If you’re looking for a magical getaway, there are many places that come to mind. One of those places is Florida, which has no shortage of activities.
Miami is one city within Florida that stands out above the rest. The warm weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse culture attract millions of visitors per year. It doesn’t hurt that there are some great casinos in the area too.
If you plan on visiting the Magic City, be sure to read over this guide to casinos in Miami, Florida.
Are There Miami Casinos?
Yes, there are several casinos in Greater Miami and surrounding areas. One of them is a Native American casino that offers slot machines and live table games.
The Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida is only a short drive from Miami Beach. This particular casino offers everything, including poker tournaments and high-stakes betting limits. Seminole Hard Rock also hosts concerts in its amphitheater, which makes it one of the top things to do in Florida.
Another casino in Hollywood is the Gulfstream Park Xfinity Center. This horse racetrack features more than 850 Arabian, Quarter Horse, and Thoroughbred slots compete every year.
Unfortunately, Miami Beach does not have a physical casino. There are some card rooms in the area where you can play your favorite table games, but they don’t offer slots or sports betting.
Luckily for you, I found a way around this problem.
You can visit an in our network that offers thousands of slot machines and dozens of live dealer tables. You can even make real-time wagers on football, basketball, and other sports right from your mobile device!
All you need is an address in the Sunshine State to qualify for one of our new customer bonuses. Here are some other benefits of signing up now at .
Once you’re done playing our online casino games, here are a few Miami sightseeing ideas to consider.
Miami Gambling Cruises
One of the best ways to enjoy Miami casinos is on a cruise ship. Several companies provide entertaining trips along Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
The most popular cruises feature gambling, food, drinks, DJs, and ocean views. Everyone onboard can enjoy themselves, whether they want to gamble or not.
Vegas Casino Mobile Review – Top Games & Bonuses in the UKThe majority of Miami gambling cruises last four to five hours. They typically depart in the afternoon and return in the evening. Some boats set sail at night and return in the early morning hours.
Most of these ships are equipped with hundreds of slot machines and traditional casino games like blackjack, roulette, and poker. You could even win a jackpot worth tens of thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) of dollars.
If you prefer to go on a longer cruise, several companies offer seven-night trips. Some of these journeys visit the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos Islands, and other parts of the Caribbean Sea.
Stress Relief - Gambling on a boat off the coast of Florida might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to relax is to hit the slots. If you have a stressful job, then perhaps a Miami casino cruise is just what the doctor ordered.
Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or just wanting to unwind after a long week at work, a Miami casino cruise could be perfect. Just be sure to bring a light jacket, as it can get chilly out on the water even if it's a hot summer day in Miami.
Miami Jai Alai Center
The Magically Miami website states that locals and visitors “absolutely must experience jai alai.” That sport, along with wagering on the matches, takes place at the Miami Jai Alai Center.
If you’ve never watched jai alai before, then you’re in for a treat. It’s similar to tennis in that players use a racket to hit a ball against a wall. The main difference is that they hit the ball hard enough to make it bounce back so fast that it leaves a sonic boom.
Here’s more information on Miami jai alai, including its location, history, and other pertinent details.
Where is the Miami Jai Alai Building?
This arena is located on Biscayne Boulevard in Downtown Miami. It’s across the street from the Omni Complex, which houses the Barnacle Historic State Park and Bayside Marketplace.
Address
3575 NW 21st St,
Miami, FL 33142
Here’s how you get to the Miami Jai Alai Center from South Beach (Miami Beach):
- Get on I-395 N in Edgewater from Biscayne Blvd
- Follow I-395 N to NW 22nd St in Downtown Miami. Take exit 1A from I-395 N
- Turn left onto NW 3rd Ave
- Turn right onto NW 21st St Destination will be on the right
It takes approximately 20 minutes to drive from South Pointe Park to the jai alai building. Of course, traffic can make the trip much longer, so allow yourself plenty of time if you don’t like being late.
If you’t comfortable driving in the city, consider taking public transportation. Here’s how you Metromover to the Miami Jai Alai Center:
- Get on Brickell Loop @ Brickell City Centre (BCC6) from SE 2nd St
- Take the Brickell Loop to College North @ NE 4th St
- Walk to NW 21st St in Downtown Miami
- Walk to your destination on NW 21st St
The Metromover runs from 5:00 AM to midnight every day. If you want to take it after business hours, you’ll need to take the Metromax. Either way, public transit is often faster than sitting in South Florida traffic.
History of the Miami Jai Alai Center
Everything started on Jan. 15, 1968, when Cuban exiles put on the first show at the old Miami Jai-Alai Fronton. That facility was outdated and couldn’t host a large crowd.
Four decades later, the Miami Jai Alai Center opened on Feb. 2, 2008. It cost $130 million to build, making it the largest jai alai venue in the world.
The construction created 600 temporary jobs and 350 permanent ones. It also generated additional taxes for the county and state ($4 million in impact fees and $2.6 million in property taxes).
Not only is it the biggest jai alai center on earth, but it’s also the only facility in the United States that broadcasts the game to Latin America and Europe. Several Sportsman Channel programs are filmed there, including World Championship Jai-Alai and Masters of Jai-Alai.
Notable Events
The Miami Jai Alai Center has hosted numerous events since opening its doors to the public. Below are some of the most memorable moments in its history.
2008
- Grand Opening – Mixture of Basque cultural events, live music, and fireworks.
2009
- First Basque Block Party
2010
- First Annual Stone Crab Festival
2011
- First Annual Txanguria Festival
2012
- First Annual Septober Fest
2013
- First Annual Craft Beer Fest
- First Annual Paella Festival
2014
- First Annual Basque Country Day
- First Annual Blue Crab Festival
- First Annual Oktoberfish Fest
2015
- First Annual Basque Cider House Day
- First Annual Chili Appreciation Festival
- First Annual Pirate Fest
2016
- First Annual Basque Museum Day
- First Annual Basque BBQ & Music Fest
- First Annual Seafood Festival
- First Annual Halloween Costume Contest
2017
- First Annual Basque Culinary Center Day
- First Annual Basque Film Festival
- First Annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival
- First Annual Crafty Brews Beer Festival
2018
- 10th Anniversary Celebration
- First Annual Basque Heritage Night
- First Annual Festa Major de San Sebastian
- First Annual Wine & Food Festival
- First Annual Dia de Los Lejos (Day of the Kings) Carnival
2019
- First Annual Basque Culture Day
- First Annual Basque Cider Cycle
- First Annual San Inazio Day
- First Annual Halloween Howler
- First Annual Basque Language Day
2021
- First Annual Basque Country Day
- First Annual Basque Cider House Day
- First Annual Chili Appreciation Festival
- First Annual Oktoberfish Fest
Other notable events include Basque block parties, craft beer fests, stone crab festivals, and more.
What Games Can You Bet on at the Miami Jai Alai Center?
Fronton Rosales USA operates this arena, which hosts frontonskī, not jai alai. The main difference between the two sports is that frontonskī uses a larger handheld basket (called a cesta punta) and a smaller, lighter ball.
Points are scored by bouncing the ball off the wall so that it travels upward and into the opponent’s court. If the opponent fails to return the ball before it falls, their team loses points.
Here are the three games you can bet on at the Miami jai alai building:
Single Set Matches – Two teams play multiple matches against each other until one team scores six points. The team that wins four sets wins the Single Set Match. All sets must be played without interruption. Any delay of more than three minutes will result in a resumption of play from the point at which play was stopped. Any delay of five minutes or more will cause the set to be replayed.
Best of Three Sets Matches – These contests conclude when one player or team wins three sets. Each set must consist of at least nine games; there are no exceptions. If the contest ends in a draw after three sets, the players or teams will participate in a super tiebreaker.
Super Tiebreaker – This game continues until one player or team has a lead of two points. The winner must serve in all odd-numbered games, while the loser serves in all even-numbered games. If the score is tied at six games apiece, then the player or team that serves last will change every three points. No advertisement board messages or stadium announcements are allowed during the super tiebreaker.
When placing a wager at the Miami jai alai sportsbook, be sure to know the rules and regulations of frontonskī. Also, be aware that there are often schedule changes at the last minute.
I recommend calling the Miami jai alai contact number (305-377-7829) before heading down to Biscayne Boulevard. That way, you won’t waste gas if there aren’t any games that day or the schedule has changed.
How Much is the Miami Jai Alai Center Worth?
Jai Alai Companies owns this arena, along with four others in the United States. According to the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser, it’s worth $19,697,000.
That makes it the most valuable jai alai venue in Florida, and possibly the US. Here is the rest of their real estate holdings in the Sunshine State:
- Atlantic City Jai-Alai Fronton in Hallandale Beach ($3,494,410)
- Deerfield Beach Jai-Alai Fronton in Deerfield Beach ($2,591,170)
- Dania Jai-Alai Fronton in Dania ($1,759,310)
- Games Room & Lobby at Miami Jai-Alai Fronton in Miami ($314,170)
- Palm Beach Kennel Club in West Palm Beach ($15,724,820)
As you can see, the Palm Beach Kennel Club is worth nearly three times as much as the Miami jai alai building. That establishment offers greyhound racing and a casino games room.
Speaking of gambling, where can you play slot machines in Miami? The answer may surprise you.
Miami Poker Rooms
Are you hoping to find a Miami Beach casino with slot machines and table games? Well, I have some bad news for you.
Under Florida gambling laws, there are no casinos on South Beach with traditional casino offerings. The only way to play slots or table games is to visit a card room.
Poker rooms are the closest thing to a Miami casino resort. That is, unless you count the Opa-locka Hialeah Marketplace down the road from the airport.
Below are the best Miami poker rooms that we could find.
Miccosukee Resortion Gaming
This casino is not in Miami Beach; rather, it’s in nearby Miami. Nevertheless, it’s worth the extra drive if you want to play high-stakes poker or Texas Hold ’em.
Miccosukee Resort Card Room is open 24/7 and features 500 slot machines, 40 poker tables, and 30 table games. It costs $10 to enter, though this fee offers something in return.
Here are all the benefits of the Miccosukee Resort Gaming promotions:
- Earn up to $10 in free slot play
- Earn one complimentary drink
- Earn one Rewards Point towards Slot Tournament entry
- Save $5 on dining
Slots are spread out across two gaming floors. They offer everything from penny slots to high-limit games that take $25 coins.
Table games run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 AM every day. If you want to play poker in Miami, Fl. At this venue, head to the Warriors Poker Room from noon until whenever in the morning.
Tournaments run throughout the day and night as well. Miccosukee Resort hosts No-Limit Hold ’em, Omaha, and other competitions with buy-ins ranging from $2 to $300.
High stakes poker fans will be happy to know that this casino offers games with $3/$6 blinds. But that’s not the highest limit in Miami-Dade County.
If you want to risk your life savings, you’ll have to head to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach casino (a.k.a. the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino). But seriously, folks, that establishment does not exist.
The Village Poker Shop
This Miami Beach card room is the smallest on our list, but it still offers plenty of entertainment options.
The casino is open 24/7, but it mostly focuses on Texas Hold ‘em. There are no slot machines at this establishment, nor do they offer roulette, craps, or baccarat.
Well, that’s not entirely true. The Village Poker Shop does have roulette and craps tables, except they’re made out of felt, and people play on them. In other words, those games are unavailable, but you can surely find a group of friends playing make-shift casino games in the corner.
Of course, you can always sit down at a Hold ’em table and play for real money. Stakes usually range from $1/$2 blinds to $3/$6 blinds. Occasionally, the blinds will go as high as $5/$10, making this the finest Fontainebleau Miami Beach casino intended for the big stakes poker fan.
In addition to cash games, the Village Poker Shop Miami Beach, FL hosts daily tournaments with buy-ins from $5 to $20. You can earn points for the VCard Rewards program by playing here or online at .
Here’s a look at the perks of climbing the loyalty ranks at VCard Rewards:
- VPlayer – Entry level
- VChip Comp Points, Monthly Specials, Exclusive Email Offers
- VDealer $5 Food Comps, Access to Exclusives Tournaments
- VElite Free Play, Extended comps to friends & family, Personalized Offers
- VPresident Highest Tier benefits, Priority Seating, Private Tournaments
if you keep playing here, maybe they’ll name an rewards tier after you.
Now that you know where the best casino in Miami Beach is located, it’s time to figure out where else you can play.
Is There a Casino on South Beach?
No, there is no casino on South Beach. At least, not the kind with slot machines and traditional table games.
Does the Fontainebleau have a casino? Nope. Is there a casino at the Marriott Vacation Club? Negghhh. What about the Clevelander South Beach, does that have a gambling establishment inside? Dream on.
Truth be told, there used to be a hotel casino in Miami Beach. It was called the Forge Tower, and it had everything, including a discotheque. Unfortunately, the establishment went bankrupt in the mid-1980s and shut its doors for good in October 1985.
Today, the only place you can play penny slots or poker in South Florida is at one of the card rooms that we discussed above. I suggest reading more on the history of gambling in Miami Beach, Florida.
Do Casinos in Miami Pay Cash?
Yes, Miami casinos pay cash. Whether you’re spinning the reels of a slot machine or going all in with poker, you’ll receive your winnings in folding money.
Florida casinos are not required to pay taxes on gambling income because the state does not levy such a tax. Thus, players have more money in their pockets when hitting winning jackpot slots in Miami.
This is also why everyone can get Miami jai alai tickets. If the establishment earned enough revenue to cover its costs and state taxes, then maybe they could charge for tickets. But why would they do that when thousands of locals and tourists flock to the frontonskī arena every month?
We wouldn’t dream of charging for our services here at BetOnline, and other top-rated Miami casinos feel the same way. After all, ripping off customers is against the golden rule – especially in a town named after some of the wealthiest people in the world.
Now that we’ve answered your initial question, allow me to direct your attention to the following FAQs. You might learn something new ahead of your next visit to the Magic City.
Are Florida Casinos Open?
Yes, casinos in Miami and beyond are open 24/7. Of course, they can choose to close for deep cleanings or due to staff shortages, but that’s not because of lockdown orders. Gov. Ron DeSantis allowed all businesses to operate at 100% capacity back in June 2021. He did not renew the emergency order in July 2021. If you plan on visiting one of the many casinos in Miami-Dade County, then please check the Miami jai alai schedule to ensure they’re also operating. Again, schedule changes are common, so calling ahead is always a wise decision.
Can You Gamble at 18 in Miami?
Yes, you can start gambling in Miami at 18. That said, the best casino in Miami Beach for slot machines and table games is the village PokerShop, which merely has Hold ‘em tables and no slots. Your best bet is to head to Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, which is just south of the beach in Miami.
Are Casinos Allowed on South Beach?
No, casinos are not permitted on South Beach. In fact, there are no casinos in the city of Miami Beach. Your only option is to visit a card room and hope that they have the types of games you want to play.
Does the Fontainebleau Have a Casino?
No, the Fontainebleau does not have a casino. Many establishments on Collins Avenue have used that moniker over the years, but the most famous was the Diamond Hoster Club. That club went out of business in the 1990s and was destroyed in a fire in 2001.
Today, the Fontainebleau Miami Beach is operated by Hard Rock International. It is one of the largest single hotels in the United States, boasting 6,500 rooms and 2,808 suites. It also has 230,000 sq ft of event space, making it a prime location for conventions and conferences.
That answers the question, “Is there a hotel casino in Miami Beach?” Now, who wants to tell the owner that his establishment is simply the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Miami Beach? I’ll do it…after I finish my gumbo.
Is There a Casino at the Miami Beach Edition?
No, there is no casino at the Miami Beach Edition. There will never be a Miami Beach casino resort on this property or any other in South Beach. That said, maybe Sherwood Crown is onto something with his Edition brand.
His parent company, Marriott International, owns several brands, including Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. Maybe Marriott should acquire the remaining Bvlgari properties and turn them all into casinos.
Wait a minute; that might ruin the elegance and class of those luxurious establishments. Never mind.
At the very least, there should be a Miami Beach casino on one of those man-made islands. Nobody would notice another structure there anyway. Kidding, kidding. Sorta.
Where Can I Play Penniless Slots in Miami?
You can play Penniless slots in Miami at BetOnline’s casino. In fact, you can play our entire selection of slot machines, many of which have bankrupty themes.
Here are four other Penniless games you might enjoy:
- Bankrupt Bonanza – This slot is based on the popular TV show. It has five reels, three rows, ten fixed paylines, and a 95.4% RTP. Features include wild symbols, free spins, multipliers, and pick and click game.
- Brokedreams – There are five reels, three rows, 50 paylines, and a 96.16% RTP in this game. Notable features include random wilds, free spin modes, bonus rounds, and progressive jackpots.
- Goal Getters – This soccer-themed game has five reels, three rows, 20 paylines, and a 96.17% RTP. Features include shifting wilds, free spins, bonus games, and four progressive jackpots.
- Millionaires Club Jackpot – Based on the party game, Millionaire, this slot has five reels, three rows, 20 paylines, and a 95% RTP. It comes with wilds, scatters, free spins, multipliers, pick and win games, and four jackpots.
Those are just a few examples of the many bankruptcy slots you can find online. If you’d rather play in person, however, then head to the Miccosukee Resort Gaming card room.
When thinking of Miami casinos, slots probably pop into your head before anything else. Unfortunately, there are no real money slots in Miami Beach. If you want to play slots and table games, you’ll have to settle for card rooms—at least for now.
We could see beachfront casinos in Miami and Miami Beach sometime in the future. Until then, we’ll have to make do with what we have.
Our online casino makes things easy for people living in or visiting Florida. If you have a Miami or Miami Beach hotel casino you’d like to see built, let us know in the comments section below.
We also accept questions and suggestions via email and phone. So, if you need help finding the best Miami casino, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Our team is standing by to help you find the hottest MIaFi jai alai tickets, claim your preferred VCard Rewards perks, or simply learn more about gambling in Miami and beyond.
Good luck!
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