The Caribbean is home to a great number of glitzy casinos and hotels and resorts with on-site gambling. The combination of sugar-sand island ambiance with all the glamor and excitement of Las Vegas makes for an ideal vacation destination for many travelers. But unlike American and European casinos, the gambling atmosphere in the Caribbean is more relaxed, and most of the island casinos are not open 24 hours a day.

Casinos and other hot gambling spots are found on many islands in the Caribbean region. In addition to state-of-the-art slot machines, table games, and other types of gaming fun, Caribbean casinos also offer other nightlife options including dance clubs, discos, and bars. So not only can you wage bets during your sunny island vacation, but you will also find many other ways to let your hair down at Caribbean gambling palaces.

Caribbean Islands That Invite You to Roll the Dice

The Bahamas

The island group that makes up The Bahamas is a popular destination among gamers who are looking for some great casino gambling. Although gambling is illegal for residents of The Bahamas, tourists can try their luck at any of the region's spectacular casinos. The four largest casinos in The Bahamas are the Atlantis Casino on Paradise Island, the Crystal Palace Casino on New Providence Island, and The Crowne Plaza Golf Resort & Royal Oasis Casino and Our Lucaya, both on Grand Bahama Island.

The famous Atlantis Casino is the largest in the Caribbean. The casino's sprawling 30,000-square-foot area, which includes 78 table games and approximately 1,000 slot machines, has helped earned the Atlantis Casino its reputation as an immaculate gambling palace. The Atlantis also features several restaurants, outdoor terraces, and gaming lessons for the novice gambler.

The Crystal Palace Casino is another hot gaming spot in The Caribbean. As a part of the Wyndham Nassau Resort on Cable Beach, the Crystal Palace Casino offers approximately 700 slot machines and 38 tables for games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, and baccarat. The Crowne Plaza Golf Resort & Royal Oasis Casino is a luxurious and exciting casino located within a plush hotel that has great choices of various games, slots, and other gambling opportunities. Finally, the newest casino in the Bahamas is Our Lucaya Resort, which offers several gambling options.

Puerto Rico

Exotic Puerto Rico offers approximately one dozen old-world-style casinos. Puerto Rican law requires all casinos to be located on the property of hotels or resorts. Many of these glamorous gambling establishments are located in the historic city of San Juan, and most require that their patrons dress formally. Casinos in Puerto Rico are some of the most exciting in the Caribbean region because of their extravagant historical dcor, hot gaming, as well as their award-winning restaurants, live entertainment, array of bars and lounges, and much more.

Popular casinos in Puerto Rico include the Hyatt Regency Cerromar, Hilton Ponce and Casino, Westin Rio Mar Resort Casino, Ritz Carlton San Juan, which is the first Ritz Carlton casino, and many, many more. During your stay in Puerto Rico, you can enjoy fine dining, exciting nightlife, and spectacular gambling fun all under one roof.

Other islands in the Caribbean that feature dazzling casinos and exciting gambling are the Dominican Republic, Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, and Antigua. There are so many choices when it comes to gambling in the Caribbean that you're sure to find the right island with the perfect casino to fit your style and your ideal vacation.

There are a few things to keep in mind before heading to the slot machines. First, each island has its own laws and rules when it comes to gambling, so be sure to find out the details about the island you visit. Second, the hours that some casinos are open may vary depending on the season, so find out ahead of time before making your plans. And finally, no one under the age of 18 is allowed in Caribbean casinos, so schedule other activities for the youngsters before you hit the casinos.

Caribbean Stud Poker

Caribbean stud poker has a relatively short history in comparison with many other popular casino card games. This poker variation started in Aruba in the 1980s, reportedly by some cruise ship directors who were out to make a buck. Caribbean stud poker is a combination of blackjack and poker the rules of play are similar between the two games. The biggest difference between Caribbean stud poker and traditional poker is that instead of playing against other players, you go against the dealer. All players are allowed to see one of the dealer's cards, which is dealt face up. Since it began in Aruba, the popularity of Caribbean stud poker has grown tremendously in the region and is even played in Las Vegas.