Even though the Miami Heat isn't a participant, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is offering two promotions related to the team.

It starts with a watch party opening night Wednesday at the center casino bar for the game against the New York Knicks. From then until Dec. 29, those who sign up for the promotion will receive $20 in free play if the Heat wins 16 games (enough to break .500) from opening night through Dec. 30.

Then on Jan. 17, everyone that registered will be entered in a drawing; if the winner makes a half-court shot, he or she wins $500,000. (The casino likely will set up a hoop outside, near the front valet area.) To be part of the promotion, you have to join the casino's Players' Club, which is free.

The Heat is aware of the promotion, but can't endorse it. (The team has a marketing agreement with the Miccosukee Tribe.)

Sports gambling is illegal in Florida, but casinos are tiptoeing into ways to tie in sports. The Isle and Gulfstream, for example, have NFL prediction contests running and Mardi Gras gives away tickets to "Your Hometown NFL Team," while not naming the Dolphins directly.