Mardi Gras Casino [VP in SoFla]

[VPMiami]

Here is a basic rundown of video poker offered at Mardi Gras Casino, Hallandale Beach, FL. It is located 30 minutes north Miami and 15 minutes south of Ft. Lauderdale on US 1.  It is also less than 5 minutes north of Gulfstream Park, making it easy to hop between the two. Mardi Gras Casino is located at the old Hollywood greyhound track.  The casino was renovated when Florida laws changed allowing Vegas style slots. It offers slots, video poker, live dog racing in the winter and spring, simulcast racing, video blackjack and a poker room.  In addition to video blackjack, they offer an electronic version with "live" dealers, but where the cards and the bank are all controlled by the machine. The casino is smoke-free. The main casino area is on the ground floor and is quite large with over 1100 machines.  It has more of the "old Vegas" feel, with low ceilings and somewhat dim lighting. Although I've never tried to count them all, it looks like they have the most video poker machines of all the "racinos" I visit regularly.  As you enter the casino and walk to the right, you will find the VP machines grouped in several banks as you approach the far right wall.  I guess somewhere between 75 and 100 machines ranging from $0.05 upwards, both single and multihand.  There are also a handful in the high limit room and at the bar. 1.  For low rollers like me, Mardi Gras offers the best pay tables on the nickel machines that I've been able to find at all of the South Florida "racinos".  For example, on my most recent visit, the pay table for Deuces Wild, 5 coins in was:      1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 4 - 10 - 12 - 20 - 200 - 4000 This pay table has an expected return of 97.58%.  Two percent higher than equivalent machines at Calder.  Once percent higher than Magic City.  Mardi Gras' $0.05 machines even beat Gulfstream and Magic City for their $0.25 machines (both pay 97.06%). 2.  I like their Player's Club.  The sign up bonus was generous. Bet $100 your first day and get $25 free play the same day, win or lose.  To collect the free play, you have to swipe your card through their "virtual promotion" kiosk before leaving.  I did just that and then checked my balance and sure enough, $25 promo was added to my card (you can actually use it that same visit... I saved mine for the future).  The promotion kiosks should be your first stop on any visit.  Often times you can collect special bonuses that aren't widely advertised (free play, discounts, points multipliers, etc.). 3.  Every encounter I've had with the people working in the casino has been favorable.  Everyone seems very friendly and helpful and they go out of their way to make you feel as if they value your patronage. 4.  The place seems more lively and well-visted in general, especially compared to Gulfstream, its closest neighbor. Although I only started visiting Mardi Gras recently, it is becoming my favorite place to play VP.  The great variety of VP games available and the generally more favorable pay tables makes it worth the extra 15 minute drive. - D - 

[New2vp]

Excellent casino reviews.  I have been enjoying your detailed reporting.

[VPMiami]

Thanks.  I have one more to go, the Hard Rock in Hollywood, but I haven't been there in a couple months so need to visit again and take a few notes. Hopefully this will give folks an easier way to "comparison shop", especially those visiting Miami or Ft. Lauderdale who may be looking for a gambling night out.  We're definitely not Vegas, but we do have a few decent places to get your gamble on. - D -

[VPMiami]

I went to Mardi Gras last night for a quick 2-hour visit.  Here's a quick update. 1.  Current promotion has Wednesdays as triple points days on the players club card. 2.  I overestimated the number of machines.  More like 45 to 55 instead of 75.  Still, I believe it's the best selection for those looking for low denomination machines. 3.  I checked the pay tables for Deuces Wild, single hand, from 5 cents to $1 and the pay table is identical for all denominations.  So for, those playing nickels and quarters, you're getting one of the better pay tables at 97.58%.  For those playing $1 or above, you may be able to find better elsewhere. Oh, and about 20 minutes before I left, I decided to switch from nickels to quarters.  After about 5 minutes, this gem of a hand was dealt to me, making it a profitable visit.  - D -