'New Era' in Florida gaming officially kicks off

Leaders of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and major celebrities have ushered in a “New Era” in Florida Gaming with the launch of craps, roulette and sports betting at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood.

Jon Bon Jovi, Bruno Mars, Tiësto, Heather Graham, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Diplo, Cedric Gervais, Mike Tyson, Dwyane Wade, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, Sarah Hyland, Willy Chirino, Max Weinberg, Bobbi Althoff, and SI Swimsuit Cover Model Brooks Nader walked the red carpet at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, with many of the celebrities on hand for the first roll of craps dice, the first spin of the roulette wheel and the first retail sports bet.

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is hosting a combination of mega-events to celebrate the new games. Among them is a one-time pop-up dining experience of the legendary Carbone restaurant. Created by renowned chef Mario Carbone, the pop-up restaurant pays homage to many of New York’s great Italian-American restaurants.

Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman Marcellus Osceola Jr. and other members of the Seminole Tribal Council, plus Seminole Gaming CEO and Hard Rock International Chairman Jim Allen led a ceremony at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood to commemorate the start of the new games. Similar first roll and first spin ceremonies were held at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek and Seminole Classic Casino in Hollywood.

The new games were made possible by the Gaming Compact signed and approved by the Seminole Tribe and the State of Florida in 2021. They join blackjack, baccarat and other casino card games, plus thousands of the latest slot machines, to round out a full complement of casino games at all six Seminole Casinos in Florida.

“The Seminole Tribe of Florida is proud to point to a new era in Florida gaming with the unveiling of our new casino games,” said Chairman Osceola. “With the addition of craps, roulette and sports betting, we now offer a full complement of casino games and we join the ranks of leading casinos around the world.”

“The entertainment, travel and tourism industries, and many more, will see positive economic impact caused by the new casino games,” said Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen. “They will increase tourism to Florida and boost employment not only at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, but also at businesses in the areas surrounding this casino complex and others operated by Seminole Gaming throughout Florida.”