Until 2008 SunCruz Casinos operated the Treasure Island Casino Cruise out of Madeira Beach. This casino cruise was one of six that the company offered in Florida, as well as one in South Carolina. As well as canceling the sailing out of the port at John's Pass Village and Boardwalk, the company also canceled the trip from Daytona Beach. SunCruz was one of two casino cruises operating out of the area, with Horizon's Edge sailing from Treasure Island, just across the bridge, and visible from John's Pass Boardwalk in Madeira Beach. In mid-March of 2008, SunCruz Casinos announced that it would no longer sail from Madeira Beach. Tamp Bay Online reported that Greg Karan, executive president of Oceans Casino Cruises, explained the reason for the cancellation was a downturn in the economy and the proximity of other gambling venues. The company offering the cruise out of Treasure Island, the Massachusetts-based Horizon's Edge, filed for bankruptcy a year later in April, 2009, canceling the only other casino cruise operating out of Madeira Beach.
SunCruz Casinos continues to operate a vessel in the region, located one hour north of Madeira Beach in Port Richey. Big "M" Casino, another casino cruise, is based out of Fort Myers, two hours south. A number of other casino cruises operate on Florida's East Coast, as well as land-based casinos, such as the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino operated by Seminole Casinos in nearby Tampa.
Only a one-hour commute north from Madeira Beach, SunCruz Casinos operates a vessel for visitors to enjoy the casino atmosphere on the Gulf of Mexico. The Port Richey Casino, a 13,000-square-foot tri-level casino, is anchored offshore the Florida coast and offers a variety of Las Vegas-style casino games, including 325 slot machines and many table games, including craps, roulette, 3-card poker and blackjack. To reach the casino, visitors take a high-speed water shuttle taxi provided by the company. In August, 2010, the taxis depart at 11:00 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and return at 5:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m.
SunCruz Casinos
7917 Bayview St.
Port Richey, Florida 34668
800-464-3423
727-848-3423
portricheycasino.com
Located two hours south of Madeira Beach, the Big "M" Casino cruises on a 162-foot ship from Moss Marine in Fort Myers into the Gulf of Mexico. In August, 2010, the casino offers morning sailings from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday and evening cruises from 6:00 p.m. to 11:45 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Visitors can purchase tickets for the cruises in 2010 for $10 or tickets that include an all-you-can-eat buffet for $25.55 in the morning, or $25.85 in the evening. While on board, guests play a variety of Vegas-style games, as well as slot machines.
The Big "M" Casino
450 Harbor Court
Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
bigmcasino.com
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino offers a total Vegas-style casino experience, complete with tables, machines, a hotel and dining options on site. In the newly expanded casino, open all day, every day of the year, visitors experience over 178,000 square feet of gaming and entertainment. In between game of poker or pulls on the slot machines, guests enjoy a variety of dining options, from fine dining to quick snacks. After a long day of gambling, spend the night at the hotel, which offers deluxe double queen, deluxe king and spa king rooms, as well as packages.
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa
5223 North Orient Rd.
Tampa, Florida 33610
866-502-7529
seminolehardrocktampa.com
