Mardi Gras Hallandale, historically known as the Hollywood Kennel Club and later branded as Mardi Gras Casino, stands as a notable landmark on South Florida's entertainment strip at Hallandale Beach. This venue blended historic greyhound racing traditions with modern casino gaming across more than seventy thousand square feet of floor space. If you're looking to understand its origins, its transition into the Big Easy Casino era, and what made this property a unique fixture in Broward County, you'll find the complete story right here.
Located at 831 North Federal Highway, the property first opened its doors on December 1, 1934, operating initially as a greyhound track following the legal establishment of parimutuel betting in Florida. Over the decades, it evolved from an open-air kennel club into a full-scale gaming destination featuring hundreds of slot machines, a dedicated poker room, and vibrant event spaces that captured a distinct festive spirit.
The Origins and Evolution of Hollywood Kennel Club
The story of the site began during the Great Depression. Florida authorized parimutuel wagering in 1931, setting off a wave of track constructions across the state. Local investors recognized the potential of Hallandale Beach as a growing corridor between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. When the Hollywood Kennel Club launched in late 1934, crowds gathered to watch greyhound racing under the lights.
A permanent grandstand was added in 1940, cementing the venue's physical footprint for the next several decades. For generations of locals and tourists, evening visits to the track formed a staple of South Florida nightlife. The venue operated as the Hollywood Greyhound Track starting in 1974, retaining its core sporting identity while surrounding municipalities modernized rapidly.
Transitioning into Mardi Gras Casino
A major turning point arrived in November 2004 when Broward County voters approved a referendum allowing slot machines at existing parimutuel facilities. This legal shift allowed track operators to transform traditional racing venues into modern "racinos."
In 2006, the property completed a multi-million-dollar renovation project. Operators added approximately one thousand slot machines, upgraded dining options, and introduced a poker room. Along with these physical upgrades, the facility rebranded as Mardi Gras Casino. The new theme leaned heavily into New Orleans-inspired festive imagery, colorful beads, and celebratory events, contrasting sharply with the straightforward athletic focus of the past.
The gaming floor expanded further in subsequent years. By the late 2000s, the venue housed over nine hundred slot machines, virtual table games like roulette and blackjack, and the Big Easy Poker Room. The poker room offered dozens of tables hosting Texas Hold 'em, Omaha, and daily tournaments tracked via the Bravo Poker system.
Navigating the Challenges and the Big Easy Era
Operating a legacy venue in South Florida brought unique hurdles. In September 2017, Hurricane Irma struck the region, causing significant damage and forcing a temporary two-month closure for repairs.
Shortly after, in 2018, real estate developer Jeffrey Soffer acquired the property from Hartman & Tyner. Following the purchase, management rebranded the venue as the Big Easy Casino to align with a fresh operational vision. Live greyhound racing across Florida officially concluded around this period, shifting the property's focus entirely toward electronic gaming, poker, and simulcast wagering on horse and dog races from across the nation.
For visitors planning a trip to the historic site, understanding what remains on-site helps manage expectations. While the physical address on Federal Highway remains active for gaming and entertainment, the historical context defines its place in local culture.
Key Amenities and Gaming Layouts
When the casino operated at peak capacity under its various banners, it established distinct zones for different types of players.
- Main Slot Floor: House hundreds of spinning reels, video poker terminals, and multi-station electronic table games.
- The Dog Pound: A designated smoker-friendly gaming area built to accommodate players who wanted indoor options without leaving the gaming floor.
- The Poker Room: A separate, quieter salon featuring thirty tables with low-limit cash games and regular tournament schedules.
- Dining and Lounge Spaces: Several casual eateries and bars, including Louie's Lounge, provided refreshments and live entertainment stages.
Common Mistakes When Researching Local History
Many casual visitors confuse the Florida property with similarly named venues elsewhere in the United States. If you're studying regional entertainment history, keep these common errors in mind:
- Confusing properties: Don't mix up the Hallandale Beach location with the Mardi Gras Casino and Resort located in Cross Lanes, West Virginia, which operates entirely separate hotel and gaming facilities.
- Misunderstanding active racing status: Don't expect live greyhound racing on site today. Florida banned live dog racing statewide, ending an era that lasted over eight decades at the Hallandale track.
- Overlooking ownership changes: Don't assume the venue operates under its 2006 Mardi Gras branding today; the 2018 acquisition shifted its identity to the Big Easy name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Mardi Gras Casino located in Florida?
The venue sat at 831 North Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, positioned conveniently between Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Is live greyhound racing still happening at the track?
No. Live racing ended permanently following statewide legislative changes and industry shifts, though simulcast wagering on out-of-state tracks remained available during transitional periods.
Why did the venue change its name to the Big Easy?
Following its acquisition by hospitality entrepreneur Jeffrey Soffer in 2018, management opted for a rebrand to reflect new management strategies and interior updates.
What happened to the poker room?
The poker room expanded significantly over the years, operating as the Big Easy Poker Room with dozens of tables and daily tournament events for local card players.
