And once they’re done building their prospective fortunes, visitors will find plenty of other reasons to celebrate. Greater Fort Lauderdale’s eclectic dining scene, the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, and charming Intracoastal Waterway will make them want to stay no matter what hand they’re dealt. And of course, the destination’s 23 miles of certified Blue Wave beaches will leave visitors saying “pinch me” instead of “hit me.”
“As the only county in Florida that offers Vegas style legalized gaming opportunities, Greater Fort Lauderdale offers a wide variety of gaming options – with more news on the horizon,” said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Gaming is just another in a long line of activities our beach chic destination has to offer – from high-end shopping and dining, our world-class yachting scene along the Intracoastal Waterway, wonderful scuba diving and the natural wonders of the Everglades.”
Following is an overview of gaming opportunities in Greater Fort Lauderdale:
New and Improved: Gulfstream Park Horse Racing & Casino. Gulf-stream Park in Hallandale has undergone a massive renovation project that has dramatically enhanced the facility. The state-of-the-art racetrack now features spectacular restaurants, luxury suites and private accommodations for top players. In addition, an on-site casino opened in November 2006 featuring more than 500 slot machines, and plans to add 700 more in the near future. (800) 771-TURF; www.gulfstreampark.com
Lots of New Slots: In Pompano Beach, the isle casino & racing at pompano park, is completing a $170 million racino development with a contemporary style that incorporates the water culture of Greater Fort Lauderdale in the design and décor including a water feature made from more than 4,000 sheets of cut glass. Additional attributes include Bragozzo Osteria Wine Bar, developed with celebrity chef Luke Palladino; Farraddays’, the company’s signature steakhouse; Fling, a feature bar with high-action imagery and multiple video displays; Myron’s, a full-service New York-style delicatessen named after comedian Myron Cohen; and the Isle Buffet, featuring more than 150 feet of hot and cold items and up to five display and exhibition cooking stations. In addition, 1,500 Vegas-style slots, a 34-table poker room, high-tech sports bar, wagering area over-looking the track and a new Winner’s Circle round out the additions.
Top-ranked trotters and award-winning harness drivers are featured. (954) 972-2000; www.theislepompanopark.com
See Spot Run: Dog Racing. Visitors to Greater Fort Lauderdale are also privy to some of Florida’s best greyhound racing at Mardi Gras Racetrack and Gaming Center, formerly Hollywood Greyhound Track. Live dog racing, simulcast horse racing, and a poker room featuring multi-player buy-in tournaments combine with casual dining and a fun flea market to bring a little bit of New Orleans to Greater Fort Lauderdale. Recent additions include more than 1,100 new slot machines. (954-924-3200; www.playmardigras.com
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood was an instant hit upon opening in spring of 2004. An 86-acre resort on Greater Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful Seminole Native American reservation, the Hard Rock features a colossal 130,000-square-foot casino offering more than 2,000 slot and video poker machines, and a 40-table poker room featuring everything from Seven-Card Stud to Texas Hold ‘em. Outside the casino, visitors will enjoy the “Seminole Paradise,” a 300,000-square-foot dining, shopping and entertainment district, a tropical pool lagoon area with water slides, a Contour Spa and, of course, a legendary Hard Rock Café. (954) 327-7625; www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com
The Seminole Coconut Creek Casino will debut its $32 million facelift this month, the first phase of plans to transform the gaming site into a destination resort. Open 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek features over 1,100 gaming machines, live and tournament poker action plus a full bar and café. (954) 977-6700; www.seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com.
Ride a Wave of Success with Gaming Cruises: Offering daily daytime and evening departures from port Everglades, SeaEscape® Cruises can entertain up to 900 passengers aboard a fully air conditioned, eight-deck cruise vessel, the SeaEscape M/V Island Adventure. The ship’s outstanding casino features table games like Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Mini-Baccarat as well as against-the-house poker games such as Let It Ride, Caribbean Poker, Three-Card Poker, and Pai Gow Poker. The casino holds more than 300 slot and video poker machines, and offers bingo. Live entertainment includes the Castaways Show Lounge, dancing at La Parranda Dance Club and Sky Views Disco. A la carte dining is available at the Verandah Dining Room & Bar. Admission starts at $27.95; cruises last 5-6 hours. (877) 732-3722; www.seaescape.com.
Discovery Cruise Line® sails daily from Port Everglades to Grand Bahama Island. Discovery offers one-day tours, which depart before 8 am and return at 10 pm, giving passengers ample time to explore Grand Bahama Island, as well as “Cruise n’ Stay” package that allows passengers to overnight on the island and return whenever they wish. The casino features table games such as blackjack, roulette and craps, as well as three-card poker and oasis stud poker. More than 125 slot machines are also offered. Discovery cruises also feature three lounge areas for drinks and dancing, three restaurants and a pool. Rates start at $125. (800) 937-4477; www.discoverycruise.com
That’s the Way the Ball Bounces – Jai-Alai: Looking for some even faster action while in Greater Fort Lauderdale? Try Dania Jai-Alai in Dania Beach. A thrilling, high-speed game played with a hardball traveling at speeds up to 180 mph, Jai-Alai is known as the “world’s fastest ballgame” by the Guinness Book of World Records. At Dania Jai-Alai, visitors can place bets on the outcomes of these exciting matches. The facility also features live simulcast horse racing and a poker room with games like Seven Card Stud and Texas Hold ‘em. Dania Jai-Alai is undergoing a major renovation and is expected to open its new casino complex in 2008. www.dania-jai-alai.com.
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