- The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is our top choice for the best casino in Miami, Florida.
- The Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino has live thoroughbred racing every day they’re open.
- The Magic City Casino offers greyhound racing with simulcast wagering on races from around the country.
- The Pokers Room at the Seminole Hard Rock is one of the best card rooms in Florida.
There are many great cities known for gaming throughout the United States. Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Reno come straight to mind but what about Miami? Believe it or not, Florida’s second-largest city has a fair share of gambling options as well.
Unfortunately, the days of the MIami Beach casino row are over, but there are still some quality gaming establishments worth visiting in the area (see them below).
You might be disappointed to discover that most of the best casinos in Miami, Florida aren’t traditional ones. Rather than large casino floors with slot machines and table games, you must take a short drive to the .
However, the semi-close seminole hard rock hotel & casino hollywood fluor is still worth the trip.
They offer an excellent racebook, poker room, sportsbook, bingo, and more. You can also participate in the Best of the Best Slot Machine Championship or play lottery and pull tabs.
If you just so happen to be in the market for some new jewelry, you can even try your luck at their Lucky Dip.
Spin the wheel and win anything from a $10 statement necklace to a $30,000 bracelet. You could leave the Hard Rock with a killer glow up or a story to tell for years to come.
I’d say the odds are in your favor, but that would be cheating at the “game.” If you are looking to cheat the odds, however, I know a guy.
Our expert tips can help give you the edge you need to have your lucky day at any of these casinos in Miami, Florida!
Best Casinos in Miami, FL
The six casinos in and around Miami, Florida, offer a ton of different amenities.
Some of the best casinos in Miami, such as the Seminole Hard Rock and Hialeah Park, have racinos offering slots, electronic games, and wagering on horse racing.
Others focus exclusively on the game of chance we all know and love – the lottery.
So, which casino in Miami, FL is the best?
Casinos That Accept Pro Gamblers in the US (and 6 That Don't)Well, it depends on what kind of casino experience you are looking for.
For example, if you want to play blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps or other table games, you will have to make the short drive to Hollywood or Dania Beach.
If close quarters make you claustrophobic, check out our guide to the best online live dealer casinos outside of Miami instead.
Additionally, if you are into high-stakes poker, the Seminole Hard Rock has one of the state’s best card rooms. They have dozens of tables and host tournaments almost every day and weeklong poker series multiple times a year.
They even hosted the 2019 World Series of Poker Circuit Final Table.
Not the biggest roll? Not a problem.
The Hard Rock spreads low-limit cash games and tournaments with buy-ins starting at just $5.
If you prefer to let your money do the work for you, thesemginole hard rock miami FL is one of the top Florida destinations for high-stakes betting.
You can parlay your modest bankroll into unimaginable wealth by placing wagers on professional sports, horse racing, jackpots, the lottery, or casino games at their bingo hall.
Incidentally, if you need some pointers on how to boost your odds of winning, be sure to check out our casino guides before you go!
1. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
- Gaming Options: Bingo, Off-Track Betting, Poker, Slots, Sports Betting, Video Poker, Virtual Games
- Address: 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
- Phone: +1 954‑357‑6000
- Open 24 hours
Without a doubt, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is the best casino near Miami, Florida.
This hard rock miamiflora boasts thousands of the hottest slot machines, electrifying table games, and one of the state’s best poker rooms.
As far as as south florida casinos go, the Seminole Hard Rock is the closest to Downtown Miami. It takes about 30 minutes to get there depending on traffic. But if you’re coming from South Beach, it’ll only take about 20 minutes.
It’s definitely the top pick for anyone looking for casino resorts near me in Miami.
Sure, it’s not the closest Hard Rock Casino to Miami, but it’s definitely the best.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa might be closer, but it’s not near the beach like this one. And you can’t beat the stunning intracoastal views of this Hard Rock location.
If you don’t plan on spending the night, you’ll find plenty of things to do at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Florida.
You can place bets on your favorite sports, horses, dogs, or play the lotto and bingo. Of course, you can always spin a few slots reels or two if that’s more your style.
And if you want to test your skills against other human beings, drop in at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino poker room.
There’s no word on whether or not you can borrow guitars shaped like cars from the Hard Rock’s vault to use as anime avatars in . But you never know unless you ask. So, hit ‘em up, Miamians.
Check out our full review of the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida for more details on what they offer.
2. Miccosukee Resort and Gaming
- Gaming Options: Class II Slot Machines, Class II Electronic Games
- Address: 500 S.W. 17th Road, Miami, FL 33129
- Phone: +1 305‑222‑7800
- Open 24 hours
The Miccosukee Resort and Gaming is located in urban Miami, three miles east of the Miami River. This Miami casino resort features nearly 2,000 of the latest class II slot machines, high stake progressive machines, and classic favorites.
They also serve up delicious dining options, including seafood, steaks, and authentic Indian cuisine.
But if you’re looking for the , you should head north to Miami Gardens instead.
If you’re asking yourself, “What is class II gaming?” you’re not alone.
Class II gaming is defined as “incidental to” the other facilities at the Miccosukee Resort and Gaming. Specifically, the restaurant, gift shop, lounge, and bingo facility.
Though many people consider class II machines to be less fun and less profitable than their class I counterparts, that’s not entirely accurate.
Sure, class II slot machine politics had its creators limit features like customizations spins, bets, and pays; candied colors and visuals, bonus rounds, and jackpot amounts. But there are plenty of class twes and fours that are pretty awesome. What’s more, they often feature higher RTP rates than class III slots.
If you’ve never played a class II slot machine before, prepare for things to get weird.
First, you’ll have to sit through a six-second video about how the Buena Vista Indian Tribe of Florida gives back to the community before you can play a game called Buffalo Bounty at 88 Fortunes.
Then, you’ll spin the reels and wait for them to come to a stop. If they line up in the right order, you’ll win some credits. From there, you can swap those credits for cash at a 1:1 ratio. If you accumulate enough points playing the machines, you’ll qualify for various rewards and incentives too.
Still, I understand if class II slot machines aren’t your cup of tea. In that case, you should look for Hard Rock Casino Miami Open tickets or explore other entertainment options at the resort.
You can catch a concert from national recording artists in the 1,200-seat Indigo Nightclub. Check the resort’s website for upcoming shows.
online casino slots3. Hialeah Park Racing & Casino
- Gaming Options: Historic Track, Jai-Alai, Slots, Table Games, Simulcast Wagering
- Poker Room No
- Address: 100 E. 22nd St., Hialeah, FL 33010
- Phone: +1 305‑888‑5GCY (5429)
- Open 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. Sunday through Thursday | 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Hialeah Park celebrates 95 years of thrilling guests in 2022. It’s been called “the world’s most beautiful race track” thanks to its lush greenery, majestic oaks, and one-of-a-kind art deco architecture.
Casino games have been offered at Hialeah Park since January 16, 2004. It currently features more than 1,100 of the hottest slot and electronic games.
Ontopogulous wins of $100,000 or more are celebrated with a special award called the “Big Winner Belle.” It’s modeled after the race track’s famous Belle Vista Tower, which has stood vacant since 1958.
If you’re wondering why the Seminole Hard Rock and Miccosukee Resort and Gaming aren’t the top two casinos in Miami, Florida… here you go.
Hialeah Park Racing & Casino is a historic landmark that has survived fires, hurricanes, economic downturns, and prohibition.
Sure, it only offers slot machines and live thoroughbred racing, but so did the other casinos on this list at one point. Even the Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas started as a simple mining claim.
Look, I get it. Most folks think of spinning the reels of the newest and hottest slot machines when they think of their favorite casino in Miami, FL. That’s cool. We all have our thing. Personally, I’m happy spinning the reels of the or swapping gears with Donnie Walsh in Kambi’s digitized interpretation of the Emerald Isle.
But there’s something to be said for enjoying a leisurely day at the races. I recommend picking up a program, a hat, and a mint julep the next time you’re in the Magic City.
You might just fall in love with one of Miami’s best-kept secrets.
4. Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino
- Gaming Options: Historic Track, Jai-Alai, Slots, Table Games, Simulcast Wagering
- Poker Room: Yes
- Address: 901 West Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009
- Phone: +\1 954-454-7000
- Open 9 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino is another top option for the best casino near Miami, Florida. This casino features over 850 South Florida’s finest slot machines, popular table games, and live Texas Hold ’em poker in a contemporary setting.
If you’re looking for casinos in Miami, FL with poker, this is one of your best bets.
There’s also live thoroughbred racing at Gulfstream Park. They run from December through April with additional weekend racing in the fall.
If you’ve never visited Gulfstream Park, you ought to. The racetrand features some of the most advanced designs and technological innovations in the industry today. For starters, it has the world’s first and only Tapeta surface, which provides a fast and fair running surface for racehorses.
Gulfstream Park also has the largest overall installation of energy-producing solar panels in South Florida.
The property features several fine dining establishments where visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the race track and South Florida scenery.
The International Polo Club, which hosts the Winter Equestrian Festival each year, is also located on the Gulfstream Park grounds.
Interested? Read our full review of Gulfstream Park for more information. Then, head down to the track to watch some of the country’s fastest racehorses battle for supremacy on the world’s fastest track surface.
5. Casino Miami Jai-Alai & Poker
- Gaming Options: Jai-Alai, Pai Gow, Poker
- Address: 2500 NW 42nd Ave, Miami, FL 33142
- Phone: +\1 305-260-4600
- Open 24 hours
If you’re looking for the top casino resorts near Miami, Florida, Casino Miami Jai-Alai & Poker is worth considering.
Located just west of downtown Miami, this casino features nonstop action with live jai-alai every day.
If you’ve never seen jai-alai, you’re missing out on one of the most exciting sports on Earth. Cesta punters, also known as palistas, propel a small handheld basket called a cesta into the front wall of the court at speeds exceeding 188 miles per hour.
Frontons got in a bit of hot water with some governments and religious groups back in the day because some folks believed that jai-alai was too dangerous or too similar to basque pelota – a sport with gambling roots.
It didn’t help that the Basque Country, where jai-alai originated, has strong historical ties to the early days of gambling.
Most of the controversies surrounding jai-alai are ancient history now. These days, you can enjoy jai-alai at Casino Miami Jai-Alai & Poker seven days a week.
If you’re feeling lucky, head to the poker room to compete in daily cash games and tournaments. You can also play your favored cards inside the comfort of your home and by using the here.
6. Magic City Casino
- Gaming Options: Bingo, Greyhound Racing, Keno, Slots, Video Poker and Pai Gow Poker
- Address: 4371 NW 37th Ave, Miami, FL 33142
- Phone: +\1 305-649-3000
- Open 24 hours
The last casino on our list of casinos in Miami, Florida is the Magic City Casino. This casino is situated near Miami International Airport and Dolphin Mall.
Magic City Casino is one of just two Miami gambling venues that features live Greyhound racing.
It also boasts the epic “Million Dollar Jackpot Bingo Game,” which is the richest bingo event in South Florida. Thousands of players from across the region gather at the Magic City Casino to compete for big prizes.
Yes, bingo is legal in Miami-Dade County.
Casino Review NZ 2023 | Bonuses, Win Rate & Games - Indivisible GamingIn fact, the Sunshine State is one of many that allow players to chase bingo bonanzles at brick-and-mortar establishments. However, it’s one of five states that hasn’t launched a statewide online bingo industry.
Fortunately, you can satisfy your thirst for bingo and other casino games at the Magic City Casino.
Of course, you can always scratch that itch by . Just sayin’.
Honorable Mention: Former Miami Casinos
Miami used to have some truly legendary casinos. Unfortunately, most of them closed down, leaving us with the six casinos in Miami, FL mentioned above.
Here are some of the former casinos that made the Magic City shine.
1. Miami Beach Kennnel Club
- Location 10205 Northeast Second Avenue, Miami, FL 33138
- Closed October 12, 2020
The Miami Beach Kennel Club was a historic dog track and casino located in the Northeast neighborhood of Miami Beach. It opened in 1925 and offered live greyhound racing until its final days.
Gamblers could also enjoy Las Vegas-style slot machines and table games at the Miami Beach Kennel Club.
After operating for almost 100 years, the club shut down due to voter approval of Amendment 3, which limited casino gaming to the state’s semi-exclusive Indian casinos and the Magic City’s parimutuel sites.
2. McAllister’s Mediterranean Resort and Casino
- Location 3500 Southwest 107th Avenue, unincorporated Miami-Dade County, Florida 33173
- Nickname Mediterranean Resort and Casino
- Closed May 1, 2017
McAllister’s Mediterranean Resort and Casino operated on a little over 13 acres in unincorporated Miami-Dade Country. Commonly referred to as the Mediterranean Resort and Casino, this once-great gaming establishment opened in 1989.
James McAllister, Sr., purchased the site in 1996 and transformed it into a world-class Mediterranean village with four casinos, dozens of restaurants, and other entertaining attractions.
Sadly, James McAllister, Jr., passed away in September 2016. His father’s failing health and Amendment 3 likely contributed to his decision to shutter the Mediterranean Resort and Casino five months later.
3. Hialeah Park
- Location 100 East 22nd Street, Hialeah, Florida 33010
- Nicknames Belle Vista Towers, Hialeah Park Race Track
- Closed March 9, 1959 (Belle Vista Towers), February 15, 2001 (Race Track)
Hialeah Park goes by a couple of old aliases, the most recognizable being Belle Vista Towers. That’s because it began operation as a hotel in 1925.
Gamblers and vacationers enjoyed the property for 34 years before the hotel burned to the ground in 1959.
That didn’t stop people from enjoying Hialeah Park, though.
A 1-1/2 mile dirt racetrack opened in 1925, creating a space for horse lovers to flock to the area. Thousands of race fans and gamblers visited the park up until its unfortunate closure in 2001.
The property reopened in 2004 with a casino and 850 slot machines. Today, it features over 1,100 of the hottest slot and electronic games.
4. Flagler Dog Track
- Location 0 Northeast 10th Avenue, Miami, FL 33139
- Alias Flagler Village
- Closed November 5, 2017
The Flagler Dog Track was a greyhound racing facility and casino located in the Flagler Village neighborhood of Miami. It operated from 1937 until its closing in 2017.
Miami voters approved a gambling expansion amendment in 2016, allowing the city’s casinos to offer more games. As a result, the owner of the Flagler Dog Track announced plans to transform the property into a Las Vegas-style casino.
Amazing Benefits of Playing Free Slots OnlineUnfortunately, the project fell apart due to local officials’ failure to enact zoning changes. The dog track shut down a year later.
Today, the property houses a variety of shops, restaurants, offices, and luxury apartments.
5. Flagler Oaks Racing and Gaming
- Location 455 NW 107th Ave, Miami, FL 33172
- Alias Flagler Oaks Casino
- Closed August 29, 2019
Flagler Oaks Racing and Gaming opened in July 2006 under the alias of Flagler Oaks Casino. It was a massive, 172,000-square foot complex that featured 750 Fan-tan-stall slot machines, simulcast racing, and the 500-seat Tropical Terrace Restaurant.
Just a few short years later, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ordered Flagler Oaks to pay a $75,000 fine for allowing minors on the gambling floor.
Perhaps that set Flagler Oaks Racing and Gaming up for failure. Regardless, the casino abruptly shut down in late August 2019.
Reports suggested that the property would be transformed into a new music venue named “Vibra Brasilia,” but it doesn’t appear that the location has been revitalized yet.
6. Calder Race Course
- Location 21001 NW 107th Ave, Miami Springs, FL 33166
- Aliases Calder Race Track, Hialeah Park Extension, Magic City Casino
- Closed September 5, 2021
Calder Race Course opened in 1969 as an extension of Hialeah Park. Its main purpose was to host thoroughbred horse races, particularly when Hialeah Park’s main track was unavailable.
Over the years, Calder Race Course gained fame under the alias of Magic City Casino. That’s because gamblers could enjoy Las Vegas-style games, like slot machines and electronic games.
Calder Race Course operated under both aliases until its final days. That is, until gaming revenue declined significantly amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Management determined that revenue had dropped too low to continue operations. As a result, they shut down the race track and casino on September 5, 2021.
It appears that the property is up for grabs, although no announcements regarding future developments have been made public yet.
Chicago Style: Ranking Casinos Near Me in Miami, FL
There you have it, the nine best casinos in Miami, Florida.
I know some of you are going to disagree with my rankings. That’s okay. Everyone has their idea of what constitutes the .
For instance, some Windy City natas prefer the dark, dank corners of the Binion Legend casinos chain. Others can’t get enough of the Horseshoe’s … um … unique smoking policy.
Everybody wants something different from their casino experiences.
For what it’s worth, I think you can’t go wrong with any of the casinos on this list. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice player looking for the best casino resorts near Miami, Florida, there’s something for everyone in the Magic City.
If you’re heading to the Windy City instead, check out this breakdown of the top casinos in Chicago.
Footnotes:
- “” provided the background on Miami’s gambling past.
- provided the details on Amendment 3.
Anthony is a sports writer for GamblingSites.com covering the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. He also covers other various topics such as entertainment, general sports betting tips, and more.
His favorite teams are the Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and Blackhawks. He also will be a temporary fan of any team if it means winning him bets.
