During the last half-century or so, casinos have increased significantly as entertainment venues. People are now more interested in games like poker, roulette, blackjack, and other casino games. In fact, casinos in Florida draw thousands of visitors every year from all over the country and abroad. The sunshine state has a lot of interesting tourist attractions, including Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
However, due to a constitutional amendment passed by Florida voters in 1937, casino gambling is mostly prohibited within the state’s borders. No electronic gaming devices or slot machines are permitted at commercial establishments. There are no roulette wheels, craps tables, or any other casino games except banked card games played with things like poker or blackjack. It is only legal for not-for-profit organizations to play the bingo game.
Despite this setback, the Sunshine State’s economy benefits greatly from the five Florida casinos, also known as “The Seminole Tribe of Florida.” These casinos offer high-stakes card games that non-Floridians can also enjoy. Even though they are technically exempt from the state’s gambling ban on banked card games, they must be located on Indian reservations.
In light of this, we’ve included a table with the top five casinos in Florida based on their location, game selection, hotels, dining options, and other factors. So, let’s get started without further ado!
Is Gambling Illegal in Florida?
No, not exactly. As we already mentioned, the state of Florida allows specific types of gambling under its laws, with exceptions made for pari-mutuel wagering (betting), jai-alai, and the state lottery. Video poker and other simulated mal functions are prohibited according to Section 849.087(5), F.S.
Nevertheless, the Florida Constitution outlaws casino gambleings such as banks, dice, roulette wheels, and slot machines, among others. It is against the law for anyone to run an unlicensed gaming establishment. But again, there is an exception made for members of certain exempt organizations who play card games, bingo, or similar games. They do so for recreation or joint participation, without betting and for minimal stakes and prizes. Any profits generated should be used to cover the expenses of the organization’s operations.
Furthermore, Florida Statute § 849.09 makes it illegal to bet on any game played for profit in any establishment open to the public or on the streets. However, if two or more individuals willingly agree to bet money or something else of value on any game, it is considered an offense. For instance, horse racing, dog racing, jai-alai, and fantasys sports are excluded from these regulations, amongst others.
For your convenience, we’ve listed some of Florida’s most popular gambling alternatives below:
- Poker Rooms
- Bingo
- Fantasy Sports
- Jai-Alai
- The Keno Game
- Horse Racing
- Dog Tracks
- Pari-Mutuel Wagering
- Raffles
- Golf Gambling
**Here is Florida’s stance on misdemeanor offenses:
- 1st Offense – Fine of up to $500;
- 2nd Offense – Fine of up to $1,000;
- 3rd Offense – Fine of up to $2,500 & up to 60 days in jail;
Note: If you are visited by a police officer while playing poker in a private setting, remain calm. It is best not to lie since doing so could result in charges of impersonation, which are a separate offense. Instead, be truthful about what you were doing and why you were doing it. Always carry your driver’s license and proof of address with you at all times.
Casinos in Florida That Are On Tribal Land
There are currently 7 casinos in Fl (as of 2023) that you need to check out! As a matter of fact, those 7 top-rated Florida casinos are operated by the state’s six federally recognized Seminole tribes:
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa (Hard Rock Casino Tampa) located at 5223 North Orient Road, Tampa, Florida 33610;
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood (Hollywood Hard Rock) at One Seminole Way, Hollywood, Florida 33312;
- Miccosukee Lodge and Country Club Casino with a location at 500 South West 17th Avenue, Miami, Florida 33129;
- Seminole Classic Casino whose address is 5023 N. Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610;
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Etowa whose mailing address is 2050 George Bell Sr. Blvd, Live Oak, FL 32064;
- Osceola Heritage Park whose address is 5175 West Irlo Bruton Road, Kissimmee, Florida 34746;
Even though Florida casino gambling is heavily regulated, legislators discussed the idea of altering the state constitution to allow Stronach Group, a Canadian company, to build casinos near the Miami and Fort Lauderdale airports and construct a resort near the Orlando airport. This would have put them head-to-head with current casino operators like the Seminole Tribe. By 2023, it remains unclear whether or not they intend to move forward with these proposals.
It is important to note here that the state of Florida has exclusively authorized the Seminole Tribe to operate Vegas-style casinos throughout the state. Furthermore, the brand new Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino may pique your interest as well. Without further ado, let us present to you our list of casino resorts in Florida:
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
- State : Florida
- City : Tampa
- Casino name : Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
- Road Name : 5600 Emerald Cir
- Postal Code : 33624
- Phone Number : (866) 502–7529
Apart from being one of the top entertainment spots in , Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa boasts a luxurious hotel and world-class restaurants. More than 2,400 slots and 100 table games offering Blackjack, Mini and Mega Baccarat, Texas Hold ’em Bonus, cable meth dealers, and more are available in an upscale high-limit area. Additionally, they host Poker Night Tournaments regularly.
Fantastic Florida Casinos Worth VisitingWith regards to poker, this famous FL casino offers various cash games and tournaments 24/7. A bad beat jackpot often runs in tandem with cash games and tournaments. Despite the fact that the venue is beautiful, the room itself is rather small. There are ten poker tables in total.
As a matter of fact, SHR Tampa offers a unique “Elite” membership program with three tiers of benefits. Players earn points for every dollar they spend on qualified gaming, food, and beverage purchases. These accrued points determine one’s tier level and the corresponding rewards and benefits available. All players begin at the Core level automatically upon joining the program.
Moreover, this top Florida casino features live music and nightlife at VIP SECTION JUMP, where VIP SECTION girls provide the hottest entertainment in town. In addition, there is a large pool deck where guests can relax and listen to some of the top DJs from around the country. Aside from that, the property includes hundreds of the latest and most exciting games, such as progressive jackpots and hybrid games.
The Hard Rock Casino Tampa Bay also features a vast collection of classic and modern slot machines. Moreover, players can enjoy a variety of traditional and contemporary cuisine at the property’s many restaurants. At the end of the day, this is undoubtedly the best casino in Florida’s Tampa Bay Area.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood (Hollywood Hard Rock)
- State : Florida
- City : Hollywood
- Casino name : Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood (Hollywood Hard Rock)
- Road Name : 1 Seminole Way
- Postal Code : 33312
- Phone Number : (954) 927–ROCK
This is yet another of the top casinos in Florida. In Hollywood, Florida, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood features over 2,000 of the most recent slot machines, as well as over 100 table games. There are also a poker room, a mega wheel, and numerous bars and lounges.
The Hollywood Hard Rock Casino has been remodeled and expanded several times over the years to keep up with the rising demand. Today, the casino is home to some of the biggest names in the business, including Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, and Steve Aoki, among others. According to estimates, the venue can accommodate up to 5,500 people.
Casino Bonus Review - Promotions, Welcome Bonus, Bonus CodesUndeniably, this casino is home to some of South Florida’s most renowned clubs and nightlife venues. The Guitar Hotel, which stands 452 feet tall and has 19 stories, serves as both a landmark and a symbol of South Florida. In addition, the 13.5-acre Lagoon Pool complex provides plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun in the sun.
Additionally, the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida, boasts a wide range of accommodations, including luxury suites and exceptional amenities. Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Constellation Sushi Co., Kuro, The Hard Rock Cafe, and Seminole Hard Rock’s original flagship restaurant, Martorano’s, are just a few of the excellent dining options available.
Overall, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is a top entertainment destination in South Florida, attracting millions of visitors each year from across the country and abroad. The casino is also well-known for its generous promotions and bonuses. Hollywood Hard Rock Casino is the place to go for an unrivaled combination of entertainment, gaming, and hospitality.
Miccosukee Lodge and Country Club Casino
- State : Florida
- City : Miami
- Casino name : Miccosukee Lodge and Country Club Casino
- Road Name : 500 SW 17th Ave
- Postal Code : 33129
- Phone Number : (305) 222–8100
The Miccosukee Lodge and Country Club Casino is situated on a 60,000-acre reservation in the heart of the Everglades. This casino in Florida’s Miami area features high-stakes bingo, Texas Hold ‘Em poker, and more than 500 Las Vegas-style slot machines.
Moreover, the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming has 505 rooms and suites, some of which have private access to the lagoon pool. Guests can unwind at the full-service marina, which features fishing, boat trips, and gondola rides, in addition to the casino, golf course, and hotel.
Seminole Classic Casino
- State : Florida
- City : Tampa
- Casino name : Seminole Classic Casino
- Road Name : 5100 North Orient Rd
- Zip Code : 33610
- Phone Number : (813) 931–7000
The Seminole Classic Casino has been providing non-stop action in the Tampa region since 1979. Live Las Vegas style table games such as Blackjack, Super Fun 21, and Ultimate Texas Hold ‘em, as well as thousands of the loosest slot machines in the Tampa region, are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There are more than 800 of the loosest slot machines in the Tampa bay region, as well as 19 table games, including Blackjack, Super Fun 21, and Ultimate Texas Hold ’em, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In fact, Seminole Classic Casino is widely regarded as the best .
Taniko’s Restaurant, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, serves breakfast, lunch, supper, and desserts around the clock. Additionally, the casino offers a variety of promotions and giveaways.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is a nearby hotel with 469 rooms, including 40 Suites, 38 Rock Star Suites, and one SR747 Jet Suite, the world’s largest, closest Hard Rock Hotel to the airport. Culinary options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Rezzo, The Hard Rock Cafe, and Starbucks. Additionally, the Hard Rock Hotel is connected to the casino by a walkway.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Etowa
- State : Florida
- City : Live Oak
- Casino name : Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Etowa
- Road Name : 2050 George Bell Sr. Blvd
- Postal Code : 32064
- Phone Number : (386) 362–7900
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Etowa is located on 165 acres of land in western Baker County, Florida, and is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. With more than 400 branded rooms and suites, this property is the first-ever Hard Rock Hotel built from the ground up.
Free Spins No Deposit UK - Top No Deposit Free Spins Casinos 2023At the casino, visitors may expect to find 500 fruit machines, high-stakes jackpot poker, and live dealer cigarette tables featuring Texas hold ’em, blackjack, pai gow, pai gow tiles, and American roulette. Bingo games will also be held twice daily in the adjacent 1,200-seat theater, which will feature state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Etowa will have 135,000 square feet of indoor space for meetings, conventions, weddings, and other special events when it opens. When the Loud Core Bar & Grill, hardrocklive concert venue, Rock Spa, Rock Shop, and 8 temperature-controlled outdoor pools are added, the fun never stops.
According to reports, the casino portion of the project would cost approximately $136 million. The official opening was scheduled for June 12, 2007, however, it did not happen until July 2008. Following Hurricane Dennis in 2005, the construction was momentarily halted.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Etowa reopened on October 17, 2018, after a $150 million refurbishment that began in January 2018. The renovation provided additional amenities such as a new food court, more restaurants, and a larger casino floor with newer equipment.
Osceola Heritage Park
- State : Florida
- City : Kissimmee
- Casino name : Osceola Heritage Park
- Road Name : 5175 W Irlo Bruton Rd
- Zip Code : 34746
- Phone Number : (407) 846–7100
The Osceola Heritage Park is home to Kissimmee’s premier casino, Greck Festos Restaurant, Olde Hickory Steak House, and the greatest live harness racing in the state at the Super Raceplace. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights during the winter months, spectators can watch Standardbred races.
The Olde Hickory Steakhouse at Osceola Heritage Park is a high-end steakhouse with a view of the race track and live racing on select evenings. The menu features USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches, pasta, and delectable desserts, as well as a complete children’s menu. The bar area offers a variety of cocktails, imported and domestic beers, and a large selection of wines.
On the other hand, Festos Restaurant is one of Central Florida’s oldest locally-owned family eateries. Their authentic Greek dishes, such as gyros, souvlaki, mousaka, spanakopita, and pastichio, are prepared from scratch using original family recipes and the freshest ingredients.
Kissimmee’s casino offers the most recent video poker and slot machines, along with table games such as blackjack, pai gow, Texas hold ’em, and pai gow poker. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa and the Big Cypress Reservation’s casino are both accessible through shuttle service.
Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino
- State : Florida
- City : Hallandale Beach
- Casino name : Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino
- Road Name : 5600 Hallandale Beach Blvd
- Zip Code : 33009
- Phone Number : (954) 454–7000
The Stronach Group opened the Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino in February 2017 as part of a major revitalization initiative for both Gulfstream Park and the city of Hallandale Beach, Florida. Since then, Gulfstream has developed into one of the most popular casinos in Florida.
Thrilling gaming options, stunning South Florida sunsets seen through the venue’s floor-to-ceiling windows, and magnificent live Thoroughbred racing from September through Bakkafrost, the Gulfstream Casino is South Florida’s premier gaming location. Adjacent to the iconic Gulfstream Park Racetrack & Casino, the new di Rosa Mattona Island Gardens is a breathtaking public park with sculptures by internationally acclaimed artist Beniamino di Rosa.
The Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino is a short drive from downtown Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach. The casino portion of Gulfstream Park, designed by award-winning architect Jonathan Cardello, covers 320,000 square feet and contains more than 850 of the newest slot machines and games.
They serve delectable cuisine at a variety of eating establishments, including a sports pub, a quick-serve eatery, and upscale dining establishments. There is also a VIP lounge with personalized service, complimentary drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Gulfstream Park hosts live music acts in a dedicated performance space on a regular basis.
Other Casinos in Florida You Need to Check Out
We want to introduce to you a couple of because they are worth visiting too. Please find the details below:
The Casino at Dania Beach
- State : Florida
- City : Dania Beach
- Casino name : The Casino at Dania Beach
- Road Name : 301 – 31st St
- Zip Code : 33004
- Phone Number : (954) 920–1511
The Casino at Dania Beach is a minor gambling facility with live poker and around 850 Vegas-style slot machines. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Holly wood and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, both operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, offer free transportation to and from this facility.
The casino does not charge an admission fee, and valid identification is required of all patrons. Valet and self-parking are both available in the back of the building for a fee. The casino is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Customers must be at least 21 years old to enter.
Men must dress in collared shirts and closed-toe shoes, while women must wear appropriate casual attire. Jeans, cutoffs, and tanks are allowed, but they must be in good condition. Groups of more than four persons may be refused entry. Instruments associated with cheating, such as masking tape and correction fluids, are strictly prohibited inside the casino. Food and drink are not permitted inside the premises.
The Casino at Dania Beach offers a variety of slot machines ranging from penny machines to $5 minimum activators. Progressive jackpots on slot machines frequently surpass $100,000. Roulette, pai gow, mini-bingo, and Texas hold ’em poker tables are among the live table games available.
Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening, a Texas Hold ’em poker tournament is held. Players pay $80 for 15,000 in starting chips, and blinds increase every 12 minutes. The casino also holds occasional tournaments for various slot machines.
Hialeah Park
- State : Florida
- City : Hialeah
- Casino name : Hialeah Park
- Road Name : 2100 E 4th Ave
- Zip Code : 33010
- Phone Number : (305) 888–1000
Live Thoroughbred horseracing takes center stage at Hialeah Park, one of Florida’s most famous landmarks, from December through April or May. The Great Hall, an exquisitely restored Art Deco masterpiece, welcomes visitors to this legendary establishment.
Hialeah Park is more than simply a racetrack, however. It is a National Historic Landmark and museum that tells the story of Hialeah and the rich history of South Florida. The property is surrounded by natural areas and preserves that are home to an array of plant and animal life.
Hialeah Park began hosting quarterhorse racing in May, with live betting offered by the Silks Poker Room. Players may anticipate new slot machines, as well as a new poker room with enhanced amenities in the near future. In addition, there are plans to develop a brand-new, cutting-edge racino. All in all, Hialeah Park is likely the best outside of the Seminole casinos in Florida.
Does Florida Have Cruise Ship Gambling?
Yes, cruise ship gambling is legal in international waters. As a result, numerous major cruise lines offer casino gaming on their boats, which depart from Florida ports such as PortMiami, Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale), Port Canaveral (Orlando), Tampa, Jacksonville, and others.
Passengers above the age of 21 are welcome to visit the casino at any time during the voyage. Guests can expect to find a wide choice of slot machines and table games such as Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, and Baccarat on board most cruise ships. Some cruise lines even provide specialized poker rooms and teach the game to beginners. In short, cruise ship gambling in Florida is very much a thing, and it is incredibly enjoyable.
will buffalo bills casino reopenFAQ on Casinos in Florida
Now, we are going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding casinos in The Sunshine State. Thus, you can use the table below as a handy guide before making your final decision.
🏙️ How many casinos are in Florida?
Currently, there are eight casinos in Florida. As we already mentioned, Florida has no commercial casinos. The state does, however, permit tribal casinos run by the Seminole tribe. Those casinos offer hundreds of slot machines, table games like blackjack, and poker. Moreover, the state permits parimutuel betting (think OTB facilities) and bingo games. Finally, cruise ships operating beyond the state’s limits can also offer gambling.
🌴 Which Florida casino has the loosest slots?
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa typically has the loosest slots in Florida, according to Visit Florida. According to the research, South Florida casinos generally give back a greater percentage of slots winnings than casinos in other parts of the state.
✅ What is the biggest casino in Florida?
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is the largest casino in Florida in terms of gaming square footage. In addition, this casino has 200,000 square feet of casino space with 2,000+ slot machines and 40+ table games. Furthermore, the venue features high-stakes poker facility, please see our list of for more info.
📅 When did casino gambling become legal in Florida?
Casino gambling became fully legal in the state of Florida in 1931, thanks to the passage of the Florida Constitution's Article X, which stated that "all forms of gambling" were prohibited. Of course, this was changed in 1978 when voters agreed to a constitutional amendment allowing high-stakes bingo, which ultimately led to today’s situation.
🤔 Can you smoke in Florida casinos?
Smoking is still permitted in Florida casinos, albeit certain restrictions are in place. Before entering a gaming area, all employees and visitors must pass through smoking restriction doors. Smoking is permitted in designated places outside of the building, just as it is in other enclosed workplaces.
Conclusion
This brings us to the end of this blog post. We hope that you found our overview of casinos in Florida useful and informative. As of now, there are eight casinos in The Sunshine State, all of which are operated by the Seminole tribe. Whether you prefer slot machines, table games, or poker, Florida has something to offer for everyone. Just remember to always gamble responsibly.
This concludes our article. We wish you the best of luck in whatever you choose to do! If you’re interested in reading some of our other blog posts, make sure you check out our page. Alternatively, if you are more of an online casino enthusiast, check out our review of the . Enjoy!
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