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The Big Easy Casino, formerly known as Mardi Gras Casino and Hollywood Greyhound Track, is a casino and greyhound racing facility located in Hallandale Beach, in the U.S. state of Florida. The casino features over 900 slot machines, virtual table games, free to enter poker tournaments, and nightly entertainment.^[1]

• 4Greyhound Racing

History[edit]

What is now the Big Easy Casino opened as the Hollywood Kennel Club on December 1, 1934, three years after Florida legalized parimutuel betting.^[2] A grandstand was added in 1940. In 1974, the facility was reopened as Hollywood Greyhound Track.^[3]

A November 2004 statewide referendum allowed Broward County voters to decide whether to allow slot machines at parimutuel facilities located in the county.^[4] Broward County voters subsequently approved the use of slots at Hollywood Greyhound and other parimutuels.

An extensive renovation project in 2006 added approximately 1,100 slot machines and a poker room to the dog track, which was renamed Mardi Gras Casino.^[5] Two years later, an additional 200 slot machines were added and, in 2009, the Big Easy Poker Room was relocated and expanded. Also included in the renovated facility were a flea market, several restaurants/bars, and a gift shop.^[6]

In 2015, the casino made further improvements, which included widening the aisles and opening up Louie's Lounge to the entire casino floor.^[7]

In 2017, the facility was closed for two months because of damage from Hurricane Irma.^[8]

In 2018, Jeffrey Soffer, owner of the Fontainebleau Hotel, purchased the Mardi Gras Casino from Hartman & Tyner, and renamed it as the Big Easy Casino.^[9][10][11]

Casino[edit]

The casino offers over 70,000 square feet of gaming space, including over 900 slot machines,^[12] virtual roulette and blackjack,^[13] as well as The Dog Pound, Mardi Gras’ smoker-friendly slot area; simulcast and greyhound racing.

The Big Easy Poker Room, offers over 30 tables of Texas Hold 'em, 7 Card Stud, Omaha and Omaha Hi/Lo. The casino offers low and high limit tables in an effort to accommodate beginner and experienced players.

There are also nightly, free to enter poker tournaments^[14] that can be entered and tracked through the Bravo Poker Mobile App.

Krewe Club[edit]

The Krewe Club is the casino's membership program. Anyone over 21 can become a Krewe Club member, and will receive $25 bonus play when signing up. The Krewe Club is a tiered membership program that includes purple, gold, black, and platinum levels. As club members play in the casino, they earn points that enable them to move up from purple, to gold, to black, and eventually to the invitation only platinum card. Each level gives the card-holder more exclusive benefits, ranging from free valet service to complementary tickets to on-site concerts and events.

Greyhound Racing[edit]

Despite improvements and enhancements over the years, the dog track itself has remained relatively the same. Track specifics include:

• Track Length: 1,372 Feet
• Track Width: 22 Feet
• Length of Stretch: 300 Feet
• Composition: Sand and Marl
• Timing: Hundredth of a Second
• Courses: 550 Yards, 660 Yards and 770 Yards

The casino, which is a supporter of the Adopt-A-Greyhound program, also offers simulcast greyhound racing, harness and thoroughbred racing from tracks across the United States and Canada.

Notable Races[edit]

The track is home to four stakes races:

• Mardi Gras Futurity.
• $75,000 Mardi Gras World Classic.
• $10,000 Joe Ryan Jr. Memorial.
• $50,000 American Derby.

2010 Stakes Schedule^[15]

The $15,000 Mardi Gras FuturityQualifying Rounds BeginJanuary 13 & 16Semi-Final RoundJanuary 20ChampionshipJanuary 23, 2010

Winner: Ls Lafave

Time: 30:60

The $75,000 Mardi Gras World ClassicQualifying Rounds BeginMarch 10 & 13thSemi-Final Rounds BeginMarch 17 & 20thChampionshipMarch 26, 2010

Winner: Oya Tom Terrific

Time: 30:51

The $10,000 Joe Ryan, Jr. MemorialChampionshipApril 2, 2010

Winner: Funnelling Money

Time: 30:16

The $30,000 HollywoodianQualifying Rounds BeginApril 21 & 24thSemi-Final Rounds BeginApril 28 & May 1ChampionshipMay 8, 2010

Winner: Crispins Place

Time: 37:55

Hollywood World Classic History - Past Winners[edit]

Dining[edit]

Dining options at the facility offer a mix of Cajun and American cuisine, ranging from fast casual to upscale, including:

• The Mezz Grill is a casual bar, offering sandwiches, pizza, and snacks.
• Café Orleans, featuring soups, sandwiches, salads and fresh baked goods.
• Louie's Lounge, the full service premium bar dedicated to the Big Easy Poker Room that has a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and a special late night menu.
• The French Quarter, which is the casino's signature restaurant. This restaurant offers high-end cuisine, such as lobster, steak, and crab cakes.^[16]

Events and Entertainment[edit]

The property has several entertainment venues that host nightly performances and year-round events, including concerts, stand-up comedy, dance competitions, and MMA fights.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

1. ^'Slots, Poker, Greyhound Racing | Mardi Gras Casino'. Mardi Gras Casino. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
2. ^Saunders, Mike (Apr 1, 1988). 'Greyhound racing a good entertainment bet whether or not you place a bet'. Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved 2012-05-09.
3. ^'South Florida casino and gaming guide'. South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Apr 27, 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-09.
4. ^Burstein, Jon (Dec 28, 2006). 'Slots will be running at greyhound track today'. South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved 2012-05-09.
5. ^http://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/article/mardi-gras-gaming-centre-opens-soon-163243
6. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2010-04-20.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
7. ^Mardi Gras Casino (2015-11-12), Check out the renovations at Mardi Gras Casino!, retrieved 2016-06-17
8. ^David Raterman (November 29, 2017). 'Damaged by Hurricane Irma, Mardi Gras Casino reopening in Hallandale Beach'. Sun-Sentinel. Deerfield Beach, FL. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
9. ^Brian Bandell (April 25, 2018). 'Soffer buys Mardi Gras Casino in Hallandale Beach'. South Florida Business Journal. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
10. ^David Raterman (May 2, 2018). 'A new name for Mardi Gras'. Sun-Sentinel. Deerfield Beach, FL. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
11. ^Rene Rodriguez; Douglas Hanks; Mary Ellen Klas (January 12, 2018). 'Fontainebleau owner Jeff Soffer buying Mardi Gras casino in Hallandale Beach'. Miami Herald. Retrieved 2018-05-03.
12. ^'Florida Slot Machines | Mardi Gras Casino'. Mardi Gras Casino. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
13. ^'Florida Virtual Table Games | Mardi Gras Casino'. Mardi Gras Casino. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
14. ^'Florida Poker Tournaments | Mardi Gras Casino'. Mardi Gras Casino. Archived from the original on 2016-05-26. Retrieved 2016-06-17.
15. ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2009-01-08. Retrieved 2010-04-22.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
16. ^http://www.casinocity.com/us/fl/hallandalebeach/flhollyw/

External links[edit]

Coordinates: 25°59′41.42″N80°8′43.77″W / 25.9948389°N 80.1454917°W

Greyhound racing in the United States resembles horse racing. Greyhounds are trained to chase a lure around the track until crossing the finish line. Originally, a live rabbit or hare was used as a lure but this is no longer the case. Mechanical rabbits were introduced later to stop the killing of live rabbits.

Today, racing of greyhounds is available in five states and is strictly regulated. Greyhound racing tracks in the United States feature gaming machines as well. Most also include live poker games for their visitors. It’s a great pastime in the state of Florida and has many fans located in the other four states where it’s available as well.

1. Mardi Gras Casino, Florida

Located in Hallandale Beach, FL., the Mardi Gras Casino is a popular stop for anyone interested in greyhound racing. Tourists and locals alike come to enjoy one of the most popular spots in this part of Florida. One of two casinos, with the other located in West Virginia, Mardi Gras Casino is owned and operated by Hartman and Tyler.

Mardi Gras was opened in 1934 and since then they’ve have been generously adding to their venue. Known as one of the best places in Florida for greyhound racing betting, visitors delight in watching these trained animals reach a speed of almost forty miles per hour. With the unbeatable excitement of cheering your dog to victory, it’s one of the many reasons why this pastime continues to exist today.

Live racing is offered from December to April and you can take part in daily simulcast racing. With more than thirty greyhound, thoroughbred, and harness races streaming live for their simulcast from the United States, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, visitors can make a bet while watching the best tracks in the world. With bets, including trifectas, superfectas, and accumulators, punters can place their bets on any available race. Also, places, quinellas, and exacts are available for most races.

When greyhound races are not enough, visitors can stop in to play some progressive slots, video poker, jackpot slots, or classic slots. Or perhaps, a hand of poker in their poker room is more your speed. More than 30 tables are available with small scale buy-ins and cash games, as well as tournaments. Open seven days a week and 24 hours a day, there’s something exciting happening at all times.

2. Mardi Gras Casino & Resort, West Virginia

Located in Nitro, WV, Mardi Gras Casino & Resort is the second casino operated and owned by Hartman and Tyler. This fabulous casino resort is ranked number two among West Virginia luxury hotels.

They feature greyhound dog races as well as other types of gambling fun. Hours of operation are 24 hours a day where visitors can try their luck for a big win. The track offers the ability to watch your favorite dog pass the finish to victory in comfort while enjoying great views.

In addition to greyhound racing, Mardi Gras Casino & Resort provides some of the most popular casino games, such as roulette, craps, and blackjack. With 30 table games and 1,800 poker and slot machines, including 24 poker tables, there’s never a dull moment while visiting.

Stay at the hotel while enjoying the best greyhound racing the state of West Virginia has to offer. The hotel features 150 air conditioned rooms with pillow top mattresses. Room amenities include 40 inch flat screen televisions, iPod docking stations, coffee makers, laundry service, and a mini bar. Also, laptop compatible safes and free local calls are included with rooms.

Additional amenities throughout the resort include such pleasures as free Wi-Fi, a spa tub, indoor pool, and a health club. If coming or going to the airport, they also offer a free airport shuttle during times already scheduled. Visitors can also take in a game of golf as well as lessons at the nearby golf course.

To satisfy hunger, visitors of the hotel can order from room service 24 hours a day. They offer a free cooked to order breakfast to help give you energy for the day ahead.

3. Derby Lane Greyhound Track

Derby Lane Greyhound Track, located in St. Petersburg, FL., is one of the state’s most popular racing venues. This is due to being the oldest greyhound racing track in the country that has continuously operated. Being a historic landmark in Pinellas County, tourists and locals alike enjoy coming to their races in a park like setting.

Visitors delight in live racing action from Monday to Saturday. Holding some of the records for fastest greyhounds, Derby Lane Greyhound Track is where you can watch your greyhound cross the finish line from the stands or an indoor area.

Greyhounds, jai-alai, harness, and thoroughbreds are available through simulcast on fifty large flat screen televisions. Watch exciting races from across Florida and the country, featuring Preakness, Kentucky Derby, and Belmont and Breeders Cup events you can’t go wrong.

Excitement goes beyond the racing track where visitors can stay for a sit down game of poker in the Derby Lane poker room. They offer a wide variety of poker including sit and goes, guaranteed tournaments, cash games, and free rolls. Seniors can try their luck for a cruise or cash at their special tournament ran every first Saturday of the month. In addition, bettors of all ages can take a chance at other tournaments held at Derby Lane.

Sit for a bite to eat on the sixth floor at the Derby Club Restaurant. Have a taste of a salad, crepes, soup, and another light cuisine during lunch. The dinner menu offers fine Floridian dining with prime rib, crab, and shrimp. Maybe something casual is more to your taste, where you can satisfy it at Gallery Lounge. Have a drink or two at the Derby Club Lounge or at one of the concession stands located inside.

4. Ebro Greyhound Park and Poker Room

Ebro Greyhound Park and Poker Room, located in Florida, has been Washington County’s only gambling facility since it opened in 1955. A large number of locals and tourists are attracted to the Ebro every day to join in the betting action. Hours on Friday and Saturday are around the clock where visitors come as a fun alternative to the area’s nightclubs.

The Ebro is where some of the state of Florida’s most exhilarating greyhound racing occurs. The season for racing is from spring until the end of summer.

Thanks to the many years of providing racing, they’re extremely knowledgeable about what racing enthusiast’s desire. While watching greyhounds pass over the finish line to victory, visitors enjoy incredible views and receive flawless service. Also, head to the simulcast room during the off season or after daily races to view and bet on dog and horse racing streaming in from across the country and Canada.

In addition to racing, visitors go to the poker facilities that have helped make Ebro Greyhound Park and Poker Room legendary. Some of Florida’s best no limit Texas holdem is offered here giving winners some guaranteed big pots. A brand new car is one of the great prizes offered to tournament winners. A wide variation of poker games is provided here in addition to holdem, such as PL Omaha, and double hand poker.

You can also make it a family day while visiting the Ebro. Kids enjoy sitting to watch the greyhound races. When no live racing is happening, there are other entertainment options available to keep kids happy. Big names come to play in their concert area, including Hank Williams Jr.

Visitors satisfy their taste buds at the all you can eat buffet located on site. Perhaps you might even delight in a beer from the concession stands while watching greyhounds track side. Grab an ice cream for the kids while there to help keep them busy.

5. Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack

Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack is located in Wheeling, WV, positioned on an island in the Ohio River. First opened in 1866, this gambling facility has continued to grow and expand by adding table games, video lottery terminals, and a hotel with a banquet center.

Tourists and locals come to Wheeling Island to make a bet of their live greyhound racing action. They can watch excitedly for their dog to grab the victory bringing them the win five days a week. Off hours of live racing can still be enjoyed with simulcasts from across the country. Simulcasts begin each day at noon giving visitors an extra shot at winning big.

When greyhound racing is not enough for gamblers, Wheeling Island provides them with a variety of casino table games. Visitors stop in and it down for 3 card poker, craps, roulette, blackjack, and Mississippi stud. With touch screen betting and a live dealer, they also offer electronic blackjack.

Wheeling Island features 24 gaming table games, two poker tables, and 1,600 gaming machines to keep even the most enthusiastic race fan happy during off hours. This casino is operational 24 hours a day during weekends and all other days until 2:20 AM.

You can stay at the 150 bed hotel room when not gambling. Many amenities are available at the resort; these include in room safe, televisions, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, thick cotton towels, and marble showers. Also, storage isn’t lacking with their spacious closets in every room. Suites and end suites are also available with added features.

Options for dining are many. Try a buffet or enjoy an elegant dinner able to fill up even the pickiest of eaters.

6. Mobile Greyhound Park

Located in Theodore, AL., Mobile Greyhound Park opened in 1973 as the state’s first legal gambling venue. They host live and simulcast greyhound racing. Although many greyhound tracks struggle across the United States, Mobile Greyhound continues to succeed for the owners, Poarch Band of Creek Indians. They’re also owners and operators of Wind Creek Casino & Hotel in Atmore, AL.

Tourists and locals continue to come and test their luck for a big pay out. They’re able to enjoy watching their dog cross the finish line at their live game track or by simulcast. Thanks to the ability to view racing with simulcast technology, gambling enthusiasts have excitement during live racing off times. Horse racing fans also find fun at Mobile Greyhound Park with simulcast events.

Mardi Gras Casino Wv Greyhound Racing

When not taking in all the fun with the dog racing, Mobile Greyhound provides a 24 table poker room. Each Friday and Saturday players can participate in free Texas holdem tournaments. Or, visitors can unwind over a game of pool located in the facility as well on Friday and Saturday nights.

While here, visitors satisfy their hunger in one of three dining facilities available at Mobile Greyhound. At Clubhouse Dining visitors love the taste of steak and seafood among many more meals. Also, they can enjoy a quick burger and drink at Casey’s Café. Or, at Port of Call they might take in a famous club sandwich that’s enough to make their taste buds water for more.

Casino hours of operation are between 11 AM until 11 PM seven days a week.

7. Southland Park Gaming and Racing

Opened in West Memphis, AR., in 1956, Southland Park Gaming and Racing is owned by Delaware North. Each year more than 400 greyhound races occur at this track. In the state of Arkansas, this attraction is one of the most popular and visited, breaking records for wagering and attendance.

Southland Park racing track is one of the largest in the United States. This race track holds much history providing year round racing. They have the capabilities to hold up to 2,000 greyhounds at one time in their more than 25 buildings. One of their famous racetracks is more than 65,000 square feet, making it larger than their casino. More than 20,000 people are able to sit in the stadium. Also available is simulcasting betting.

While at Southland Park visitors like to visit the casino as well as the race track. They feature more than 1,700 electronic games throughout their 55,000 square feet gaming floor. Visitors can enjoy the fun of slot machines, video poker, and virtual table games. The variety of slot machines includes Bally’s and much more. Roulette and craps are included in their available electronic table games.

Southland Park has an “RDY2WIN” jackpot game, a unique feature with their electronic games. Many machines on the gaming floor have this feature available. With this feature, visitors have a chance on any spin to win one of two jackpots from marked machines.

Southland Park’s high limit room features an assortment of highly popular slot machines. Some of these include Top Dollar, Wheel of Fortune, and Double Diamond. However, they don’t offer any casino games that are live.

The poker room at Southland Park offers visitors tournament and cash style games featuring electronic machines. This room is smoke free and has six tables available.

Mardi Gras Casino Racing

Restaurants located at Southland Park feature a high quality food assortment. They have two restaurants, one café, and one buffet where visitors can satisfy their hunger.

Conclusion

Whether you’re going on vacation or visiting a local track, traveling to one of these greyhound race tracks is an exciting trip. Along with the excitement, there’s also a chance to win big when betting on a favorite greyhound.

You can make the exciting vacation last a bit longer when you consider the extras in the area, as well as in the same building as the track. With casinos, restaurants, spas, and shopping experiences, there’s something for everyone to do.

Mardi Gras Casino Dog Racing

Enjoy Greyhound racing to the fullest when you purchase tickets to see one of the races live. You can place bets at the cashier’s windows and cash out when you pick a lucky dog.

Greyhound racing is exciting and exhilarating. Choose which Greyhound you want to bet on and then put your money on them winning the race while visiting the track and seeing their stats. Everyone can enjoy all that comes from the races.