS
Yes. Florida gaming laws and regulations allow for slot machine games to include electronic payment systems, except a credit card and debit card. Additionally, Florida does not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Yes

ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING REQUIREMENTS
Federal compliance requirements under the Bank Secrecy Act.

SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS
Federal shipping requirements under the Johnson Act apply.

RESTRICTIONS ON POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Yes

CREDIT OFFERED TO PATRONS
Yes

SMOKING BANS
Yes.

CASHLESS GAMING & ALTERNATIVE PAYMENTS
Yes. Electronic payment systems are permitted for slot machine games. Additionally, Florida does not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.