The Isle @ Pompano is the 3rd Casino in Broward County to open (and our favorite, which is why we are talking about it first) since the voters approved slots machines a few years back.  It's been a looong road for the county and now Broward has the most casinos in the state.  I'll run down the general theme and look of the casino and give our opinions.

The casino itself is located right on the Harness Racetrack.  This is actually what is commonly called a 'racino' (Casino and Race track).  The old grandstand is still there.  When you walk in, it feels like you stepped back into the 1970s.  If you enjoy horse harness racing..check the building out...but lets get to the fun stuff-

The new Casino building was built from the ground up.  It's quite impressive as you walk up (and is the most expensive slot casino-race track combo built so far).  Walking through the front door, you feel as if you stepped into a Vegas Strip casino.  The ceiling is high, the machines are clanking. 

There are 1,500 slot machines (the maximum allowed by Florida law).  The denomination is 2 cents to ...well I know they had a 'high roller' area.  I didn't get into the room, but I did see a $5 machine.  They have all the Vegas favorites....AND...these are Vegas Style slot machines.  Vegas style lets you play against the 'house'.  These allow for higher jackpots, but fewer odds (supposedly).  The Indian Casino's around the state are only allowed to have the 'bingo style' slots.  These put player-against-player with mini bingo cards appearing in the slot.  These typically have lower payouts. (I hate those machines too.  The most I've gotten is $10 on a payout.)

They have done a great job in trying to make it an evening destination with some restaurants:

We ate at the buffet for dinner.  Not bad.  (We're spoiled from the Bellagio Buffet in Vegas).  Join 'The Isle' slot club if you plan on eating at the buffet...you'll get a few bucks off.  The buffet is set up in different 'stations' and you see them cooking right there. 

The Deli looked good.  They have a window to show off the kitchen.  A good marketing tool.  Only thing is that on a busy nite...be prepared to wait.  Opening weekend had an hour wait.  It's got a New York Deli feel do it will do well.

There are 2 restaurants that were under construction when I was there.  They were upstairs overlooking the Casino.  One is an Italian restaurant...and one a Steak House.  I'll report back on those.

If you want a drink...there is a bar in the middle of the Casino.  Hip, colorful and relaxing. 

I hear that all the casinos plan expansions (food, shopping and hotels) if they are a hit.  So go out there and support them.  My opinion on the matter is that casinos are all corporate run and bring in lots of tax dollars for the area.  If full casinos were allowed in a few regulated areas, that could help Florida with it's 'property tax' issue.  Orlando has Mickey...let South Florida have a few Casino Resorts.

A few things to keep in mind:
- There are no ATM's on property.  Florida law prohibits.  (There is a bill pending approval to change this.)
- There is no smoking in the Casino.
- 1/2 of every dollar you spend goes to Florida Education.
- They do not offer 'comp' drinks for gamblers (like in Vegas and Atlantic City.)
- Afternoons tend to have a more 'senior citizen' crowd.
- They are not open 24 hours. (There is a bill pending approval in the State to allow longer hours and 24 hours on the weekends.)

Location:                  1800 SW Third Street in Pompano Beach
Hours of operation:    Sunday - Thursday 9:00a.m. - 1:00a.m.
                                  Friday & Saturday 10:00a.m. - 2:00a.m.