Gambling in Aruba

The picturesque island of Aruba is home to twelve casinos, providing entertainment for approximately 1.5 million tourists every year. Eight of these casinos are situated in the vibrant Palm Beach area, which can be likened to the Las Vegas Strip of the Caribbean. The aesthetic and gaming options in these casinos closely resemble those found in American establishments. Additionally, the gambling transactions primarily use the U.S. dollar. This page shares my insights about various casinos on the island, along with some useful travel tips for visitors to Aruba.

Blackjack

With a few exceptions, most blackjack games appear to utilize six decks, offering a payout of 3-2 for blackjack, and requiring the dealer to hit on a soft 17. Players can double any two cards, and after splitting pairs, doubling down is permitted, although surrendering is not an option, nor can aces be re-split. Unfortunately, the presence of 6-5 blackjack has become a concerning trend in Aruba. I also noticed a double-deck variation at the Orchid casino located in the RIU hotel. Approximately 60% of the tables employed automatic shufflers, 30% used hand shuffling, and the remaining 10% utilized continuous shufflers, with penetration on the first two types at around two-thirds. Below is the fundamental strategy based on Aruba's blackjack rules.

Poker

In Aruba, three casinos host live poker games: the Orchid Casino in the Rui, the Excelsior Casino at Holiday Inn, and the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino. From my experience at the Rui, the rake was set at 5% for Texas Hold'em, capping at $10, and $12 for Omaha. This rake is quite high compared to what players might encounter in Las Vegas.

During a conversation with a friend who frequently plays poker in Aruba, he mentioned that most games revolve around no-limit hold 'em and pot-limit Omaha. He noted that players often converse in Spanish at the tables, despite an enforced English-only policy, which the dealers seemingly overlook. He commented on the poor skill levels of local players, which American professionals tend to take advantage of. Venezuelan players, although fewer now due to their country's economic struggles, were previously a notable source of less skilled competitors.

Machines

The quality of video poker and keno machines in Aruba is notably disappointing, with pay tables that are among the worst available, comparable even to those found at Las Vegas airports, which are notorious for low payouts. To make this situation worse, some older casinos still rely on outdated cathode-ray machine technology from the 1980s. If the standards of video poker and keno reflect the readiness of their slot machines, they likely also return minimal payouts. I strongly advise staying away from any slot machines plugged into the wall. However, if you choose to play, do so sparingly.

Drink Service

One unique aspect of casinos in Aruba is that complimentary alcoholic beverages are available for players. The availability of cocktail servers varies significantly between casinos, with visits occurring anywhere from zero to three times per hour. Generally, drinks served tend to be larger and stronger compared to typical offerings in the U.S.

Smoking

Regrettably, smoking is permitted in Aruba's casinos. It's disheartening to see any area allow such a public health risk within enclosed spaces. Governments should prioritize the health and safety of citizens and visitors, a notion recognized by most countries that have implemented smoking bans in public spots, including casinos. Unfortunately, both the U.S. and Aruba remain on the wrong side of this issue.

Tipping

While I'm not entirely certain, I've been informed that tipping practices in Aruba closely resemble those in the United States. Be cautious, as many restaurants may discreetly incorporate service charges into your bill; I was unaware of this until a few days into my stay, likely leading to instances of double tipping at some establishments. In casinos, I seldom noticed fellow patrons tipping dealers or cocktail servers, though I might have been in the company of particularly frugal guests.

Dress Code

The atmosphere throughout Aruba is quite laid-back. You’ll find that wearing shorts and a t-shirt is completely acceptable at any casino or eating establishment. Given the warm climate, wearing fewer clothes can actually make you more comfortable. I had packed some dressier attire in anticipation of formal settings, but I ended up not needing them at all.

Transportation

Taxis are easily accessible and operate on a fixed-rate system between different zones, similar to services in Washington D.C. For instance, the fare from the airport to Palm Beach is $25, which is fairly reasonable. Unless you're using a larger taxi designed for multiple passengers, the maximum allotment is strictly limited to five, a rule that was enforced during my visit as our group comprised six individuals. At the airport, taxis are queued, and while it may appear that the line is long, it moves quickly.

Although rental cars are conveniently available, I believe that most travelers won’t find them necessary for an entire trip. We rented a car for just one day to explore some attractions that weren't covered during our prior guided tours. The cost for a small vehicle for that day was around $120.

There are public buses that run frequently between Oranjestad and Boca Catalina Beach, with fares around $2.50. Additionally, private individuals, likely unofficial drivers, provide similar transportation in large passenger vans and charge the same fare.

Lastly, there are blue rental bicycles available at self-service stations, where you can rent them by the hour or day with a credit card. The charges were $8 for one hour and $12 for two hours. I don’t recall the rates for longer durations, but I highly recommend utilizing this as a mode of transport in any city offering such services.

Coupons

Numerous discounts for match play and complimentary slot play are available at various Aruba casinos. Most hotels feature a desk where excursions are arranged, and many great coupons are frequently found near these areas. If you can't find them, I suggest checking with the hotel front desk. I've heard that some casinos may also refund taxi fares, though I can't confirm that from personal experience. During my trip, I managed to gather about $200 worth of casino coupons, and I took advantage of them along with my wife and daughter.

Downtown

In Oranjestad, the capital city of Aruba, you'll find two small casinos mainly frequented by locals since the city is situated quite a distance from most hotels. They likely attract some visitors from cruise ships that dock within walking distance. Both casinos were relatively quiet during my evening visit.

Seaport Casino

I believe this particular casino is the only one in Aruba not connected to a hotel. It sits on a sizable pier lined with various shops and eateries, reminiscent of Pier 39 in San Francisco. On the night I visited, it was fairly low-key, aside from a few locals enjoying the slot machines. Most table games were closed, and those available were as follows:

• Blackjack: 3
• Roulette: 2
• Caribbean Stud Poker: 1
• Three Card Poker: 1

A specific 25-cent video keno game I observed had an average return of 91.97%.

Here are the video poker options available on a randomly selected 25-cent machine:

• 30-7-7-7 All American 94.00%
• 20-10-8 Deuces Wild 95.96%
• 6-5 Double Double Bonus 94.66%
• 7-5 Jacks or Better 96.15%
• 14-7-4 Joker Poker (kings) 94.00%
• 6-5 Triple Trouble Bonus Poker 96.26%
• Average 95.17%

Crystal Casino

The Crystal Casino operates in conjunction with the Renaissance hotel in downtown Oranjestad. It’s a beautiful establishment that offers its own private island for guests. The casino itself is considerably larger than the Seaport and has a more modern and upscale atmosphere. I found the drink service to be the quickest I experienced in Aruba, and the clientele appeared to be a blend of locals and hotel visitors. Below is the count of table games I noted:

• Blackjack: 6
• Roulette: 3
• Baccarat: 1
• Three Card Poker: 1
• Caribbean Stud Poker: 1

Unlike other casinos in Aruba, the dealer did not take a hole card in blackjack. However, should the dealer draw a blackjack, the player would only lose their original bet, making this rule mathematically similar to the peek rule followed by other establishments on the island.

The Caribbean Stud The side bet in this table adhered to a payout structure I had not encountered previously, outlined as follows:

• Royal flush: 100% of jackpot
• Straight flush: 10% of jackpot
• Four of a kind: $500
• Full house: $100
• Flush: $50
• Straight: $25

The return for this side bet is calculated at 46.05% plus an additional 1.40% for every $10,000 that accumulates in the meter, turning positive at a threshold of $385,208.79.

I took note of a 5-cent keno machine which averaged a 91.97% return. Unfortunately, I couldn't locate a 25-cent version, but it shared pay tables with the machine at the Seaport Casino.

The video poker payout structures were identical to those at the Seaport casino for the four games both casinos featured in common:

• 30-7-7-7 All American 94.00%
• 20-10-8 Deuces Wild 95.96%
• 7-5 Jacks or Better 96.15%
• 14-7-4 Joker Poker (kings) 94.00%
• Average 95.03%

Palm Beach

Palm Beach can easily be likened to a scaled-down version of the Las Vegas Strip, featuring several high-rise hotel/casinos alongside a variety of shops and dining options. The majority of visitors appeared to be from the U.S., and the casinos themselves bore the essence of smaller Las Vegas venues. However, unlike Vegas, these venues were hotel-centric, meaning the casinos were integrated within hotel spaces rather than existing as standalone properties. The lobbies resembled those of Hawaiian resorts, with the gaming areas often hidden away from casual view. Below are details regarding each property, ordered from north to south.

Ritz Carlton

This casino was bustling with energy on the Friday night I visited, filled with players at nearly every table, except for a few high-limit blackjack spots. The crowd was largely American, and the table games featured typical variations found in U.S. casinos, although the low-limit blackjack tables offered a less favorable 6-5 payout for blackjack.

• Blackjack: 8
• Roulette: 3
• Craps: 1
• Three Card Poker: 1
• Caribbean Stud Poker: 1
• EZ Baccarat: 1
• Let it Ride: 1

I came across several video poker options featured on a randomly-selected 25-cent machine:

•  
• 30-6-5 Bonus Poker (/games/video-poker/tables/bonus-poker/) with a return of 96.17%.
• 20-10-8 Deuces Wild 95.96%
• 7-5 Jacks or Better 96.15%
• 800-15-7-5 Joker Poker (kings) 96.38%
• 7-5 Double Double Bonus 95.71%
• 7-5 Bonus Poker Deluxe 96.25%
• Average 96.10%

The Ritz casino also presented four distinct 25-cent keno games, with the initial numbers indicating variable returns based on the number of picks. The highest return for each game had been calculated to optimize the expected payout, reflecting the maximum return for any number of selections.

• 5-24-142 Spot keno 92.67% (pick 6)
• 12-59 Caveman Keno Plus 92.19% (pick 7)
• 30-160 Cleopatra 92.16% (pick 4)
• 4-9-25-120 Power Keno 92.49% (pick 6)
• Average 92.38%

Marriott

Similar to the Ritz Carlton, the Marriott casino was spacious (by Aruba’s standards), contemporary, flashy, and bustling with activity. If I had to compare, the Marriott felt slightly more vibrant than the Ritz. I feel confident in asserting that the Marriott is the largest casino across Aruba. Below is the count of table games:

• Blackjack: 8
• Roulette: 4
• Craps: 1
• Three Card Poker: 3
• Caribbean Stud Poker: 3
• Let it Ride: 2

I came across several video poker options featured on a randomly-selected 25-cent machine:

• 25-16-13 Deuces Wild 96.77%
• 9-6-4 Double Bonus 96.38%
• 7-5 Jacks or Better 96.15%
• 800-50-15-7 Joker Poker (kings) 96.38%
• 7-5 Bonus Poker Deluxe 96.25%
• 7-5 Double Double Bonus 95.71%
• 12-4-3-2 Deuces Wild Bonus 96.22%
• 6-5 Triple Bonus Poker Plus (/games/video-poker/tables/triple-bonus-plus/) with a return of 96.62%.
• Average 96.31%

The two video 25-cent keno games I found were surprisingly generous, set to the most favorable pay tables the machines allow.

• 5-24-146 spot keno 94.99% (pick 6)
• 14-75-890 Super Keno 92.99% (pick 6)
• Average 93.99%

Holiday Inn

The casino known as the Holiday Inn Casino is actually housed in a distinct building named the Excelsior. It's a rather small and neglected establishment, and I was taken aback that it bears the Holiday Inn name. The gaming machines appeared to be outdated models, reminiscent of those from Arizona Charlie's (Decatur) in Las Vegas. The table game surfaces were so worn, stained, and marked with cigarette burns that they looked like they had been salvaged from a dumpster behind the old Western casino in downtown Las Vegas.

During my visit, I tried my luck at blackjack with the dealer, but it was quite an uneventful experience. We played an entire shoe without any friendly conversation or even a simple nod from him. Whenever he won a hand, he would bang the chips down angrily in the tray. I couldn't help but think he was more likely a bouncer on his regular shifts, filling in for a sick dealer. Though Aruba's license plates boast 'one friendly island,' it feels like the person who created that slogan must not have encountered this particular dealer.

On the afternoon I visited, the majority of table games were unavailable. The few that were open included the following:

• Blackjack: 5
• Roulette: 2
• Craps: 1
• Caribbean Stud Poker: 1
• Three Card Poker: 1

I was unable to spot a single traditional video poker machine in the casino. The few machines available looked like something from the 1980s using cathode-ray technology. They had games with unfamiliar names like Improve Your Hand and Triple Chance Poker. The sole game that seemed recognizable was Pick 'Em Poker. A deuces wild pay table had a return rate of 97%, which is fairly decent for Aruba. I honestly feared that if I took notes on the other unfamiliar games, the blackjack dealer might pull me aside in a back alley to teach me a lesson about spying in old-school fashion.

The few patrons present seemed to be locals who were probably regulars spending a bit too much time there. I never saw a cocktail waitress, and during the entire hour I spent there, no one uttered a word to me. I must mention that the remainder of the Holiday Inn was quite appealing, so don’t let this casino experience deter you from staying there, provided you choose to gamble elsewhere.

Hyatt

The Hyatt features a spacious and lively casino that always appeared to be bustling with energy. However, this popularity made it challenging to find a blackjack table with a minimum bet of less than $25. The mix of tables was fairly typical for Aruba, as follows:

• Blackjack: 6
• Roulette: 3
• Craps: 1
• Let it Ride: 1
• Three Card Poker: 1
• Caribbean Stud Poker: 1

The video poker area showcased modern machines, but unfortunately, the pay tables were not favorable, as noted below:

• 6-5 Bonus Poker 96.87%
• 9-6-4 Double Bonus 96.38%
• 7-5 Double Double Bonus 95.71%
• 9-6-4 Triple Bonus Poker 95.88%
• 6-5 Jacks or Better 95.00%
• 40-20-5-4-3 Joker Poker (kings) 95.46%
• 25-16-13 Deuces Wild 96.77%
• Average 96.01%

I played a random keno game for 25 cents and was surprised to see the pay table was 1-0-0-0-1-2-36-115-225-300-800 for a pick-10, yielding a return of only 92.69%.

Barceló

This casino is likely the smallest in Aruba, offering a calm atmosphere.

The establishment had only three tables: two for blackjack and one for roulette.

Here is the lousy 25-cent video poker:

• 6-5 Bonus Poker 96.87%
• 9-6-4 Double Bonus 96.38%
• 7-5 Double Double Bonus 95.71%
• 6-5 Jacks or Better 95.00%
• 25-16-13 Deuces Wild 96.77%
• Average 96.15%

The pick-10 keno game had a pay table that was unfamiliar to me, returning 1-0-0-0-1-2-36-115-225-300-400 for a return of 96.62%, which is quite favorable for Aruba. It's actually better than many of the video poker options available, which is quite surprising.

Hilton

The Hilton casino was quite diminutive and unremarkable. Here's the breakdown of the table games:

• Blackjack: 4
• Roulette: 2
• Craps: 1
• Let it Ride: 1
• Three Card Poker: 1
• Caribbean Stud Poker: 1

Here is the 25-cent video poker:

• 8-5 Jacks or Better 97.30%
• 35-6-5 Bonus Poker 97.36%
• 9-5 Double Double Bonus 95.27%
• 20-12-10 Deuces Wild 97.58%
• 7-5 White Hot Aces 97.44%
• 10-7-5 Shockwave 95.72%
• Average 96.78%

I could only locate two 25-cent video keno machines, and there was a substantial difference in their return rates, which is not typical. The pay table for Cleopatra was among the lowest available.

• 4-9-100-300 Caveman (10X) 91.64% (pick 5) 3-5-25-100 Cleopatra 88.58% (pick 10)

Riu -- Cool Casino

The Riu stands out as the tallest and most substantial hotel in Aruba. Its size rivals that of establishments found on the Las Vegas Strip. I've heard it was formerly two distinct hotels that merged, which might explain why they have two casinos. The Cool Casino is the smaller and more tranquil of the two, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a low-stakes environment with available seating. The table games here include:

• Blackjack: 3
• Baccarat: 2
• Roulette: 2
• Craps: 1
• Three Card Poker: 1

There were merely three options for 25-cent video poker games to select from:

• 7-5 Jacks or Better 96.15%
• 20-10-8 Deuces Wild 95.96%
• 30-7-7-7 All American 94.00%
• Average 95.37%

The leading 25-cent keno game was the pick-10, which had a pay table of 3-28-140-1000-4800-10000 and offered a meager return of 86.72%, which is quite unfavorable.

Riu — Orchid Casino

The Orchid Casino is more vibrant and larger compared to the Cool Casino yet maintains a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling large casinos at the Ritz and Marriott. Like the Cool Casino, it's a place where low-stakes players can easily find a seat at a 3-2 blackjack table, but be cautious, as they also offer a 6-5 blackjack variant. I spent about four hours here, enjoying consistent drink service and knowledgeable dealers. Here’s a rundown of their table games:

• Blackjack: 5
• Roulette: 2
• Triple Flop Roulette: 1
• Craps: 1
• Pai gow poker: 1
• Three Card Poker: 1
• Caribbean Stud Poker: 1

One of the blackjack tables deviated from the usual rules outlined previously. The main differences were the use of two decks and allowing doubles only on hands of 10 or 11, which gave the house an advantage of 0.69%, slightly more than the six-deck variant.

You might be curious about what Triple Flop Roulette entails. It is based on the conventional 38-number roulette but integrates cards into the game. Besides wagering on the first card dealt, akin to traditional roulette, two additional cards are dealt to form a three-card hand. There are also supplementary bets based on the poker ranking of that three-card hand. I intend to include more details about this game at a later time.

Here are the 25-cent video poker machines, which seem quite stingy, similar to those found at Las Vegas airports.

• 6-5 Jacks or Better 95.00%
• 10-8-5-3 Bonus Poker 95.78%
• 8-5 Double Bonus 94.19%
• 6-5 Double Double Bonus 94.66%
• 25-15-10 Deuces Wild 94.82%
• 800-6-5 Joker Poker (aces) 93.78%
• 7-5 Triple Double Bonus 94.92%
• Average 94.74%

Eagle Beach

Unfortunately, I never had the chance to explore the two casinos at Eagle Beach, except to snap a few photos. I can only provide you with direct links to further information about them.

Tropicana: (now Eagle Aruba )

Alhambra: casinoalhambra.com

Aruba — Other than Gambling

Aruba is a delightful spot for a weeklong vacation. The beaches are stunning, the locals—mostly—are friendly (excluding my encounter at the Holiday Inn casino), it feels very secure, and a wealth of activities are available. The only other destinations in the Caribbean that remind me of it are Curacao, the Dominican Republic (both Santo Domingo and Punta Cana), and the Bahamas (specifically Freeport). Of these, I would rate Aruba the highest. While it does have a touristy vibe akin to Las Vegas, the upside is there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Activities I recommend

Boca Catalina Beach — While Palm Beach boasts beauty, it offers little in terms of snorkeling opportunities. For fantastic snorkeling, hop on a bus or a taxi to Boca Catalina Beach. Upon entering the water, you’ll find yourself surrounded by various vibrant fish species. This is also the location where many snorkeling tours from Palm Beach take you. If you forgot to bring your snorkeling equipment, a nearby beach at Catalina Cove rents gear for $20. The beach is small, tranquil, and provides shaded umbrellas free of charge for relaxation.

Mount Hooiberg — To be honest, I'm unsure whether it qualifies as a 'mount,' yet a term should be coined for it. While not the highest elevation in Aruba, I believe it possesses the most prominent stature. Aruba has other small rocky formations that stand out from the generally flat landscape, yet this one allows for parking right beside it, making the 563 steps (though source numbers vary, and I wasn’t counting) leading to the top easily accessible. It may be hot at the summit, but you’ll appreciate a refreshing breeze and an excellent view of the island. If you're up for it, I encourage you to take on that challenge!

Zeerover Restaurant — This place has become somewhat of a legend in Aruba, popular among both residents and visitors. I struggle to categorize it strictly as a restaurant, as it doesn’t quite fit that mold. Here, you'd find a waterside establishment where fishermen dock to sell their fresh catch. They then sell it directly to diners by weight. Upon arrival, expect to wait in line for about 30 minutes, but I assure you it is worth the wait. Have someone from your group grab some beers, and engage with the people waiting next to you. Once you reach the front, a board displays the fish and shrimp available that day along with their prices per pound. When it was my turn, having no idea how much to order for my family of five, I asked for two types of fish, shrimp, and fries. They handed me a bag filled with my choices and asked, 'Does this look like enough?' After figuring out what to purchase, they gave me a wooden ticket with a number. About ten minutes later, the freshly fried meal would be delivered right to my table. It was utterly delicious, unlike any fish I’ve ever had that had been swimming in the ocean just hours before. There was a separate beverage window, and I encountered no lines there. This experience made the climb up Mount Hooiberg even more rewarding.

Other Activities

Here are a few additional activities I engaged in that may not warrant a 'highly recommend' status but are still worth considering.

De Palm Island -- This is an exclusive all-inclusive destination for day visitors only. It's an excellent choice for families with children. Enjoy all the food and drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) you desire. The island offers fantastic snorkeling along with a zip line, banana boat rides, a trampoline, and a safe swimming area. There are other activities as well, although some require an additional fee. Overall, while it might lack enough activities to fill an eight-hour day for some, most guests, including myself, seemed to leave satisfied. During my visit, the boat towing the banana boat broke down, and I had some trouble with my locker needing WD-40 to open, so there were definitely aspects that could use some maintenance, but at $108 per person for the day, it’s hard to complain.

Catalina Light House — This lighthouse, located at the northern tip of the island, is well-preserved. When I was there, it was too early to purchase tickets for the $10 ascent to the top. If you take part in any island tour, it’s likely you'll stop at this location at some point.

Philip's Animal Garden — It's hard not to enjoy a sanctuary that cares for abandoned pets, from guinea pigs to Burmese pythons and kangaroos. However, locating it by rental car can be challenging, especially in the heat of midday, and it’s relatively small. One nice touch is that they provide you with a bag of carrot sticks and what appears to be dog food to feed the animals (excluding the monkeys). Just be cautious; I learned this the hard way when I foolishly extended a carrot stick to an ostrich that apparently hadn't been informed about the saying 'don’t bite the hand that feeds you!' While it's too compact for a dedicated day trip, if you're renting a car for the day and enjoy visiting small zoos, it's worth spending an hour or two there.

Baby Beach may sound like a serene spot for families, but don't let the name mislead you. I learned from my guide that the beach earned this title because of its small size, not due to its safety for little ones. In fact, it's infamous for numerous drowning incidents attributed to its strong rip currents. Despite the warnings, I managed to enjoy some snorkeling there and luckily emerged unscathed. While the experience wasn't quite as idyllic as Catalina Beach or Palm Island, the challenging waves added a thrilling element. As for dining, Big Mama Grill, with its whimsical Flintstones theme, offered an extensive menu. Unfortunately, my mother-in-law felt unwell after dining there, experiencing what appeared to be food poisoning, and two other family members were affected too, though less severely. Three of us were fine, making it hard to pin the blame entirely on Big Mama, even if my mother-in-law firmly believes it was their fault. You can form your own opinions on the matter.

Oranjestad got its name likely due to connections with the Dutch royal family, known as the 'House of Orange,' which Aruba is historically linked to (it's a long and intricate story). Interestingly, just six months prior, while visiting Amsterdam, I learned this fact during a tour at the Royal Palace. In Oranjestad, you'll encounter two casinos, a variety of restaurants, countless souvenir stalls, and numerous jewelry shops. Personally, I found the flea market at the north end of town to be the most worthwhile attraction, as it offered handmade souvenirs at a fraction of the cost compared to regular shops, typically at discounts ranging from 25% to 50%.

Can you believe this was actually my room at the Brickell Bay? It's quite a coincidence! The only reason I'm wearing long pants is that I was on my way to the airport for a connecting flight in Boston, where the temperatures were well below freezing.

Regarding accommodations, I was quite pleased with my stay at the Brickell Bay. Despite being a small four-story hotel located across the street from the beach in Palm Beach, it had a charming atmosphere. The building might show its age, but the rooms were cozy and well-equipped with powerful air conditioning and generous showers that outshine many Vegas hotels. The staff were exceptionally warm and eager to help. They even maintain a private beach area just a five-minute stroll from the hotel, complete with an open-air restaurant serving classic American dishes for those moments when you might miss home. Remarkably, they offer the only American-grade prime steaks on the island. While I suspect that the larger resorts along the beach are more luxurious, if you're aiming to save money without sacrificing comfort, I wholeheartedly suggest checking out Brickell Bay. I should note that I have a connection with a friend of the owner who arranged my stay, so my perspective might be slightly biased.

Summary

All in all, my family had a wonderful experience in Aruba. The journey from Vegas was lengthy, so I'd be more inclined to visit more frequently if I resided on the east coast. When it comes to the casinos, they are generally modern and entertaining; just be ready for higher minimum bets at the tables and tighter slot machines. One last tip: be sure to pack ample sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun.

Written by: Michael Shackleford