Effective August 1, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa, Florida started charging to park after 30 minutes. Casino spokeswoman Nikki Yourison said the property is planning to add officers and improve lighting in its garages—however, she didn’t say if the new parking fee would pay for that.
She said most of the entertainment venues in the Tampa Bay area charge for parking, and so do other casinos across the U.S. For example, in June, MGM Resorts International started charging to park at 12 properties in Las Vegas as part of a $90 million plan to “significantly improve the parking experience,” a company news release stated.
If guests spend a minimum of $50 at the Tampa Hard Rock spa, restaurants or retail shops, the parking fee will be waived. The fee also will be waived for hotel guests and Elite and X card members. Other guests can use their comp dollars to pay the parking fee.
In frustration and protest, former players now are taking their business to Tampa Bay Downs near Oldsmar and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, where parking is free.
The Seminole Tribe operates seven casinos in Florida, including the Hard Rock, which took in $2.2 billion in annual revenue from gambling operations last year, according to court depositions. Before its gaming compact expired, which guaranteed the tribe exclusive rights to offer blackjack, the tribe paid the state about $200 million annually.
