Searching for casinos in Gainesville, FL? Find information on nearby poker rooms, slot machines, and table games. Get details on locations, hours, and amenities.

Gainesville Florida Gambling Venues and Entertainment Options

For those seeking premier gaming action near the heart of North Central Florida, the most direct route leads to Ocala Gainesville Poker and Jai Alai. Located at 4601 W Highway 318 in Orange Lake, this establishment is approximately a 30-minute drive south from the city's central area. It operates extensive hours, opening its doors from 10:00 AM to 4:00 AM on weekdays and offering 24-hour service from Friday morning until Monday morning. This schedule provides ample opportunity for both daytime and late-night entertainment.

Inside, visitors find a dedicated poker room featuring 21 tables. The primary games available are No-Limit Texas Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha, with buy-ins structured to accommodate various bankrolls. Regular tournaments are a staple, often with guaranteed prize pools that attract a consistent flow of players. Beyond card games, the facility is renowned for its fast-paced Jai Alai fronton, offering live matches and simulcast wagering on horse and greyhound racing from tracks across the country.

While this particular Florida city does not house large-scale resort-style gaming complexes, the surrounding region offers alternatives. For a broader selection of slot machines and table games, a trip to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Gaming Complex in Tampa is a feasible option. Situated about a two-hour drive away, it presents a destination with thousands of electronic gaming machines, a vast array of table games including blackjack and baccarat, and a significant live music and dining scene. This makes it a practical choice for a full-day or weekend excursion from the academic hub.

Navigating the Gaming Scene in Gainesville, FL

For high-stakes poker action, your primary destination is the Ocala Gainesville Poker and Jai Alai, located approximately 40 miles south of the city center. This establishment features daily tournaments with buy-ins ranging from $60 to $250. Cash games run 24/7, primarily focusing on No-Limit Hold'em with blinds from $1/$2 to $5/$10 and Pot-Limit Omaha. The facility also offers betting on live Jai Alai matches and simulcast wagering on horse and dog races from tracks across the country. Check their monthly calendar online for specific tournament schedules and special promotional events, like high hand bonuses that can exceed $500.

Within the Alachua County area, gaming options are centered around social clubs and arcades with skill-based machines. These locations, such as those found in local shopping plazas, operate under specific Florida statutes governing "adult arcades." They offer electronic games that require player interaction to win, differing from traditional slot machines. Payouts are typically in the form of points redeemable for merchandise or gift cards. Expect to find games styled after familiar card and reel formats, but with an added element of player control influencing the outcome.

For those seeking a full-spectrum resort experience with table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, the closest venues are the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Tampa or the Bestbet Jacksonville. The drive to Tampa is roughly two hours south, while the trip to Jacksonville is about 90 minutes east on I-10. Both offer extensive gaming floors, live entertainment, and multiple dining options. Booking transportation or accommodations in advance is recommended, particularly for weekend trips when these venues are at peak capacity.

Where to Play Poker and Card Games Near Gainesville

Ocala Poker & Jai Alai, located approximately 40 minutes south of the Alachua County area, is the primary destination for regulated card games. It operates a dedicated 24-table poker room offering a consistent schedule of tournaments and cash games.

• No-Limit Hold'em: Cash games are regularly available, with stakes typically starting at $1/$2 and $2/$5.


• Pot-Limit Omaha: PLO games, including PLO8 (Hi-Lo), run frequently, especially during evening hours and weekends.


• Tournaments: Daily and weekly tournaments feature buy-ins from $60 to over $250. Look for special series events with larger prize pools and multi-day structures.

The facility provides tableside food and beverage service. Players can track active tables and waiting lists through the Bravo Poker Live app before arriving. For alternative gaming options beyond poker, the venue features Jai Alai fronton betting.

Another option is Bestbet Orange Park, a larger cardroom situated about a 75-minute drive northeast towards Jacksonville. This establishment offers a more extensive selection of games.

1. Game Variety: Beyond standard Hold'em and Omaha, you can find games like Seven Card Stud and various forms of Draw Poker.


2. Higher Stakes: The venue consistently runs higher-stakes cash games, attracting a different pool of players.


3. Major Tournament Series: Bestbet is a stop for major poker tours, hosting events with significant guarantees several times per year.

For less formal play, local social clubs and bars within the university city community occasionally host free-to-play poker leagues. These events offer prizes like gift cards or bar tabs instead of cash winnings, providing a low-stakes environment to practice.

Planning Your Visit to Oxford Downs Poker Room: Hours, Rules, and Amenities

Arrive at 17820 SE 109th Terrace Rd, Summerfield, FL 34491, prepared for your poker session. The poker room operates daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 AM. A valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry; patrons must be 18 years or older to play poker. The venue is a non-smoking facility, with designated smoking areas available outside.

The primary games offered are No-Limit Texas Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha. Buy-ins for cash games typically start at $60 for 1/2 No-Limit Hold'em and increase for higher stakes. Daily tournaments feature buy-ins ranging from $80 to $200, with specific schedules and structures posted on the facility's website. You can add your name to the waitlist for cash games remotely using the Bravo Poker Live app to minimize wait time upon arrival.

On-site amenities include complimentary soft drinks, coffee, and water for active players. A full-service bar offers alcoholic beverages for purchase. Food service is available directly at the tables from The Paddock Cafe, which serves a menu of sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the poker room. Ample self-parking is available at no charge in the large lot surrounding the building.

Player conduct rules are strictly enforced. English is the only language permitted at the tables during active hands. Mobile phone conversations are prohibited at the table; you must step away to take a call. For player rewards, sign up for the Oxford Downs Players Club card at the reception desk to accumulate points based on hours played, which can be redeemed for food, merchandise, and tournament entries.

Alternative Entertainment and Gaming Options Within Alachua County

For enthusiasts of card games and pari-mutuel wagering, Ocala Gainesville Poker and Jai Alai presents the primary local venue. Located at 4601 NW 13th Street, this establishment offers dedicated poker rooms with daily tournaments and cash games, featuring variations like Texas Hold'em and Omaha. The facility also broadcasts live jai alai matches for simulcast betting, providing a fast-paced spectator sport alongside the card action. Check their schedule for specific tournament buy-ins and starting times, which frequently vary.

Those seeking skill-based electronic amusement can visit Dave & Buster's in Celebration Pointe. This location combines a restaurant and bar with a vast arcade floor filled with modern video games and classic redemption machines. Players load funds onto a Power Card to operate the games. It's a solid choice for group outings or families looking for interactive entertainment without direct wagering elements. Their prize shop allows for the redemption of accumulated electronic tickets for various goods.

For a more traditional social gaming experience, several local establishments host regular bingo nights. The American Legion Post 16 at 4701 NW 6th Street holds sessions open to the public, providing a low-stakes, community-focused environment. These events often support veteran services and offer cash prizes. Similarly, local Elks Lodges sometimes schedule bingo events, so consulting their community calendars is advisable for dates and times.

Arcade Bar, situated in the downtown area, caters to an adult audience with a collection of retro arcade cabinets and pinball machines. This venue pairs classic gaming with a full-service bar, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. https://sportingbetcasino.de is on pay-per-play classic video gaming, from Pac-Man to Street Fighter II, appealing to those who appreciate vintage coin-operated entertainment.