Florida has long been thought of as a dry state with little tolerance for vices like gambling. However, over recent years, laws have started to change, and now there are many different places to gamble in Florida. Whether you play slots or enjoy poker, the sunshine state has plenty to offer.
The Seminole Tribe of Florida operates most of the casinos in the state. This Native American group has been able to secure some great deals when it comes to gaming, meaning that they're able to offer almost Las Vegas-standard casino floors. Head to one of their casinos, and you'll find thousands of slot machines and plenty of table games too.
Other casinos in Florida are limited in what they can offer. Most can only offer legal gambling in the form of the parimutuel system. Also known as the "bet among yourselves" system, this allows you to bet on greyhound and horse races that take place elsewhere, Jai-Alai, and poker. The latter has recently been defined as a skill game rather than a chance game, making it legal under Florida law.
online casino big bonusesThere are still plenty of options available for those visiting the sunshine state. In this guide, we've included only the very best casinos Florida has to offer, whatever kind of gambling experience you're looking for.
Best Casinos In Florida
1. Hard Rock Casino (Temporarily Closed)
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino closed its doors permanently on Monday, July 26, 2020. No official reason was given by the owners, but it's widely believed that the complex needed too much investment to stay competitive following the opening of the Hard Rock's new venue in nearby Tampa.
Located in Hollywood, just north of Miami and the beach, the casino was one of the largest in Florida. It was owned and operated by Seminole Hard Rock Casino, Inc., an independent subsidiary of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Inside, the casino covered half a million square feet and was home to more than 2,000 slots and 115 table games. You could play traditional games like blackjack and baccarat or try your hand at casino poker variants like Pai Gow and Three Card Poker. A poker room with 48 tables hosted some of the best games in south Florida.
The hotel had 1,3thooms, including 27 penthouses that offered panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. There were several restaurants and bars, as you would expect from a property with the Hard Rock name, live entertainment was provided nightly, and there was even a spa and fitness center if you wanted to relax away from the gaming floor.
Though disappointing news that the old venue has closed, the new Hard Rock Casino in Tampa is set to open soon and will no doubt rival any other casino Florida has ever seen. We'll update this page once it opens. In the meantime, if you want to play, head to the new site or check out the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa instead.
We're waiting for updates about the potential reopening of Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, FL. But until then, why don't you check out Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa instead? It features all that the original Hard Rock promised, plus a 12-story guitar-shaped hotel that will be the landmark of the city once completed. Here's what you can expect from it:
- Over 2,000 slot machines and 99 table games
- Poker Room with 35 tables
- No Traffic Circle Bar
- Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
- Rise Kitchen & Rooftop Bar
- 7 Solé bar
- The Lobby Bar
- Inside/Outdoor Vault Nightclub
- 1,000 seat Capitol Federal Amphitheatre
- 650 room hotel
- 11-story guitar-shaped hotel (under construction)
Several promotions run every week, so make sure to check the website before going.
2. Seminole Hard Rock Casino (Tampa)
If you can't wait for the new Hard Rock Hollywood to open or the journey to Miami is a little too far, the newly opened Hard Rock Casino in Tampa is the next best thing. Located just across the bay from St. Petersburg, it's within easy reach of the Gulf Coast beaches and close enough to Orlando to make a good halfway house if you're flying into any of the central Florida airports.
Like other Hard Rock venues, the casino is decorated with music memorabilia. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk around, and you'll spot items once owned by Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Elvis, among others. Aside from the nostalgia, you'll find everything else you'd expect from a world-class casino resort.
The casino itself is huge, with more than 2,100 of the latest slot machines and 92 table games where you can play traditional games like blackjack and craps or three card poker and Ultimate Texas Hold'em. There's also a 27-table poker room running no-limit cash games and organized tournaments.
A full sports book opened in 2015, taking betting in-house rather than relying on the parimutuel system usually required for sports wagers in Florida. With more than 80 screens showing all the major sporting events, it's one of the best places in town to watch the game while placing a few bets.
The hotel tower has more than 650 rooms, each offering stunning views of the bay and the surrounding area. There are eight places to eat, ranging from casual burger joints to fine dining establishments serving steak and seafood. Live music is played every night of the week, and there's even an on-site spa if you feel like pampering yourself away from the gaming floor.
One final advantage to playing here over other casinos in Florida is its proximity to Tampa International Airport. Many national and international flights stop here, making it easy to fly in, play for a day or two, and then fly straight back home again.
3. Miccosukee Resort and Gaming
Located just a couple of miles from the Miami airport, this casino is owned and operated by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians, Florida. It offers some of the best casinos gaming in Florida, with nearly 1,000 of the latest slot machines and 15 table games dealing up cards for Minute to Win It, Blackjack, Texas Hold 'em Bonus, and ESPN college football monopoly.
You'll find the casino nestled within the Miccosukee Resort and Golf Club, which includes a large hotel block with more than 600 rooms, suites, and villas. On-site amenities include several swimming pools, a golf course, children's activities, and lots of places to eat. The casino also has its own restaurant section serving everything from buffet-style meals to high-end steaks and fresh seafood.
Jai-Alai is another popular game at the Miccosukee casino. If you've never watched or played this fast-paced sport before, think of it as real-life rackets, and you're almost there. A player (or team of players) tries to hit a wickerball into their opponent's court using a curved racket called a cester. The ball travels at speeds of up to 150 mph, so it's not as easy as it looks!
Greyhound racing is another popular spectator sport in the US, and you can bet on these races at the Miccosukee casino using the parimutuel system. Learn how to bet on greyhounds if you have never tried this type of racing before.
4. The Best Casinos in Florida - Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park
Until the Hard Rock Hollywood closes and the Hard Rock Tampa opens, we believe that the second-best casino in Florida is the Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park. Though smaller and less glamorous than some of the other casinos in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the Isle offers a great selection of slots and table games, a fantastic poker room, and regular promotions to keep you coming back for more.
The casino is located on the same site as Pompano Park, a renowned racetrack that's been hosting meetings since 1951. Like other casinos in Florida, it uses the parimutuel system to allow you to bet on the action. You can place wagers at the tellers or use one of the 12 self-service kiosks that have been installed for your convenience.
Slot machines cover the majority of the casino's gaming area, with more than 1,000 titles to choose from. You'll find all the big names you know and love, including Williams, WMS, and IGT, as well as some newer releases from emerging developers like Konami. Denominations start at $0.01, and there are plenty of progressive jackpots and multi-game machines to keep things interesting.
Table games require real skill and knowledge, and the Isle Casino offers some of the best in south Florida. Roulette, Craps, Blackjack, and Spanish 21 can be played for stakes of up to $1,000, and super fun 21 and Pai Gow progressively increase throughout the day. Tournaments are held regularly, giving you the chance to pit your wits against other skilled players without risking more money than the buy-in fee.
best online free poker sitesPompano Park hosts harness racing meetings throughout the year, and the Isle Casino allows you to bet on the action. There are more than 350 historical race betting terminals spread across the gaming floor, enabling you to bet on races that have already taken place. Predict the winning horse and you could pocket some serious cash.
Finally, the Isle Casino has one of the best poker rooms in Fort Lauderdale. More than three dozen tables host both cash games and regular tournaments. Buy-ins start as low as $125 for a $10k guaranteed no-limit hold'em tournament and go up to $1,200 for the daily monster. Sit and go tournaments start from just $75, making them accessible to players on a budget. Cash games are equally affordable, with blinds starting at just $1/$2.
5. Casino Miamba
Jai-Alai might not be a sport you've ever watched, let alone played, but it's hugely popular across parts of Europe and South America. If you want to visit casinos in Florida that offer something a little bit different, head to Hialeah to watch a game of Jai-Alai being played. Better still, learn the ropes and have a go yourself.
Casino Miamba is owned by the Miamboa Tribe of Florida, and it's the only venue in the US solely dedicated to the sport of Jai-Alaitz, also known as the basque pelota. Translated as "great ball game," it involves exceptionally skilled players leaping, jumping, and catching a ball propelled along the front of a large wall by a cesto – a curved basket used a bit like a racket.
At Casino Miamba, you can place bets on the outcomes of live games using the parimutuel system. Bets are paid immediately, allowing you to cash out your winnings and continue playing. Slot machines are also on offer, though exact numbers aren't available.
If you fancy having a go at Jai-Alai, you can sign up for lessons. The casino runs regular clinics for beginners, teaching you the basics and helping you improve your skills. Alternatively, if you've played the sport before and consider yourself fairly skilled, you may be able to join one of the local teams. Speak to a member of staff for more information.
6. Casino @ Dania Beach
Dania Beach Casino is another one of the top Florida casino destinations that focuses mostly on greyhound racing and Jai-Alai. Available games include electronic 5 card draw poker, roulette, blackjack, and craps. There are 950 of the greatest slot machines, progressive jackpots, and multi-game machines in the Florida Area. Daily tournaments provide a thrill to the visitors.
The Casino@Dania Beach is one of the oldest casinos in Florida and, as such, has a certain retro charm that many people love. While it may not be the biggest casino in the state or the best-equipped, it does have character. Plus, with regular poker tournaments and cash games, it rivals some of Miami’s finest.
Free Casino Games You Can Play Online Right NowIn addition to traditional table games and hundreds of slot machines, you can watch live Jai-Alai matches from November through July. If you've never seen this unique sport before, it's well worth watching the experts in action. The Casino@Dania Beach is the only venue in the United States exclusively dedicated to this sport, making it a must-visit for anyone passing through south Florida.
7. Seminole Classic Casino
Hollywood may have lost the Hard Rock Casino, but the Seminole Classic Casino is still standing strong. This small casino covers just 34,000 square feet but packs a punch when it comes to slots and table games.
Classic refers to the slot machines you'll find within. More than 500 of them line the gaming floor, and though they may not have the latest graphics and soundtracks, they're classic (pardon the pun) for a reason. You could spend hours playing these timeless titles without ever getting bored. What's more, as they tend to be favored by older players, you'll often find a seat available at the table games closest by.
Eight table games deal out mineral water, and espresso, and non-alcoholic cocktails are available from the lounge bar. If you get hungry, the casino adjoins the Seminole Harvest Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.
This casino in Florida is open 24/7, and you'll receive complimentary valet parking when you visit between Monday and Thursday. If you're driving there at the weekend or on a holiday, there's ample self-parking available.
8. Casino Table Less Than a Mile from Miami Int'l Airport
Seminole Casino Hotel is located less than a mile from Miami International Airport. It may be small, but this casino has everything you need for a quick pre or post-flight gamble. Ten table games run popular games including mini-bumbo, blackjack, Casters, three card poker, and Texas hold 'em bonus poker.
More than 800 of the latest slot machines are scattered across two gaming plazas, and a third will open later in 2021, bringing even more games to North Miami. There's also a poker room hosting cash games and regular tournaments, making this one of the best places in Dade County to play.
The Seminole Casino Hotel has a four-story, 201-room hotel with deluxe queen rooms and king rooms, a royal king suite, and a presidential suite. The hotel is connected to the casino by a skywalk and is within walking distance of the Metromover, which provides easy access to Brickell, Downtown, and the Port of Miami.
On-site amenities are limited, though you'll find several places to grab a bite to eat. There's a sports bar, deli, and grill, and the casino also connects directly to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's council oak steaks & seafood.
Things You Need To Know About Casino Bonuses And Free Spins9. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Tucked away just off the Florida Turnpike and I-595, this casino in Fort Lauderdale is one of the largest in south Florida. Like other Hard Rock venues, it's covered in rock 'n' roll memorabilia. Pop stars and famous bands frequently perform at the on-site concert arena, and the gift shop is a paradise for anyone who grew up in the seventies, eighties, or nineties.
Inside the casino, you'll find more than 2,000 slot machines, 100 table games, and a 40-table poker room. Traditional casino games like blackjack, craps, baccarat, and Spanish 21 sit alongside uniquely Floridian games like Casters, Mini-Baccarat, and Pai Gow.
Newly refurbished guestrooms and suites offer stunning views of the city and the casino's iconic guitar-shaped roof. Modern amenities include a gym, spa, five swimming pools, and several places to eat. One final advantage of playing at this casino Florida over others in the area is its close proximity to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airport. Numerous national and international flights depart from and arrive at this airport, making it convenient for both locals and tourists.
Update: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino closed its doors temporarily in mid-April of 2020. At this point, nobody knows when it's going to reopen. Make sure to check our online guide for the best before heading there.
10. Best Casinos in Florida - The Casino @ Dania Beach
If you prefer casinos in Florida that focus mainly on poker, then the Casino @ Dania Beach should be your next destination. They feature over 600 of the world's best slot machines and electronic games, where you can earn points playing your favorite games and redeem them for Free Play, Food, Retail, Discounts, and more. They also boast 40+ poker tables with daily live-action games and the highest-stakes cash game east of the Mississippi.
Low-limit Texas Hold'em games start at just $1 / $2 blinds, and you can play No-Limit Texas Hold'em day or night with typical blinds ranging from $1 / $2 to $3 / $6. They also host bigger games, like $10 / $20, $20 / $40, $30 / $60, and even a $40 / $80 game. They spread Pot Limit Omaha in various forms for limits from $1 / $2 to $10 / $20 and occasionally offer Seven Card Stud and other miscellaneous games. The Casino @ Dania Beach is committed to bringing you the best in tournament poker. They run daily No-Limit Hold'em tourneys with buy-ins from $75 to $375 and guarantee cash prizes from $1,500 to $5,000.
The Casino @ Dania Beach is one of the oldest casinos in Florida and, as such, has a certain retro charm that many people love. While it may not be the biggest casino in the state or the best-equipped, it does have character. Plus, with regular poker tournaments and cash games, it rivals some of Miami's finest.
Guide: Gambling Laws in PennsylvaniaThe poker room is smoke-free, and there is a dedicated smoking patio outside. You can find low-limit games running seven days a week with blinds starting at just $1/$2. During the summer months, blinds can reach up to $4/$8, and sometimes even a $6/$12 game gets dealt. Most daytime games are managed at $3/$6, providing the perfect environment for both novice and experienced players.
A popular $10/$20 game is dealt a few nights per week, and occasional games of $20/$40, $30/$60, and (on rare occasions) a $40/$80 game are available. If mixed games are your thing, look for Omaha and Seven-Card Stud games at $3/$6 and higher.
Tournament players have dozens of choices each week, with buy-ins starting at just $75. Early birds can register for popular $180 events on weekdays and Saturday and larger Sunday tourneys that typically attract 250+ players and guarantee the top finishers at least $1,500. During the summer months, the annual Championship Series features ten tournaments over ten consecutive days, with guaranteed prize pools totaling more than $100k.
The Casino @ Dania Beach also hosts an Annual Deep Stack event in November and the popular Dania Winter Open in January. Both are open to players of all bankrolls with reasonable entry fees and generous guarantees.
Other Casinos in Florida You Might Want to Visit
Florida might not be known for its gambling, but things are changing. More and more people are realizing that casino gaming can bring much-needed revenue to the state, particularly during these difficult times. Below is the list of the rest of the casinos in Florida you can visit whenever you get a chance.
- Wyndham Grand Clearwater Staybridge Suites (Formerly Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino) - This hotel used to operate as a casino hotel but hasn't featured slots and table games since early 2020. It is now a regular hotel with an on-site golf course and several swimming pools.
- Big Easy Casino - Another casino focused on live greyhound betting using the parimutuel system. You can also enjoy playing slots and electronic versions of roulette, hold'em poker, and craps.
- **Daytona Dog Track_ -_ similar to the Big Easy, this track focuses on greyhound racing._
- Miami Jai-Alai & Card Room - Jai-Alai is a unique sport that's popular across Spain and France, as well as in Basque countries. Miami Jai-Alai & Card Room allows you to watch live games and bet on the outcome using the parimutuel system. A small selection of card games completes the gaming offering.
- The Casino At Island Crossings - This casino in Florida specializes in live Greyhound racing, which runs most afternoons and some evenings. Electronic games include video poker, roulette, and blackjack.
- **Best Bet Orange Park_ -_ This cardroom has nine tables spreading popular games including blackjack, baccarat, mini-baccarat, pai gow tiles, three-card poker, and Texas hold 'em._
- **Best Bet Palm Bay_ - Similar to the Orange Park location, this cardroom has nine tables spreading popular games including blackjack, baccarat, mini-baccarat, pai gow tiles, three-card poker, and Texas hold 'em.
- Poker Room at Gulfstream Park_ - This poker room has 40 tables spreading No-Limit Texas Hold'em with blinds ranging from $1/$2 to $3/$6. There are daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $75 to $575, guaranteeing prizes of up to $5,000.
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Poker Room - A poker room spread No-Limit Texas Hold'em with blinds ranging from $1/$2 to $3/$6. There are daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $75 to $575, guaranteeing prizes of up $5,000.
All these venues are licensed by the Florida Department of Finance and follow strict rules when it comes to payouts. According to , these payouts must be at least 90% for slots and 75% for table games. Some of the larger casinos in Florida, like the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood and Bill Young Veterans Affairs Hospital, fall into a gray area regarding payouts, which is why they don't offer cash prize gaming. Instead, they operate bingo-type games where players receive preset payouts.
Enjoy Gambling in Florida
So, there you have it - a rundown of the best casinos in Florida. If you're planning a trip to the sunshine state, be sure to add some of these venues to your itinerary. From the gargantuan Hard Rock Hollywood to the quaint Casino @ Dania Beach, there's something to suit everyone in this eclectic mix of casinos.
If you want to do your gambling online, however, we've got just the thing. creates a vibrant online gaming community, filled with like-minded individuals and endless opportunities to win big. Head to our site to join in the fun.
It might seem surprising, but there are quite a few . With a growing number of residents advocating for change, we might see fully-fledged casinos in Florida dotted all over the state in the future. For now, though, these ten venues are your best option for a thrilling gambling experience in the sunshine state.
Footnotes:
- provides info on casino payout requirements.
- Information on Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino closure was provided by .