Florida 24-hour Blackack

A tableful of celebrities will be the lucky recipients of the first hand of blackjack dealt at Seminole Casino Hollywood in Hollywood, Florida, this Friday.

Perhaps the most interesting star to the locals will be former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas. He’ll be joined by comedian Jimmie Walker, the host of the GSN show “Catch 21” Alfonso Ribeiro, Seminole Tribal Council members, and local media celebrities. All told, there will be 84 seated guests at the casinos new 12 tables. Play will begin when Seminole Casino Hollywood General Manager Adrian Fox announces, “Guests, place your bets.”

The casino revamped after the Florida Legislature passed a compact agreement that allow Seminole casinos to offer real blackjack 24 hours a day. The agreement was approved by the U.S. Department of the Interior in July.

The casino, a 30-year-old landmark, is located a block from the Seminole Hard Rock. During the special ceremonies beginning at noon Friday, the casino will have $5 tables for play 24 hours a day, every day of the week. More than 90 blackjack dealers were hired in recent weeks.

Also to mark the occasion a variety of music acts will perform, Walker will perform his comedy act and a live DJ will be on hand for middle-of-the night activities.