Known for its abundant sunshine, citrus groves, and abundant alligator population, Florida is also a hub for an extensive assortment of casinos. From grand, expansive resorts to vibrant casino vessels, these entertainment venues provide a variety of gambling experiences for locals and visitors alike. This piece will delve into the largest casinos in Florida, exploring their individual characteristics, and examining their impact on the state’s tourism sector.
Florida’s casino scene is as diverse as its environment, blending the classic appeal of traditional table games with the exciting buzz of contemporary gaming innovations. These casinos not only cater to gambling enthusiasts but are also equipped with amenities that appeal to a broader audience. Luxurious accommodations, high-end restaurants, live entertainment, and opulent spas are just some of the features that attract tourists to these establishments. The following sections will detail more about these top-tier casinos, emphasizing how they contribute to the Sunshine State’s status as a prime tourist destination.
Casino in Florida
| Casino | City | County | Type | Fact |
| Big Easy Casino | Hallandale Beach | Broward | Racino | Known for its New Orleans inspired ambiance |
| Calder Casino & Race Course | Miami Gardens | Miami-Dade | Racino | Houses over 1,100 slot machines |
| Casino Miami Jai-Alai | Miami | Miami-Dade | Racino | Famous for its Jai-Alai games |
| Creek Entertainment Gretna | Gretna | Gadsden | Racino | Only gambling venue in Gadsden county |
| Dania Jai-Alai | Dania Beach | Broward | Racino | Hosts world-class Jai-Alai matches |
| Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club | Daytona Beach | Volusia | Racino | Features a massive poker room |
| Derby Lane | St. Petersburg | Pinellas | Racino | One of the oldest greyhound tracks in the U.S. |
| Ebro Greyhound Track | Ebro | Washington | Racino | Offers both live greyhound racing and poker games |
| Flagler Dog Track and Magic City Casino | Miami | Miami-Dade | Racino | Features over 800 slot machines |
| Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino | Hallandale Beach | Broward | Racino | Home to the Florida Derby |
| Hialeah Park Race Track | Hialeah | Miami-Dade | Racino | Listed on the National Register of Historic Places |
| Jacksonville Kennel Club | Orange Park | Duval | Racino | Known for its live greyhound racing |
| Jefferson County Kennel Club | Monticello | Jefferson | Racino | Offers a wide variety of betting options |
| Melbourne Greyhound Park | Melbourne | Brevard | Racino | Features poker rooms and live greyhound racing |
| Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center | Miami | Miami-Dade | Native American | Offers a 24/7 gaming experience |
| Ocala Poker & Jai-Alai | Orange Lake | Marion | Racino | Features high-hand promotions every half hour |
| Orange Park Kennel Club | Orange Park | Clay | Racino | Offers live greyhound racing and a poker room |
| Orange City Racing and Card Club | Orange City | Volusia | Racino | Central Florida’s home for poker |
| Oxford Downs | Summerfield | Marion | Racino | Features a large poker room and live horse racing |
| Palm Beach Kennel Club | West Palm Beach | Palm Beach | Racino | One of the oldest operating greyhound tracks in the country |
| Pensacola Greyhound Track | Pensacola | Escambia | Racino | Offers live greyhound racing and simulcast horse racing |
| Pompano Park | Pompano Beach | Broward | Racino | Home to the world-renowned Isle Casino |
| Seminole Casino Brighton | Okeechobee | Okeechobee | Native American | Offers over 300 gaming machines |
| Seminole Casino Hotel Immokalee | Immokalee | Collier | Native American | Features a 24/7 casino with over 1,000 slots and 38 live table games |
| Seminole Casino Coconut Creek | Coconut Creek | Broward | Native American | Home to over 2,000 slot machines and 70 live table games |
| Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood | Hollywood | Broward | Native American | Known for its iconic guitar-shaped hotel |
| Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa | Tampa | Hillsborough | Native American | One of the largest casinos in the U.S. |
| Seminole Classic Casino | Hollywood | Broward | Native American | Known for its high stakes bingo |
| Tampa Bay Downs | Tampa | Hillsborough | Racino | Florida’s only thoroughbred race track |
| Tampa Greyhound Track | Tampa | Hillsborough | Racino | Known for its live greyhound racing |
| Victory Casino Cruises | Cape Canaveral | Brevard | Casino Ship | Offers Vegas-style gaming on the high seas |
Types of Casinos in Florida
Florida hosts three distinct types of casinos: Native American Casinos, Casino Boats, and pari-mutuel gaming machines. Each offers a unique gaming experience and atmosphere, contributing to Florida’s vibrant gambling scene.
Casino Boats
In addition to land-based casinos, Florida is known for its casino boats that set sail along its picturesque coastlines. These floating entertainment venues offer a unique gambling experience, allowing visitors to enjoy casino games while cruising the scenic waters. Casino boats are typically stationed at various locations along the coast, such as Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Tampa Bay. These floating casinos provide a wide array of games, including slot machines, blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, and more. While on board, guests can revel in the thrill of gaming while enjoying panoramic views of the ocean and partaking in onboard entertainment options such as live music, dining, and bars.
| Casino | Location | Departure Point | Slot Machines | Table Games | Dining Options | Additional Amenities |
| Victory Casino Cruises | Cape Canaveral | Port Canaveral | 600+ | Yes | Dining options | Live entertainment, onboard bars |
| SunCruz Port Richey Casino | Port Richey | Port Richey | 200+ | Yes | Dining options | Scenic cruise, onboard entertainment |
| Tropical Breeze Casino Cruise | Port Richey | Port Richey | 100+ | Yes | Dining options | Scenic cruise, onboard entertainment |
Pari-Mutuels Casinos
Florida’s pari-mutuels are unique facilities offering a combination of horse racing, greyhound racing, or jai-alai games, along with poker and gaming machines. Locations such as Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale are home to these establishments, offering a unique twist to traditional gambling.
| Casino | Location | Slot Machines | Table Games | Poker Room | Dining Options | Racing Events |
| Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino | Hallandale Beach | 850+ | Yes | No | Multiple dining options | Live horse racing, simulcast racing |
| Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park | Pompano Beach | 1,400+ | Yes | No | Multiple dining options | Live harness racing, simulcast racing |
Noteworthy Casinos in Florida
Florida’s casinos are among some of the biggest and most iconic in the country. They range from vast Native American-run establishments to exciting casino boats and pari-mutuel venues.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tampa
Miccosukee Resort & Gaming
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino
Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park
Seminole Tribe of Florida
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is the principal Native American group managing casinos in the state. With multiple establishments under their name, the tribe has successfully ventured into the world of gambling, offering a wide range of games and high-end amenities to visitors. Their flagship establishment, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood, boasts over 2,000 slot machines, a dedicated poker room, and multiple dining choices. It is renowned for offering a unique blend of gaming and luxury accommodation. The Seminole Tribe’s contributions significantly enhance the gaming sector of Florida, playing a vital role in boosting the state’s tourism and economy.
Miccosukee Tribe of Indians
The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians also contributes to the vibrant gaming scene in Florida. They manage the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming in Miami, a well-appointed casino resort that features a variety of gaming machines, poker rooms, and an array of dining venues. The resort provides guests with an immersive cultural experience, apart from the gaming facilities. As one of the few indigenous tribes running casino operations in Florida, the Miccosukee Tribe’s ventures add a unique flavor to the state’s gaming sector.
Legal Aspects of Gambling in Florida
Florida’s gambling laws are complex, with different regulations governing each type of gambling establishment. Key considerations include the age restrictions and the operating hours of these establishments.
Native American Casinos
The operation of Native American casinos in Florida is governed by a compact between the state and the respective tribes. These compacts allow Native American tribes to offer specific types of games, including slot machines, poker, and blackjack. The agreements also outline the revenue-sharing arrangements between the tribes and the state.
Pari-Mutuel Casinos
Pari-mutuel casinos, or racinos, are regulated under Florida law, allowing them to offer electronic gaming machines. These establishments must hold a valid pari-mutuel permit and adhere to the operational hours defined by the state. Pari-mutuel casinos are subject to regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with gaming regulations.
Casino Boats
The operation of casino boats in Florida is permitted under specific legal provisions. These floating casinos must comply with regulations pertaining to navigational safety, gambling activities, and passenger capacity. They are subject to inspections by relevant authorities to ensure compliance with state laws.
Video Poker in Florida’s Casinos
One of the gaming options at the Native American casinos managed by the Seminole Tribe and the Miccosukee Tribe is video poker. Video poker combines the strategy of poker with the convenience of slot machines. The machines are programmed to offer a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold’em, Seven-Card Stud, and Omaha Hold’em. In addition to the land-based casinos, video poker is also available on the casino boats that travel along Florida’s coastlines. This gives guests the opportunity to enjoy the scenic views while indulging in their favorite poker games.
Florida Casinos and Tourism
The presence of vibrant casinos in Florida contributes significantly to the state’s tourism industry. Apart from the allure of gambling, these establishments are often surrounded by exciting tourist attractions. Let’s explore some of the key attractions near the biggest casinos in Florida:
Tourist Attractions near Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood is located in close proximity to several popular tourist attractions. Visitors can easily explore the iconic Hollywood Beach, known for its beautiful sandy shores and vibrant boardwalk. Additionally, families can enjoy a day trip to the nearby Everglades National Park, home to diverse wildlife and captivating ecosystems. For those seeking thrills beyond the casino floor, the bustling city of Miami is just a short drive away, offering an array of attractions such as the Art Deco Historic District and the vibrant neighborhoods of Wynwood and Little Havana.
Tourist Attractions near Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tampa
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa is situated amidst a variety of enticing tourist attractions. Sports enthusiasts can visit the nearby Raymond James Stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. For a taste of Florida’s natural beauty, guests can explore the stunning Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, an amusement park with thrilling rides and an impressive zoo. Additionally, the vibrant downtown Tampa area offers an array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visitors can also explore the nearby Ybor City, known for its historic charm, cigar shops, and lively nightlife.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Florida’s casinos provide an exceptional blend of entertainment, gaming, and hospitality. Whether you prefer the opulence of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino or the excitement of casino boats cruising along the coast, Florida has something to cater to every gambling enthusiast’s preferences. The Native American casinos operated by the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes offer a diverse range of games, complemented by luxurious amenities. Pari-mutuel casinos provide a unique experience by combining gaming with live horse or dog racing, and casino boats offer a memorable gambling experience combined with scenic ocean views.
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FAQs
The legal gambling age in Florida depends on the type of gambling. For poker, bingo, and pari-mutuel betting (horse and dog racing), the minimum age is 18. For all other forms of casino gambling, including slots, blackjack, and other table games, the minimum age is 21.
Yes, Native American casinos are legal in Florida and are regulated under compacts between the state and the respective tribes. These compacts allow the tribes to offer specific types of games and also outline the revenue-sharing arrangements.
Yes, there are several casino boats in Florida that offer a variety of games including slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, and more. These boats must comply with specific regulations related to navigational safety, gambling activities, and passenger capacity.
Yes, many casinos in Florida, including those operated by the Seminole Tribe and the Miccosukee Tribe, offer poker. Video poker is also a popular offering in these establishments.
The operating hours of casinos in Florida can vary. Most casinos, especially those in major cities or tourist areas, operate 24 hours a day. However, it's always best to check the specific casino's operating hours before planning your visit.
