My Tampa Hard Rock visit

[Carcounter]

So I did find time to hit the Tampa Hard Rock for a few hours on St. Patricks Day evening. Was down in Tampa for a long weekend with my adult daughters for some spring training games. The Yankeees/Phillies game in Clearwater that day was a St Patricks Day party and a baseball game broke out. Did not see one person without a drink in their hand. Had fun, but we left early. Went to Happy hour at the Council Oak steakhouse and had a few things to eat and a couple of drinks. Very good. I know that I've said i usually don't play less than 99% games, but I'm on vacation and figured I'd throw $ 200 into the 98.91% deuces that vpfree was right where they said they would be. Only problem was it was in the smoking section. Played .50 denom. Threw 5 cards away and was dealt a royal in hearts on the redraw. First time that has happened to me since I started playing in 1993. I have had a dealt royal on the initial draw, but never on a redraw till now. Also hit quite a few wild royals and 5 OAKS and cashed out up $2,200. Walked around a bit and have to tell you I don't think the casino itself was anything special. I understand the Hard Rock down in Hollywood Florida is a little grander.

[FloridaPhil]

As East Coast casinos go, Tampa is better than some. The best VP game is 98.9% Deuces Wild at 50 cents and above. The casino is huge and getting bigger all the time. It's my home casino and I have no complaints. The non smoking casino has the better odds as well. Unfortunately, the VP game maintenance is not that great. This seems to be the norm everywhere these days.

Hollywood has better quarter games, but you have to know where to look. They have a small group of 98.9% quarter deuces wild and 8/5 Bonus Poker games near the entrance to the Lucky Street garage. The machine maintenance and girl watching is better in Hollywood. Both casinos are under expansion.

The Florida Hard Rocks are native American owned. Their comp program is generous, but it favors locals as points expire quickly. They have a tiny casino in Immokolee that has decent VP as well. Immokolee is a small city about an hour west of Ft. Lauderdale. Ft. Myers in the closest city of any size.

You will not find successful Advantage players in Florida. If you do, they are on the beach or at the Super Bowl not in the casino. Most Florida casino regulars are seniors. We are happy to have the Hard Rocks. Before they came we had to drive to Mississippi for VP. The State of Florida is one of the most financially successful States. Our constitution does not allow deficits. Florida has no State income or gambling taxes.

[Vman96]

You got a redraw royal and didn't take a picture of it? C'mon...

[case]

Nice hit Carcounter. A Paddys day you won't forget.

[FAA]

Congratulations. I saw the Yankees-Phillies game in AC over lunch. Free corned beef and cabbage. I much prefer your cabbage.

[olds442jetaway]

Luck of the Irish shined on you......Congrats.....

[Carcounter]

You got a redraw royal and didn't take a picture of it? C'mon...

I've got a picture on my IPhone. Don't have a clue how to post it.

[wildman49]

Nice Car, have had a few redraw Royals myself, they kinda shock you!

[Carcounter]

First one for me. Yep kinda shocking. I've got pictures of most of my royals on the phone, but delete them before the wife sees them.

[Come Back Kid]

Nice Car! Wtg... (it was the only green thing I could find) Lol