- The Victory Casino Cruise ship sails twice daily to international waters.
- The Casino at Dania Beach has more than 850 slot machines and 30 table games.
- The Big Easy Casino is one of the best South Florida casinos with over 1,000 slots.
Florida isn’t exactly known as a gambling hotspot like Las Vegas or Atlantic City but you can still have some fun at some . Still, if you ever find yourself craving for some casino action within a three-hour drive from Miami, there are actually some great options nearby.
Best Poker Rooms in Las Vegas by Matt SpewcosYou don’t need to go very far to experience something different and this article will show you which land-based casinos are within a three-hours driving distance from downtown Miami. I’ve also included a few casino cruise ships operating just outside of the three-hour limit but close enough to be part of the “casinos near Miami” discussion.
Casino Cruises Near Miami
Let’s start our journey with the most unusual casinos that are not really in Miami, even though they are. It’s because all forms of gambling in Florida are regulated by the state lottery and it’s illegal to operate a casino on dry land.
Fortunately, state laws say that you have to be in international waters in order to gamble and that’s where casino cruises come into play. You basically get on a boat, sail a couple of miles offshore, gamble as much as you want, and then go back home.
The trip takes several hours, so most cruises also include food and entertainment to make the overall experience more enjoyable. is the largest company running gambling cruises from south Florida and it has three vessels operating daily trips from three different ports.
Victory Casino Cruises was launched in 2004 and it’s now one of the most popular gambling operators in the region, carrying over two million passengers since its inception. The fleet consists of the Victory 1, Victory 2, and Victory 3 ships, which sail twice daily to international waters.
All boats feature modern slot machines, tables for live dealers, a lounge with full bar service, and restaurants where you can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. High rollers can take advantage of the VIP area, which comes with private slot machines and tables.
Victory Casino Cruises sail from three locations: Port of Palm Beach, Gulf Stream Park Racing and Casino, and Port of Departure (close to the former Hallandale Beach Airstrip).
The journey takes between 10 and 20 miles off the coast of Florida and the ships stay at sea for four and a half hours. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy your favorite games and maybe even win big money.
Speaking of cash, Victory Casino Cruises plays everything in greenbacks, meaning that you don’t have to mess around with chips and vouchers like other casinos. Just bring some dollars with you and you’ll be good to go. By the way, taking alcohol on board is not allowed, but you can buy drinks once you leave the port.
888sport Casino Review - Top Games, Bonuses and MoreOverall, Victory Casino Cruises offer a unique gaming experience that you can’t find in many places, so give them a try if you’re vacationing in Miami and you feel like playing some slots or table games.
Island Princess Casino & Resort
Island Princess is another well-known casino cruise that departs from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades.
This gambling venue operates under the Bahamian law, which is somewhat similar to what you can find in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. In other words, this is a real casino and there’s no pretend play here.
Amazing Casinos to Visit in Florida - Casinos in FLThe biggest difference, however, is that Island Princess Casino & Resort has a resort attached. That’s right: you can actually stay there and enjoy a gambling vacation like nowhere else in the US.
There are 60 air-conditioned staterooms with private facilities built along the starboard side of the upper deck. Each cabin measures 160 sq.ft., featuring double occupancy, color TV, safe, hairdryer, and mini-bar.
Island Princess Casino & Resort sails every night to the Western Passage of the Bahamas and stays on international waters for about five hours. During that time, you can play slots, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, and roulette.
Drinks and meals are included in the price, while entertainment options range from cabarets to comedy shows.
One important thing to note is that you must have a valid passport when boarding Island Princess Casino & Resort, regardless of your age or residence. Even thought you’re visiting a foreign country for less than 24 hours, the customs officers will check your documents before letting you disembark.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, FL
Located just 25 miles north of Miami in the city of Hollywood, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino offers a true oasis for anyone who wants to combine top-notch accommodations with nonstop gambling action.
In fact, this is probably the closest you can get to a real Las Vegas experience in south Florida, especially after the latest renovation that transformed the entire building.
SHR Hollywood has 2+ acres of gaming space with more than 1,600 of the latest slot machines and virtual reality bingo, 50+ table games (e.g. Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Texas Hold ‘em Bonus, baccarat, and more), a personalized high-limit room, and a poker room with 37 tables.
Awesome Free Poker Games to Play OnlineIf you want to know which are the best poker games to learn, check out our dedicated piece to familiarize yourself with the rules and basic strategy tips.
The latter is one of the biggest in the state, hosting both tournaments and cash games around the clock. Regardless of your skillset or bankroll, you’re bound to find an event that matches your criteria.
And let’s not forget the promos! SHR Hollywood runs so many poker promotions that it would take days to list them all here, but some of the most popular campaigns are Vision 4 Card PLO, No-Limit Hold’em, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Mississippi Stud, and various bad beat jackpots.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
The 125,000-square-foot rock-themed gaming area features an awesome design with guitars, music posters, gold records, and other interesting stuff that any rock fan is going to love.
On top of that, SHR Hollywood has a large collection of progressive jackpots that often reach millions of dollars, so you can become a rich man in a very short time if lady luck is shining upon your face.
Another cool thing about this casino is that it employs around 500 dealers, making it one of the few venues in the United States where all table games are manned.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is open 24/7 and it’s located near the famous Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport, so you may even watch planes landing while enjoying your favorite game.
By the way, self-parking is free for hotel guests and $10 for everyone else. Valet parking costs $15 per day, but it’s really convenient if you don’t want to move too much.
how to win casino blackjackAs you may have guessed from the name, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino also offers plenty of accommodation options for tourists and gamblers. There are six pools, eight dining options, a spa, and numerous music-related attractions, such as the Legendary Yacht ROCK, hard rock memorabilia exhibit, Rock Spa® Gift Boutique, and the Velvet Taco food truck serving delicious tacos and burritos.
And the cherry on the cake is the new $1.5 billion guitar-shaped hotel tower that opened in October 2019 and promises to raise the bar even higher for Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. The 450-room facility is designed to look like a classic electric guitar and it’s simply breathtaking.
Guests can enjoy panoramic views of Fort Lauderdale and the Atlantic Ocean from their balconies, relax at the Lobby Bar & Swirlz Frozen Dessert Parlor, or dine in style at Council Oak Steaks & Seafood or REM III. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is definitely one of the top casinos near Miami.
Casino at Dania Beach
Dania Beach is a small city located about 20 minutes north of Miami and it’s home to one of the best casinos in south Florida. The Casino at Dania Beach might not be as glamorous as its neighbors, but it has a certain charm that keeps players coming back for more.
Founded in 1936 as the Dania Jai-Alai Fronton, this venue used to focus mostly on jai-alai, a basque sport similar to tennis, but played with a handheld ball. Gaming tables were later added and the business flourished until Hurricane Wilma destroyed the place in 2005.
It reopened three years later as the Casino at Dania Beach and it now features over 850 of the latest slot machines, 30 table games (blackjack, pai gow, three-card poker, mini-bingo, three kinds of roulette, three kinds of craps), a high stakes bingo hall, and a profitable poker room.
Unlike Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, which only has manned tables, the Casino at Dania Beach has both automated and live dealer games, catering to a wider audience of customers.
What we loved about this casino is that players can earn comps, such as free plays, cash, buffet coupons, and so on, by joining the Slot Club for free and working their way up the loyalty ladder.
There are seven ranks, starting with Gold and ending with Diamond, each offering better rewards than the previous one. We really appreciate it when casinos are giving back some of the money we spend on their premises and the Casino at Dania Beach does that without any complaints.
Is it as luxurious as Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood? Not really, but it doesn’t try to be. On the plus side, the Dania Beach casino does not have a ridiculous resort fee like its neighbor. Self-parking is free for everyone and valet is just $5.
By the way, outside world access is allowed for those who aren’t gambling, so you can pick up your friends or family members at any time, without any extra charges.
florida city casinoCasino at Dania Beach
The casino is open 24/7, but the jai-alai fronton works only on weekends and holidays. If you’ve never seen this sport before, I strongly recommend keeping an eye on the schedule and watching a live match. It’s fast, exciting, and dangerous at the same time, with players hitting the ball as hard as they can while hanging onto a curved basket called a cesta punta.
Talking about injuries, it’s not uncommon to see players bleeding from the hands, fingers, face, or pretty much any other body part. The ball can weigh as much as 215 grams (7.6 oz) and be hit at speeds over 150 mph, so everybody is at risk. Some matches can feature over 700 mph when doubles are involved and that’s absolutely crazy.
If you get hungry during your gambling sessions at the Casino at Dania Beach, know that there is a full-service restaurant known as The Fresh Grill, serving American cuisine for lunch and dinner. You can also grab a sandwich or salad at the Deli, while the Coffee Shop provides light fare around the clock.
While not being among the best casinos in Florida, The Casino at Dania Beach is definitely worth a visit if you’re tired of the same old gambling spots. It may be small and kind of old-fashioned, but it has character and that’s what counts in the end.
Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino
Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino is another interesting venue located in Hallandale Beach, just a few miles east of Dania Beach and 20 minutes from Miami. As you may have guessed from the name, this casino complex focuses on horse racing and slot machines, although there are also some table games available.
Gulfstream Park opened in January 1939 as a racetrack for thoroughbred horses and it has hosted important events such as the Flower Bowl Handicap and the Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap. In 1959, the first quarter horse racing track was added and today it is one of the most popular venues in the southeast United States.
Gulfstream Park
The main season for thoroughbred racing lasts from December to April and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The property was expanded and renovated many times over the years to include also live poker, simulcast wagering on races held throughout the country and overseas, electronic games, and a food court with restaurants and snacks.
In 2005, Gulfstream Park became a fully-fledged casino with over 850 slot machines and 40 table games, including blackjack, mini-bumo, pai gow, Spanish 21, and Fouroya Stack Wrap. Electronic table games have also been added recently, allowing players to miss none of the action even when standing at the betting line.
When it comes to slots, Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino features all denominations, from one cent to the $25 Curv™, the highest capacity machine in the world. By the way, if you’re interested in high limit slots, you should also check out , which is regarded by many as the queen of casino games.
Hampton Classic Horse Show - Upstate Casino EventsUnfortunately, the casino doesn’t seem very clean and some machines appear to be old and malfunctioning, according to player reviews. However, Gulfstream Park does offer some of the highest payouts in south Florida, so you may still hit the jackpot and walk away a happy camper.
To be more specific, slots and tabel games contribute 65% to the total payback, while Quasar poker machines and live poker games have a payback of 75%. The dollar figure for payouts depends, obviously, on the volume of play.
Live racing seasons typically run from December to April and feature some of the most important events in the region, such as Claiming Crown, Fountain of Youth Stakes, Florida Derby, and SAMAHC. If you’ve never bet on horses or played slots, then you don’t stand a chance against these veterans, but it can still be lots of fun.
Even if you’re not into gambling, you could always go to Gulfstream Park for watching excellent racehorses battling for glory. The one-mile racing strip is made of dirt, while the turf course is 1 mile and 1 1/8 e Elliptical in shape. The stretch run, from the sixteenth pole to the wire, is a true downhill grade of 6.5%.
The property also features a 364-room lodge known as The Diplomat Resort & Spa, as well as several restaurants that serve American dishes and drink. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay $10 for valet services and $5 for self-parking, while people from outside the resort are not allowed on the premises after midnight on Sundays through Thursdays, and after 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa is located about 200 miles north of Miami, or roughly a 3.5-hour drive, but it’s worth the trip if you’re looking for a nice concert venue and a wide variety of gambling options.
Compared to Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, this casino is slightly larger with over 2,000 slot machines, 55 table games, the highest-capacity slot progressives in Florida, and a non-smoking poker room with 34 tables.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa
Some of the hottest games at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa are Mississippi Stud, Let It Ride, pai gow poker, mini-Baccarat, and Spanish 21. Meanwhile, the plush pit features some of the most alluring dealers in Florida and bets ranging from $5 to $10,000.
In addition, HRHCT is running several promotions on a daily and weekly basis, giving players the opportunity to win fantastic prizes, including free play, bonuses, gifts cards, concert tickets, and more. For example, you can enter the $10,000 Monthly Slot Machine Mania by earning 100 base points between the 1st and last day of every month.
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa is known for its outstanding concerts featuring famous musicians such as Kid Rock, Jewel, Cheap Trick, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 38 Special, and REO Speedwagon. All shows take place at The Joint, an intimate setting with no seat farther than 120 feet from the stage.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa was also named Best Live Music Venue in Tampa Bay by readers of Creative Loafing, so you shouldn’t miss this opportunity to listen to quality music while staying in the same city.
Other amenities provided by this casino include a full-service spa, fitness center, heated outdoor pool, three on-site restaurants, and much more. However, valet and self-parking cost $10 and $8 respectively, while the resort fee is set at $20 per night and includes internet access, local calls, exercise room, and shuttle bus to select destinations within a 3-mile radius.
Online Casinos That Pay Out The Fastest - Top Fast Withdrawal Casino SitesHard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa is one of the best casinos near Miami if you expand the driving distance to four hours max. It may be a bit too far if you’re staying in South Beach, but nothing is impossible for a good game of blackjack or a shot at a progressive slot machine.
The Big Easy Casino
Looking for ? Head to Morton, Florida, and pay a visit to the Big Easy Casino, a legendary venue that has stood the test of time. This casino may not be as big and flashy as Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, but it has character and that makes all the difference in the world.
Established in 1977, the Big Easy Casino was originally named Lenore Club and it featured just 40 slot machines plus a small room with three card poker and pai gow. Founder Al Zardi wanted to evoke New Orleans’ French Quarter atmosphere in his establishment and that’s how he came up with the idea of changing the club’s name to Big Easy Casino.
That’s how we got Mardi Gras masks, jazz music, Cajun cuisine, and other fascinating elements that remind customers of that wonderful city located in Louisiana.
The Big Easy Casino is situated on a narrow peninsula surrounded by the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, Oleta River, and Biscayne Bay. In fact, a few trains pass by every day and you can hear them blowing the horns while playing your favorite games. It may be annoying for some people, but I personally find it relaxing and nostalgic.
Awesome Poker Bonus Codes and Promos You Can Claim Right NowThe Big Easy Casino
A hurricane struck the area in 1995 and caused extensive damages to the Big Easy Casino, forcing Zardi to close the business for 14 months and reopen it as a brand-new facility with 200 slot machines. Further expansions took place in the following decades, bringing the total number of slots to over 350 and adding also Las Vegas-style table games.
Today, the Big Easy Casino offers a plethora of gambling options to locals and tourists alike, including traditional slot machines, video poker, video keno, electronic roulette, blackjack, pai gow, mini-bisbo, and more. According to the official website, it’s the only casino in Florida with live dealers on classical table games.
We couldn’t verify that claim, but it’s true that the Big Easy Casino is one of the few venues in the sunshine state to feature both automatic and hand-managed tables. That that makes it a cut above the rest, in our opinion, and a worthy destination for gamblers who have had enough of faceless slot machines that eat your money without returning anything.
Another reason to visit the Big Easy Casino is its vibrant VIP program, which allows players to earn comps, points, and discounts simply by spinning the reels or dealing a hand. There are nine ranks available, starting with Player and ending with Platinum, and multiple benefits such as birthday presents, anniversary gifts, free play, food comps, and special events.
Climbing the loyalty ladder may sound difficult, but it’s actually very easy if you gamble regularly at the Big Easy Casino. Every point can be exchanged for $2 in free play, so you don’t have to save them for future vacations if you need instant rewards.
Unlike other casinos in the area, the Big Easy Casino does not charge any fees for valet or self-parking. Actually, they don’t offer valet, so you don’t have to tip anybody and waste time waiting in line. Another perk is that this establishment allows smoking, despite Florida’s strict anti-smoking law.
According to their site, the Big Easy Casino is working closely with the Florida Department of Health to ensure a clean and healthy environment for customers. There are also dozens of outdoor tables right across the street, so you can go outside and have a break whenever you feel dizzy from all the second-hand smoke.
The Big Easy Casino also features a sports book and a high-capacity bingo game known as Bingo Baton, as well as a full service restaurant known as Neyla’s Creole Kitchen. You can enjoy traditional Cajun dishes while listening to live music and watching trains passing by.
Largest Casinos in The World - Casino WhaleIn summary, the Big Easy Casino is a charming place that deserves to be visited by all casino enthusiasts traveling through the Morton area. Maybe it’s not as flashy as other casinos in Florida, but it’s authentic and that means a lot.
Islamadale Convention Center & Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel
If you’re looking for the best beachfront hotel and casino in Fort Lauderdale, look no further than Islamadale Convention Center & Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel. Located on 8.5 oceanfront acres, this resort boasts over 500 newly renovated rooms and suites, 160,000 square feet of multi-function meeting and convention space, and several dining options, including Luoni’s Restaurant & Full Service Bar, Señor Frijoles Mexican Grille, Starbucks, and PoolBar.
Islamadale Convention Center & Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel
The casino itself is rather small with only 300 slot machines and 14 table games, but they do accept credit cards and cash checks up to $5,000. It’s always frustrating to carry a lot of bills in your pocket, so this service comes in handy when you’re trying to maximize your playing time.
Other amenities offered by Islamadale Convention Center & Bahia Mar Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel are high-speed internet access, beachside massages, outdoor swimming pool, children’s pool, gift shops, newsstand, tourist assistance, currency exchange, bellman services, and laundry facilities.
Valet parking costs $22 per day, while self-parking is priced at $18. On the bright side, guests don’t have to pay resort fee for using the hotel’s facilities.
If you like playing poker, you should try the new app from Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. Called MyCH Casino Mobile, it’s available for iOS and Android and allows players to buy races, watch them live, and even wager via fastbet.
Final Thoughts
These are the best casinos near Miami that you can visit if you don’t feel like playing from home. Whether you’re staying in the city or you’re just passing by, these gambling spots are definitely worth a try due to their games, promotions, food, and other amenities.
Of course, you could always take a private jet and fly to one of or even but that would be a little excessive, don’t you think? After all, we have some great casinos in south Florida that are accessible by car within a few hours.
Casino & Gambling Options to Try near Philadelphia, PAWhether you prefer slots, blackjack, baccarat, sports betting, or just a nice steak, these gambling venues have something in store for you. So, pack your wallet and some snacks, put on your favorite songs, and enjoy the ride. You could also ask the hotel to call you a taxi or a ridesharing service if you haven’t learned how to gamble online yet.
Zarko Naric – the World's Greatest Living Serbian in Southern California – is a freelance writer and iGamer. He's worked with a range of clients in Gaming, Gambling, Poker, Liquor, Restaurant, and Other industries. When he's not writing about gambling, he enjoys doing it. And when he's not doing that, he finds himself in his couch sheen watching Milan destroy another opponent in the Europa League.
