Gambling in Florida
Although gambling is subject to some complex restrictions in Florida, the Sunshine State boasts some of the best state of the art destination casino resorts. The Seminole Tribe own and operate some of the biggest complexes, notably in Hollywood and Tampa Bay. There are dozens of casinos in the state, ranging from hotel resorts to smaller local establishments. Whether they're attached to racetracks or situated by the beaches, there's a great variety to choose from.
| Table of Contents | ||
|---|---|---|
| Land-Based Casinos | State Laws | Online Casinos |
Florida Casinos
There are many casinos in Florida catering to different tastes and preferences. Among the most prominent is the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, a sprawling resort with an extensive gaming floor featuring slots, poker and table games. In Tampa, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is another major player in the state's gambling scene. Additionally, Florida is home to several racetrack-based casinos, including Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino, where you can enjoy horse racing along with slot machines and electronic table games. Cruise ship casinos in Florida are also popular.
The Best Casinos in Florida
Florida, known for its sun-soaked beaches, vibrant theme parks, and lush citrus groves, also boasts a thriving casino scene that adds a touch of excitement to the Sunshine State's diverse attractions. With a population of more than 15 million and a steady influx of tourists, Florida casinos offer a wide range of gaming experiences, from high-energy slot machines and poker tables to thrilling dog track betting.
Whether you're seeking a glamorous gaming resort or a more relaxed evening of entertainment at land based casinos, Florida casinos provide a diverse array of options for visitors eager to try their luck in a tropical paradise. Here, we'll explore some of the key casinos in Florida, each offering its unique blend of gaming, entertainment and Floridian charm.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
This is one of the top Florida casinos and is located in Hollywood. It is in the greater Fort Lauderdale area in South Florida, offering a luxurious and entertainment-filled experience for visitors.
Highlights
- Variety of slot machines
- Table game excitement
- Live poker action
- Luxurious accommodations
Ownership
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The Seminole Tribe of Florida owns several casinos in Florida and gaming properties.
Slots
The Florida casinos impressive array of slot machines feature a diverse selection of classic three-reel slots, modern video slots such as Da Vinci Diamonds and thrilling progressive jackpot games. With more than 2,200 slot machines available, players can immerse themselves in gaming. Whether you're seeking interactive bonus rounds, free spins, or the chance to win big through progressive jackpots, the casino's slot machines offer a dynamic and immersive gaming experience.
Additionally, visitors to this casino can participate in slot tournaments for a competitive edge and enjoy the rewards of a player loyalty program that enhances their gaming adventure. If you want to try out some demo slots before committing any real money, you can do so here at Slots Temple.
Table Games
This Florida casino's diverse selection of table games has something for all players to enjoy. From the classic allure of blackjack to the fast-paced excitement of three-card poker and the strategic challenges of Ultimate Texas Hold'em, there's a table game to suit every gaming preference.
Rock Spa & Salon
At Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, guests can escape to the tranquil Rock Spa & Salon, a sprawling 42,000-square-foot oasis dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation. The spa offers an extensive menu of wellness and health-focused services, a state-of-the-art 3,200-square-foot fitness center, and a 3,600-square-foot salon. Visitors can indulge in unique experiences, including a private salt suite.
Pools & Cabanas
For those craving the quintessential South Florida experience, the casino offers three distinct waterfront areas. These include a true beach-style setting with comfortable lounge chairs, a private tropical lagoon-style oasis surrounded by waterfalls, and a vast water expanse offering activities such as canoeing and paddle boarding.
Meetings and Events
This Florida casino's Meetings & Events facility is impressive, spanning 120,000 square feet. Among its features is a 38,000-square-foot carpeted exhibition hall, ideal for hosting trade shows, association conventions, corporate gatherings, and social fundraisers.
Retail Shops
Guests at this Florida casino's retail area can explore The Shoppes at The Guitar Hotel, a collection of boutique storefronts sprawled across a 26,000-square-foot promenade. These shops offer a variety of unique merchandise, from fashion apparel and accessories to collectible pins, creating a shopping experience that is both diverse and elegant.
The Guitar Hotel
The iconic Guitar Hotel is the centerpiece of the resort and a marvel of modern architecture. It offers luxury accommodations with a unique design that resembles a giant guitar. Inside this Florida casino's hotel, guests will find spacious and elegantly appointed rooms and suites featuring contemporary décor and modern amenities. The rooms offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and some even have private plunge pools.
Oasis Tower
The Oasis Tower is another accommodation option at the resort. This 168-room tower provides a more tranquil and relaxed atmosphere compared to the lively Guitar Hotel.
Hard Rock Hotel
The Hard Rock Hotel is part of the resort complex and offers a comfortable and stylish stay for guests. It features well-appointed rooms and suites, each designed with a rock-and-roll flair. Guests can expect a blend of modern amenities, artistic decor and a vibrant atmosphere.
Casino Tower
The Casino Tower provides convenient access to the gaming action and entertainment venues. It offers a range of room options with contemporary furnishings and all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay. Guests staying in the Casino Tower are just steps away from the excitement of the casino floor.
Poker Room
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood features a dedicated poker room where guests can enjoy various poker games and tournaments. The casino is known for its vibrant poker scene, and the poker room is a popular destination for both casual players and serious enthusiasts.
The poker room offers a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, Seven Card Stud and many more. They often host daily cash games and poker tournaments with varying buy-ins to cater to different skill levels and preferences. It's a great place for poker enthusiasts to test their skills, compete with others, and potentially win big prizes.
Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino
Gulfstream Park is in Hallandale Beach, Florida. It is just two miles east of Interstate 95 and is conveniently positioned between Fort Lauderdale and Miami International Airports, making it easily accessible for visitors from the surrounding areas.
Highlights
- Thoroughbred horse racing
- Diverse dining options
- Entertainment and shopping
Ownership
Gulfstream Park's Casino is owned by The Stronach Group, a prominent thoroughbred racetrack owner/operator in North America, and they own and operate Gulfstream Park, among other renowned racetracks.
Slots
Gulfstream Park's Casino features a variety of slot machines, including traditional and electronic options, with more than $600 million paid out in winnings in 2022. They also offer promotions every day.
In addition to traditional slot machines, Gulfstream Park offers electronic table games like blackjack, craps and roulette. These electronic versions are designed to provide the same odds and excitement as traditional live table games, allowing players to enjoy them at their own pace.
Facilities and Amenities
Gulfstream Park's Casino is one of the casinos in Florida that offers a wide range of facilities and amenities to cater to various interests. One of its primary attractions is thoroughbred horse racing, with a history dating back to 1939. The race track has hosted some of the world's greatest champions, including those who have achieved Triple Crown glory. Gulfstream Park is renowned for prestigious events like the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Series and the G1 Florida Derby.
Beyond horse racing and gaming, Gulfstream Park offers an array of dining options to suit different tastes and occasions. Fine dining establishments like Ten Palms, Texas de Brazil and Christine Lee’s provide upscale culinary experiences, while casual dining options such as Char #3, Derby Grill, and Silks Provisions offer a range of dishes for a more relaxed meal. Quick bites are available at various locations, including Tito's Raw Bar, Häagen-Dazs and Pastry is Art.
The entertainment scene at Gulfstream Park gambling house is vibrant, featuring live bands and DJs performing on the promotion stage in Level 2 during weekends. The casino also houses an assortment of shops in The Village at Gulfstream Park, where visitors can explore fashion boutiques, art galleries, specialty stores, and home furnishings and housewares outlets. Art enthusiasts can appreciate works from various artists at galleries like Alex Kay Gallery / Art Plex Photo, Sher Gallery and Zero Empty Spaces.
Additionally, Gulfstream Park provides services for health and beauty, with options like Ideal Image, IMPULSE Body Fitness, Nadia Paris Hair Salon and Venetian Nail Spa. The venue is accessible, with designated areas for wheelchairs and special seating arrangements.
Miccosukee Casino & Resort
Miccosukee Casino & Resort is located on the edge of the Florida Everglades. This is approximately 17 miles west of Miami International Airport, making it easily accessible to visitors traveling to the Miami area. It offers a unique blend of gaming, entertainment, dining and outdoor activities in the heart of the Florida Everglades.
Highlights
- More than 2000 slots and bingo
- Cultural experiences with the Miccosukee Tribe
- Poker room
- Everglade airboat rides
Ownership
The Miccosukee Casino & Resort is owned and operated by the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, which is a federally recognized Native American tribe. The casino is situated on tribal land, and it is owned and managed by the tribe itself.
Slots
Miccosukee Casino & Resort offers an extensive selection of slot machines for visitors to enjoy. With more than 2,000 gaming machines available, guests have a wide variety of options to choose from. The slots are designed to cater to diverse player preferences, offering a range of themes, gameplay styles and betting denominations to ensure that players of all backgrounds and budgets can find machines that suit their preferences.
Additionally, this Florida casino's High Limit Gaming area features 90 machines specially designed for those seeking a more exclusive and high-stakes gaming experience.
Poker
Miccosukee Casino & Resort provides a comprehensive poker experience through its dedicated poker room. This poker room operates 24/7, ensuring that poker enthusiasts have continuous access to their favorite card games. With a total of 32 poker tables, the room offers ample seating and accommodates both smoking and non-smoking preferences, creating a comfortable environment for all players.
For those seeking variety in their poker experience, the poker room provides a range of poker games to suit different player preferences and skill levels. These games include popular options like Limit Hold'em, No-Limit Hold'em and Omaha. Whether you're a seasoned poker pro or a beginner looking to learn, the poker room has options that suit your needs.
Both cash games and tournaments are available, allowing players to choose their preferred style of play. Tournaments typically offer the excitement of competing against fellow players for prizes and bragging rights, while cash games provide the flexibility to join and leave the table at any time.
In addition to its diverse game offerings, the poker room runs special promotions and incentives to enhance the gaming experience. One such promotion is the Miccosukee Progressive Mania. This promotion features 26 different progressive jackpots that can be won at any time, 24/7. The jackpots have the potential to reach substantial amounts, with prizes going up to $25,000.
Dining
Miccosukee Casino & Resort provides an array of dining options to suit every palate. Their upscale Empeek-Cheke Fine Dining offers a mix of classic French, Italian and American cuisines, along with regional dishes like alligator tips and venison chops. Empeeke Aaweeke International Buffet serves international and continental fare, while Empeeke Aya Deli offers 24-hour convenience with everything from sandwiches to pizza.
Café Hammock provides round-the-clock casual dining, including an affordable Florida Steak and Lobster Special. For quick bites during bingo sessions, the Bingo Snack Bar is ready with hot entrées and snacks.
Accommodations
Miccosukee Casino & Resort offers 302 elegant guest rooms and suites, providing a comfortable and luxurious stay in the heart of the Florida Everglades. These well-appointed accommodations feature modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, premium cable TV and in-room safes, ensuring a pleasant retreat for guests. The resort's room categories include Executive and Deluxe-level options with enhanced services.
Beyond the rooms, guests can enjoy a uniquely designed pool area with a hot tub and a fully equipped fitness center to maintain their wellness. Situated on the edge of the scenic Everglades, the resort's accommodations provide a serene and convenient base for exploring the diverse entertainment and activities offered on-site.
Live Entertainment
The Miccosukee Sports & Entertainment Dome hosts live entertainment events, including performances by big-name bands and musicians. It's also a versatile venue for hosting private events and weddings.
Alligator Demonstrations
Guests can learn about the Miccosukee Tribe's relationship with alligators through educational demonstrations highlighting the tribe's conservation efforts and traditional practices.
Airboat Tours
Miccosukee Airboats provide a unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking Everglades. Visitors can glide through the "River of Grass", experience the ecosystem's beauty, and learn about Miccosukee traditions.
Types of Casinos in Florida
Florida features a wide range of casinos. From larger resort-style venues to small big halls, there are all sorts of different places to enjoy casino games here.
Big Resort-Style Casinos in Florida
There are several resort-style casinos in Florida that cater to visitors seeking gaming and entertainment experiences. Among these, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa continue to stand out as prominent destinations, offering extensive gaming floors, numerous dining options, luxurious accommodations and live entertainment. Additionally, the Casino at Dania Beach in Dania Beach, Isle Casino Pompano Park in Pompano Beach, and Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, operated by the Miccosukee Tribe, offer a variety of casino gaming experiences, dining and other amenities.
Smaller Slots and Bingo Halls
In addition to the larger resort-style Florida casinos, there are smaller slots and bingo halls scattered throughout the state. These smaller gambling establishments typically offer a more focused gaming experience, often focusing on slot machines, electronic bingo or other electronic gaming machines.
Poker Rooms at Casinos in Florida
Florida features several dedicated poker rooms, offering a variety of poker games and tournaments for enthusiasts. Notable poker rooms include those at the Seminole Hard Rock locations in Hollywood and Tampa, renowned for their extensive offerings. Bestbet Jacksonville is another popular choice, known for hosting major tournaments. The Palm Beach Kennel Club in West Palm Beach and the Silks Poker Room at Tampa Bay Downs also provide poker gaming experiences.
Cruises with Casinos in Florida
Florida's extensive coastline serves as a hub for cruises with onboard Florida casinos. Major cruise ports such as Port Miami in Miami, Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral in Orlando, Tampa Port Authority in Tampa and the Port of Jacksonville in Jacksonville facilitate departures for various cruise lines featuring casino gaming as part of their onboard entertainment. These cruises offer a range of casino games, from slot machines to table games like blackjack and roulette.
Top Gambling Cities in Florida
Most of Florida's casinos are located on or around the east coast in the area around Miami, the main gambling city in Florida. However, there are plenty of other great destination to find top Florida Casinos.
Miami Casinos
The largest and most notable Florida casino is the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood resort. The recently expanded casino has over 2000 slots and over 160 table games. The new, 36 storey, 638 room guitar-shaped hotel accompanying the expanded casino opened in 2019 and is a feat of engineering, which along with its existing hotel, brings the total room count to over 1000 rooms. It's a spectacular addition to the resort.
Further south from the Hard Rock Hollywood, you'll find more casinos in the Miami area ranging from small, slots-only facilities to top of the range destination resorts which certainly wouldn't look out of place on the Las Vegas strip. The Casino Miami has its own Jai Alai arena and a small live poker room, while the Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino has 800 slots, a 20 table poker room, and of course, its famous national horse racetrack.
Tampa Casinos
Away from the east coast there's another casino city in Florida, Tampa, which is home to the other Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. One of the largest of Florida's casinos with a square footage of 245,000, The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa has everything you'd expect from a casino resort, from slot machines to live casino table games such as black jack and poker.
History
The legal history of Florida gambling is a long and complicated one. The situation is constantly evolving, so much so that it isn't always easy to know what's legal and what's not at any given point in time. At time of writing, a new compact agreed in 2021 with the Seminole Tribe affecting sports betting, roulette and craps has been called into question and it will be some time before all the legalities have been ironed out.
In Florida, there's a history of elements of gambling being legalized one year only to be overturned again shortly after. Although the legal aspect concerning gambling is constantly changing and there are still some very tight restrictions, the overall trend has been to gradually legalize gambling over the years. The timeline below highlights some of the major historical events in Florida that have shaped gambling in the state as we know it today.
How Casino Winnings Are Taxed in Florida
Florida gambling laws do not impose a state income tax on gambling winnings from Florida casinos, but the federal government does require residents to report and pay taxes on all gambling winnings, including those from casino games, slots, poker, lotteries, sportsbooks, race tracks and other forms of casino gambling.
Tribal Casinos in Florida
Many Florida casinos are tribal casinos, with some of the most prominent ones operated by the Seminole Tribe. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casinos in Florida (Hollywood and Tampa) are renowned for their extensive gaming options, dining and entertainment. These tribal casinos in Florida feature a wide range of amenities, including slot machines, table games, poker rooms, upscale restaurants, hotels and live entertainment venues. Other Seminole Tribe-operated casinos like Coconut Creek, Immokalee and Brighton offer similar experiences, combining gaming with various entertainment and dining choices.
State of Online Gambling
Currently, in Florida gambling online has not been legalized. In fact, real money online casino Florida sites are actively shut down by law enforcement. There are a few exceptions to the online gambling ban, however. These include social or sweepstake online casinos, where players can log in and purchase virtual currency in order to play the games, but winnings cannot be redeemed for real money. In other words, gamers can pay to have the gambling experience with virtual money online but cannot play with real money.
Casino Games in Florida
Not all types of gambling are allowed in Florida, and some types of gambling are allowed in some areas but not others. Generally speaking, some pari-mutuel gambling is allowed (for horse racing, Jai Alai or any other sport where results are in a ranked order), and there are state licensed cardrooms, state-run lotteries and social games. Slots and table games are permitted at licensed casinos in on tribal land.
Florida Casinos FAQs
What is the legal gambling age in Florida?
Currently, the legal gambling age in Florida is 21 for all casinos, and 18 for poker, bingo and the lottery.
Is online gambling legal in Florida?
With regards to online gambling Florida law is very clear. Gambling online is strictly illegal and there is no legal online casino Florida residents can play for real money. For online legal sports betting Florida residents may have a chance to participate in the future; it is thought that betting online in the few exceptional circumstances where sports betting is legal may mean online sports betting could be permitted in future, although it may be some time before the legalities are agreed.
What is the most popular casino in Florida?
The answer to this will always be subjective. There are several Florida casinos that could claim the title of the most popular, but by far the two biggest and arguably the most popular casinos in terms of the number of customers are the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa and the award winning Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. As well as providing thousands of slot machines and hundreds of table games between them, including high limit areas, they both offer luxurious accommodation in their respective hotels, all of which feature facilities including spas, gyms, swimming pools, restaurants, salons and much more. Both the Hard Rock resorts have benefitted from recent expansions in casino space and hotel accommodation. Both were completed and opened in 2019.
How much does Florida tax gambling winnings?
For persons with a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, the operator will withhold 24% tax on any winnings over $5,000. For non-US citizens, this amount is 30%, and 24% on any amount over $600 on the Florida Lottery. Winnings under $5,000 may still be subject to more tax as they are treated as regular income, depending on which tax bracket you fall under, and should be declared on your tax return. Guidance from the IRS on taxable winnings is available.
When did Florida legalize gambling?
Florida has long and convoluted history of gambling legalization, with certain aspects being legalized and then withdrawn again, and it is still constantly evolving. The State Gambling Commission was established in 1931, when horse and dog racing were first legalized.
Is sports betting legal in Florida?
For sports betting Florida residents have limited options. While sports betting in Florida is considered illegal, there are a few exceptions. For example, it is permitted to bet on off-track and inter-track horseracing, including thoroughbred, quarter horse or harness racing, but only if those bets are placed in person at the racing facility. Greyhound racing has been banned since the beginning of 2021 and therefore betting on any greyhound racing is illegal.
What is Jai Alai?
Jai Alai is a fast paced game played by bouncing a ball around a three-walled court by catching and flinging it from a hand-held wicker basket called a cesta. Originating in the Basque Country in Europe, it is played mainly in France and Spain, but is also played in Latin American countries and in the US.