Combine the feel of Las Vegas with the luxury of a cruise ship by hopping aboard a floating casino from one of several ports near Clearwater, Florida. Choose among trips that range from a few hours. One Day Gambling Cruise the games work and the odds of winning and losing. Using your GameSense means balancing the fun part of gambling with the need to stay in control and within your boundaries.
Sailing tours from Florida's coast are fun for vacation or romance.
- Casinos on a day cruise. For those interested in a short ride on a ship, consider a Port Canaveral Florida day cruise. This is one way to experience the luxury of a cruise without spending much money or time aboard.
- Day Cruise Central Florida Cruise to Victoryaboard a Victory Casino day cruise and enjoy the best Vegas style gaming boat in Central Florida! No need to pack, Vegas has just arrived here in Central Florida. That is right; you no longer need to travel across the country to enjoy your favorite casino games.
(Photo: florida sailing image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com )
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There is a long list of things to do and see in Florida. Travelers can especially enjoy activities centered around the state's natural resources, including sunshine, sand and sea. Those who want to make the most of the sea can relax and enjoy any of a number of one-day cruises from the coast of the Sunshine State. No region of the state is more than a few hours from the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, meaning it's easy to find a cruise to suit your style, whether you're looking for family packages, dinner cruises or nature excursions.
Nature Cruises
In the northwest corner of Florida, the Southern Star departs from Destin Harbor for a two-hour dolphin cruise. It's a family-friendly journey that takes passengers through the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico in search of dolphins, birds and an assortment of marine life. The captain encourages everyone on board to help with the lookout, and kids are even allowed to drive the boat. As of 2017, prices range from $29 for adults to $15.50 for kids. In summer months, there are several cruises daily (except for Sunday), while only one cruise is offered per day in winter. Reservations are recommended.
Wildlife lovers in the Tampa Bay area can hop aboard the Dolphin Queen, which departs several times daily at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Given the diverse ecosystem of the Gulf Coast, those aboard the two-hour cruise are likely to spot a long list of species, including dolphins, manatees, rays, ospreys, pelicans and herons. Ticket prices range from $25 for adults to $17 for children and can be purchased online or at the St. Petersburg Municipal Marina.
Captiva Cruises operates several family-friendly cruises daily from the small resort island of the same name. Dolphin lovers can opt for a 90-minute sail around the Pine Island Sound in search of dolphins and other wildlife. Cruises depart daily at 4 p.m. Costs range from just under $30 for adults to $18 for children. All ages are welcome on the Cayo Costa Beach and Shelling Cruise, which takes passengers to the quiet beaches on the islands of North Captiva or Cayo Costa (depending on the tide and weather) for a day of swimming, shell collecting or hiking through a nature preserve. Choose from a full day outing, with prices starting at $35 for children and $50 for adults, or a half-day cruise with prices starting at $25 for children and $40 for adults.
Dinner With a View
For those who prefer a glass of wine at sea rather than at a beach bar, StarLite Cruises runs several cruises aboard smooth-sailing yachts stacked with modern amenities. Choose to depart from Clearwater or St. Petersburg for a three-hour cruise around each respective harbor that includes dinner, drinks and music. Board at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; Sunday's cruise departs at 5:30 p.m. Pricing starts at $25 for adults and $15 for children; the cost of dinner (which includes fish, chicken, steak and vegetarian options) and drinks is additional.
In central Florida, the St. Johns Rivership Co. holds gourmet lunch and dinner cruises on an ornate paddleboat. The Barbara-Lee is an authentic sternwheeler ship that sails the St. Johns River. Guest can enjoy meals cooked to order, signature cocktails and a full bar aboard the ship that features wrought iron railings and massive wooden paddle wheels. Lunch cruises run Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11 a.m., while Sunday's lunch cruise starts at noon. Dinner cruises set sail on Friday at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Check the calendar to ensure your desired date is available, as some nights the ship operates private charters only. Reservations are required.
Las Vegas Style Cruise
Victory Casino Cruises offers a Las Vegas-style casino experience featuring five- and six-hour sails, departing from Port Canaveral in central Florida. The ship boasts more than 600 slot machines, 27 casino games, five bars, a dance floor and dining hall, and can cater to large groups. The ship sets sail twice daily. Day cruises leaves at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday, with evening cruises Thursday through Sunday at 7 p.m. On Sunday, the early cruise leaves at noon. Boarding prices start at $13 and the on-board buffet begins at $17.
Disclosure
Leaf Group is a USA TODAY content partner providing general travel information. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.
References
About the Author
Kristin Amico is a travel and food writer who quit her full-time job in 2017 to travel the globe while freelancing. Her work has appeared in Hemispheres, Fodor's, The Independent and USA Today. She blogs at howtotraveltheglobe.com.
Photo Credits
- florida sailing image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com
- Attribution: Paulkondratuk3194 (talk); License: GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
- Attribution: Massimo Catarinella; License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license
- Attribution: Marc Averette; License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license
- Attribution: Daniel Christensen; License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license
- Attribution: John Spade; License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license
The Sunshine state is a casino haven for many gamblers. Their tribal casinos are dotted across the southern part of the state. They also have pari-mutuel casinos, casino cruises, and agreat state lottery.
As of now, Florida does not allow online casinos or sportsbooks. They were slated to have serious discussions about legalization in 2020. But that now seems postponed to 2021.
Still, Florida has some exciting opportunities for land-based casino lovers.
Online Casinos in Florida
Although Florida has a long tradition with some great landbased casinos, it has not legalized online casinos. There have been discussions about legalizing online casinos in the statecapital, but there seems to be little actual motion toward legalization at this point.
Florida does have a state lottery, which can indicate an openness to other forms of betting.
The nearest state where online casinos are legal West Virginia. The online casinos are now operational there!
But, you can still register with a legal online casino while you're in Florida. That means you can get the casino's bonus offers or deposit, and then play whenever you're in stateswhere it's legal. (Do be aware of the casino bonus's expiry date, though.)
Land-Based Casinos in Florida
Florida has a number of different types of land-based casinos.
There are:
- 6 Native American tribal casinos
- casino boats
- 8 pari-mutuel casinos
- state lottery
Types of Casinos in Florida
There are three types of Florida casinos:
- Native American tribal casinos
- casino boats
- gaming machines at pari-mutuels in two south Florida counties
At the moment there is no serious legislation moving toward widening the land-based betting options in Florida.
Tribal Casinos
There are currently six Florida tribal casinos. The Seminole Tribe has five and the sixth is on the Miccosukee Tribe's reservation.
The Seminoles signed a compact with the state that allows them to offer traditional Class III gaming machines. As part of their compact, five Seminole casinos are also allowed to offer
- blackjack
- baccarat
- mini-baccarat
- three card poker
- let it ride
- pai gow poker
All of the Indian casinos are open 24 hours (except Big Cypress) and all offer bingo except for both Seminole Hard Rock Casinos and the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.
The minimum gambling age is 18 at all Indian casinos for bingo or poker and 21 for electronic gaming machines.
Pari-mutuel casinos
There are eight pari-mutuel casinos in Florida.
In early 2005 voters in Broward County (home county of Fort Lauderdale) passed a referendum to allow slot machines at four pari-mutuel facilities within that county and all are now inoperation.
In January 2008 voters in Miami-Dade County also passed a referendum permitting slot machines at four pari-mutuel facilities.
Click HERE to see a list of Florida casino slot machine payback statistics.
South Florida's pari-mutuel facilities (as well as most pari-mutuels throughout the state), also offer poker.
Admission to all casinos is free and they are allowed to be open a maximum of 18 hours per day during the week and 24 hours on the weekends and some holidays.
If you want to order a drink while playing, be aware that Florida gaming regulations do not allow pari-mutuel casinos to provide free alcoholic beverages.
List of Pari-mutuel casinos
- Big Easy Casino
- Calder Casino
- Casino Miami
- [email protected] Beach
- Gulfstream Park
- Hialeah Park Racing & Casino
- Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park
- Magic City Casino
Casino Boats
The casino boats in Florida offer gamblers the opportunity to board ships that cruise offshore where casino gambling is legal. From the west coast, the boats travel nine miles out into the Gulfof Mexico. From the East coast, they travel three miles out into the Atlantic Ocean.
The minimum drinking age on all boats is 21. Due to security restrictions, you must present a photo ID at all casino boats or you will not be allowed to board.
List Of Land-based Casinos In Florida
One Day Gambling Cruise Florida
Land-Based Casinos in Florida
Florida has a number of different types of land-based casinos.
There are:
- 6 Native American tribal casinos
- casino boats
- 8 pari-mutuel casinos
- state lottery
Types of Casinos in Florida
There are three types of Florida casinos:
- Native American tribal casinos
- casino boats
- gaming machines at pari-mutuels in two south Florida counties
At the moment there is no serious legislation moving toward widening the land-based betting options in Florida.
Tribal Casinos
There are currently six Florida tribal casinos. The Seminole Tribe has five and the sixth is on the Miccosukee Tribe's reservation.
The Seminoles signed a compact with the state that allows them to offer traditional Class III gaming machines. As part of their compact, five Seminole casinos are also allowed to offer
- blackjack
- baccarat
- mini-baccarat
- three card poker
- let it ride
- pai gow poker
All of the Indian casinos are open 24 hours (except Big Cypress) and all offer bingo except for both Seminole Hard Rock Casinos and the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek.
The minimum gambling age is 18 at all Indian casinos for bingo or poker and 21 for electronic gaming machines.
Pari-mutuel casinos
There are eight pari-mutuel casinos in Florida.
In early 2005 voters in Broward County (home county of Fort Lauderdale) passed a referendum to allow slot machines at four pari-mutuel facilities within that county and all are now inoperation.
In January 2008 voters in Miami-Dade County also passed a referendum permitting slot machines at four pari-mutuel facilities.
Click HERE to see a list of Florida casino slot machine payback statistics.
South Florida's pari-mutuel facilities (as well as most pari-mutuels throughout the state), also offer poker.
Admission to all casinos is free and they are allowed to be open a maximum of 18 hours per day during the week and 24 hours on the weekends and some holidays.
If you want to order a drink while playing, be aware that Florida gaming regulations do not allow pari-mutuel casinos to provide free alcoholic beverages.
List of Pari-mutuel casinos
- Big Easy Casino
- Calder Casino
- Casino Miami
- [email protected] Beach
- Gulfstream Park
- Hialeah Park Racing & Casino
- Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park
- Magic City Casino
Casino Boats
The casino boats in Florida offer gamblers the opportunity to board ships that cruise offshore where casino gambling is legal. From the west coast, the boats travel nine miles out into the Gulfof Mexico. From the East coast, they travel three miles out into the Atlantic Ocean.
The minimum drinking age on all boats is 21. Due to security restrictions, you must present a photo ID at all casino boats or you will not be allowed to board.
List Of Land-based Casinos In Florida
One Day Gambling Cruise Florida
Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center
- Address: 500 SW 177th Ave, Miami, FL 33194
- Hours: ·8am–2am
- Phone: 305-222-4600
- Website: www.mrg.miccosukee.com
Miccosukee Resort and Gaming Center has nearly 70,000 square feet of casino game space. This includes nearly 2,000 slots. Gambling counselling edinburgh.
One Day Casino Cruise In Florida
In addition to casino games, they also have high-stakes bingo.
Seminole Casino Brighton
- Address: 17735 Reservation Rd, Okeechobee, FL 34974, United States
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Phone: +1 800-360-9875
- Website: www.seminolebrightoncasino.com
Seminole Casino Brighton is a 27,000 sq. ft. casino. They have a moderate 400+ slot and gaming machines. They have a number of table games and high-stake bingo.
Seminole Casino Immokalee
- Address: 506 S 1st St, Immokalee, FL 34142
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Phone: 239-658-1313
- Website: www.seminoleimmokaleecasino.com
Seminole Casino Immokalee has 75,000 sq. ft. of casino action. They have over 30 table games, including: blackjack, baccarat, poker, and pai gow, and 3-card poker. This isin addition to a large selection of slots and video poker machines.
Seminole Classic Casino
- Address: 4150 FL-7, Hollywood, FL 33021
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Phone: +1 954-961-3220
- Website: www.seminoleclassiccasino.com
Seminole Classic Casino features a 73,500-sq. ft. casino floor with over 1,000 slot machines. They also have live-action table games and a very large high-stakes bingo room.
Seminole Hard Rock Coconut Creek
- Address: 5550 NW 40th St, Coconut Creek, FL 33073
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Phone: 954-977-6700
- Website: www.seminolecoconutcreekcasino.com
The recently renovated Seminole Hard Rock Coconut Creek hosts over 2000 Las Vegas-style slots. They also offer around 70 live table games, including blackjack, baccarat, 3-card poker, ultimateTexas hold 'em, pai gow poker, let it ride, Spanish 21, casino war.
Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood
- Address: 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, FL 33314
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Phone: +1 866-502-7529
- Website: www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com
The Hard Rock Hollywood has a new 30,000 sq. ft. casino gaming area. It offers nearly 200 table games, 3,100 slot machines, and a new 45-table Poker Room.
Seminole Hard Rock Tampa
- Address: 5223 Orient Rd, Tampa, FL 33610, United States
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Phone: +1 866-388-4263
- Website: www.seminolehardrocktampa.com
If you like size, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa is up your alley. It's huge 245,000 sq. ft. casino is the sixth-largest in the world. They have a great selection of slots, andtable games include everything from blackjack to baccarat, Pai Gow, Casino War, and Let It Ride. Their poker room features Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Seven-Card Stud amongother games.
Florida Land-Based Casinos Map
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