The 5 Best Racinos in Florida

Racinos are entertainment venues that cleverly blend the fast-paced action of a race track with the allure and variety of a casino. These establishments typically offer a range of gaming options, with most featuring horse racing, off-track betting through simulcasting, and slot machines as standard. 

Additionally, many racinos also provide patrons with electronic versions of popular casino games, such as poker, blackjack, and roulette. Some racinos go even further, offering dedicated poker rooms and full casino floors with a comprehensive array of gaming options to cater to a wide range of preferences.

The regulations governing gambling in Florida are multifaceted and subject to frequent change. Pari-mutuel gambling, a system where bets are pooled together and the house deducts a percentage as its share, is legally permitted for horse racing and card room poker. 

Moreover, slot machines are allowed within the jurisdictions of Miami-Dade and Broward County. Gambling activities are also permitted at casinos situated on Seminole tribal land, which is not subject to the same legal restrictions as other areas in the state.

Presently, a bill aiming to expand Florida’s gambling laws, including the legalization of online sports betting, has been passed by the state Senate and is pending review in the House. If enacted, this bill could significantly alter the gambling landscape in Florida, opening up new opportunities for both operators and patrons alike.

Florida boasts a diverse selection of over 25 racinos, providing a wealth of gambling experiences for visitors to enjoy. However, it is worth noting that an increasing number of these venues are choosing to focus on simulcasting rather than hosting live races, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences and the evolving nature of the industry.

The majority of racinos can be found in the Miami/Broward County area, offering visitors a concentration of gaming options to choose from. Additionally, there are racinos located near other popular destinations in the state, such as Tampa Bay, Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Jacksonville.

Nestled in Hallandale Beach, Gulfstream Park Casino is a premier entertainment hotspot in South Florida, offering a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy. This venue is particularly famous for its thoroughbred horse racing, featuring an internationally acclaimed racetrack with seating for over 16,000 spectators. The racetrack hosts several prestigious events throughout the year, including the Florida Derby and the Pegasus World Cup, attracting racing enthusiasts from around the globe.

The casino at Gulfstream Park caters to various gaming preferences with its extensive selection of over 700 real money slot machines, including more than 60 high-limit games for high rollers. Additionally, the racino boasts over 20 poker rooms, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for both casual players and those seeking high-stakes action.

Gulfstream Park also offers a simulcast center, allowing patrons to place bets on races taking place at other tracks across the country. This provides visitors with the opportunity to participate in off-track betting and engage with a wider variety of racing events.

In addition to its racing and gaming offerings, Gulfstream Park is home to The Village at Gulfstream Park, an outdoor shopping and dining destination featuring a variety of stores, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can indulge in culinary delights, shop for unique items, or relax with a refreshing drink in this vibrant area.

Moreover, Gulfstream Park hosts a range of live shows, concerts, and events throughout the year, providing guests with a well-rounded and dynamic entertainment experience. The venue also offers various leisure activities, such as bowling and karaoke, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.

With its enticing blend of horse racing, casino gaming, shopping, dining, and assorted attractions, Gulfstream Park is an all-inclusive destination for those seeking a memorable and enjoyable experience in South Florida. Whether you are a racing enthusiast, a gaming aficionado, or simply looking for a fun day out, Gulfstream Park has something to offer everyone.

Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, situated on Pompano Beach just minutes from Fort Lauderdale, is an enticing entertainment venue known for its state-of-the-art harness racing track. However, the racino’s offerings extend far beyond the track, providing visitors with an array of gaming and leisure options.

The racino is fully equipped with 1,500 slot machines, catering to players with varying preferences and budgets. Additionally, Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park features over 40 poker tables, where guests can enjoy games such as 3-Card Poker, 1-Card Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. This diverse selection ensures that poker enthusiasts of all skill levels will find a suitable game to participate in.

Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park is not only a hub for gaming and racing but also a destination for dining and entertainment. The facility houses six different restaurants, offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences to suit any palate. From casual eateries to upscale dining options, guests can indulge in culinary delights while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the racino.

To further enhance the visitor experience, the venue features live entertainment every night of the week. Guests can enjoy concerts, comedy shows, and other performances, adding an extra layer of excitement to their time at the racino.

In summary, Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park offers an engaging combination of harness racing, casino gaming, dining, and live entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a thrilling and well-rounded experience near Fort Lauderdale.

Calder Casino, located in Miami Gardens, is a popular entertainment venue offering both thoroughbred horse racing and an array of electronic gaming options. The venue features two race tracks, with the racing season typically occurring in the fall, attracting horse racing enthusiasts from near and far.

While Calder Casino does not employ human card dealers, it boasts an impressive selection of over 1,100 slot machines and video poker games to cater to a wide range of gaming preferences. Additionally, the casino offers a variety of eTable games, such as Roulette, Blackjack, 3-Card Poker, and Bingo. These electronic gaming options provide a unique and modern gaming experience for visitors, ensuring endless entertainment for all.

Calder Casino’s blend of thoroughbred racing and electronic gaming creates a distinct and engaging atmosphere that sets it apart from other racinos in the area. Whether you are a horse racing fan, an avid gamer, or simply looking for a fun and unique entertainment experience in Miami Gardens, Calder Casino offers a range of activities that cater to various interests and preferences.

Tampa Bay Downs, primarily known as a race track, is a popular venue for horse racing enthusiasts. The venue hosts two significant annual races: the Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby, which serves as an official prep race for the prestigious Kentucky Derby, and the Hillsborough Stakes. Live racing occurs 3-4 days a week, ensuring a steady schedule of thrilling racing events for visitors to enjoy.

Open almost every day of the year, Tampa Bay Downs also offers simulcast betting for those who want to wager on races taking place at other tracks across the country when there are no live races scheduled. This option allows patrons to stay engaged with the racing action even on non-racing days.

In addition to its racing offerings, Tampa Bay Downs features a poker room, providing a touch of casino gaming for visitors seeking a different form of entertainment. The poker room hosts live tournaments in popular games such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and various Stud games. This adds an extra layer of excitement to the racino experience and caters to poker enthusiasts with varying skill levels.

The Hialeah Park Race Track, an iconic establishment that opened in 1922, holds a rich history within its walls. Although live racing was discontinued in 2001, the venue continues to offer simulcasting pari-mutuel betting, allowing visitors to wager on races taking place at other tracks across the country.

Complementing its historic racing roots, Hialeah Park Casino provides a range of modern gaming options for patrons to enjoy. The casino features Vegas-style slot machines with progressive jackpots, ensuring a thrilling gaming experience for slot enthusiasts. Additionally, electronic Blackjack and Roulette games are available, offering guests a contemporary twist on classic casino favorites.

Poker players will find a welcoming environment in Hialeah Park’s 30-table poker room. With a variety of games to choose from, including Texas Hold’em, 7-Card Stud, and Omaha Hi-Lo, the poker room caters to players with different skill levels and preferences.

In essence, Hialeah Park Race Track combines the charm of its historic racing past with the excitement of modern casino gaming. Whether you’re a fan of pari-mutuel betting, enjoy the thrill of slot machines, or prefer the strategic challenge of poker, Hialeah Park Race Track offers an engaging entertainment experience that caters to a wide range of interests.