You know how the system works, so how do you figure out which Florida sweepstakes casinos are actually worth your time? With changing state laws and a handful of sites already banned, it’s not that easy to stay on top of things. This page will help you wrap your head around things. Learn which sweepstakes sites are fully legal in the Sunshine State, what the law says, which platforms have already been banned, and how legislation in 2025 might change things even further.
Renzo A.
Content Writer
Last updated
18 June 2025
Restricted sweepstakes casinos in Florida
According to Florida law (§ 849.094), sweepstakes casinos are legal as long as they clearly state that entry is free and making purchases don’t increase your odds of winning.
Good to know: Most U.S. states – that have not banned sweeps operators outright – have adopted pretty much the same legal definition and other regulatory standards. If you want to understand what exactly allows these sites to operate in the majority of U.S. jurisdictions, take a look at our guide that breaks it all down neatly.
There are two agencies in Florida that monitor the sweps casino space. However, they only step in once the rules have been broken.
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) oversees all gambling-related activities. Unless a site violates the sweepstakes rules in §849.094 – such as requiring a purchase for entry or tying wins to purchases – the FGCC doesn’t typically interfere.
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) handles the consumer protection side. If a promotion isn’t properly registered or seems questionable, they’re the ones who take action.
Florida’s making moves, and if you’re someone who plays sweepstakes casinos, it’s worth knowing what’s happening. A few new bills are in play that aren’t exactly shutting things down, but are drawing sharper lines.
The takeaway? Sites will need to be more upfront and follow the rules more closely. Here’s three major bills in the works, and how each of them could shape the way you play.
It’s a bill that gives operators a way to get a clear answer from the Florida Gaming Control Commission before launching a game or machine. Basically, they can ask, “Is this legal or not?” and get an official response. For you as a player, that means more transparency because sweepstakes platforms can check their legal status up front, so you’re less likely to run into shady or questionable setups.
This bill sets clearer rules around what’s legal in gaming and sweepstakes, requiring operators to get licensed and follow stricter guidelines. That means when you’re choosing where to play, it’ll be easier to tell which sweepstakes casinos are legit and follow the law, basically helping you avoid sites that cut corners or operate in a legal gray area.
While HB 953 doesn’t directly target sweeps casinos, it raises the stakes for any operator skirting the rules. By cracking down on misleading claims and tightening enforcement around illegal gambling, it indirectly pushes sweepstakes platforms to be more transparent and fully compliant. In other words, it creates a safer playing environment with fewer chances of landing on a site that isn’t playing by the rules.
Compare Florida with its closest neighbor states
Yes, sweepstakes casinos are legal in Florida – as long as they follow the rules set out in Florida Statutes § 849.08. To stay within the law, operators must avoid what’s legally defined as gambling, which means players need to have a way to enter and play without paying, such as through a mail-in option.
Yes, you can redeem winnings – at least as long as the platform follows Florida law. Real prizes come from free “sweeps coins,” not the ones you buy. If that’s in place, you’re good to go. Just remember: cash prizes might be taxable.
If the site follows Florida law, you’re in the clear. The risk only kicks in if the operator breaks the rules – like charging to enter or skipping free play options. They get the penalties, not you. Just stick to platforms registered with FDACS and you’re good
