When most people think of a poker hotspot, they imagine neon Las Vegas skylines or the gritty brick buildings of New York City. But the best poker rooms in the US aren’t necessarily located in those tourist traps. In fact, some of the best places to play cards call quiet suburbs, sleepy rural towns, and even ghost cities in their own right home.
Casinos to Visit Near Indiana Amish CountryOne such area is South Florida.
The southernmost tip of the Sunshine State plays host to millions of tourists every year but it isn’t the glitzy Strip-like casinos that draw them in. No, these folks are here for the weather, the beaches, the nightlife, and - you guessed it - the poker. Yep, if you know where to look, there are some absolute gems spread out across this region. Today, we’re going to have a look at the top poker rooms in south Florida so let’s get started with one just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood, FL
7100 W State Rd 84, Hollywood, FL 33024
(954) 924-3200
Playing Card Deck Count: 12
Why You'll Love It Here!
BEST IN STATE: Although there are plenty of great poker rooms in Florida, the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood is easily the best venue for card games. Not only does this casino boast one of the most iconic logos in the business, but it also has all sorts of amazing amenities for players.
There are 50 tables spread out over 40,000+ square feet of gaming space, which makes it one of the largest poker rooms in the United States. What’s more, this Hard Rock Poker Room hosts a plethora of high-profile events throughout the year - e.g. The riveting et Hernando’s Showdown, the HSBC Championship, and the WPT Championship.
Indeed, this venue plays host to four major tournaments in December alone. Needless to say, you’ll never be short of an action at this Hollwood hotspot.
In addition to cash game options at $4/$8 and above, you can take a shot at the following tourneys:
- $200
- $350
- $550
- $1,100
- $3,500
- $5,500
- $10,000
If you buy into the latter three events, you’ll compete for shares of guaranteed prize pools worth $500,000; $1 million; and $15 million respectively. Furthermore, the Hard Rock has some unique promotions that aren’t available elsewhere - e.g. Rock Star of the Month, which pits players against each other in a battle for bragging rights and various prizes.
When you combine all of these factors, it’s easy to see why this spot is one of the top poker venues in America. Florida State Line: You can find the Seminole Hard Rock just west of Interstate 95 on the western edge of Hollywood Beach. If you follow the signs to Dania Beach (home of the Gretna Poker Room), you’ll eventually run into Stirling Road (US-441). Head north on US-441 and make a left onto Hiatus Road. Follow Hiatus for three miles and make a right onto Pembroke Road/FL-7. Stay on FL-7 for two miles and use the left lane to turn onto Holiday Inn Drive. Your destination will be on the left. Alternatively, you could follow the signs for Seminole Hard Rock Way/N 62nd Terrace to reach the resort from the beachfront.
Casino (No Longer Operational): The Games, Features & More Before ClosureAccommodation Tip: This place is essentially a hotel, but if you fancy a change of scenery, there are dozens of alternative accommodation options within a five-mile radius. We recommend the Westin Broward/Fort Lauderdale (four miles north on FL-7) and the Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale 17th Street North (two miles south on Pembroke Road/FL-7).
Good to Know: This Hard Rock is an entirely new venture that opened its doors in 2019. Prior to that that point, the title had been transferred from the Hard Rock Tampa to the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. However, when the company won the right to build a hotel in South Florida, they decided to move the brand again. The semblative $1.5 billion property officially became the World’s First True Integrated Entertainment Resort on October 24, 2019.
As you’d expect from a place with “Hard Rock” in the title, this venue is covered in musical memorabilia. From guitars and drum kits to handwritten lyrics and stage costumes, there are tons of fantastic rock ‘n’ roll artifacts waiting to be discovered. What’s more, there are regular concerts held inside the venue’s 1,800-capacity hardrockseminolehardrock.com Event Center.
Drink of Choice: As there are around 60 bars and restaurants scattered across the complex, you really can pick whatever drink you like. However, if you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, we’d strongly suggest ordering a Miamor Canseco. Named after former Miami Dolphins tight end and professional wrestler O.J. “Oceans Eleven” Canseco, this tequila cocktail is both delicious and disgusting at the same time. To make this beverage at home, simply mix together Patrón Silver, blue curaçao, cranberry juice, sour mix, and a splash of orange juice.
Top Frequent Player Promotions: The Seminole Hard Rock offers a range of frequent player perks such as free play, food vouchers and poker packages. There’s also a special VIP program called ‘Steel’ that rewards members with exclusive prizes and experiences.
Local ATM Fees:** All SBS locations charge around $3 per transaction.**
top pennsylvania online casinosFun Fact: Did you know the guitar out the front is lit up? Well, it costs around $17,000 a year to keep the iconic Fender in all its neon glory. Oh, and it changes color schemes every now and then. For example, in 2020 it was turned pink to honor breast cancer awareness month, and in 2021 it glowed green to mark St. Patrick’s Day.
Trivia Question: How many pounds of paint were used to transform the Hard Rock Tampa into the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa? A) 500 - 1,500; B) 1,501 - 2,500; C) 2,501 - 3,500; D) Over 3,500? The answer is below the next poker room.
Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park - Lighthouse Point, FL
1775 E. Copans Road, Lighthouse Point, FL 33064
(954) 946-6505
Playing Card Deck Count: 11
Why You'll Love It Here!
Great Location: If you love the Seminole Hard Rock but are put off by the huge crowds and loud music, the Isle Casino might be the perfect alternative. Yes, this venue doesn’t have quite as many tables as its neighbor to the west, however, there are still 20+ live games available every day.
Moreover, the pit isn’t as big as some, but the $3 minimum buy-in and $10 minimum raises seem fair considering the size of the room.
Isle Casino Poker also offers a selection of daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $65 to $165 and prize pool guarantees of up to $2,500.
In fact, this spot hosts so many tourneys that it publishes a dedicated tournament schedule every Monday - i.e. The Isle Casino Racing Tournament Series. Highlights include:
- August 21-$10,000 Guaranteed
- September 18-$15,000 Guaranteed
- October 16-$20,000 Guaranteed
- November 20-$25,000 Guaranteed
- December 18-$30,000
Of course, one of this room’s main selling points is its location. Situated on the eastern side of the Florida Everglades, the Isle Casino is surrounded by natural beauty. What’s more, it’s situated close to several interesting attractions - e.g. Butterfly World, Tradewinds Park, and the Gulf Stream Boulevard Shopping District.
7Casino – Online Casino Review NZ 2023 | Bonuses, Win Rate & Games - Indivisible GamingIf you follow signs for the Palms Trail/Copans Road (SR-7), the Isle Casino will be on your left. Otherwise, you can use the directions below:
Florida State Line: You can find this poker room on the western edge of Hillsboro Beach. If you follow the signs towards Dania Beach (home of Gretna Race Track), you’ll eventually come across Stirling Road (US-441). Head north on US-441 before making a left onto Hiatus Road. Use the right two lanes to turn onto N. University Drive/FL-7 (continue to follow FL-7). Turn left onto Sample Road/FL-7 (form SR-812). At the third roundabout, take the second exit onto Coral Ridge Drive/NW 56th Avenue. Continue to follow NW 56th Avenue and the parking lot for the Isle Casino will be on your right.
Factors of a Reliable Casino Review Site (That You Need To Know)Accommodation Tip: There isn’t a hotel attached to this property, however, there are several nice places to stay within a five-mile radius. Our top picks are the Marriott Sydney Palace (four miles northeast on FL-7), the Lago Mar Beach Resort (three miles southeast on A1A Ocean Front), and the Atlantic Ocean Inn (two miles southeast on A1A Ocean Front).
Good to Know: This venue originally opened its doors in 1939 under the name “Pompano Park.” Races took place on a quarter-mile dirt track until 1972 and, although the surface changed to asphalt in 1962, the greyhounds carried on until the show was brought to a permanent halt in 2010. Since then, this spot has been known as the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park.
Drink of Choice: Like the Seminole Hard Rock, the Isle Casino has plenty of bars dotted around the complex. Therefore, you can order pretty much what you like. With that being said, there’s something quintessentially Floridian about a good old-fashioned orange juice. Indeed, the sunshine state is the biggest producer of OJ in the nation - shifting around $1.3billion worth of the stuff every year. So, why not raise a glass to the orange industry by downing a few jugs of cloudy goodness?
Top Frequent Player Promotions: The Isle Club loyalty scheme allows you to earn coins, slots spins, dining dollars, free play, and more. There is also a Leaderboard Challenge that runs every Friday to Sunday.
Local ATM Fees:** All SBS locations charge around $3 per transaction**.
Fun Fact: Did you know this building was once owned by the Caliente Racing Group? That’s right, from 2011-2013, the premises went by the name Caliente Gaston Callahan Palm Aire Racing & Card Club. Of course, the Caliente Group is based in Tijuana, Mexico - meaning this spot effectively straddled the US-Mexico border for a couple of years.
Trivia Question: How many pounds of paint were used to transform the Hard Rock Tampa into the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa? A) 500 - 1,500; B) 1,501 - 2,500; C) 2,501 - 3,500; D) Over 3,500? The answer is…the B option.
The Ball & Chain Poker Room - Miami, FL
1543 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
Biggest Online Casinos by Revenue in 2023(305) 640-7100
Why You'll Love It Here!
Historic Venue: If you’re looking for a trendy spot with character, style and history, head to the Ball and Chain in Little Havana. This joint first opened its doors way back in 1935 and welcomed the likes of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Tina Turner through its doors over the years. And, since reopening in 2015, it has become one of the hottest tickets in town.
Now, this place isn’t exactly a poker palace. In fact, there are typically only two or three tables running at any one time. However, the games are always good natured, the drinks are cheap, and there’s often a live band playing in the background.
Another reason to visit this room is the ambience. Exposed brick walls, vintage posters and pictures of famous musicians create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Moreover, everyone who works behind the bar and on the floor seems genuinely happy to be there. This infectious enthusiasm helps to create a fun and friendly environment where anyone can feel comfortable.
It’s also worth noting that the Ball & Chain serves a wide range of refreshing cocktails and tasty Cuban snacks. So, if you get peckish while grinding out a few bucks, you don’t have to stray too far in search of sustenance.
Speaking of grinding, the games tend to be loose and juicy. Buy-ins start at $60 and blinds rarely exceed $1/$2. However, this isn’t the place to go if you’re chasing high volumes and big prize pools.
Directions: Take NE 2nd Ave/US-441 Local to SW 12th Ave in Miami. Continue on SW 12th Ave. Drive to SW 8th St.
Accommodation Tip: The EASTMIAMI Hotel & One Bedroom Suites is located just half a mile to the east of the Ball & Chain. This trendy hotel boasts a rooftop pool, fitness center, complimentary breakfast, and fast WiFi throughout the premises. Each suite contains a kitchenette, living area and flat-screen TV.
Good to Know: The Ball & Chain was initially known as The Tower Hotel when it first opened its doors in 1935. However, it gained national recognition in the 1950s and 60s due to its legendary ballroom concerts. As you would expect from a place called The Ball & Chain, this room regularly hosted swing dances during the golden age of jive.
Must-Know Live! Casino Hotel Slots You've Never Heard OfDrink of Choice: What better place to try a classic Mojito than the Ball & Chain? Made with white rum, fresh mint, lime, soda water and heaps of sugar, this Cuban cocktail is the perfect antidote to a tough beat. And the best thing is bartenders here know how to make it properly. So, forget all those overly sweet, overly ice’d renditions you’ve had in the past - this place does Mojitos justice.
FPP Promotions: We couldn’t find any information on a loyalty scheme or FPP promos, which suggests these games run on trust. Either that or the staff are amazing bluff-catchers.
ATM Fees: We didn’t see any ATMs inside the Ball & Chain, but there should be a few handy on SW 8th St.
Amazing Facts about the Biggest Casino in The WorldFun Fact: The Ball & Chain played a small part in Michael Mann’s 2006 film “Miami Vice.” Claire forlornly waits for her husband outside The Tower Hotel at around the 55-second mark.
Trivia Question Answer: B) 1,501 - 2,500
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood, FL (Second Room)
1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
(954) 965-3309
Playing Card Deck Count: 12
Why You'll Love It Here!
Seminole Hard Rock #2 - If the main Hard Rock venue is full or too loud for your liking, there’s another, smaller poker room located within the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This joint is linked to the main complex by an air conditioned bridge, so you never have to step foot outside.
What’s more, these two rooms offer connectors so you can hop from one to the other without losing your action. Now, the bridge isn’t visible in the Google Maps image below, but trust us - it’s there. Also, note the giant guitar out the front. That bad boy also features in the picture directly above this one.
Anyway, the secondary poker room at the Seminole Hard Rock is slightly smaller than the main venue. During quiet periods, there may only be six tables running, however, they sometimes lay on tournaments and cash games during peak times - e.g. The Stone Cold Summer Steakhouse Series.
Indeed, this pocket-sized pit is where 3x WSOP Bracelet Winner Steve “StoneCold” Chirichigno hosts his invitational tourney every June. A minimum of $30,000 is placed on the prize pool, and there aren’t usually more than 30 players at the tables. Therefore, each finalist receives a healthy min-cash.
casino games how to winAs well as the chance to win some serious coin, players also get to chow down on prime cuts of US beef. Yes, every finalist receives a steak dinner courtesy of Chirichigno and the Seminole Hard Rock.
Unfortunately, we don’t have the exact dates for the 2023 event, but it generally takes place between June 23-25. The buy-in is $3,500 and there are no re-entries allowed.
Here’s a map showing the location of this room:
Accommodation Tip: Obviously, there’s no need to stay offsite if you want to play poker at this venue. In fact, there are two world class hotels connected via an air conditioned walkway. The first is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel (of course) and the second is the adjacent Guitar Hotel. Both properties boast a variety of room types, luxurious amenities, world class dining experiences, and breathtaking views.
Good to Know: As if there couldn’t be another guitar-themed building in this complex, The Guitar Hotel officially opened its doors in 2017. Designed to resemble a giant guitar, this 450-room ode to six stringed goodness stands 450 feet tall and features a glass bottomed pool on its 4th floor. Oh, and in case you were wondering - the world’s largest freestanding guitar measures 93 feet from base to tip, 38 floors, and 638 rooms.
Drink of Choice: You’re spoiled for choice inside this complex. Whether it’s craft beer, fine wine or handcrafted cocktails, there is something to tickle every tastebud. Having said that, we think the ultimate poker pot zinger would be a real humdinger. Sure, sex on the beach is tasty and tequila sunrise is a classic, however, neither of those drinks make a noise. But what about a jackhammer martini? okay, maybe that’s taking things a bit far...how about a raspberry lemon drop? it goes off with a loud bang when you bite into the drop. Seeing as exploding drinks seem to be fairly rare in bars, you might be able to make some friends (and chips) with your last one.
FPP Promotions: These games contribute towards the main Hard Rock loyalty club so you can earn points, free play, comps and special prizes.
Local ATM Fees:** All SBS locations charge around $3 per transaction**.
Fun Facts: Did you know the Guitar Hotel is managed by slickback haired rock legend Gene Simmons? That’s right, the KISS bassist and self-proclaimed “marketing genius” signed a deal to operate the venue back in 2017. So, if you see a middle-aged man with smears of mascara running around flapping his arms, don’t be alarmed - that’s just Simmons trying to summon the spirit of Ace Frehley.
Trivia Question Answer: Over 3,500 pounds. That’s a hell of a lot of paint. In fact, it’s around seven times more than the original amount required to turn the Seminole Hard Rock Casino into the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa.
Coconut Creek Casino - Coconut Creek, Fl
5100 NW 43rd St, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
(954) 977-6700
Playing Card Deck Count: 11
Why You'll Love It Here!
Best Poker Games On PC - PokerListingsVariety of Games: If you like to play mixed games or games with strange variations, the Coconut Creek Casino might be the perfect spot. Okay, so there aren’t hundreds of tables and thousands of players - in fact, there are typically only five or six games running each day. However, these pros like to mix it up.
On any given afternoon, you could find a triple-stud hi-lo, lowball, Chinese poker or badugi game. There’s also a selection of daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $50 - $220 and prize pool guarantees of up to $3,500.
Of course, you might not fancy the more obscure variants, in which case there will be NLHE and PLO games available. Blinds normally start at $1/$2 and rise to a maximum of $3/$6.
So, why do these pros play mixed games? Well, apart from the fact it’s fun to switch things up every now and then, these tournaments allow players to exploit their edges in multiple formats. For instance, a guy who is terrible at NLHE but knows how to run down a hi-lo game might be able to record a positive result over the course of a mixed-game tournament.
Although it’s not impossible to lose in every format, it’s pretty difficult to be bad at every type of poker. Therefore, skilled players can leverage their abilities and turn a profit even if they get bent over in Hold’em or Omaha.
Directions: Get on I-95 N from FL-7 (441) in Fort Lauderdale. Then, continue on I-95 N to W Atlantic Ave in Coconut Creek. Take exit 40 from I-95 N. Drive to NW 43rd St in Coconut Creek. Coconut Creek Casino will be on your left.
Accommodation Tip: The Marriott at Heron Bay is less than two miles west on W Atlantic Ave. This property contains a range of room types, an outdoor pool, gym, restaurant and bar. What’s more, it has a four-star rating on Google.
Online Casinos That Make Instant Withdrawals to Bank CardsGood to Know: This venue originally opened its doors in 1996 under the name “Coconut Creek Racetrack & Casinos.” However, it has gone by the name Coconut Creek Casino since 2007. Although there aren’t races anymore, this joint still contains a variety of table games, slot machines, video poker and - you guessed it - poker.
Drink of Choice: When in Rome...well, when in Florida, we say you should try an alligator pear. Okay, so a coconut isn’t technically an alcoholic beverage, but it’s as quintessential to this region as a mojito is to Cuba or a negroni sapore di pareva is to Italy. And, seeing as this room isn’t exactly a mecca of booze, you might as well make the most of what’s on offer. Plus, you can always crack open a bottle of rum when you get home.
FPP Promotions: The CT Rewards card lets you earn points, comps and discounts on food/drinks. There is also a leaderboard competition that runs every weekend.
Local ATM Fees:** All SBS locations charge around $3 per transaction**.
Fun Facts: Did you know this casino was almost renamed “Heron Bay Casino” back in 2018? Fortunately, that ridiculous plan was abandoned and the place can still be called by its cute, coconutty moniker.
Trivia Question Answer: B) 1,501 - 2,500
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Tampa, FL (Second Room)
5657 Roosevelt Blvd, Tampa, FL 33619
(866) 207-0824
Playing Card Deck Count: 12
Why You'll Love It Here!
Seminole Hard Rock #3 - Okay, so this isn’t technically in south Florida. However, the Seminole Hard Rock chain is Seminole Hard Rock, so we’re counting it. Anyway, the THR Tampa property is slightly bigger than its Hollywood sibling - —there are typically eight cash game tables and up to 25 tournament tables.
This joint hosts a variety of mid-stakes tourneys with buy-ins of $120-$360 and prize pool guarantees of $5,000. There’s also a $50 reentry event with a $3k guarantee and a $360 main affair which guarantees $25,000. Blinds start at $1/$2 and rise to a max of $3/$6.
Most Popular Online Casinos in Canada for 2023 [updated]As well as hosting regular weekly events, this room also puts on specialist series such as the Hard Rock Poker Open Tampa (November 9-13, 2023). The HRPO consists of five tournaments across five days - starting at $220 and culminating in a $1,200 main event that has a $200k guarantee.
But what really sets this joint apart from the others is the roof. Okay, so the Hollywood and Coconut Creek venues are attached to cool buildings too. However, the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa takes second place when it comes to guitar-shaped structures. Why? Because the THR Tampa structure measures just 93ft from base to tip - making it the shortest building in the world to feature guitar credentials.
Yes, you got that right - there is another, smaller poker room hidden inside the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Tampa. And, unlike the Hollywood equivalent, this 3,400sq ft space is the home of Florida’s first-ever tribal card room. The main gaming area features four tables and a VIP area with a further two surfaces. There is also an outdoor smoking patio and a separate room for tournaments with space for up to 25 players.
new online casino usa playersAll in all, the Hard Rock Tampa poker room cost $10million to construct and created 100 jobs. It also generated a lot of questions such as: why did they build a new room when the existing one was perfectly functional? Would the new facility cannibalize the old one? Has the company gone completely mad?
Well, the idea was to create extra capacity so the SHRC could secure a Super Bowl event. Only the Rio and the Ozarks have hosted America’s biggest poker series twice, so getting the nod from Harmanoyan would have been a major coup for the Seminole Hardock.
However, Mike made it clear the WSOP wouldn’t be moved just because a brandy new guitar had appeared in Tampa. Therefore, the only other explanation is that the Hardrock wanted to join the four-table clubs Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, Colorado Belle, East Side Kanter and Cannery in the elite subterranean poker scene.
Unfortunately, we don’t think this room is connected to the main gaming floor. That means players could potentially get clocked by a falling guitarist. Maybe that’s why they painted a fake Fender 93ft in the air - to deter plummeting string sections...no, that can’t be it.
Direction: Get on I-75 N from FL-54 (Sunshine Skyway Bridge) in Tampa. Take exit 267A from I-275 N. Continue on US-41 N/N 19th St. Drive to Benjamin Rd and turn left. The entrance to the seminole hard rock casino tampa will be on your right.
Accommodation Tip: The Fairfield by Marriott Tampa Airport Westshore is less than two miles west on N 19th St. This budget-friendly hotel features an outdoor pool, gym, free parking, pet-friendly rooms, and a free continental breakfast each morning.
Good to Know: The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa originally opened its doors in 2002 under the name “Harry’s Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.” It remained Harry’s Hard Rock for 11 years before shedding its forename and becoming the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa in 2013.
Then, in January 2019, another $12m was spent on turning the place into a larger version of a guitar. As previously mentioned, the new poker room officially opened its doors on May 17, 2019.
Drink of Choice: If you’re going to drink guitar-related drinks in every Florida poker room, you’re going to need a diverse repertoire. Luckily, the strings section of the hard rock family attracts a somewhat eclectic crowd, which means you’ll hear orders for everything from margaritas to mimosa.
Ways to Find Empty Tables at Online Poker SitesIt’s unlikely anyone will ask you to serve a diddly bow or air guitar, but you should be prepared to make a Gibson or Les Paul. Yes, named after two of the most iconic guitars in music history, Gibson and Les Paul are simple concoctions made with vodka, lemonade and ice. Simply fill a glass with ice, pour vodka on top, add lemonade, stir gently and serve with a straw.
FPP Promotions: These games don’t form part of the standard Hard Rock loyalty scheme.
Local ATM Fees:** All SBS locations charge around $3 per transaction**.
