There’s nothing more exciting than gambling in style, and when you holiday at one of the best Caribbean resorts with casinos, the fun is that much more palpable.
You don’t have to roll the dice if you are looking for the best Caribbean resorts that offer gambling activities. While most Caribbean Sea islands abound with casinos and gambling resorts, some have far more superior offerings than others.
To help you decide, we have listed the five islands trending the best Caribbean resorts and onsite casinos. These resorts, some of the world’s best, offer diversity and quality, as well as additional benefits like good food, entertainment, and various accommodation options.
1. The Bahamas
The Bahamas have long been regarded as the gambling capital of the Caribbean, thanks to its pioneering Atlantis Beach Resort. However, recently the selection got a bit better. The unveiling of Baha Mar resort has crowned the island’s capital, Nassau, as the centrepiece of the local casino industry.
Baha Mar covers an impressive 100,000 square feet of casino space and exudes high-end Las Vegas feel. With such size and variety, Baha Mar has positioned itself as a leading Caribbean and world casino destination.
2. Aruba
The Dutch Caribbean island of Aruba gets our stamp of approval for a remarkably diverse gaming offering. The island is renowned for casinos peppered around each corner of the territory. The island is also renowned for some of the best Caribbean resorts and hotels. These range from budget resorts to more exclusive venues like Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, and Renaissance. And, since most casinos are tied to resorts, it makes your gaming experience so much easier.
3. Puerto Rico
The US protectorate of Puerto Rico is an understated gambling destination. The old colonial town of San Juan has become a notable regional gambling destination, even though major gambling providers have still not descended on the area.
The casino options across the island capital abound, including the state-of-the-art Stellaris Casino attached to the San Juan Marriott Hotel. There is also the elegant La Concha Casino in Condado, which is open 24/7. Once it reopens, the El San Juan Casino should also be on your list.
4. Curaçao
Another Dutch possession in the Caribbean, the island of Curaçao, is one of the best-kept secrets. The island offers a range of gaming options, with some of the best Caribbean resorts clustered in the charming administrative capital of Willemstad.
While casinos such as the Marriott Hotel Casino dominate the downtown area and beyond, the centrepiece of gambling action remains the Renaissance Carnival Casino. Here, gamblers can spin the slots and bet at the tables until the early morning. There are also ample shops surrounding the casino complex where you can spend a dime or two of your winnings.
5. Martinique
While not many of us have considered Martinique a gambling destination, the centre of the French Caribbean has a pair of high-quality casinos. The best resorts are located on the outskirts of the capital city, Fort-de-France, and the tourist hub of Trois-Ilets.
The essence of French-styled gambling is proximity to good food and drinks at your casino, and all venues cater to your gastronomical desires. Not to be missed is one of the Caribbean’s best rum bars located inside the Casino Trois-Ilets.
History and Development of the Caribbean Gambling Industry
The gambling industry in the Caribbean has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when Spanish settlers introduced gambling to the region. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that gambling became a significant industry in the Caribbean. In the early 1900s, horse racing was the most popular form of gambling on the islands, with tracks in Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico attracting large crowds.
In the 1930s and 1940s, casinos within hotels in the Caribbean began to emerge, with the first casino opening in Cuba in 1935. The popularity of casinos continued to grow throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with many new casinos opening in the region. One of the best Caribbean resorts and casinos during this time was the Tropicana in Havana, which attracted celebrities and high rollers from around the world.
In the 1970s, the local gambling industry experienced a significant boost when several countries, including the Dominican Republic and the Bahamas, began to legalise and regulate casinos. This led to a wave of new casino developments in the region, with many international hotel chains building casino resorts in the Caribbean.
The 1980s and 1990s saw further growth in the gambling industry in the Caribbean, with new destinations such as Aruba and St. Maarten emerging as popular casino destinations. The rise of online gambling in the late 1990s also impacted the Caribbean gambling industry, with many casinos launching online versions of their games.
Conclusion
The Caribbean islands have long been known as top holiday destinations. With the advent of the local gambling industry, these small territories now have so much more to offer. Today, the islands are home to the best Caribbean resorts, with famous and luxurious casinos, including Atlantis in the Bahamas and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The gambling industry continues to be an essential part of the Caribbean economy, with many countries in the region heavily reliant on tourism and the revenue generated by casinos and other gambling establishments. So, book your next holiday to the crystal blue waters and experience gambling in an exotic destination that will tantalise your senses.
