Florida has always had its share of gambling. The Seminoles started setting up bingo and poker parlors as soon as Henry Flagler constructed his first luxury hotels around South Beach. Then the dog and horse tracks started sprawling across the coast line shortly thereafter. Then the cruise lines started spinning roulette wheels and populating the baccarat tables as soon as they hit international waters.
Sure, Meier Lansky and his boys were getting some kind of cut. At the same time, Florida gambling had a charming funkiness that’s really hard to beat. It was as much about bingo and didn’t overwhelm you like Vegas or Atlantic City. Besides, if you were out for a good meal, the buffet tables were often outrageous, and quite a bit cheaper than the competition.
That all turned upside down thanks to one major addition, the Hard Rock Hotel. Tourists not only got to ogle at such curiosities as some of Elton John and Cher’s costumes (or lack thereof in her case), but also could lose a ton of money on the slots real easy. That and the introduction of Hold’em Poker, and the older casinos had to adapt fast…or die.
So the casino experience down in South Florida is a very different beast from what were big deals at the start of the millennium. True, the boats haven’t changed that much, but the landlocked facilities are a whole different story. Here’s a personal top five if you find yourself with an unquenchable urge to have your pockets legally picked.
Seminole Casino Hollywood; Hollywood
A little off the beaten path, but this old school gambling joint still retains a little of the old grits and such of the pre-Hard Rock days. It still has plenty of bingo, penny slots for the locals as well as two-for-one deals on the hot dogs. Naturally, it does its best to cater to more “refined” tastes, but old schoolers like me pay them no mind. It’s a good way to lose $20 or so and not feel the slightest bit gypped.
The Isles Race Track & Casino; Pompano Beach (aka Pompano Park)
Probably the #2 casino in the region, like the old Avis motto they just try harder. It was originally a race track that added a casino as soon as the Hard Rock opened its door. Actually, the buffet is outstanding and there are plenty of penny slots for cheapskates like me. Of course, push comes to shove, there are always the horses; something that other place doesn’t have. Classy without being too overbearing.
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino; Hollywood
I admit it, I’ve gone here. It’s probably as close to being dropped into the middle of Vegas outside of being dropped in the middle of Vegas. Posh shopping mall, all-night dance clubs, floor upon floor of incredulous amenities…and don’t forget the gambling. You can lose a lot of money real fast here. Still it’s way too glitterati for my personal tastes, although you just have to see the rock’n roll relics at least once. Seeing the jackets that Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page once wore when they were Yardbirds truly is mind blowing.
Carnival Cruise Lines; Ft. Lauderdale
These are actually remarkably cheap ways to wile a weekend. For about $200 you can get a relatively cramped cabin and a three-night/two-day cruise to some exotic local like the Bahamas. The family friendly environment has its share of stuff to keep the kneebiters out of your hair. And, of course, there’s the gambling. Roulette is particularly big, but there’s also more slots, baccarat and the like. Plus you get a chance to stretch your legs and go crazy of the duty free tchokes and t-shirts before cruising back.
Miccosukee Resort & Gaming; Miami
They like to say they’re in Miami, but feel a lot closer to Homestead. If you don’t mind the drive, the Resort is actually quite a nice place with more than enough of everything to keep you occupied. Of course, being located in the middle of the swamps means one thing for sure, you never have a problem finding a seat at this casino. Whether that’s a good thing or bad is dependent on what side of the table you’re on.
