Sunshine, sandy beaches, and the subtle shuffle of cards – this is the perfect way to describe my recent trip to Florida. The Sunshine State might be famous for its oranges and alligators, but it also is home to a vibrant online casino scene.
I spent a week exploring Florida’s gambling scene, checking out top land (and sea) based destinations like the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Casino, Gulfstream Park, and Victory Casino Cruises, while also diving into some of the best Florida online casinos out there.
In this article, I’ll share my experiences at these hotspots, highlighting what makes each one unique. I’ll also break down five of my favorite sites, comparing their features to the land-based venues I visited. Whether you’re a poker pro, a slots fan, or just looking for a nice way to unwind, your next best bet is in this article.
Florida Online Casinos
- Ignition: Top choice overall – $3,000 welcome bonus
- Slots of Vegas: Runner-up
- Super Slots: 400+ slots to play
- Raging Bull Slots: Fast payouts
- BetOnline: Top pick for table games
What I Did in Florida
My exploration of Florida didn’t just revolve around gambling; it was also about soaking in the local culture and natural beauty. Before checking out local casinos, I decided to unwind by exploring the beaches of the Florida Keys. Here, I engaged in snorkeling to witness the breathtaking coral reefs up close, a stark contrast to the casino floors.
Next on my agenda was a visit to the Everglades National Park, where I took an airboat tour. Speeding over the water, combined with the chance to see Florida’s diverse wildlife, including alligators and a variety of exotic birds, was an unforgettable experience.
As a lover of space and science, a day at the Kennedy Space Center was a must. Touring the launch pads and the Atlantis spacecraft exhibit gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexities of space travel.
Quickly, the time came to take a look at local casinos to get a true feel for Florida’s gambling scene. My first stop was the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood, a stunning property known for its live poker, riveting slots, and vibrant nightlife.
Next, I made my way to Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino, where horse racing meets casino-style games. Finally, I couldn’t resist the call of the open seas and boarded the Victory Casino Cruises in Port Canaveral, where the action begins once you hit international waters.
Online Casinos I Found in Florida
While exploring Florida’s more traditional gambling options is a thrill – as we’ll see below – I couldn’t ignore the growing popularity of online casinos. These platforms have come a long way in recent years, and Florida’s players have taken easily to the live dealer games, slots, and poker tournaments like a fish to water.
Or a gator to water, as the case may be.
For many residents of the Sunshine State, online casinos are more than just a backup plan – they’re the preferred way to play. Reputable sites like Ignition and Slots of Vegas offer secure environments, extensive game libraries, and exciting bonuses, making them a worthy alternative to traditional venues.
As I explored these sites, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to the land-based casinos I visited. From the convenience of Ignition’s poker app to the high-energy slots selection at Super Slots, each platform offered something unique, mirroring the variety found in Florida’s more traditional casino fare.
Ignition Casino
After signing up at Ignition Casino, I found plenty of games to keep me busy. It was very impressive to see that you can play online casino games from leading providers like Rival, Genesis, and RealTime Gaming. In total, I counted over 400 slots, which is pretty impressive.
But after spending some time on the site, it became clear that the real stars of the show were Ignition’s live dealer blackjack and competitive online poker – both of which offer an experience that rivals the excitement of an evening playing at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Casino – my favorite Floridian spot for cards.
The live dealer section at Ignition features a nice blend of American and European roulette, baccarat, and Super 6, as well as more than 30 seven-seat blackjack tables, each hosted by professional and courteous dealers of a caliber that rivals any Floridian casino.
I was impressed by the flexibility of the options available – whether you’re a casual player looking to stake a few bucks per hand or a high-roller ready with $50k in hand, there’s a table ready for you. The atmosphere, while virtual, carried a surprising level of authenticity, and Ignition’s interactive features made it easy to engage with the whole table, almost as if I were there in person.
Beyond blackjack, there’s the Ignition poker app, which is extremely polished. Unlike most online casino sites (and many brick-and-mortar operations), Ignition takes its poker seriously, offering a robust array of digital tables perfect for beginners and seasoned pros alike.
I found most of the features – like Zone Poker, which lets you instantly jump into a new hand after folding, and the Rabbit Cam which makes it so you can see what the next draw would have been after folding – heightened the quality of life, putting it above other apps I’ve tried.
While I was thoroughly impressed with Ignition Casino overall, there’s room for improvement in some areas. For instance, when I needed to contact their customer support, it was harder than I expected. I found myself navigating through the entire FAQ section just to locate their contact form.
Slots of Vegas
The Florida online casino scene is all about entertainment and excitement, and Slots of Vegas brings forth plenty of those.
Slots of Vegas lacks the breadth and depth of some of the other Florida casinos I was told about, but it still manages to put together a laid-back, no-fuss gaming experience that is perfect for players who thrive on classic-style slot action.
My time at Slots of Vegas was mostly spent playing online slots. There are over 300 available here, so I had a lot to choose from. The entire platform runs on RealTime Gaming software, which means I was knee-deep in well-designed games with smooth gameplay.
While the slots were clearly the main focus, Slots of Vegas boasts a healthy selection of other popular online casino games like blackjack, roulette, a few video poker games, and so on. I also discovered a slew of hidden live casino games that are only visible after a player has successfully made their first deposit – a limited live dealer selection but a welcome surprise.
Probably one of the casino’s biggest strengths, however, was its welcome offer. I was able to claim a 250% first-deposit bonus plus 50 free spins with only 10x wagering requirements. That’s almost comically low and made it very easy to clear my online casino gambling winnings of any pesky obligations.
Overall, Slots of Vegas might not be the high-octane thrill ride that you might expect from FL online casinos, nor will it have the high-energy crowds or flashing lights of something like the Hard Rock Hollywood casino, but it delivered a consistent, laid-back high-RTP gambling experience. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Super Slots
On my trip, I learned that Floridians are a picky bunch and expect a lot from their casinos. So it was no surprise that Super Slots – a casino I was already fairly familiar with – was on the lips of several of the bettors I rubbed elbows with. I was able to play casino games online on the go at Super Slots. In total, there are over 1,000 slot games alone (and plenty of table game options), and this Floridian-friendly casino stands toe-to-toe with even the biggest brick-and-mortar casinos.
And that was the big draw. This is not just for me but for FL-based bettors in general. The sheer volume of games.
From classic three-reel fruits-and-sevens games to complicated modern video slots from some of the industry’s most ambitious providers, there is something for every type of player. The casino’s library includes games like Nucleus, Dragon, Betsoft, and WinGo, to name a few.
While there wasn’t much focus on progressive jackpots (I didn’t find any while playing, though I wasn’t looking), there was plenty of excitement and cash prizes to be had in the form of daily freeroll tournaments – the perfect way to keep the party rolling without having to risk your bankroll.
Navigating the site is a breeze, with a clean and straightforward interface that makes finding your favorite games easy – which is important. Again, there are over a thousand slots here.
The live dealer section is also particularly impressive, boasting a wide range of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat tables with professional dealers and intuitive interfaces. The experience felt surprisingly immersive and was a great way to wind down from my casino cruise ship experience.
Of course, no online casino adventure is complete without a solid welcome bonus, and Super Slots delivers on that front. New players can claim a massive $6,000 welcome bonus split up over their first six deposits, or they can claim a 400% match crypto welcome bonus in one fell swoop.
Raging Bull Slots
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first logged into Raging Bull Slots. It doesn’t have the glitzy branding of some of the bigger names in Florida online gambling sites, but after spending some time exploring the site, I quickly realized it has a lot to offer – especially for players who love video poker or progressive jackpot slots.
And I just so happen to be a big fan of both.
As another RTG-powered casino, Raging Bull has a familiar look and feel to something like Slots of Vegas, but what stood out to me most was the sheer number of jackpot slots. Everywhere I looked, there were games boasting sizable potential payouts, with several of them offering payouts in the tens of thousands.
Beyond the slot reels, I was pleasantly surprised to find a solid lineup of 15 different video poker machines – something I find is often neglected by other online casinos. I tried my hand at a few rounds of Jacks or Better and Loose Deuces, and the games ran smoothly and offered the sort of consistent payout rates that only video poker seems to offer.
Security-wise, I appreciated the seamless registration process thanks to Raging Bull Slots’ use of the Inclave registration system. If you’re not familiar with Inclave, it’s a specialized, encrypted service that lets you create and manage your account across multiple participating casinos with a single, secure login.
While Raging Bull Slots generally offers a decent gaming experience, a lighter annoyance is the somewhat tricky bonus terms. If you’re planning to take advantage of their promotions, it’s a good idea to comb through the fine print. Sometimes, what’s on offer might come with strings attached that could tie up your play more than expected!
BetOnline
If BetOnline had an analog in the physical world, it would be the Gulfstream Park Racino.
Both options combine incredible casino games, poker rooms, and horse race betting under one roof (albeit one is a virtual roof). But BetOnline manages to edge Gulfstream Park out just a smidge by offering one of the most comprehensive sportsbooks I’ve seen anywhere.
I started my dip into BetOnline by checking out its poker rooms – I wanted to see how they compared to Ignition’s (which blew me away a couple of days earlier). And honestly? BetOnline offers almost the perfect poker experience, as Ignition does.
It was missing a couple of the core features I appreciated, like the fully anonymous tables, but the competition was solid, and the platform offered everything from casual cash games to high-stakes tournaments with hefty guarantees.
The live dealer section is also quite good, with tables powered by Fresh Deck Studios and Visionary iGaming; there’s a healthy mix of baccarat, roulette, and blackjack, with a little bit of live dealer poker and lottery-style drawings thrown in to balance out.
I spent a couple of hours playing classic slots like Betsoft’s Golden Dragon Inferno (a personal favorite) before seeing what new, exclusive titles were available – and was surprised to find quite a few “early release” titles like Suns of Azteca and 888 Dream Dragon. Both of which were a blast, though my luck had run dry already.
While BetOnline offers a well-rounded online gambling platform, it’s evident that their main focus leans heavily towards sports betting – after all, they are among the best sportsbooks in Florida. For those primarily interested in casino games or poker, this emphasis on sports might feel like a slight imbalance.
Land-Based Casinos I Tried in Florida
While Florida’s online casinos offer plenty of convenience, there’s something special about stepping onto a buzzing casino floor that no amount of welcome bonus can replace. The hum of excitement, the clatter of chips, and the klaxon-like ding-ding-ding as one lucky player or another comes up lucky at the reels.
I, for one, cannot resist the call for long.
While I dove into several of the Florida casinos, the three that stood out to me the most were iconic Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Gulfstream Park Racino, and the one-of-a-kind Victory Casino Cruise. Each one had its own personality and charm, and I’m excited to walk you through what made them stand out.
First Casino I Tested – Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood
Walking up to the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Casino, it’s hard not to be impressed. The towering, guitar-shaped hotel dominates the skyline, signaling that you’re about to enter a place where gambling and entertainment collide in true Florida style.
Inside, the atmosphere was electric – slots ringing, chips clacking, and the steady murmur of hopeful players filling the massive 140,000-square-foot gaming floor.
While the casino’s reputation as a poker hot spot is well-earned, it’s the sheer variety of games that makes Hard Rock Hollywood stand out. I wandered through row after row of over 3,000 slot machines, ranging from old-school three-reel games (I’m always surprised these are as popular as they are) to flashy video slots with immersive themes and massive payouts.
The high-limit slots area had an exclusive, VIP feel, but even on the main floor, there was no shortage of excitement.
Beyond the slots, the live dealer tables bring an added layer of thrill. Blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and more were available in full force, and the action here felt just as intense as anything I found in Las Vegas.
I took a seat at a blackjack table, and the dealers were just as sharp as they were friendly, keeping the pace fast but welcoming. The minimums were reasonable, but for high rollers, there were plenty of VIP tables with eye-watering stakes. As someone with too many bills to pay, I steered clear of those.
And, of course, I had to check out the famous poker room, which lived up to its reputation so far as I’m concerned. Hosting everything from simple cash games to a packed calendar of daily tournaments, the room was packed with players of all skill levels.
The atmosphere was serious but not intimidating, so even less experienced players should feel comfortable to test their skills.
With its luxurious design, diverse gaming options, and unbeatable energy, it’s easy to see why Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is the go-to destination for many Floridians and tourists alike. Whether you’re there for the slots or table games, this place offers a full-service experience.
Second Casino I Tested – Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park is more than just a casino – it’s a slice of modern entertainment steeped in Florida history. Located in Hallandale Beach, it’s just a short drive from Miami and is known for its world-class horse racing. But once I stepped inside, I found the excitement didn’t stop at the track.
The atmosphere somehow balances old-school elegance with contemporary luxury. While the grandstand overlooking the track reminds me of Gulfstream’s deep roots in horse racing, it was the casino I was here for.
Gulfstream Park is smaller than many other casinos in the state, with roughly 700 slots available. I spotted a nice mix of classics alongside newer video slots and even tried my hand at a few of the progressive jackpot machines, which worked out pretty well for me, even if I didn’t claim the big win.
The table games here are limited to electronic versions – there are no live dealers dealing hands of blackjack or spinning roulette wheels – but that didn’t seem to dampen the enthusiasm of the players I saw. The digital setups provided an easygoing and approachable experience, making them perfect for newcomers who might feel intimidated by the traditional-style tables.
One of the biggest draws to Gulfstream is its horse races, with live races happening just a few paces away from the casino games. Watching the horses thunder down the track while placing a bet added a whole new level of excitement that you just don’t get from an online bookmaker.
Gulfstream Park is a must-visit. It’s not as flashy as some of the other Florida casinos, but it’s got heart – and sometimes, that’s all you need.
Last Casino I Tried in Florida – Victory Casino Cruises
There’s something undeniably exciting about gambling on the open water, and Victory Casino Cruises, sailing out of Port Canaveral, delivers just that.
Unlike the glitzy land-based casinos I’ve visited, this experience offered a unique blend of classic casino action and oceanfront adventure – all wrapped up in a 4-5 hour cruise along Florida’s picturesque coastline.
Boarding the ship felt like stepping into a floating Vegas-style casino. The moment I walked inside, I was greeted by the familiar sounds of video casino games, chatter, and the occasional announcement over loudspeaker signaling the start of a tournament or special event.
With over 600 slot machines and a solid selection of table games – including several poker formats – the ship’s crew packed a lot of action into a relatively small space.
I started with the slots, which went surprisingly well and had me up almost $100 before I finished my first drink. The layout was cozy but lively, with players joking with each other while trying their luck at everything from penny slots to high-stakes progressive games.
For those who prefer cards over reels, the live dealer tables offered a solid variety, including blackjack, roulette, and craps. I took a seat at a blackjack table and found the vibe refreshingly laid back compared to some of the more serious casino floors I’d visited on land.
The cruise offers full-service bars, fairly decent dining options, and even live entertainment – and with it only being a day-trip event, you won’t have to worry about trying to sleep as the metal monstrosity rides out over a watery abyss.
If you’re looking for a new and refreshing way to enjoy your casino games in Florida, Victory Casino Cruises offers a ride you won’t soon forget.
Things I Learned From My Trip to Florida
After spending time exploring both land-based casinos and online gambling sites in Florida, I came away with a few key insights that could help anyone looking to get the most out of their gaming experience.
Whether you’re planning a trip to one of the state’s iconic venues or considering playing from your favorite chair at home, here is what I learned along the way.
Timing is Everything
If you prefer a relaxed gaming experience, avoid weekends at major casinos like the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Weekdays are considerably quieter, offering more open seats at the tables and a better shot at landing a spot in the poker room.
The same goes for Victory Casino Cruises – midweek sailings are much less crowded, allowing for a more enjoyable experience on the water.
Know Your Game
While poker and table games get a lot of attention, I quickly realized that slot machines are the real stars of Florida’s gambling scene. From the thousands of machines available at Hard Rock Hollywood to the more modest offerings at Gulfstream Park, slots are where most of the action happens.
If you’re new to slots, trying out a few games online first can be a great way to familiarize yourself with the different features and paylines.
Online Casinos Are More Flexible
While nothing matches the ambiance of a brick-and-mortar (or cruise ship-based) casino, I found that Florida’s real money online casinos provide an excellent alternative. Sites like Super Slots and Raging Bull offer a variety of live dealer games, progressive jackpot prizes, and even specialty games like video poker, all without having to leave home.
Plus, the generous welcome bonuses and flexible deposit options make it easy to get started.
Takeaway from My Visit to Florida
Having thoroughly explored Florida’s gambling scene – online, on the ground, and on the sea – it’s clear that The Sunshine State offers something for everyone. Whether you have a hankering for the high-energy buzz of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, the thrill of live racing at Gulfstream Park, or the unique experience of gambling off the coast with Victory Casino Cruises, there’s no shortage of ways to get in on the action.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that playing at Florida’s online casinos offers a level of convenience and variety that’s impossible to beat.
Platforms like Ignition and BetOnline put hundreds of real money slots, online poker games, and live dealer options at your fingertips, giving you access to the very best of Florida’s betting scene without leaving the house.
Whether you’re a high roller or casual fan, the online options are just as thrilling as their counterparts; Florida’s got you covered.
Florida Online Casinos – FAQs
When is the Best Time to Visit Florida Casinos?
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, weekdays are your best bet. Popular spots like Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood and Gulfstream Park tend to fill up on weekends, especially during peak tourist seasons. Midweek visits often mean shorter wait times and better access to popular game games.
Is There a Dress Code at Florida Casinos?
Most Florida casinos have a fairly relaxed dress code, with casual attire being acceptable in most areas.
However, higher-end venues and VIP sections may require smart casual or business casual attire, so it’s a good idea to check ahead if you plan on hitting the high-limit tables.
Are Florida Online Casinos Safe?
Yes, so long as you choose trusted, licensed offshore platforms (pro tip: everyone I tested on this trip fits the bill).
All of my top picks are safe online casinos, and I can say that confidently because I personally tested each one.
What Games Can I Play at Florida Casinos?
Florida’s land-based casinos offer a wide range of games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
Online casinos offer an even broader selection, with the added convenience of live dealer games, specialty games like video poker and bingo, crash gambling games, and progressive jackpot slots.
What Should I Bring When Visiting a Casino in Florida?
A valid ID is a must, as all casinos require age verification. It’s also a good idea to bring cash or cards for gaming, comfortable clothing, and a plan for transportation if you’ll be enjoying the casino’s bars and restaurants.
Which Online Casino Offers the Best Bonuses in Florida?
Several of the FL online casinos I checked out offered welcome bonuses, but Super Slots takes the cake with its two different welcome offers for fiat and crypto depositors.
Florida players who deposit by credit card will get up to $6,000 spread out over their first 6 deposits, while crypto bettors can claim a 400% match worth up to $4,000. Either way, it’s a ton of bonus play.
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