Casinos on riverboats are a popular gambling option in states that do not allow traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. Though not as common as they once were, these pieces of Americana can still be found in cities across the United States and make exciting vacation destinations.

Riverboats are known as a type of legal fiction. They were created to limit the areas where gambling establishments could be constructed and often never leave the dock. However, because they are located on the water, they are not restricted by the same laws as standard land-based casinos.

In some states, riverboat gambling is the only option for in-person casino gambling. Whether it is out of necessity or simply because you are looking for a unique gambling experience, here are seven casinos on riverboats that you should visit.

1 – The Amelia Belle in Amelia, LA

The first riverboat on the list is from Boyd Gaming, a casino and hospitality company based in Paradise, Nevada. Located in Amelia, Louisiana, between Morgan City and Houma, the Amelia Belle rests in the Avoca Island Cutoff waterway.

One of the most beautiful options on my list, this Louisiana riverboat casino is four stories tall and has a classic turn-of-the-century look. It is even more impressive when lit up at night. Unique table game offerings include Three-Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and Mississippi Stud.

Along with your standard fare, the casino has a regular $10,000 giveaway and offers an advertised $777 slots jackpot. Don’t miss their touted Cajun Buffet for classic Louisiana favorites.

2 – The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Illinois

The Grand Victoria is located on the Fox River in Elgin, Illinois. This casino riverboat is only 40 miles west of Chicago and is open 24 hours a day.

The casino contains hundreds of video poker and slot machines. There are also 25 table games to choose from. Players at the Grand Victoria can also choose to dine at three different on-board restaurants:

3 – Casino Queen Marquette in Marquette, Iowa

If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, this is your destination. The Queen Marquette is a smaller Mississippi riverboat casino that first opened in 2000.

Although the Queen Marquette has only a handful of table games, it more than makes up for it with over 400 slot machine games. There is also a sportsbook located on the boat.

The Queen Marquette puts extra emphasis on providing great customer service. Owing to their smaller size, they tout more focused attention and accommodation in planning your visit.

4 – Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall in Shreveport, Louisiana

The Sam’s Town name is synonymous with casinos in Las Vegas. This casino in Shreveport, LA, brings the luxury of Vegas to the South.

Guests of this casino riverboat can choose from 750 slot games to play. There are also multiple table games available. Along with standard table games, Sam’s Town Shreveport offers variations such as Craps no More, Mini Baccarat, and Let it Ride.

After a long day of gambling, you can stay at the highly rated 23-floor hotel. It includes all the high-class amenities that you would find in Las Vegas, including a spa, sauna, and live entertainment.

5 – Hollywood Casino in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Hollywood Casino is located in downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This Mississippi riverboat casino can be found right across the street from the state capitol building.

Hollywood Casino has an extensive Tier Credit program. At the Executive Producer level, customers can enjoy such benefits as personal host service, access to the exclusive Producer’s Lounge, and free sports tickets.

The Hollywood boasts several restaurants, including The Celebrity Grill, Epic Buffet, the Take Two Deli, and more. You can also take to the links on the Copper Mill Golf Club. Or for a more relaxing experience, catch a show at the Movie Tavern which offers restaurant-quality food.

6 – Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner, Louisiana

Located in the New Orleans suburb of Kenner, Treasure Chest is a 24,000-square-foot dockside riverboat resting on Lake Pontchartrain. Enjoy the distant view of the downtown New Orleans skyline and picturesque cypress tree groves in the bayous surrounding Kenner.

Once you’ve eaten your fill of seafood you can take in the live entertainment in the Treasure Chests Caribbean Showroom. National acts are great, but the local Cajun and zydeco acts will give you a unique musical experience.

7 – Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg in Vicksburg, MI

The final spot on my list of the best casinos for riverboat gambling in the US is the Ameristar Casino Hotel Vicksburg. This casino is located on the border between Mississippi and Louisiana.

You can find 1,200 slot machines, 10 poker tables, and 24 table games on the 70,000-square-foot gaming floor. You can also wager on your favorite sports using the self-service betting kiosks.

There is a hotel located on this riverboat as well. Guests can enjoy full access to the on-site fitness center, business center, and other highly rated amenities. There are three great dining options available as well, including:

Online Casino Options

Specific site availability will vary based on your location. These five casinos, though, are all great options for gambling online in most parts of the US.

Wild Casino

Wild Casino is our top-rated casino site. This gambling site is a great option for people who love being rewarded for playing casino games.

New members can claim up to $9,000 in welcome casino bonus funds. All you need to do is sign up for a new account and make a qualifying deposit. There are fantastic bonus options for existing members as well.

Once you have made your first deposit, you will be able to play hundreds of great casino games at Wild. There are over 400 slot games available, as well as popular table games like blackjack and roulette. Members can also access a highly-rated live dealer casino.

DuckyLuck Casino

DuckyLuck Casino is another great option for people looking to play online casino games. This casino has hundreds of high-quality slots, table games, and specialty games. It offers a live dealer section as well.

The real draw of DuckyLuck, though, is that it has a fantastic rewards program, The DuckBucks Rewards program is a tiered rewards system that is loaded with great bonuses. Members can unlock daily and weekly bonuses to improve their gambling experience.

Also, DuckyLuck allows anyone to try their games for free using a demo mode. This is perfect for trying new strategies or playing new games to see which ones you enjoy the most.

Bovada

Bovada is available in 45 states and offers a great casino as well as a highly-touted sportsbook. This gambling site has awesome rewards programs too, so you will get plenty of bang for your buck.

Members who make deposits with cryptocurrency can enjoy even better rewards. Depositing with Bitcoin or another approved crypto will allow you to gain better bonuses and faster payment times.

Bovada is another casino that offers players the opportunity to test out games in a free-play mode. This can help you save your bankroll for the games you know you want to play.

Ignition Casino

Ignition Casino is also a great option for playing online casino games. It is especially great for players who enjoy playing online poker.

Poker players can enjoy exclusive bonus options and participate in daily and weekly tournaments. There is even a well-rounded rewards program that includes access to weekly free roll events.

The poker room is not the only reason to sign up for an account at Ignition. The casino also offers hundreds of great slots to choose from. You can also play table games and gamble on virtual sports.

Slots.lv

Last but not least is Slots.lv, which is perfect for bettors who like to gamble on the go. This site offers a great casino app that is available on both Android and iOS devices.

Whether you are using a desktop or mobile device, you can easily navigate Slots.lv thanks to its user interface. There is even a great sear filter that makes it easy to find all the games that you want to play.

Like the other casino sites above, Slots.lv has plenty of bonus options to choose from. Taking advantage of these bonuses will help you play your favorite casino games for longer.

Which Casino Riverboats Will You Play at Next?

Casino riverboats are a unique option for in-person gambling in the US. If you cannot make it to one of the riverboat casinos above, you can always play your favorite games using our top real money online casinos.

Check out our latest casino blogs to learn more about land-based and online gambling options.

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Millions of vacationers and travelers visit the Sunshine State each year. They go there to relax, enjoy themselves, and have a little fun in the sun. Visitors also make the trip to Florida for the casinos. In fact, there are several incredible facilities throughout the state!

Are you curious to learn about all the gambling options in Florida? We want to provide you with all the information you need before you begin traveling. I cover all the top casinos in Florida and explain why they’re worth the visit. I also discuss the top real money betting sites that are accessible to residents of the Sunshine State.

In This Guide:

Can Casinos Operate in Florida?

Florida’s current gambling laws prohibit retail casinos. Luckily, the law does allow tribal casinos to operate in the Sunshine State. As long as you’re legally old enough to gamble, you can visit these facilities.

In addition to traditional casino games, you can also enjoy many other gambling options. Bettors can wager on horse racing as well as American sports leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, or MLB. Florida also allows lottery games, poker rooms, and bingo halls.

The Sunshine State is a popular tourist destination in the United States. There are many ways to entertain yourself, but casinos are among the main attractions. You can have a lot of fun on your vacation while gambling at several world-class facilities.

Best Casinos in Florida

The best casinos in Florida are popular destinations for different reasons. Visitors will travel to these facilities for the gaming selection, amenities, exclusive offers, and much more. If you decide to visit the Sunshine State, make sure you explore all your options.

The best brick-and-mortar casinos in Florida offer you the full package. All of them are a little different, and there’s also a lot to like about each one. If you decide to visit Florida, you’ll soon discover a lot of awesome opportunities to gamble during your visit.

1 – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

The Hard Rock brand was launched in the 1970s. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the brand began to rise in popularity. While the Hard Rock isn’t the juggernaut it once was, it still holds enough weight to draw in large crowds. The Seminole Hard Rock in Tampa alone generates billions of dollars in revenue.

There’s a unique partnership between the Hard Rock brand and the Seminole Tribe. The result of the collaboration has created one of the best casino resorts in Florida. You get to enjoy well-appointed rooms that allow you to wind down after a day full of gambling. You can also grab a drink or a delicious meal at several restaurants that are on-site.

The casino at the Hard Rock in Tampa is truly phenomenal. The expansive gaming floor has dozens of tables for gamblers to enjoy poker games like Mississippi Stud or Texas Hold’Em. Several tables also offer progressive jackpots with cash prizes worth up to $150,000!

If you’re not into card games, you’ll be happy to hear about the casino’s slot games. The casino has over 5,000 slot machines, which is simply bonkers. You can choose from popular titles with RTP rates of 95% or higher, including Dancing Drums, Dragon Link, and Buffalo Gold.

• 
  Dancing Drums
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  Dragon Link
• 
  Buffalo Gold

You can also relax and enjoy your favorite games in the casino’s non-smoking section. Best of all, the slots are available for you to play 24/7. In other words, you can hit the gambling floor whenever the moment feels right.

I also encourage you to take advantage of the amenities during your visit. The Rock Spa and Salon is a great option for anyone who needs a break from the casino floor. While there, you can enjoy a deep tissue massage and many other therapy treatments.

2 – The Casino @ Dania Beach

The Casino @ Dania Beach is also a popular destination for vacationers who want to gamble. The facility is also known for hosting jai alai matches, which is a popular sport in South Florida. It’s similar to racket ball and involves players hurling the ball with hand-held instruments at a wall in an enclosed space. Jai alai is well known among casino-goers in Dania Beach, and you can also bet on the matches. 

Betters can wager simultaneously on horse racing and jai alai. The gambling also doesn’t stop there – Dania Beach also offers traditional table games, such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps. The facility also features over 750 slot machines, and you can win progressive jackpots worth up to $100,000.

Poker is another selling point of the casino. You’ve got several different choices, which include Texas Hold’em, High Card Flush, and 7-Card Stud. The poker room is also open every day from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. You can even compete in monthly tournaments with guaranteed prize pools worth up to $40,000!

Overall, the Casino @ Dania Beach is pretty impressive. There’s a good mixture of slot machines and table games, which will satisfy almost every bettor. It’s not the most luxurious hotel in the world, but you can still have a ton of fun!

3 – Seminole Casino in Brighton

The Seminole Casino Brighton is an entertainment mecca in the heart of Florida. Located in Okeechobee, it attracts gamblers from nearby Tampa, Orlando, and West Palm Beach. The 27,000-square-foot casino has over 400 slot machines and offers high-stakes bingo action along with classic table games.

With so many different gaming options, the Seminole Casino in Brighton has something for everyone. The table games include non-stop action of classic Blackjack, Mississippi Stud, Three Card Poker, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em. If you’re a budget-conscious player, then you can stretch your dollar by playing at $5 tables.

From penny slots to $5 spins, the Seminole can keep you gambling all night, regardless of your bankroll. The casino also offers plenty of promotions, and the prizes range from luxurious gifts to cash rewards. The Seminole incentivizes players through its Unity Membership, which is a VIP program.

The amenities available at the Seminole are also highly underrated. You have access to excellent restaurants, and you’ll have entertainment options when you visit. The Josiah Lounge is where you can relax and enjoy your favorite beer, burgers, or a basket of chicken wings.

4 – Magic City Casino

Magic City is on the cutting edge when it comes to brick-and-mortar gambling facilities. Although the gambling floor isn’t massive, you still have your choice of over 800 Vegas-style slot machines. The poker room is also impressive and features several classic games. They include budget-friendly No Limit Texas Hold’em games with affordable buy-ins.

The Players Club at Magic City also attracts a ton of customers through promotions. You can earn points and claim cash rewards if you’re an active casino-goer. Magic City also provides loyal customers with special discounts and exclusive free play offers.

I also have to mention that Magic City organizes jai alai competitions every year. The sport is more popular than you think, and Floridians follow it religiously. Magic City Jai Alai was recently rebranded as the World Jai Alai League.

The Sports Club at Magic City is another reason to visit the casino. It’s an upgraded sports betting lounge where you can wager on different competitions. The multiple high-definition TV screens are always broadcasting games from around the country. The Sports Club also serves delicious food items, such as burgers, chicken wings, and sandwiches.

The Casino Concession Stand is also a great place to eat when you’re visiting Magic City. If you’re out of energy and need a recharge, this little restaurant has you covered and smothered. The Concession Stand also serves your favorite meals at super affordable prices!

5 – Victory Casino Cruises

This isn’t your ordinary Floridian casino. Victory Casino Cruises has found a loophole to provide gambling services, even though it’s not a tribal casino. Their ingenuity alone has landed them on our list of the best casinos in Florida.

Here’s what happens: the casino cruise travels 12 miles out to sea, which means the vessel is no longer bound to federal or state laws. Maritime law takes effect aboard the vessel, and gambling is fair play.

Victory Casino Cruises takes passengers on open-water adventures at least once a day throughout the week. The length of the excursion varies between five and six hours, so you have plenty of time to play your favorite games. Boarding will only cost you $20, and the cruise offers accessibility for wheelchairs and handicap scooters.

The cruise ship carries over 600 of the loosest slot machines, and you’ll also find plenty of table games while onboard. You have your choice of roulette, blackjack, or craps. The poker games include the following:

The dining options at Victory Casino are also better than you’d expect. While there, you can enjoy a nice meal at the sports lounge and grab a drink at the Dolphin Bar. Your food options include sandwiches, salads, and burgers.

It’s not your conventional casino, but the Victory Casino offers a unique experience. How often do you get to gamble while you’re out at sea? It’s an opportunity that you shouldn’t pass up, especially if you plan on vacationing in Florida.

6 – Seminole Coconut Creek Casino

Seminole Coconut Creek is one of the biggest casinos in Florida, and it has plenty of games. First, there’s the poker room, which features 15 different tables. This means that you can find plenty of action without having to wait to play. Coconut Creek is also where some of the largest poker tournaments in Florida take place.

Coconut Creek offers an impressive 75 table games, which include electronic blackjack and virtual roulette. The casino also carries over 2200 slot machines, which is one of the largest selections in Florida. Players can occupy their time by playing both progressive and non-progressive machines.

Coconut Creek has thousands of different games that you can play at any given time. There’s always a ton of action, which is why so many people visit the area. No matter if you’re a Floridian or a vacationer, you’ll get to enjoy your visit.

7 – The Big Easy

The former Mardi Gras Casino was recently rebranded as the Big Easy in 2018. Although you can’t play blackjack or roulette with a live dealer, the casino does offer over 30 poker tables. The options include Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo. Weekly tournaments also allow you to compete in cash games with guaranteed prize money worth up to $5000.

Slot machines are also popular at the Big Easy. Players have thousands of options to choose from. They include popular and classic titles that you find in many other Vegas-style casinos. The slot games that we enjoy the most include Diamond Lotto, Wheel of Fortune, and Top Dollar.

The Big Easy is also among the top casinos because of the dining and entertainment options. The facility features multiple eateries and contemporary restaurants. You get to choose from a wide range of food items, such as grilled mahi mahi, Cajun ribeye, filet mignon, and Louisiana creole pasta. You can also enjoy live music and nightly entertainment at the casino.

The Big Easy is one of those casinos that’s definitely worth a visit. If you want to gamble while vacationing in Florida, it’s one of the best places to be. Also, if slot machines or poker tables are your thing, then you have to make your way to Hallandale Beach.

Best Online Casinos in Florida

Did you know that you can have just as much fun and win money while gambling at home? If you’re a Florida resident, then you’re in luck because you have access to many different online betting sites. The truth is that you don’t have to travel across the state (or the country) to take part in the action.

You’re probably wondering about the benefits of playing at an online casino. Many different factors will entice bettors to choose a gambling site over a land-based casino. Ultimately, an online casino offers you the full package in terms of gambling products, customer support, bonus rewards, and gaming selection.

Online casinos are also known for offering generous welcome bonuses for first-time customers. You can claim a lot of extra cash just by signing up and depositing money into your account. This allows you to maximize your bankroll and extend your gambling sessions.

Listed below are the top online casinos in Florida that you need to check out:

I encourage you to visit these casinos and learn more about their products and services. Again, traveling to a brick-and-mortar facility requires time and effort to get there. You’ll also have to spend money on a hotel room and other accommodations during your visit. Gambling from home, however, allows you to minimize the cost and play your favorite games in a peaceful setting.

Gambling in Florida Can Be Very Fun

Living in Florida means that you’re within driving distance of excellent gambling facilities. You also have access to your favorite games and other incredible amenities. Remember that when you’re at the casino, you’re there to win money and have fun.

Online gambling is also a viable option if you live in Florida. Who says that you have to visit a land-based casino to get the full experience? Many online operators offer you a wide range of gambling products and services.

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