Offshore Gambling Runs Aground as Casinos Expand Offerings
Miami visitors used to flock to casino ships that sailed three miles out into “International Waters” where the law allowed unrestricted casino gambling. Now that local officials have negotiated with existing dog and horse tracks to permit them to open on-shore casinos and the Seminole Tribe of Florida has expanded the Hard Rock Casino operation in Broward county, two popular Miami ships have ceased operations.
Aquasino and Horizon’s Edge are back in dry dock now that gamblers often choose land-based operations offering unlimited access to restaurants, bars, nightclubs and the chance to come and go much more quickly than it takes to dock and disembark. Some visitors felt a bit stranded out at sea if their funds or interest dwindled before the boats were scheduled to return to shore. Investors are currently pouring millions of dollars into the expansion of the Gulfstream Racetrack and Mardi Gras Dog Track Casino properties to create near-Vegas experiences. In a matter of days, card games like Black Jack and Baccarat will be added to the very lucrative poker rooms in the city.
On Sunday, June 22, The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino (1 Seminole Way) will open 71 new card tables including 55 dedicated to Black Jack and the rest divided among mini-baccarat, pai gow, Let It Ride and Three Card Poker. With millions of dollars pouring into lotto games, parimutuel betting and legalized games of chance, limited interest in gambling vessels shipwrecked the business.
Visitors who want to sample the local casino scene can visit Gulfstream Park (901 South Federal Highway) for slot machines, video poker, and gourmet dining from 9am-3am weekdays and 9am-5am weekends. A separate card room features no-limit Texas Hold ’Em, Omaha Hi-Lo & Seven-Card Stud every day from 1 pm - 1 am at 20 live-action tables. The Mardi Gras Casino (831 North Federal Highway) has over 1200 slot machines and video poker games. A live poker room operates from noon to midnight Sunday through Thursday nights and from 1pm to 1am Fridays and Saturdays. For information about the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - visit www.Seminolehardrockhollywood.com
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