- The Best casino in Florida right now is the .
- The has a great location, but lacks on-site hotels.
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa just misses out on top spot.
The Sunshine State is packed full of fun things to do. With miles of sandy beaches, an incredible climate, theme parks, and swamps filled with enormous alligators, there’s always something to see or do.
In recent years, the has grown exponentially too. Today there are 14 seminole hard rock casinos in florida, two racinos, and one Jai-Alai venue with parimutuel wagering.
Choosing the best casino in Florida is difficult, but someone’s got to do it. So, that’s me! I’ve lived in Florida since 1996, and over the years, I’ve visited every hard rock casino florida has to offer.
So, which one comes out on top? What makes a casino great in the sunshine state? In my opinion, the best casino in Florida should have a decent range of slots and table games.
It should have plenty of appealing food and drink options, and a decent ratio of slots and table games to visitors. If a casino is packed, it is very difficult to play/have a drink without standing in long queues. That’s not much fun, right?
Another thing I consider is location, and this is why the Seminole Casino might favor Hollywood over Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Finally, I also consider ambiance, service, cleanliness, smoking policies, and pet friendliness – you can take your pooch into the Hard Rock Hollywood, for example.
Anyway, I could waffle on about what I think is important when measuring these venues. Instead, let’s get down to business, shall we?
Here are the best casinos in Florida today.
8. Seminole Casino Brighton
The Seminole Casino Brighton is small, intimate, and easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. It’s located on the corner of US1 and NE 127th Ave, just a few minutes from Deerfield Beach.
From Fort Lauderdale, it should take around 35 minutes to get here, and it’s only 25 minutes from Boca Raton. There is ample parking and, unlike some other venues in the region, you don’t have to walk a mile from the lot to the doors.
This is a very nice little place. It’s one of the smallest casinos in south Florida, but it packs a punch.
There are around 300 slot machines, as well as a handful of tables where you can play blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Super Fun 21. The poker players among you will be disappointed, however, as there is no dedicated poker room.
From time to time, the Seminole Casino Brighton runs tournaments, so it’s worth keeping an eye on its website/social media pages.
The casino recently unveaked its new high-limit lounge, which features Ming hand-painted dinner sets and Swarovski crystal chandeliers. There is also a new VIP entrance, which suggests the casino is trying to up its game and challenge the likes of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood for supremacy in the county.
You could argue that it is too early to talk about the Seminole Casino Brighton in the same breath as other top venues in Broward County. Though, if it continues to invest money in the venue, that day won’t be too far off.
For now, I would describe the Seminole Casino Brighton as a pleasant surprise. It is clean, friendly, and quaint. If you’ve never been, I strongly recommend you pay a visit. You’ll find it at 101 NW 127th Avenue, Aventura, FL 33024.
Hour Casinos in Las Vegas - A Complete GuideThe Seminole Casino Coconut Creek isn’t the biggest casino in south Florida, but it is huge compared to some of the other semi-non descript places in these parts.
It has a capacity of more than 2,000 people and features 2,000 slot machines, 50 table games, 200 live agency table games, and a poker room with 16 tables. As if all that gambling space wasn’t enough, the casino recently opened The Outpost, which features another 275 machines.
Why build more gaming space? Why not? According to the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek’s website, the venue is the only South Florida “full-service casino” open 24/7. Demand for gaming space is obviously quite high, and by expanding its offering, the casino is able to attract even more visitors.
As well as a range of slot machines, video poker machines, and electronic table games, the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek has all the popular table games. Blackjack, baccarat, craps, Spanish 21, and traditional 21 are all available, while regular poker tournaments attract everyone from novices to pros.
If you get hungry or thirsty, there are more than eating and drinking options to choose from. You can grab a hot dog and a beer or treat yourself to something a little more refined.
This place is popular for a reason. But for me, it isn’t one of the best casinos Florida has to offer. Yes, it is big and there are lots of games, but it doesn’t have a great atmosphere.
The Casino Coconut Creek does absolutely nothing wrong, but it fails to hit you with that special feeling when you walk through the door. Perhaps that is the case after the hard Covid-19 months. Maybe, when things return to normal, the casino’s ambience will improve.
poker cash games onlineEither way, the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek just falls short for me. And, let’s be clear, that makes it one of Florida’s near misses. It is infinitely better than most other casinos in the state and deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as other top venues.
Is it worthy of 2nd spot? Well, the competition is tough. But before I try to narrow down my list of the top Florida casinos any further, here are the key contact details for the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.
- Address: 5550 Northwest 40 Street, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
- Phone: (954) 977-6700
- Rewards Club: Get points for everything – slots, video poker, etbs, food, and drinks. 20¢ $1, $1-$5, 50¢ $5, $5-$25 $10, $25+ $25 + 10% extra bonus on Mondays.
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7. Seminole Classic Casino
Hollywood may have the famed Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, but just a 15-minute drive to the west you will find the Seminole Classic Casino. This is a nice little place.
Like many of the smaller casinos in southern Florida, it is tucked away next to the main road and doesn’t look all that special from the outside. But inside, it’s a different story.
The Seminole Classic Casino is divided into two sections. One section houses more than 500 classic slot machines, while the other features modern machines and around 30 table games.
You can play roulette, blackjack, and craps, while daily tournaments provide added sweate when playing the pens and spins. There is also a 400-seat poker room with 18 tables and a separate high-stakes area.
All in all, there is plenty going on at this casino. And if you fancy a quick smoke or a bite to eat, everything is nicely laid out and accessible.
I really like the fact this casino has two distinct areas. It caters to all sorts of players and is reminiscent of the old Vegas, where each casino had a clearly defined purpose.
You can go back in time at the “Classic” casino, while the other section provides all the modern thrills and spills you could ever want. For me, this is a major plus point and helps the Seminole Classic Casino stand out from similar venues in the area.
But does it deserve a top 5 spot? In truth, it is a toss-up between this venue and the final two casinos on my list. The Seminole Classic Casino just pips the Final 2, and that’s because it offers both classic and modern games in a neat, tidy environment.
Oh, and did I mention it is open 24/7? That’s right. You can gamble to your heart’s content at the Seminole Classic Casino at any time of the day or night. Its address is 4150 West Sunrise Boulevard, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Florida 33314.
6. Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino
Gulfstream Park started life in 1939 when it hosted its first racecostarica.net/. Over the years, it has gone through several iterations and has been expanded significantly.
Today, Gulfstream Park is home to live racing between December and April. It also features a 950-machine casino with all your favorite slots and electronic table games.
Now MGM Resorts owned, Gulfstream Park is often overlooked by people traveling to and from Miami and West Palm Beach. It is located between these two cities and, in my opinion, is worthy of a stop regardless of whether racing is taking place.
Best Real Money Mobile Casino Apps in the US (2023 no Deposit Needed)Now, I am not a huge fan of thoroughbred racing. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy a day at the races. It’s just that greyhound meetings tend to be faster, and the dogs seem far more interested in running than many of the horses I’ve seen.
But that’s just me being picky. If you like horse racing, Gulfstream Park hosts some of the best events in the region. And even if you aren’t interested in betting on the races, it is a fantastic family-friendly environment.
The food outlets serve a variety of dishes, including sushi, and the whole place feels light and airy. From my experience, it isn’t too smoky, and there is plenty of natural light.
Enough about the racing, what’s the casino like?
Well, it is quite nice. It isn’t as big as some of the other best casinos in Florida, but it is large enough to lose track of time. And when you realize four hours have passed and you haven’t seen that much stock, you know you’ve been sweating the slides in style.
There are loads of penny slots, video poker machines, and ETBs, as well as a range of progressive jackpots. You can also play table games such as blackjack, baccarat, and Fortune Pai Gow.
Overall, I really like Gulfstream Park. It is bright, airy, and has a great selection of machines, and a couple of tables. Is it the best casino in Florida? No, of course not. But it would certainly make my top 5 list if it had five or six tables featuring traditional 21.
Perhaps they could turn one of the unused dining areas into a temporary poker room? It would be a nice addition, and it is an idea I’m sure many people would support.
- Address: 901 West Flagler Street, Hallandale Beach, FL 33012
- Phone: (954) 454-7000
5. The Casino at Dania Beach
Dania Beach is a small city located between Ft. Lauderdale and Hollywood. It may be small, but it is home to one of the best casinos in Florida.
Locally known as “The Dania,” this joint is owned by the Seminole Tribe and features all your favorite slots and electronic table games. There are around 850 machines to choose from, as well as a range of poker games, craps, roulette, and Spanish 21.
One of the best things about The Casino at Dania Beach is its layout. Everything is easily accessible and, although it can get busy during peak periods, it rarely feels as cramped as some of the other top casinos in this part of the world.
There is plenty of parking, and once you enter the building, there are machines and tables spread across two main levels. You can walk directly from one level to the other without having to circle the perimeter of the building.
And that’s a good thing because there isn’t all that much to do aside from gamble. Unlike some of the other venues featured in this guide to the best casinos in Florida, The Casino at Dania doesn’t feature live entertainment or first-class dining experiences.
It is a place to go and gamble. Period.
However, it does have a nice sports bar/restaurant serving pub grub and traditional American fare. There are craft beers on tap and friendly staff who are happy to chat. I tend to have a bite to eat here whenever I visit, and I can never resist ordering some of their delicious buffalo wings.
Before I move on, I should point out that the poker room at The Casino at Dania is fantastic. It isn’t huge, but it has all the popular cash games and tournaments covered. The room is always immaculately clean, and the dealers are some of the best in south Florida.
“We pride ourselves in operating the best poker room in South Florida,” the casino says on its site.
Have they achieved that goal? Well, from my experience, it is up there with the best of them. The Card Room at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is better, but it doesn’t have the same accessibility.
Anyway, you can call the Dania Casino at 954-920-1511. Its address is 301 East Dania Beach Blvd, Dania Beach, FL 33004. And if you visit, make sure you order the buffalo wings!
Top Free Slot Machine Games to Play Online right Now!4. Casino @ BallenIsles
The Casino @ BallenIsles is a member’s only establishment located in northwestern Major. It isn’t open to the general public, but if you become a member, you will gain access to a fantastic range of slot machines and traditional table games.
There are 600+ machines to choose from and a variety of tables featuring blackjack, mini and Midi-baccarat, craps, roulette, and Pai Gow. The casino also hosts poker tournaments throughout the week, with buy-ins ranging from $50 to $250.
There is a real sense of community at the Casino @ BallenIsles. Everyone is friendly, and the overall vibe is relaxed and enjoyable. Of course, you have to be a member to use this facility, and there are limits to what I can reveal in an article such as this.
But what I can say is this place is awesome.
In addition to the slot machines and traditional table games, the Casino @ BallenIsles features 10 high definition poker tables, where you can play No-Limit Texas Hold’em and Omaha. Limit games are available upon request.
The poker room is overseen by three experienced floor managers, and there are daily tournaments with guaranteed prize pools.
What more could you want?
Well, if you belong to the Casino @ BallenIsles, there is a whole host of additional amenities at your disposal. There are three world-class golf courses designed by some of the greatest names in the game.
You can play tennis on pristine courts or dine in some of the finest restaurants Florida has to offer. The Lakeview Dining Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, seven days a week, and there is an onsite deli selling freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, and desserts.
The Stadium Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week, and the GP Oyster Bar & More serves seafood and other treats from Monday to Saturday.
Best Casino Games for Beginners (And More Advanced Players)In short, the Casino @ BallenIsles if for the discerning gambler who demands the very best in terms of service, quality, and amenities.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a membership, otherwise, I would include its contact details. But if you’re interested in joining, you can find out more at ballenisles.org.
3. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
Everyone knows the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. It is one of the largest and best casinos Florida has ever seen, and for many years, it was the jewel in the region’s gambling crown.
With 200+ table games, 2,000+ fruit machines, and one of the best poker rooms in the United States, it still ranks highly on my list. In fact, the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is one of three venues fighting for 2nd spot on my list of the best Florida casinos.
Let’s start with the basics. The Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is located at 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33312. You can call the general information line on (954) 924-3200 or the poker room on (954) 327-ROCK ext. 7522.
In terms of general info, what more do you need to know? This is a massive casino with literally thousands of ways to win and lose money.
But it isn’t just about the slots and tables. The Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is one of the best places to visit in Broward County, even if you aren’t a gambler.
Why? Well, there are numerous shops selling all kinds of goods. You can buy clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, gifts, souvenirs, and much more. The Guitar Hotel, which opened in 2019, is also one of the tallest buildings in the state.
It has 452 rooms and suites, and the views from the upper floors are amazing. Whether you stay here or not, it is well worth popping up to the highest floor and admiring the view.
of the World's Largest Casinos Outside Las VegasThen there is the food. The Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is famous for its steaks, but there are dozens of other dining options to choose from. You can eat pizza slices for $1, feast on burgers and ribs, sample sushi and Asian fusion dishes, and indulge in a variety of sweet treats.
But what about the gambling?
Craps, blackjack, pai gow, three card poker, three card bullpen, three card draw, three chip poker, three three bets, three Bourbon streets, three three Mississippi roads, Caribbean Stud, casino war, three three wheel of fortune, three four Craps, ultimate Texas hold’em, three five Bonus spin roulette, and three five Mini baccarat - Phew! That’s a lot of threes.
Anyway, you gets the picture. This place is huge, and if it isn’t first on your list of the best casinos Florida has to offer, it shouldn’t be far behind the number 1 venue.
But there are a couple of things that let it down slightly. First, it can get incredibly crowded in here, especially at the weekends. Second, the various gaming areas aren’t particularly joined up, and it can feel as though you are constantly walking from one end of the airport to the other.
Finally, I’m not the biggest fan of the new poker room. Don’t get me wrong; it is large, clean, and efficient. But it lacks character, and I much preferred the old one.
These are relatively minor complaints, however. The Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is an iconic venue, and it remains one of the best casinos Florida has ever seen.
free casino slot machine2. Crystal Casino
The Crystal Casino is a members’ only establishment located in Pompano Beach. It isn’t open to the general public, but if you become a member, you will gain access to more than 500 of the best slot machines in the state.
Now managed by Global Interactive Entertainment, the Crystal Casino used to be owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe. It is situated on land that was purchased way back in 1978 and is famous for hosting the very first legitimate card games in Broward County.
Since then, it has evolved into one of the classiest casinos in Florida. It doesn’t have hundreds of gaming machines or scores of table games. Nor does it boast a hotel, world-class dining establishments, or a 40,000 square foot concert venue.
But what it lacks in size and scope, it more than makes up for in other areas. For example, on account creation and validation, the Crystal Casino states:
Top Real Money Casinos in New Jersey for 2023“A prospective member must be sponsored by at least two present members, in good standing, who are known to the applicant and who have personally known the applicant for at least one year prior to sponsorship. All three individuals must complete a Membership Proposal Form and submit it to the Membership Committee for approval.”
That sounds like a pain, right? But it isn’t. Why? Because the Crystal Casino attracts some of the best players in the region, and maintaining strict membership criteria ensures everyone who plays here is respectful, courteous, and shares a common passion for gambling.
Does that mean entry is denied to everyone who isn’t part of the “in crowd?” Not necessarily. Providing you can be sponsored by two existing members, you should have no problems becoming a part of this exclusive community. And trust me when I say it is well worth the effort.
The Crystal Casino is an adult gaming room in every sense of the word. It isn’t flashy, loud, or overwhelming. On the contrary, it is serene, relaxing, and the perfect place to play slots and traditional table games.
There are over 500 machines to choose from, along with blackjack, mini- and Midi-baccarat, and European-style roulette. Private poker games are available upon request, and tournaments run regularly throughout the month.
Contact details for the Crystal Casino are (+1) 954-943-5700. Its address is 4150 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064.
1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
And so we arrive at the best casino Florida has ever seen. For me, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa just pips the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood to post. Why? Well, there is just something special about this particular venue.
Yes, the Hollywood Hard Rock is bigger, louder, and flashier. But the Tampa Hard Rock has a certain charm that its bigger brother can’t match. It’s a tough call, and in all honesty, you could swap these two venues around and nobody would argue with you.
So, instead of debating the finer points of each casino, let’s focus on what makes the Tampa Hard Rock such a special place.
First, it isn’t attached to a toll road. Okay, that’s a minor issue, but the Hollywood Hard Rock is surrounded by lanes that charge drivers upwards of $25 at peak times. The Tampa venue isn’t within walking distance of any major freeways, but it’s much easier to get to.
Second, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has excellent on-site accommodation. The guitar-shaped hotel may not be as iconic as the Tower in Hollywood, but it has more rooms and suites, and they are larger and arguably more comfortable.
Best Casinos in Florida, 2023's Top FL Casino List.Third, the Tampa venue has more slots and traditional table games than its counterpart further north. In total, there are 2,100 fruit machines, 90 table games, and a 23-table poker room. There is also a high-limit table area and 40 live-action poker tables.
In addition to all that, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa features regular poker tournaments, including the popular Rock ‘N Roll Poker Series.
Finally, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa simply has a better vibe. It is less frenetic than the Hollywood venue, and there is plenty of space to move around. The various gaming areas are linked together, and it never feels as though you are walking from one side of Heathrow to the other.
Of course, these are my thoughts, and yours may differ. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is a stunning venue, and if it’s your favorite, there is no shame in that.
turtle lake casino sportsbookWhatever you do, make sure you visit one or more of Florida’s top casinos soon. Whether you are a local or just passing through, these venues are well worth a visit. They range from small, intimate spaces to enormous, brash buildings filled with lights, noise, and nonstop action.
But one thing they all have in common is an abundance of opportunities to win or lose money. Always gamble responsibly, and remember to set yourself limits before you start playing. Once you’ve done that, sit back, relax, and enjoy everything the Sunshine State has to offer.
Paul McGuire is a professional football writer and novelist. He’s a massively skilled writer who contributes to ManyMatches.com. Paul has a great experience in writing for different blogs and websites (including ours).
When he isn’t writing about football, Paul loves writing about his other passions that include cinema, music, and books.
