Today I will talk about an activity that is new to South Florida (Boca Raton and Coral Springs included) it has been in this area approximately two years that is Penny Casinos. Penny Casinos hit Florida like a hurricane. I’m talking about the new Penny Slot Machine arcades that are now in many neighborhoods where seniors go to spend some free time and a few enjoyable dollars. These casinos were given the go ahead to operate for one year by Governor Jeb Bush.

The Penny casinos opened their doors and the people started to come in and play, slowly at first, but the crowds kept growing, mainly the older retired people. Some machines accept a penny bet, some machines accept 5 cents to 8 cents, and some machines can be played for as high as $2.50. When you win, you receive prizes. Prizes include but are not limited to credit cards like Visa cards, good nearly every where including the largest stores in the world, Store credit cards, gas station credit cards etc. Penny Casinos all now have drawings for tickets you can accumulate as you play. The more you play the more tickets you accumulate these tickets are later redeemed for different prizes, check with your local penny casino for details. Penny Casinos also give out some larger prizes example a large screen TV or a trip to a Biloxi Hotel and Casino all expenses paid including air fair. Penny Casinos offer three meals a day, some may charge some may not, each one is different, I have seen some offer free meals. They all offer free sodas, free coffee, and free cookies all day long.

Most arcades are open by 10 AM they stay open as long as there are players on the premises. There isn’t any special schedule that they have to close at any given time. Their clientele determine the hours. Their clientele are mainly older retired senior citizens. Penny Casinos have given seniors a whole new life, especially for the singles. It gives them an opportunity to make new friends, socializing while sitting next to each other. Seniors love the new companionship, they also love the casinos because it gives them something to do instead of watching the boob tube all day long. I haven’t heard of any senior who have lost their shirt, I am sure there are a few greedy ones who go for the home run. Older people are too frugal, that quality protects them from over doing things.

Luckily for the Penny Casino visitors Governor Jeb Bush has given these Casinos another year. It looks like they will get a permanent GO one day. If anyone has any doubts about the Penny Casinos being a bad thing for our community, I suggest you walk into one of them and see for yourself. You don’t have to play or bet if you don’t want too. Most Penny Casinos have a mega wide screen TV for the convenience of someone waiting, friend, family or a spouse or anyone else.

My personal opinion or grade for these Penny Casinos is an A+.

Let the games begin!

Author Information:

Charles Maythenyi
writer@coralspringsbocaraton.com