As the debate over casino smoking legislation rumbles on in state capitals nationwide, a beacon has been lit by a tribal casino in Florida, spearheading a bold new venture where smokers can freely indulge their habit while also enjoying a flutter. Set on the outskirts of Miami, nestled in its western perimeters, the Miccosukee Casino & Resort preps to inaugurate a dedicated casino smoking room this summer, in a landmark move that aims to keep pace with demand. More and more, guests have been vocalizing their desire for an exclusive smoking area furnished with gaming machines, with the resort officials confirming that their voices have indeed been heard.
The Miccosukee Tribe, one of only two federally recognized tribes in Florida, finds itself in esteemed company alongside the significantly larger Seminole Tribe. The location is pivotal – the Miccosukee Casino & Resort is situated at the gateway of the Florida Everglades, on the cusp of US Highway 41, otherwise known as Tamiami Trail. They own and operate this gem of a resort, setting the scene for a harmonious blend of nature and gaming pleasure.
To date, the Miccosukee Casino has merely dabbled in smoking facilities, with a small room tucked away near the Cyprus Lounge and M Sphere Rewards players’ lounge that houses a handful of slot-like electronic bingo machines. Yet, come summer, an evolution of their smoking offering: a large, devoted space where tobacco lovers can light up freely is set to open.
General Manager, Brad Rhines, stressed the pivotal role customer feedback had in planning this ambitious venture, saying, “We value our customers’ feedback and strive to meet their needs. Many of our guests have requested a new, indoor, dedicated smoking section, and I am proud that we will be unveiling this unique attraction to them very soon.”
Rhines has foreseen the launch this summer, and the design is sure to impress. Along with a stylishly upscale bar, the space promises to boast 117 gaming machines.
Unlike so many tribes, the Miccosukee Tribe strategically opted not to enter into a revenue-sharing Class III gaming compact with the state government – thus forgoing the chance to run Las Vegas-style slot machines, live dealer table games, and potentially sports betting at its casinos. Instead, they chose to keep all gaming revenue generated on their turf – a savvy business move, enabling them afford luxury additions such as their new smoking room.
Besides the flagship Miccosukee Casino & Resort, the tribe inaugurated a gaming plaza earlier this year, aptly situated off the picturesque Exit 49 of Interstate 75 – affectionately known as “Alligator Alley.” The Little Trail Casino offers a smoke-free environment for visitors and features 150 electronic bingo machines.
To accommodate guests’ needs and guarantee continuous fun, the gaming plaza incorporates an accessible gas station and a convenient store. For those who crave a quick caffeine or snack fix, there are 12 Tesla charging stations and a neighborhood Dunkin’, not to mention the welcoming café on the premises.
As for the Miccosukee Casino & Resort, gamers are immersed in an elegant space of nearly 1,800 electronic bingo machines, a bingo hall, and a 20-table poker room. The resort isn’t short on luxury with its 302 hotel rooms, four prominent dining options, events space and live entertainment. Moreover, golf enthusiasts will relish the access to the tribe’s 27-hole golf facility nearby. To add to the shopping appeal, the Miccosukee Casino has an esteemed tobacco shop, conveniently located on the casino floor.
The Florida Clean Air Act prohibits indoor smoking, but it appears this law doesn’t apply everywhere. Because Miccosukee Casino and the six Seminoles casinos are situated on sovereign Indian lands and are tribal enterprises, they are immune to the state regulation. Much like the Miccosukees, the Seminoles also continue to offer their guests smoking privileges. Smoke-friendly areas are an integral part of the casino floors at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, Seminole Hard Rock Tampa, Seminole Coconut Creek, Seminole Classic Hollywood, Seminole Immokalee, and Seminole Brighton.
