10 Best Casinos Near Jacksonville, Florida

Indulge in the thrill of slot play or explore other popular casino games within the vibrant gambling scene near Jacksonville, Florida. Adding to the city's allure, Florida's tropical ambiance beckons tourists with a myriad of outdoor activities. The stunning beaches set the stage for captivating sightseeing and a plethora of water sports, including boating, sailing, luxurious evenings on cruise lines, wave running, windsurfing and many more. Nestled within this landscape, Jacksonville boasts some notable gaming establishments within the city limits, as well as top-flight casinos beyond, catering to both locals and tourists alike. Enjoy legal betting in the lively atmosphere of casinos near Jacksonville. Immerse yourself in the excitement of evenings spent at these establishments, where free slot play and cash bonuses rival the offerings of top online casinos. Join us for an insider's look into the finest casinos near Jacksonville, Florida.

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What Are the Gambling Laws in the State of Florida in 2024?

Gambling laws in Florida have witnessed a drastic change in the past few months. The Florida Gaming Control Commission states that the following gambling activities are legal in the state:

• Pari-mutuel bets* on real horses and intertrack horse racing
• Jai-alai wagering at government-licensed facilities
• Table games and slot gambling at Seminole casinos
• Dominoes and poker bets in authority-licensed casinos
• Florida State Lottery games
• Penny ante cardroom games such as rummy, mah-jongg, poker, hearts, pinochle and bridge whose winning value must not exceed $10 
• Games like sweepstakes, bingo and drawings are only allowed if they comply with State Laws
• Particular slot machines are allowed in licensed casinos in Broward and Miami counties

Apart from these casino games, most Seminole tribe-owned casinos will now provide in-sport betting, roulette and craps and allow for online sports gambling as well. The new legislation under SB-1054 states that sports betting permit holders must transfer the new licenses to locations within a 30-mile radius. 

Chapter 849.086 under the Florida Statutes states that certain cardroom-authorized games can be played at pari-mutuel facilities including seven-card stud, Texas Hold 'em, cash games and other poker variants. These cardroom games are authorized to be played with actual cash, and a few big poker rooms are allowed under Chapter 849.086 to offer tournaments with large pool prizes. However, if the US State Gambling Commission Law, finds any complaint related to extortion, the license of a particular casino or betting kiosk will be canceled.

*Pari-mutuel betting is a pooling system where wagers are combined, with a portion allocated to the house, and final payouts determined after closing bets and calculating odds. This method is prevalent in jai alai, horse racing, and other competitive events where outcomes are ranked. 

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Best Casinos Near Jacksonville, Florida for 2024

1. bestbet Jacksonville: Get World-Class Poker and a Sports Betting Room
2. StarGames: Excellent Choice for Slot Enthusiasts
3. Seminole Casino Classic Hollywood: Perfect Place for Hard Rock Bets and Free Play Rewards
4. Victory Casino Cruises: Gamble Multiple Slot and Live Casino Games with an Ocean View
5. Daytona Beach Racing & Card Club: Progressive Jackpot Games Available, $5 Minimum Table Game Bets
6. Emerald Princess Casino: Best for all Types of Games 
7. Club 52 Poker: Top Brevard County Non-Stop Poker Rooms With No Limit
8. Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa: Ultimate Casino Promotions, Poker Table, and Legal Sports Betting
9. Orange City Racing & Card Club: Get The Best Poker Rewards and Fast Cash
10. Tampa Bays Downs: Enjoy Live Horse Racing and Best Poker Promotions

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Review of Top 10 Land-Based Casinos near Jacksonville, Florida

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1. bestbet Jacksonville: Get World-Class Poker and a Sports Betting Room

Established in 2012, bestbet Jacksonville offers some enticing cash games and simulcast wagering options at 70 card tables. The poker room of this casino in Jacksonville, FL, is full of more than 37 poker tables that simultaneously offer exclusive tournaments, including inexpensive buy-ins and juicy prize pools. Some examples are Face Up Pai Gow Poker, One Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Three Card Poker and Pai Gow.  

After exploring bestbet Jacksonville's poker games, enjoy some interesting options at its sports betting room. Poker Tournaments like G.O.P.O. 200 guarantee $50,000, and Destination RUNGOOD awards a $300,000 guarantee on main NFL events. Alongside, quench your thirst with a full bar of exclusive drinks and appease your palate with delicious food ranging from handmade sushi to American chop suey. So, are you ready to explore easy-to-learn and fast-action casino games at bestbet?

Website: https://bestbetjax.com/

Address: 201 Monument Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32225

Hours of Operations: Poker Room Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. 

Saturday–Sunday: Jax & OP 24 hours. Mutuel Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and Sunday- 11:30 a.m. to 08:00 p.m.

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: Available

Parking: Free parking

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2. StarGames: Excellent Choice for Slot Enthusiasts

Developed by Mr. Mika Wirtanen and registered at the trade register in Finland in 1995, StarGames has embarked proudly in the gaming market, showcasing mastery in slot games exclusively. Fuel your passion for gambling by stepping inside this vibrant Jacksonville casino to spin the reels on magnificent titles including Oasis Riches, Mighty Buffalo, Almighty Wolf, Book of Ra and other jackpot games. 

Register at this Jacksonville Florida casino to get offers like 100 free spins and 100 Euros as a welcome bonus. The casino also possesses a separate category for slot races. Participate in the reel action by choosing a designated slot race and winning points to climb the rankings. Taste your starter package for the big slot classics at this engaging Jacksonville casino. Furthermore, Monday is cash drop day! Take advantage of big tournaments or casino games on that day to accumulate an extra $500 between 5 pm and 11 pm. 

Website: https://stargamescorp.com/

Address: 8540 Homeplace Dr, Jacksonville, FL, 32256

Hours of Operation: 9:00 am to 8:30 pm via live chat and 24/7 email.

Pet-Friendly: Only service animals are allowed

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: Yes

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3. Seminole Casino Classic Hollywood: Perfect Place for Hard Rock Bets and Free Play Rewards

Are you a fan of a loyalty program and real-money gambling? If yes, Seminoles is a top destination for the biggest tournaments and best offers. Devour terrific food options such as delicious fries, hand-tossed pizzas, fresh sandwiches, sodas, cappuccino and much more from various top-tier on-site providers like Flying Cow, Slice, Soygood and Cappuccino's. Enjoy the traditional cocktail recipes, ice-cold beer at Stage Bar and Side Bar, and live music performances.  

The Seminole Classic Casino Hollywood offers over 1,000 slot games and table games. Slot machine gambling is legal in 15 Florida casinos, including Seminole Tribe casinos, which allow the Native American casinos to handle gambling activities in Florida. You can play slots like 88 Fortunes, Dragon Link, Royal Reels and more, play table games like roulette and craps and earn Unity points to play other Hard Rock games. Sportsbook bets are available on golf, basketball, auto racing and more. Get tier credits under the VIP loyalty program, weekday free play rewards, $20,000 1st-of-month drawings rewards and much more. Call customer support or visit the FAQ section for more queries.

Website: https://www.seminoleclassiccasino.com/

Address: 4150 North State Road, 7 Hollywood, FL, 33021

Hours of Operation: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week

Pet-Friendly: Yes, though a fee of $100 (non-refundable) is charged. Service dogs are allowed, too.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Complementary

Parking: $35 valet parking for overnight guests, $40 for event guests

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4. Victory Casino Cruises: Gamble Multiple Slot and Live Casino Games with an Ocean View

Ringing bells, flashing lights and evenings of dancing await you at this Cape Canaveral, Florida, cruise ship casino. Recollect the Vegas-style casino experience in their 40,000 sq. ft. casino area. Get more than 600 slot machines and 27 live casino card games - Craps, Blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Bingo as well as a thriving sportsbook are available for gamblers. 

Quench your appetite with the terrific food items in the Atlantic Cafe. Accumulate rewards by earning points from gambling, leading to free drinks, free food and gifts for slot and table game players. Can you find such another cruise ship in Florida with such amazing accommodations? 

Website: https://victorycasinocruises.com/

Address: 180 Christopher Columbus Dr, Cape Canaveral, FL, 32920, Terminal B-2

Hours of Operation: Saturday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 08:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m. 

Sunday - 09:00 a.m. - 07:00 p.m. 

Monday - 09:00 a.m. - 05:00 p.m.

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: No

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5. Daytona Beach Racing & Card Club: Progressive Jackpot Games Available, $5 Minimum Table Game Bets

Welcome to the state's top poker facility, regulated by the Florida Commission, which guarantees tons of fun as well as fine dining options. Play at Vegas-style tables and get complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Munch on delicious fish n' chips, artisan sandwiches, cheesesteaks, burgers and much more. Play and eat with the Poker Room dining option. $1,500,000 is paid in Great American Poker Tournaments annually. 

Play traditional poker games like card Omaha, No Limit Hold 'em, Fortune Pai Gow, High Card Flush Poker, and plenty of others at this Daytona Beach casino. Start betting with as low as $5 on classic table games. Simulcast racing is available for real horses, greyhounds, Jai-alai, etc. Get bonuses like Poker Fast Cash, GAPT Tournament rewards, High Hand promotion, and a $500 Daytona Beach GAPT Championship. Connect with customer support 24/7, 365 days a year.

Website: https://www.daytonabeachpoker.com/

Address: 960 S Williamson Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL, 32114

Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday- 10:00 a.m. to 04:00 a.m.

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: $20 parking fee

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6. Emerald Princess Casino: Best for all Types of Games

If you are yet to reach Jacksonville, don't worry. Turn your vehicle towards Georgia because their neighbor to the north also offers some top casino options where you can continue your gambling urge. Emerald Princess provides the most prolonged continuation of casino offerings where gamblers are entertained with a variety of casino options like slots, roulette, Blackjack, High Roller Bonus, Triple Time Poker, Craps and more. Alongside chances of winning big at this casino is the Big Time Casino package. The voucher includes $50 for match play, 2 drink vouchers and 2 cruise tickets with a $150 value. 

This fast and versatile casino establishment has mastered presenting Bonanza Bingo games. Players quickly look into the numbers when the caller announces them, and the first one who shouts BINGO is declared a winner. So, initially, wager $5 per card or 3 cards for $10 and scream BINGO right then and there.

Website: https://www.emeraldprincesscasino.com/

Address: 1 Emerald Princess Drive, Brunswick, GA, 31520

Hours of Operation: Thursday : 07:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m., Friday : 11:00 a.m.; Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 01:00 a.m. Sunday : 01:00 p.m. - 06:00pm.

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: Yes

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7. Club 52 Poker: Top Brevard County Non-Stop Poker Rooms With No Limit

Test your luck at this top-notch casino in Melbourne, Florida, which offers progressive jackpot games and a $5 minimum betting spree for table games. Enjoy special events and the best dining options with yummy full-house salads, quick bites, sensational tacos, cheeseburgers, coleslaw, apple pie and more. 

Bet, Play and Win the guaranteed multi-day $100K NLH Tournament with 30-minute and 40-minute blinds on consecutive days. Play live games like three-card poker, face-up Pai Gow Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold 'em, DJ Wild, etc. Horse and greyhound racing are available with popular wagers like Daily Double, Pick 3 and Pick 6, Superfecta, Win, Place and Show. This Florida State-regulated casino offers promotions like $250 High Hands, $150 HH every minute, weekday and weekend deals, etc.

Website: https://www.club52poker.com/

Address: 1100 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL, 32935

Hours of Operation: Sunday to Thursday: 09:45 a.m. to 02:00 a.m., and Friday & Saturday: 09:45 a.m. to 04:00 a.m. 

Pet-Friendly: No

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: Yes

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8. Seminole Hard Rock Casino Tampa: Win up to $200,000 In VIP Challenges

The motto of this casino is "Play, Rock and Repeat." Sounds fun, right? This casino occupies a 245,000 square foot space in Florida, bestowing some electrifying gaming options to amplify your fun. Their gaming paradise has 5,000 of the most popular slots with Multi-Area Progressive Jackpots as well as Mega Jackpots. 

Check out live-action table games offering Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow, Casino War, Let It Ride, and more. Keep an eye on the Hard Rock Sportsbook, which has numerous events to bet on like the NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS, golf, auto racing and more. Use multiple betting markets, like live betting and futures bets, on the events of your choice to win the maximum cash prize. New members should sign up for Unity and claim $200 on their first play. Also, play slots, earn tier credits and instantly win a Blue Compass RV with a prize value of $200,000. Get ready to dive into the excitement!

Website: https://www.seminolehardrocktampa.com/

Address: 5223 Orient Road, Tampa, FL, 33610

Hours of Operation: Open 24-hours, 365 days

Pet-Friendly: A $100 fee is charged for pets.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: Free self-parking and Valet parking ($35 per day)

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9. Orange City Racing & Card Club: Get The Best Poker Rewards and Fast Cash

This Orange City, FL, casino has the city's best poker club, card club and racecourse. It is near Jacksonville and is managed by the Florida State Commission. Indulge in various amenities, from fine dining to a Lucky North Club membership, which offers free cash rewards every time you play. From burgers to fries to sodas and anything in between in the food and beverage sphere, this place has it all.

Apart from this, play jackpot-offering poker games like Omaha Hi/Lo, Texas Hold 'em, No Limit Poker games and more. Bet with a minimum amount of $5 to play table games such as one-card poker, three-card poker, and I Luv Suits, among others. Simulcast off-track betting options available here include greyhound racing and horse racing. Promotions and bonuses offered here are fast cash rewards, wheel or no wheel spin rewards, High Hands promotions, weekly bonuses, etc. 

Website: https://www.orangecitypoker.com/

Address: 822-4 Saxon Blvd. Orange City, FL, 32763

Hours of Operation: Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 a.m., Thursday: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., Friday to Saturday: opens 24*7

Pet-Friendly: Yes, and a maximum of two pets are allowed. 

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: Valet Parking

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10. Tampa Bays Downs: Get First Bet up to $100

Get set to enjoy the derby events of the thoroughbred horses, along with some lip-smacking concessions to keep you hooked. Enjoy the best dining experience at this licensed casino at Grandstand Grill, Finish Line Favorites, Skye Terrace Dining Room, Silks Bar & Grille, and more. Sip on the best premium liquor and frothy drinks at Legends Bar, Riders Up! Bar, Clubhouse Cafe & Carrels Bar, etc.

Watch live horse racing and bet on your favorite jockey or horse. Year-round simulcast betting is also available. Try your luck at Poker tournaments like Royal Flush, No Limit Hold'em Poker, Pot Limit Omaha HI/LO, and more. You can also play cash games here too. Promotions available are $300 HH table share, $500 every 30 minutes to players and weekend bonuses, among others.

Website: https://www.tampabaydowns.com/

Address: 11225 Race Track Road, Tampa, FL, 33626

Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m.- 03:00 a.m., Race timings: 11:00 a.m. opening hours

Pet-Friendly: Only service animals are allowed.

Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes

Parking: Free self-parking, $10 for valet parking

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is gambling legal in Jacksonville FL?

Yes, some gambling is legal, but gambling operators must acquire their gambling license from their gambling authorization board and maintain all the laws ruled on by Florida's Supreme Court as well as the U.S. Supreme Court, along with any local ordinances and rulings that may have occurred.

Why are Cruise Ship Casinos so famous in Jacksonville, Florida?

Cruise ship casinos are famous in Florida because they create a casino ambiance, keeping the ocean view intact. They feature more spacious gambling floors, as well as more varied cuisine and beverage options. You can gamble while taking in scenic ocean views with cruise ship casinos in Florida. Note that gambling laws related to cruise ships in Florida is murky. For more questions, check out https://flgaming.gov/faq/.

What is the punishment for breaking gambling laws in Jacksonville?

This crime of illegal gambling is a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida. Illegal gamblers can be punished with up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

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Final Thoughts

It's all about thinking big when it comes to Jacksonville casinos. We hope this article has illustrated some top-tier establishments for gambling near Jacksonville, FL. It's an exciting time for casino connoisseurs at these establishments. If you visit, you may fall in love with the ambiance of these dazzling casinos, where glitzy lights will take you to another world. Happy gambling, and as always, gamble responsibly.