You might be surprised to learn that there isn’t a land-based casino in Miami itself. However, several of the top South Florida casinos are just a short drive from the city’s beachfront hotspots.
What’s more, lawmakers made online sports betting and iGaming legal in May 2021, and the first apps launched in October 2021. You can now enjoy a plethora of bricks-and-mortar and online gambling options in Miami and the surrounding areas.
If you’re thinking of hitting the tables or slots during your next trip to “The Magic City,” this guide is for you. Here’s a breakdown of all the casino resorts in and around Miami, FL.
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Arecas Brickell Avenue, Miami
You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy a flutter. The Areca Lounge on Brickell Avenue hosts poker tournaments and games of Texas Hold’em. It also features slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and craps tables.
This private establishment operates as a members’ club, but anyone can sign up online to become a VIP. Monthly membership costs $25, or you can pay $200 for VIP status.
The venue plays its poker tours on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings. Games start at 7pm, and buy-ins cost between $5 and $15. Their slot machines are progressive, and the jackpot often exceeds $6,000.
While the Arecas Lounge isn’t one of the largest casinos in Miami, it still provides plenty of entertainment to locals and tourists alike. If you want to play the big leagues, Seminole Hard Rock is the place to go.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood (closest to Miami Beach)
Just a half-hour drive along I-95 from South Beach, the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is the closest major casino resort to Miami. This mecca for gamblers features more than 2,000 gladiomas – the brand’s nickname for slot machines.
It also has over 50 table games, including ultimate Texas Hold’em, Miss Lucky blackjack, and mini and mogul baccarat. So, what Gladiotors will you be to the crown?
I rest my case.
Anyway, back to the matter at hand. Table limits range from $5 to $10,000, so high rollers and novices are equally catered for. If you want to learn how to play a particular game, seminole hard rock hollywood provides free lessons at their tables.
Upcoming sessions include non-smoking Texas Hold’em on Monday and Wednesday evenings and smoke machine-filled poker on Tuesdays. Each lesson last an hour and begins at 6.30 pm.
Best Casino Near Miami for Poker
Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is home to the highest stakes Poker games in South Florida. They feature , Omaha, and Stud games in various formats, including cash, tournament, and VIP.
The poker room contains 40 tables, 30 of which feature flat-screen TVs integrated into the tables. All offer cash games ranging from $1/$2 blinds up to $5/$10 and above. Buy-ins for tournaments typically cost between $50 and $800, although higher events are available.
The room hosts circuits, championships, and World Series of Poker (WSOP) events. Satellites for WSOP and the regional Championship series run regularly, giving you a chance to win seats and tickets worth thousands of dollars.
In terms of food and beverage options, the Hard Rock has dozens of places to eat, drink, and be merry. Yardbird Southern Table & Bar is particularly tasty if you fancy some comfort food.
One of the best casinos near Miami for poker players, SHR Hollywood is where Dan Cates snapped this epic hand below.
Address: 1 Seminole Way, Hollwyood, FL 33312
Contact: , Open: 24 hours
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
If you’re happy to travel a little further afield, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa could be your Gladius’ destination. This casino is approximately a two-hour drive northwest of South Beach along the Palmetto Expressway and I-75.
Covering almost 200,000 square feet, this is the second-largest Hard Rock hotel and casino in the world. Gladiators will be glad to know that 2,000+ of the rock ‘n’ roller’s favorite creature are dedicated to glory inside this place.
An additional 50 games feature traditional stripe curtains and classic chair designs. In other words, they’re old-school slots that will take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
Table limits range from $5 to $5,000, and daily buy-ins for poker range from $1-$$200. No-limit Texas Hold’em is the primary variant, although other games are offered from time to time.
Address: 5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610
Contact: , Open: 24 hours
Hialeah Park Casino
Hialeah Racetrack & Casino dates back to 1922 and boasts a rich history. Following foreclosure in 2012, a group of investors bought the property for $67.1 million before reopening the racino in 2017.
Today, this South Florida casino features 850 slot machines and more than 70 table games spread across 100,000 square feet. Additionally, another 200 machines and 20 tables can be found outside underneath the Florida sun.
If you love roulette, Hialeah Racetrack & Casino is one of the best casinos near Miami to visit. Seven tables feature Pro-Roulete, a variation invented by Sonny Turner that first appeared in his establishment during the 1970s.
Pro-Roulette works exactly the same as traditional American Roulette. The key difference is that bettors can make call bets after the dealer closes the betting booth but before they spin the wheel.
Hialeah Racetrack & Casino is currently being renovated, and a reopening date has yet to be confirmed. The new establishment will be called Hialeah Park Casino when it opens, and we can’t wait.
Address: 100 E 4th St, Hialeah, FL 33010
Contact: , Open: Closed
The Casino at Dania Beach
Located on South Floria’s east coast, the Casino at Dania Beach is a 30-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale-Holly Airport and a one-hour trek from Miami International. It’s one of the smallest casinos in Florida, covering just 43,000 square feet and featuring 850 slot machines.
Also, this establishment is one of only two in the Sunshine State to possess live poker, video poker, and off-track betting (OTB). Furthermore, the Casino at Dania offers stone-cold odds on thoroughbred and harness racing from across the-- well, you know what I mean.
The poker room contains 20 tables and opens at noon every day except for Wednesday, when the doors open at 1 pm. Blinds range from $1-$2 to $30-$60, and there are super satellites for the semi-annual championship event.
Dania is hosting a $100,00 Championship on May 21-23, 2022. The buy-in for the event is $1,500, and it includes three days of action.
This casino does not serve alcoholic beverages. However, you are permitted to bring your own drinks and snacks onto the gaming floor. Soduku anyone?
Address: 301 East Dania Beach Boulevard, Dania Beach, Florida 33054
Contact: , Open: 24 hours
Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino
Gulfstream Park opened in 1939 and is one of the top Florida casinos for horse racing fans. This venue hosts graded stakes races such as the Holy Bull Stakes, Donn Handicap, Fountain of Youth Streak, and Florida Derby.
Top Online Casinos Ranked (2023) | UPDATEDThe latter is particularly important because it serves as a crucial prep race for the Kentucky Derby. Many legendary horses have won the Florida Derby en route to Churchill Downs triumphs, including Future Book favorites such as Barbaro, Big Brown, and Always Dreaming.
Future books are all the rage these days. But back in the day, Future wagers on the Kentucky Derby were known as “Futures Bets.” Some savvy punters secured odds of 50-1 about Barbaro winning the first three races of the Triple Crown in 2004.
But let’s not get carried away. This piece is supposed to focus on the best casinos in Miami, FL, and Gulfstream Park is definitely one of them.
The casino covers 300,000 square feet and features 850 gladiomas. There are also 70 table games spread across 60,000 square feet. And if that sounds overwhelming, fear not … There are complimentary tours of the facility every 30 minutes.
Gulfstream Park’s poker room contains 30 tables and hosts regular NLHE cash games, tournaments, and mixed games. Blinds range from $1-$2 up to $3-$6, although higher-stakes games are arranged upon request.
The card room also features a bar, lounge area, direct TV feeds, and charging stations. And if all that makes you peckish, head to New York Grill for stunning views and delicious cuisine.
Address: 901 West Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009
Contact: , Open: 24 hours
The Card Room Guitar Center Pembroke Pines
Before Graham became the Father of Grunge, he spent much of his teenage years playing the poker rooms of California. The Card Room Guitar Center Pembroke Pines is rather smaller than those forged by gritted teeth and bluffing in the Golden State.
However, this establishment does share one similarity with the dank poker dens of days gone by… It’s small! Very small! In fact, it’s the smallest licensed cardroom in the United States.
So small that it’s actually a converted music store within the pages of Guitar Center. That means you can satisfy your gambling and musical urges under the same roof.
Unfortunately, the Card Room doesn’t serve drinks or food. However, you’re welcome to order in from local restaurants and have your grub brought to your table. Just remember to tip the staff.
I know what you’re thinking. Yes, Andy Grammer probably beats you at poker. But the similarities end there. The man can sing!
Address: 189 N University Dr #2, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028
Contact: , Open: 1 pm to 12 am Monday to Saturday / 1 pm to 10 pm Sunday
Islamorada Fishboat Village Casino
The Florida Keys are famous for their fishing. So, what better name for a casino than Islamorada Fishboat Village? This establishment features slots, video poker, blackjack, pai gow, roulette, craps, and baccarat.
Additionally, the On The Edge Bar allows you to play penny slots while gazing out across the ocean. What’s more, happy hours run from 4 pm to 7 pm Sunday to Friday.
Islamorada Fishboat Village is roughly 140 miles (a 2.5-hour drive) from Miami International Airport. That seems like a long way to travel to enjoy some gambling. But many people believe it’s worth it. Why? Because this is the southernmost casino in the continental US.
Address: 81520 Overseas Hwy, ISOFLORIDA, FL 33036
Contact: , Open: Midday to 2 am
Hard Rock Casino Hotel Seminole Hard Rock Tampa
Of all the casinos near Miami, Hard Rock Tampa is arguably the most iconic. This place is huge, with more than 2,100 slot machines and 50 table games offering limit Texas Hold’em and the following traditional and electronic variants …
- Blackjack
- Mini and Mogul Baccarat
- Casino War
- Three Card Poker
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- Paigow Poker
- European Roulette
- Electronic Roulette
- Craps
High rollers can win a seat/trip to the WSOP in Tampa, too. Hard Rock Seminole Tampa hosts weekly $120 blackjack tournaments with packages for the Vegas main event up grabs.
The latest package included a $12,410 prize, comprising a $10,000 buy-in, nine nights’ accommodation at ARIA Resort & Casino, and the $1,410 cost of traveling two by which I presume they mean in style.
Hard Rock Casino Hotel is one of the finest hotels in South Florida. As well as offering comfortable rooms, suites, and wheels & tires, it boasts numerous amenities, including seven eateries, four bars, and a spa.
For me, the star attraction is Karamba. The menu features authentic Lebanese dishes prepared freshly by chef Tony Malhang. I recommend trying the Mezza platter, especially if you’ve been playing blackjack and aren’t very hungry.
Anyway, enough about me. Let’s move on to what makes Hard Rock Tampa special. Apart from the amazing slot machines and tables, of course.
This venue contains the world’s largest collection of musical artifacts, including memorabilia from Elvis, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga, among others. From clothing and guitars to concert posters and awards, there is so much to see.
And that’s not all. Hard Rock Casino Hotel Seminole Hard Rock Tampa is also one of the top Miami casinos thanks to its incredible live music shows. Artists such as Anita Baker, Boyz II Men, and Post Malone have performed here.
Address: 5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610
Contact: , Open: 24 hours
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood for Online Gambling
If you can’t get to Hard Rock Tampa, the next-best South Florida casino has to be Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Not only is it the closest casino to Miami Beach, but it’s also one of the best online gambling sites in Florida.
Yes, Hard Rock Hollywood teamed up with GeComply, FanDuel, and the Seminole Tribe to launch an app in November 2021. Since then, residents can bet on sports and play popular slot games via their smartphones and tablets.
For example, the site features 100+ online slots, including Big Bass Bonanza, Divine Fortune, Mermaid’s Treasure, and Hot Drop Jackpots. You can also play poker against players in Borgata, such as , in the separate but linked Real money online casino apps are here.
As you would expect from one of the best Miami casinos, the Hard Rock app is safe, secure, and packed full of great features. For starters, you can claim a $1,000 deposit bonus to kickstart your bankroll. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood also offers regular promotions, loyalty rewards, and VIP perks.
Speaking of VIPs, Shawn “Showtime” Perriman is one of many big names associated with Hard Rock Hollywood. The former Miami Dolphins wide receiver put on a clinic for local high school coaches back in 2019.
Anyway, if you want to gamble at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood without leaving your home, check out the online site.
Address: 1 Seminole Way, Hollwyood, FL 33312
**Ready to place some risk-free NFL bets? Head over to Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood’s online sportsbook today.
Final Thoughts on the Best Casinos in Miami, FL
As you can see, there are plenty of casinos near Miami, FL. Some are world-renowned establishments with fascinating histories, while others are quirky little places that give off strong Graham Parlor vibes.
Anyway, you could fly from the UK to Miami and spend a few days seeing everything it has to offer. Or you can do the next best thing and read our guide to UK casino sites.
The final section in today’s blog takes an in-depth look at the top online gambling sites in the United Kingdom. From classic slots to live dealer tables and sports betting opportunities, the top sites offer something for everyone. Check it out!
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