Like a little Caribbean Las Vegas, Aruba entices many visitors each year purely with its selection of glamorous casinos.

Aruba’s first casino opened in 1959 and gambling became a major tourist attraction (second to its beaches of course). Today the island boasts 11 casinos, some open from 10am daily for slot machine play; others such as the sophisticated Crystal Casino in Oranjestad are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Typically gaming runs from noon to just before dawn and the legal age to enter is 18 years.

Aruba’s casinos have it all no matter what your preference, be it blackjack, roulette, poker or craps. Caribbean Stud Poker was born in here in 1988 and is now being played all over the world; the excitement of the game is the progressive jackpot which can total hundreds of thousands of US dollars!

One of the most popular entertainment centres is the Alhambra Casino & Aladdin Theatre located along Manchebo beach in the low-rise area near the Divi and Casa Del Mar.
At the door you will be greeted at by the genie who will welcome you in and inside you will find 300 slot machines, various gaming tables such as three card poker, craps and let it ride with wagering minimums. There’s also a restaurant, several bars and theatre presenting singers, dancers and impersonators.

Perhaps the largest casino on the island is Royal Cabana at La Cabana Beach Resort, again in the low-rise area. With 300+ slot machines and 30+ gaming tables, this casino is huge. The Tropicana Showroom hosts a popular female impersonator show to audiences of up to 600 and there are also cigar, souvenir and jewellery shops for you to browse.

All of the big resorts in the high-rise area have their own in-house casinos and showrooms; the Wyndham’s Casablanca features Havana in the Cabaret Royal Showroom and the Hyatt has Copacabana. Even if you’re not a seasoned gambler then it’s worth sticking a few coins in the slot machines or just taking a wander around to soak up the buzzing atmosphere.

Aruba Casino Directory

Copacabana Casino
J.E. Irasquin Blvd. Located in the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino
(297) 861234
A truly tropical setting with a 7 piece house band rattling out Latin dance music.
Dress: Informal
Games: Baccarat: 2 tables, Blackjack: 12 tables, Craps: 3 tables, Roulette: 4 tables, Slots: 200 machines
Hours: Open from noon till 4am

Crystal Casino & Desires Nightclub
L.G. Smith Blvd. Located in the Sonesta Hotel Beach Club and Casino
(297) 836000
Sophisticated and exclusive with round the clock entertainment
Dress: Smart
Games: Baccarat: 3 tables, Blackjack: 11 tables, Caribbean Stud Poker: 3 tables, Craps: 2 tables, Mini-Baccarat: 1 table, Roulette :4 tables, Slots: 270 machines
Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Royal Cabana Casino & Tropicana Showroom
J.E. Irasquin Blvd. Located adjacent to La Cabana All-Suite Beach Resort
(297) 879000
Home of the Tropicana Showroom, featuring Las Vegas and Broadway style reviews.
Dress: Informal
Games: Baccarat: 2 tables, Blackjack: 14 tables, Caribbean Stud Poker: 4 tables, Horse Racing Machines: 2, Poker: 2 tables, Mini-Baccarat: 2 tables, Roulette: 5 tables, Slots: 225 machines
Hours: Open from noon

Grand Holiday Casino & Players Club/Lounge
J.E. Irasquin Blvd. Located in the Aruba Holiday Inn – (297) 863600
A favourite for serious poker players and high rollers, chance to win a massive bonus jackpot of $100,000.
Dress: Informal
Games: Blackjack: 6-7 tables, plus Superbucks 21, progressive blackjack invented in this casino, Caribbean Stud Poker: 9 tables, Craps: 1 table with double odds, Roulette: 4-5 tables, Slots: 269 machines. This casino also offers a Poker Room & Sports Book with horse racing
Hours: Slots 10am – 5am, Tables 1pm – 5am

Casablanca Casino
J.E. Irasquin Blvd. Located in the Hilton Hotel – (297) 864466
Think Morrocan glamour with plenty of action!
Dress: Informal
Games: Baccarat: 2 tables, Blackjack: 12 tables, Caribbean Stud Poker: 4 tables, Mini-Baccarat: 2 tables, Roulette: 6 tables, Slots: 240 machines
Hours: Open from noon