The racetrack casinos and two Seminole casinos that closed for Hurricane Irma and have now reopened —although gambling might not be on some people’s mind for a few more days.
The one casino exception is Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach, which Tuesday reported “major” damage and is closed indefinitely.
The two South Florida hotel-casinos, Miccosukee Resort & Gaming and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, remained open even as Hurricane Irma blew through.
Reports are still unclear on other horse tracks, dog tracks and jai-alai frontons across the rest of Florida.
Seminole Gaming CEO James Allen said the restaurants at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood all had large crowds of people looking to dine out on Monday, and he gave a shout-out to his employees.
“We’re always proud of our staff, and their enthusiastic commitment to the tribe,” he said. “But certainly this storm was a new challenge. They not only rose to expectations. They exceeded them.
“Certainly when the winds were projected to approach 200 mph it was a bit concerning, but obviously, it didn’t happen.”
Seminole Classic in Hollywood and Seminole Coconut Creek, which don’t have hotels, closed during Hurricane Irma and have since reopened. Allen said the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa was fortunate because the storm, which at one point appeared to be on track to slam the area, died down before reaching the area.
Gulfstream Park will resume live thoroughbred racing Saturday.
“Except for some minor damage to roof shingles on our older barns, we’re ready to go,” Gulfstream General Manager P.J. Campo said. “We are waiting until Saturday to resume racing because we have to wait for outside resources and utilities in the South Florida area like power, gas and clean-up, to catch up.”
Even the lottery, based in Tallahassee, was affected. The Florida Lottery suspended its lower-profile daily draw games, such as Pick 2, on Sunday and Monday and resumed Tuesday. Lottery officials held make-up drawings for those holding tickets for Sunday and Monday, and they are posted on the lottery’s YouTube site. Draw results also are at FloridaLottery.com.
As far as planned weekend casino promotions and poker action goes, their status is uncertain. Check casinos and their web sites for more info.
