Halloween happenings: Casino costume parties, contests
Three casinos are getting into Halloween, encouraging patrons to dress up.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood is having a Scary Rock Star Costume Contest tonight. First prize is a $16,000 package that includes a motorcycle and $5,000 cash; second prize is a $3,700 package that includes a cruise for two. Registration begins 7:30 p.m. for the contest at 9 p.m. Contact: SeminoleParadise.com/scaryrockstars
Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is giving away more than $5,000 in cash and prizes at its costume contest Saturday. Register between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. for the contest at 11. A Haunted Masquerade Carnival dinner and live entertainment party will be 8 p.m. Saturday, for $55. Contact: SeminoleCoconutCreekCasino.com; 954-977-6700. And a Haunted Masquerade dinner and party benefiting the SOS Children’s Villages Florida will be 6 p.m. Sunday, for $50. Contact: 954-420-5030
Mardi Gras Gaming Casino and Racetrack in Hallandale Beach invites all to its Hallo-Gras III Scarefest costume contest at 8:31 p.m. today. The casino will award $500 cash and trophies for scariest, funniest, most original, best casino theme and best couple. Contact: PlayMardiGras.com; 954-924-3200.
NICK SORTAL began playing 3-card "gut" and "Indian poker" on high school band trips, moved on to "night baseball" and "pass the trash" during a Dr. Pepper-infused midnight game in the 1980s at the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, and now play in a regular neighborhood Hold 'Em game in Plantation. I have been given the assignment of writing about the gambling life in South Florida casinos for the Sun-Sentinel...which means sitting around watching poker on TV now counts as research.
