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Fontainebleau Owner Plans Major Overhaul of Florida’s Big Easy Casino

By jili tutorial · October 10, 2026

Fontainebleau Owner Plans Major Overhaul of Florida’s Big Easy Casino

Jeffrey Soffer, the visionary behind Fontainebleau Development, is setting his sights on revitalizing the Big Easy Casino in Hallandale Beach, Florida. This move comes on the heels of the successful launch of the 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas, which opened its doors in December 2023. The proposed transformation aims to turn the Big Easy Casino into a luxury destination reminiscent of Las Vegas’s finest resorts.

A New Chapter for Big Easy Casino

Current State and Proposed Upgrades

The Big Easy Casino, previously known as the Mardi Gras Casino and Hollywood Greyhound Track, currently offers 700 slot machines, electronic table games, and poker tournaments. However, Soffer envisions a complete overhaul, transforming the venue into a high-end gaming and entertainment hub. According to reports, the proposed redesign would expand the casino’s footprint to over 163,000 square feet, with Steelman Partners—an architecture firm renowned for its work with industry giants like Caesars Entertainment, MGM Resorts, and Wynn Resorts—leading the design.

The plans include:

Why Fontainebleau Development is Investing in Big Easy

The decision to refresh the Big Easy Casino is both strategic and practical. The venue’s last major renovation took place two decades ago, making it overdue for a modern update. Additionally, this move serves as a pragmatic alternative to Soffer’s previously unsuccessful attempts to transfer the casino’s gaming permit to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

The Miami Beach Casino Controversy

In 2023, Soffer made a concerted effort to establish a casino at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, even donating millions of dollars to Florida policymakers to advance the cause. However, the plan faced significant opposition. Miami Beach residents were largely indifferent, and Citadel founder Ken Griffin—one of the wealthiest individuals in the U.S.—publicly criticized the idea in an op-ed. Given these challenges, focusing on enhancing the Big Easy Casino emerges as a more viable and efficient use of Fontainebleau Development’s resources.

Monetizing Big Easy Holdings

Recent Land Sale

Fontainebleau Development has already begun monetizing some of the land associated with the Big Easy Casino. In December 2023, the company sold 12.3 acres of the site for $31.16 million—more than double the $12.5 million Soffer paid to acquire the property in 2018. The land, zoned for mixed-use development, is slated to be transformed into apartments and retail spaces.

Diverse Portfolio Beyond Gaming

Beyond casinos, Fontainebleau Development boasts a diverse portfolio that includes aviation, commercial, entertainment, maritime, and residential properties across Florida and other states. This vast array of holdings underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and growth in multiple sectors.

Why the Big Easy Casino Refresh Makes Sense

Staying Competitive in Florida’s Gaming Market

Florida’s gaming industry is booming, with competitors like Hard Rock Hotel & Casino and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino setting high standards. By modernizing the Big Easy Casino, Fontainebleau Development ensures it remains a formidable player in this competitive landscape.

Enhancing Local Economy and Tourism

The proposed upgrades are not just about gaming—they aim to create a comprehensive entertainment destination that will attract tourists and boost the local economy. The addition of dining, bars, and live entertainment venues will cater to a broader audience, making the Big Easy Casino a go-to spot in Hallandale Beach.

Conclusion: A Smart Move for Fontainebleau Development

Jeffrey Soffer’s plans to revamp the Big Easy Casino highlight a strategic pivot toward enhancing existing assets rather than pursuing controversial ventures. By leveraging the expertise of Steelman Partners and focusing on luxury and innovation, Fontainebleau Development is poised to create a landmark destination that mirrors the success of its Las Vegas counterpart. As the project unfolds, it will undoubtedly reshape Hallandale Beach’s entertainment scene and solidify Fontainebleau Development’s reputation as a leader in the gaming and hospitality industry.