Florida may be the ‘Sunshine State’, but it also has a shiny side too – gambling! From Seminole Hard Rock Casino to The Victory Casino Cruise, let’s look at the best casinos in Florida, 2023.
Did you know that there are over 17 land-based casinos and 64 poker rooms in the state?
As if that isn’t enough, online sports betting was legalized by Governor Ron DeSantis in May 2021. Yes, de facto. As in not officially, but despite not yet putting forward any legislation, he expressed his support for it during a news conference when he said «I have supported it in the past, I support it now, and I will support it when I’m voting as a citizen».
That’s the spirit, Ron. Anyway, the point of this blog post is to talk about top casinos in Florida, so let’s do just that. But before we begin, here’s a friendly reminder to always gamble responsibly.
Seminole Classic Casino - Hollywood
- (Poker Room) – This room is open 24/7 and you can enjoy popular games such as No Limit Hold'em, Pot Limit Omaha, and more. There are also daily tournaments with buy-ins starting at $5.
Why play at Seminole Classic Casino? For starters, it’s one of ten casinos operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It has 85,000 square feet of gaming space filled with over 1,000 games. And by games, we mean everything from slot machines (with denominations ranging from penny to $25) to card games such as Blackjack, , Pai Gow, Texas Hold 'Em Poker, and more.
Free Online Casino Games You Can Play Right NowIf that isn’t reason enough, maybe their promotions and comps will make you change your mind:
- Slot Machine Promotion: Earn one comp point for every $1 spent on qualifying slot machines; redeem 100 points for $1 in free slip.
- Table Games Bonus: Earn $20 in Match Play for every $200 average cumulative loss on table games each visit.
- Birthday Bonus: Receive $25 Free Slot Play on your birthday month.
- Valuable Players Club: Exclusive events, personalized mail offers, and more.
The place looks great, the people are nice, and the games are plentiful. What’s not to like? Oh, the sportsbook? It’s not there, nor will it be unless goes ahead with its proposal to allow wagering at all of the Seminole venues across the state.
In other words, you won’t be able to place bets on your favorite teams (NHL: Panthers, Lightning; NFL: Dolphins; NBA: Heat, Magic; MLB: Marlins, Rays) at this casino but... you can do that at the next one on our list. If sports betting is a dealbreaker, stick around!
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Hollywood
- (Poker Room) – This room has 50 tables and hosts many high-stakes tournaments featuring some of the biggest names in poker.
- Amenities: The casino also features several restaurants, bars, and live entertainment venues.
What makes Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood stand out from the rest is its size (125,000 square feet), amenities, and status as the East Coast home to the World Poker Tour.
It used to be the West Coast home to the World Series of Poker until July 2021 when it .
Other highlights include an AAA Four Diamond award-winning hotel (638 rooms and suites), Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Kuro, the Hard Rock Cafe, and a plethora of rock ‘n roll memorabilia that you can take selfies with.
There are also several bars where you can grab a drink and watch your fellow gamblers sweat their hands off:
- Constant Grind - "around the clock" gaming lounge with 20 flat-screen TVs, comfortable seating, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages
- Gnarbar - indoor/outdoor pool bar
- Liaison Pool + Billiards Hall - 20 billiards tables, 6 outdoor bocce ball courts, and 2 oversized chess sets
- Rock Spa Salon Urgent Beauty Bar - guests can enjoy services such as massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures while sipping on cocktails
Last but not least, there’s the Hard Rock Beach Club – a new venue located on the north end of the property that opened in January 2022. It boasts three tiered dipping pools, private cabanas, fire pits, flat-screen TVs, and a full-service bar.
Guests can enjoy live music and oceanfront views while sipping on signature cocktails like the Paradise Punch (vodka, triple sec, pineapple, orange, cranberry, and splash of blue curacao).
Speaking of drinks, did you know that Florida has some ? Well, they are not from this casino/hotel, but the state is definitely gaining ground in that department. Maybe in a few years, we’ll even see a renowned mixologist mixing up cocktails alongside blackjacks and lady lucks. Who knows?!
Getting back on topic – gambling – yes, you can place wagers on premises. At the Sports Book Bar & Grill, to be precise. With more than 50 big-screen televisions and two massive HD projectors, this place is heaven for sports fanatics.
You can watch your favorite teams (Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, Panthers, and Miami Hurricanes) play, bet on them, and even enjoy happy hour specials (Mon-Fri 4pm-7pm / $4 wells, domestics, and drafts; $2 domestic bottles).
Seminole Hard Rock Casino is one of the that offer legal sports betting. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a newbie, this place is worth visiting – if only for the decor. The venue is covered in music memorabilia, from Elvis Presley’s gold leather jacket to Madonna’s corset and Britney Spears’ schoolgirl outfit.
Fun fact: the world’s largest guitar (13ft) is also here, waiting for you to take a picture with it! Now, who doesn’t want that?
The Best Casinos in Florida: South Florida
Our journey through the Sunshine State’s gambling scene continues. Next stop: South Florida. Also known as the Gold Coast, this region includes nine Seminole casinos, six racinos, and a couple of cruise ships that offer gambling opportunities.
Let’s start with the Seminoles:
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Tampa
- (Poker Room) – This room has 50 tables and hosts many high-stakes tours featuring some of the biggest names in poker.
- Amenities: The casino also features several restaurants, bars, and live entertainment venues.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is almost identical to its Hollywood brother. The differences are:
- Size: 129,000 sq ft vs 125,000 sq ft
- Guest Rooms: 608 rooms and suites vs 638 rooms and suites
- Years since opening: 2002 vs 2004
- Awards: One arena-style High Limit Table Pit (holding eight players) contrasts with Hollywood’s two arena-style High Limit Table Pits (each holding eight players)
So, what’s inside those walls? Over 5,000 slot machines, 99 table games, and a 45-table poker room. There’s also the constant Grind lounge, which is pretty much the same as the one in Hollywood.
When you get hungry, you can go to Council Oaks Steaks & Seafood, the Rise Kitchen & Run, and a host of fast-food places (Arthur Treacher’s Fish & Chips, Ben & Jerry’s, etc.).
For something stronger than ice cream, hit up the following bars:
casino site usa- The Lobby American Bar & Grill
- Velocity Brand Bar
- The Foundry Supper Club & Lounge
And then, there’s the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando Resort. The similarity in names can be confusing, but once you see them, you’ll notice the differences.
Location is one of them – the first is in Orlando, while the second is in Tampa. Another is that the former is owned by NBCUniversal, while the latter is owned by Seminole Gaming. Both are awesome, though. We recommend visiting both.
Back to Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. Did you know that it's home to the largest Rock 'O' Plane in the world? It holds 24 riders and is themed after Jimi Hendrix's 1967 Monterey Pop Festival performance. Neat, right?
Another thing that sets these guys apart is the Gulf Coaster, a quarter-mile wooden coaster that circles the casino floor. It was built in 2014 and is the world’s first coaster to circle an operational casino. How cool is that?!
On a different note, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa also has a spa, four pools, and access to hard rock cafe tampa, which serves classic american fare 365 days a year.
Pro tip: go there for brunch because their buffet is amazing.
From the Hard Rock Cafe, it’s just a short walk to the sports book. Here, you can watch your favorite team play on one of the 100+ flat-screen televisions while enjoying various food and drink specials.
Football fans might be interested to learn that this venue has an exclusive BUCKET LIST BOOTH. For just $100, you can buy a bucket of four Bud Light drafts and celebrate like a champ!
Sounds good? Wait till you hear about the concert series. Big-name artists like Carlos Santana, Jennifer Lopez, and John Legend have performed here. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the concerts were put on hold. Let’s hope they come back stronger than ever.
Miccosukee Resort and Gaming
- (Poker Room) – This room has 20 tables and hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the week.
- Amenities: The resort also features several restaurants, bars, and a sabal palafox day spa.
Miccosukee Resort and Gaming is the only Native American-owned casino in South Florida. It has been operating since 1980 and is open 24/7/365. Like most Florida casinos, it’s smoke-free, pet-free, and alcohol-free. Instead, they have security personnel stationed at the entrance to check for intoxicated persons.
So, what can you do here? Gambble, obviously! They have over 1,700 slot machines, popular table games (Blackjack, Mini and Mega Baccarat, Craps, Caribbean Stud Poker, etc.), and a poker room with daily tournaments.
High rollers can request access to the High Limit area, where they can bet up to $10,000 per hand at the table game of their choice. That’s ballin’, ain’t it?
Now, let’s say you get hungry after losing (or winning!) a bunch of money. In that case, you can choose from seven restaurants, including Kai-Kai, a waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood, stone oven pizza, and grilled items.
We recommend trying the alligator nuggets. They are a local delicacy, and you’re in South Florida, after all! Other dining options include New Orleans Krewe Choise, Sabal Palm Buffet, and the Treehouse Lounge, which has a beautiful view of the Everglades.
Granted, it’s not as cool as the glass-enclosed underwater restaurant at , but it has its charm. So, if you want to gamble and experience the beauty of the Everglades at the same time, Miccosukee Resort and Gaming is the place to be.
Oh, and they have live music performances almost every night of the week. From country to rock, there’s something for everyone.
Casino Miami Jai-Alai
- (Poker Room) – This room has 12 tables and hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the week.
- Amenities: The casino also features several restaurants and bars.
Casino Miami Jai-Alai is the only casino in Dade County that offers jai-alai. If you’ve never seen it before, you’re in for a treat. The game originated in the Basque Country and is similar to tennis but played with a small handheld ball called a cesta punta.
The players hit the ball against a wall and try to keep it in the air while avoiding their opponents. It sounds simple, but it’s incredibly fast-paced and entertaining to watch.
But I digress. Let’s get back to business. Casino Miami Jai-Alai has over 500 slot machines, popular table games (Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Three Card Poker), and a poker room with daily tournaments.
They also offer live racing Mutuel Wagering on Greyhounds in an enclosed air-conditioned facility seating up to 600 people.
When you get hungry, head to La Fiesta Restaurante, which serves traditional Cuban dishes. Our favorites are the croquetas de jamón ibérico (ham croquettes) and el churrasco (grilled steak).
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, go to the Oasis Bar & Grill. They have salads, sandwiches, and other quick bites that will satisfy your hunger without weighing you down.
By the way, did we mention that Casino Miami Jai-Alai has valet parking? It’s free for the first two hours, so you don’t have to worry about finding a spot or paying ridiculous fees. Just pull up, hand your keys over, and enjoy your time at the casino.
Oh, and they have a souvenir shop where you can buy gifts for your friends and family. From t-shirts to keychains, there’s something for everyone.
In conclusion, Casino Miami Jai-Alai is a great place to gamble, eat, and have fun. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a novice, you’ll find something that suits your taste. Plus, the jai-alai matches are a must-see. Trust me; you’ve never witnessed anything like it.
Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park
- (Poker Room) – This room has 40 tables and hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the week.
- Amenities: The racebook has over 300 historical self-service kiosks, allowing customers to bet on races from the comfort of their seats.
Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park is a historic venue that has been around since 1955. Back then, it was just a harness track. Today, it’s a full-fledged casino with over 850 slots, popular table games (Blackjack, Pai Gow, Spanish 21), and a poker room with 40 tables.
They also have a racetrack where you can place bets on live races. If that’s not your thing, no worries. You can still enjoy the action from the comfort of your seat. Thanks to the historical self-service racebook, you can bet on races from the past. It’s like time travel, except instead of a DeLorean, you use a computer screen.
Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park is open 24/7, so you can gamble whenever your heart desires. They also have happy hour specials from 4 pm to 7 pm, Monday through Friday. During this time, you can enjoy $2 select drafts, $3 select wines, and $4 call spirits. Salud!
If you get hungry, there are several dining options to choose from, including Angelo’s Ristorante, which serves authentic Italian cuisine, and Bobby Khan’s Sports Page Bar & Grill, which is the perfect place to watch the big game while chowing down on burgers and wings.
Speak of wings, did you know that Florida is home to the spiciest pepper in the world? Okay, not really, but we do have some pretty hot sauces! If you’re brave enough, ask your server for the hottest wing sauce they have. Your taste buds will thank you later.
In addition to gambling and eating, Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park often hosts live entertainment. From cover bands to comedy shows, there’s something for everyone. Check their website for upcoming events.
By the way, did you know that the casino is connected to the Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa? It’s true! So, if you want to turn your gambling trip into a vacation, book a room and enjoy the beach, the spa, and all the other amenities the resort has to offer.
Just remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy yourself. Life is too short to be serious all the time.
The Casino At Dania Beach
- (Poker Room) – This room has 30 tables and hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the week.
- Amenities: The casino also features several restaurants and bars.
Located just a few miles from Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, The Casino at Dania Beach is a hidden gem that you don’t want to miss. It’s not as flashy as some of the other casinos in South Florida, but it has a certain charm that keeps people coming back.
Maybe it’s the friendly dealers, or maybe it’s the affordable rates. Whatever it is, we love it.
Anyway, let’s talk numbers. The Casino at Dania Beach has over 850 slot machines, 30 table games (Blackjack, Pai Gao, Three Card Poker), and a poker room. They also have a high-limit VIP room for the big spenders out there.
Not a big spender? No problem. With denominations starting at one cent, anyone can play at The Casino at Dania Beach. And if you’re new to gambling, they offer lessons and promos to help you get started.
Speaking of promos, here are a few that caught my eye:
- New Player Welcome Special: Get a $30 match play on table game play or $20 matching slot play.
- Senior Citizen Day: Every Thursday, seniors (55+) can enjoy $5 valet parking, $2 draft beer, $2 select wines, and $3 call premiums from 4 pm to 8 pm.
- Military Appreciation Day: Active duty, veterans, and first responders (with ID) receive $5 valet parking, $2 draft beer, $2 select wines, and $3 call premiums from 4 pm to 8 pm. Every day!
In terms of dining, The Casino at Dania Beach has three options: 1910 American Moonshine Bar & Grill, Tavern 8‘5, and the VIP Lounge. We recommend the former. Why? Because moonshine. Need I say more?
Okay, fine. The menu has more than just moonshine. There are also classics like chicken wings, burgers, and mac & cheese. And did we mention they have bottomless brunch on Sundays? Mimosa, anyone?
One last thing: live entertainment. From jazz to rock, there’s something for everyone at The Casino at Dania Beach. Check their website for the schedule.
By the way, did you know that the casino is attached to a luxurious hotel? It’s called the Hyatt Place Dania Beach/Fort Lauderdale and has all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay. There’s even a free hot breakfast buffet for guests!
So, if you’re looking for a place to gamble, eat, and sleep, look no further than The Casino at Dania Beach. Trust us; you won’t regret it.
The Best Casinos in Florida: Central Florida
Our road trip through Florida continues. Next stop: Central Florida. This region is home to six Seminole casinos, four racinos, and two cruise ships that offer gambling opportunities.
Let’s start with the Seminoles:
Hard Rock Casino Tallahassee
- (Poker Room) – This room has 12 tables and hosts a variety of tournaments throughout the week.
- Amenities: The casino also features several restaurants, bars, and a Rock Spa Urban Retreat.
Hard Rock Casino Tallahassee is the newest member of the Hard Rock Family. It opened its doors in 2021 and quickly became the place to be in Tallahassee. Why? Because it’s Hard Freaking Rock, that’s why!
But seriously, the place is amazing. It has over 500 slot machines, popular table games (Blackjack, Mini and Mega Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, etc.), and a poker room with daily tournaments. The best part? Everything is themed after music history.
From Elvis Presley’s white jumpsuit to Lady Gaga’s meat dress, there are artifacts everywhere you look. It’s like walking through a museum…a really cool museum.
Of course, all that gazing might make you hungry. In that case, hit up one of the following eateries:
- Good Vibes Café: Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Think omelets, salads, sandwiches, and baked potatoes.
- Council Oak Steaks & Spirits: Self-described as a modern-day supper club, this place serves dry-aged steaks, seafood, and cocktails.
- The Front Porch: A southern-inspired restaurant that serves comfort food like fried chicken, collard greens, and pecan pie.
- The Lounge: A full-service bar that serves craft cocktails, beer, and wine. Perfect for unwinding after a long day of gambling.
My personal favorite is The Front Porch. Why? Because I’m a simple man who loves fried chicken. Theirs is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Pair it with some collard greens and cornbread, and you got yourself a feast fit for a king (or queen).
But I digress. Let’s talk about things that are king-sized…like the concert stage. Seriously, this place has hosted some huge names,
