The Seminoles bought the entire Hard Rock enterprise a couple of years back, meaning that they now own all the Prince Costumes and Mark Knopfler guitars you see on the wall as you walk through this behemoth casino floor. The Hard Rock in Hollywood is currently the only casino in Florida that offers blackjack, baccarat and other table games (no roulette or craps, though), as per its agreement with Governor Charlie Crist. It is also the only casino with a luxury hotel above it, and an entire nightlife and shopping district outside a set of double doors. The only thing you can compare the Seminole Hard Rock to is the Hard Rock in Las Vegas which, for my money, is inferior to this one (and shut up about the Rehab party, already).

Though the casino itself does not boast as many games as you might find in Vegas, it is the same size as most of the big ones there, but without the smoke. The sheer size of the place makes it a pleasure to walk through, and the Vegas style slots entice you to toss away a few dollars on your way through to the Seminole Paradise.

Seminole Paradise is the aforementioned shopping and entertainment outdoor mall, which features a strip of South Beach-quality nightclubs (some are owned by established South Beach owners) and several bars and restaurants. It also features the newly-relocated card room, which is a mammoth two-story venue that was formerly a large sports bar. The place is designed so that a tourist who visits doesn’t have to leave the property to get the full South Florida experience.

If you want to gamble, and are not looking for any sort of live action or simulcasting, Seminole Hard Rock is the place to do it. Not only do you have the widest options of games and slots, but you also have restaurants, nightlife, and thousands of people to entertain you. But the secret about this place is out: On a weekend, a blackjack or poker seat is hard to come by, and so are parking spaces (they have people who you can pay to take you from your car to the casino). So arrive early or be prepared to wait. Also, the minimums at the blackjack tables are currently $25, so don’t go thinking you can play for half an hour with a hundred bucks. Those Seminoles didn’t raise enough money to buy the Hard Rock by running dollar tables.

The Seminole Hard Rock is open all day, every day, although bar and club hours can vary.

Lest you be confused, the Seminole Casino in Coconut Creek is NOT the Hard Rock. Yes, the Seminoles own both, and if you read the papers this one is next up for blackjack and baccarat, but it is exactly what it purports to be: a casino.

While large, clean, and for the most part a nice place to go and gamble, the Coconut Creek location between Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach draws more of the older folks looking to do some gaming rather than the young people and tourists of its big brother to the south. The bluehairs from Boca and Delray seem to like this place, and it has much more of a locals’ feel than the Hollywood location. And while the Vegas style slots and poker room, as well as video poker and other games, attract good crowds, you will not have to resort to fisticuffs to get a seat. Although given the age of the crowd, your chances would probably be pretty good if you did.

The Coconut Creek Casino also has a very good buffet called “Fresh Harvest,” which features a lot of items you don’t find at typical casino buffets, as well as an ultra-lounge called “Nectar.” Because of its location, though, I would recommend Coconut Creek only for those who want strictly to gamble and want a more relaxed place to do it. The Seminole Coconut Creek Casino is open all day, every day, but does not feature any live racing or simulcast.