One thing is certain. The Seminoles know how to operate a casino here in South Florida. Well…actually two casinos. Most people have heard of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL and it's attached Paradise Entertainment Complex. It's little 'sister'…the Seminole Coconut Creek Casino (North of Hard Rock in Coconut Creek, FL) is trying on some new clothes and is ready for a make-over.

The casino has gone through some recent renovations over the past 5 years…including additional gaming space called 'The Site' which added another 400 gaming machines, 70 new blackjack seats and a new fast-casual restaurant. The popular 'Fresh Harvest' buffet and some general facility upgrades were completed a few years ago. There have been talks about a major expansion in the works that include a hotel (one of the largest in Florida) and additional entertainment and gaming facilities. The new plans call for some buildings to sit on land not owned by the Seminoles…which means Coconut Creek would need to approve the plan.

It looks like the next step in the renovation plan is taking shape, which means they are going to try to complete their master plan in phases. Moss/Anderson was recently awarded a $100 million contract to take on this phase of the renovation/expansion. The project is currently under way and is expected to be complete by December 2011/January 2012. We stopped into the casino last weekend and saw that they are adding a parking garage and most of the parking lot is fenced off with lots of construction happening. Further digging, I found that this new expansion will add 45,700 of new gaming space that will also include a full renovation of the existing 40,000 sq ft casino. The whole casino is expected to get a 'new look' along with upgrades to the poker room. They are also planning a new deli restaurant in the casino as well.

The parking garage will accommodate about 2,400 vehicles and will have a new restaurant and retail complex attached. they also plan to have expanded valet and a special 'players club' area. All this plan seems to need now is a hotel to make it complete. With the 1,900 slot machines already in play at this property…the new space will make this a slot machine powerhouse. Too bad the other pari-mutual casinos can't upgrade their facilities to compete. Then again…if the Seminoles know how to produce a good product…let them.