Casino Player September 2022

THE BEST OF GAMING 2022

Best Overall Gaming Resort: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

S un and sand are huge attractions and Florida has plenty of both. Throw in the theme parks of Orlando and vicinity, the Kennedy Space Center, and natural wonders such as the Everglades, and it’s no wonder Florida has such a hold on travelers from around the globe. Add in some great casino options and gamblers are in for a treat when heading to the Sunshine State. Players will find plenty of slot machines, table games, a vibrant poker scene, and the full range of casino amenities. Florida features full scale tribal casinos that include some of the most luxurious properties in the country, as well as slots and live poker at pari-mutuel outlets in the southern part of the state. The tribal casinos are mainly Seminole Hard Rock outlets, with five locations around the state. Under the tribe’s compact with the state, the Hard Rocks offer Class III slots—the same random number generator games as in Las Vegas, Atlantic City and most commercial casinos. These top-notch properties also offer blackjack, baccarat, Three Card Poker, Let It Ride and Pai Gow Poker. Recent agreements with the state may also allow for sports betting and online gaming, but the legality of the state’s agreement with the Seminoles remains tied up in court. The remaining tribal outlet is Miccosukee Resort and Gaming, which has Class II slots. Results are determined by an electronic bingo draw, then translated to a slot-like image. There’s a twist to gaming at pari-mutuel outlets, too. They include not only racetracks, but also jai-alai facilities. Florida

Once again, Seminole properties dominated the Best of Gaming standings with just the top casinos from last year, the Hollywood and Tampa casino, flopping spots. Seminole Hard Rock Tampa slides up a spot for Best Overall Gaming Resort this year. With 190,000 square feet of gaming space, it’s one of the world’s largest casinos. Like all Hard Rocks, there’s plenty of music memorabilia throughout the casino for guests to check out and live out their rock ’n’ roll dreams. Expect great table and slot action with some excellent dining options. Hard Rock Tampa found the top step on the gaming podium for 2022, earning Best Overall Gaming Resort, Best Hotel Staff, Favorite Casino Resort For A Staycation, Best Casino, Best Players Club, Best Video Slots, Best Craps and Best Roulette. The Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood remains a highly popular property with a great ambiance and keen eye for pleasing visitors. Hard Rock Hollywood keeps players by offering a bit of everything— nightclubs, big-name entertainment, and, of course, a great gaming scene. For dining options, there’s a Hard Rock Cafe, but also excellent options for Cuban, Mediterranean, Asian and other cuisine. This year, the Hollywood property earned Best Hotel, Best Hotel Lobby, Best Rooms, Best Suites, Best Pool, Best Spa, Favorite Casino Resort To Vacation At, Best VIP Lounge/Services, Best Table Games, Best High Limit Room and Best Non-Smoking Casino. The honors continued for Seminole properties with the tribe’s Casino Hotel Immokalee taking the bronze medal.

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