The History of Mardi Gras South Florida Casino
Mardi Gras Casino is one of the most widely respected, long standing institutions in South Florida. Opened as The Hollywood Kennel Club in 1934, the Mardi Gras Casino brought the thrill of Greyhound racing to South Florida. Because of its popularity, the Kennel Club launched the construction of the largest grandstand in the world. With the exception of a few renovations and updates, the original Greyhound track remains intact and continues to draw crowds from throughout South Florida.
As it’s popularity soared, the casino added gaming attractions including slots and simulcast racing. In 1996 new laws allowed the casino to add a poker room to their facilities, making this original Florida Greyhound race track a multi-faceted compelling attraction.
In 2006 Mardi Gras Casino embarked on an extensive renovation project,which allowed the casino to add 1,100 slot machines to this landmark South Florida property. In November of 2009, the casino’s poker room, the Big Easy Poker Room, was relocated to the north end of the third floor and expanded to include 30 tables. The Mardi Gras Casino is home to a myriad of poker tournaments from Texas Hold ‘em to 7 card stud.
Today Mardi Gras Casino is one of South Florida’s premier casino and gaming destination offering thrills and heart pounding action within its 70,000 square feet of casino excitement. Mardi Gras is located in beautiful, sunny Hallandale Beach, on the corner of US-1 and Pembroke Road.
A Fort Lauderdale Area Attraction That Contributes to All of South Florida
Visitors flock to Fort Lauderdale for a variety of attractions—the weather, recreation and gaming destinations. With tourism being the #1 industry in South Florida, gaming attractions are vital to the local area’s survival. With unemployment inching toward 12% and school and public service budgets taking a beating, revenue from Fort Lauderdale casinos is bringing hope to the local economy.
From making a contribution to state economic and community programs to adding jobs to the market, Florida casinos bring more to the table than just fun in the sun. The Mardi Gras Casino contributes towards keeping the Florida economy afloat:
- Florida racinos currently employ 2,156
- Gross revenue generated by racing establishments is $216.74 million
- Casino/racetrack operator owners retain less than 50% of revenue; the rest is dedicated to community and local support
- Florida racinos contribute $108.37 to support state and local government
- Taxes from racinos are dedicated toward statewide education
The excitement from Fort Lauderdale casinos draws more tourists to the state, prompting an expansion of jobs and an increase in revenue being pumped into the economy.
The Contribution of State Regulated Casinos to the Florida Economy
Tribal casinos are considered to be sovereign properties, free from state regulation and unaccountable for local support. Although the tribal casino industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, state and local community groups, public service and education do not benefit financially the way they do from state regulated casinos.As sovereign properties tribal casinos are not subject to many state laws and do not have the security and safety record that state regulated casinos have. As a result Florida tribal casinos have on a number of occasions been the site of alcohol related violence involving patrons that would be underage in a state regulated casino.
Unlike tribal casino operators, Fort Lauderdale casino attractions contribute significantly to the South Florida community and economy. The Mardi Gras Casino is a state regulated gaming institution, which means that a large slice of casino revenue is pumped back into local and state government.
Florida state regulated casino revenue keeps local law enforcement, public schools, roads, parks and community charities and groups healthy and viable:
- Revenue from regulated casinos creates or expands taxes that contribute toward new or existing public works
- Regulated casino tax money can be applied directly toward needed areas such as police, fire or school improvement
- Tourists flock to regulated casinos which boosts the surrounding retail, restaurant and local economy
To learn more about how the Mardi Gras Casino is a major contributor to the South Florida economy, visit our website www.mardigrascasinofl.com>, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
