The Seminole's have exclusive rights to offer Blackjack and a few other table games at its casino's…thanks to a gaming compact approved by the state a few months ago. While the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood has been offering Blackjack for a while now…the Coconut Creek Casino will deal its first hand on August 13, 2010 at 3PM. 70's TV star David Cassidy, former Yankee Roy White, Met Ed Kranepool and a few local celebrities will play the first hand of the casino. After that, all guests will have access to the casino's 12 new blackjack tables.

Next in line to get blackjack is the Seminole Hollywood Casino (the more 'low key' property across from the Hard Rock Casino). The state gaming compact allows the tribe to offer blackjack exclusively for 5 years in exchange for $1 billion. It's not known at this time if the other casinos in Broward and Miami-Dade will be allowed to open table games at that time…or if the compact will be renewed.

Having just returned from Las Vegas…I can say that the Seminoles have done a great job in the design and set-up of their casinos. The Hard Rock complex is actually nicer than some of the popular casino's on the Las Vegas Strip. Not only do you need a casino with good games (and payouts)…you need to offer some 'excitement' for guests…in either entertainment, dining or shopping. Gaming in Vegas is down, so casino/hotel-resorts have found other ways to draw in tourists and locals. Great deals on hotel rooms and food….great entertainment/shows…and new nightclubs (a trend I personally hope fades soon).