Discover Aruba's best casinos for gaming and entertainment. Find information on locations, poker tournaments, slot machines, and table games for your next vacation.

Aruba's Premier Casinos A Guide to Gaming and Entertainment on the Island

For the most rewarding high-stakes experience, head directly to the Stellaris Gaming Hall at the Aruba Marriott Resort. It stands out with its 24-hour operation, a feature not common among other island establishments, and offers the highest table limits, particularly for Blackjack and Baccarat. Newcomers should seek out the Alhambra Gaming Palace for its extensive selection of low-limit slot machines and daily bingo sessions with substantial prize pools, making it an ideal starting point for casual players.

Plan your visit between May and November for a less crowded atmosphere and better hotel rates, which often include promotional gaming credits. Specifically, look for packages at the Hyatt Regency for their "Island Hopper" promotion, which frequently bundles resort credit with complimentary slot play. Avoid the peak season from December to April, when gaming floors are packed, and minimum bets at table games, especially at popular spots like The Ritz-Carlton's gaming lounge, are significantly higher.

Beyond the gaming floors, your player's card from major venues like Stellaris or The Ritz-Carlton unlocks tangible benefits. Accumulate points not just for gameplay, but also for dining at affiliated restaurants such as Atardi or BLT Steak. These points can be redeemed for complimentary meals, spa treatments at the Mandara Spa, or even free nights on a future stay, providing a direct return on your entertainment spending across the One Happy Island.

Casino in Aruba

For high-stakes poker, head directly to the Stellaris on Palm Beach. It hosts the island's largest poker room, with daily No-Limit Hold'em and Pot-Limit Omaha tournaments starting at 8 PM. Buy-ins typically range from $80 to $200. The facility operates 24/7, a unique feature on the island.

Specific recommendations for different types of players:

• Slot Enthusiasts: The Alhambra offers the most extensive selection of video slots, with over 460 machines. Look for the "Caribbean Stud" progressive jackpot machines, often linked across multiple establishments for larger prize pools.
• Table Game Players: The Ritz-Carlton provides a more exclusive atmosphere with higher table limits, especially for Baccarat and Blackjack. Minimum bets start at $25 during peak hours.
• Bingo Aficionados: The Crystal at the Renaissance downtown complex is renowned for its daily bingo sessions, which are a major local attraction. Games usually start in the early afternoon.

Key operational details for island gaming establishments:

1. Operating Hours: Most gaming halls open their doors at 11 AM for slots and electronic games. Table games typically commence after 1 PM and run until the early morning hours, around 3 or 4 AM.
2. Currency: While the local currency is the florin, all wagers and payouts in the gaming houses are conducted in U.S. dollars.
3. Age Requirement: A government-issued photo ID is required for entry. The minimum age to enter and play is 18 years old.
4. Complimentary Drinks: While playing at tables or slots, expect complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Tipping the service staff is customary.

The Glitz, located at La Cabana Beach Resort, is a solid choice for a more casual, less crowded experience. It features lower-stakes tables and a lively, carnival-themed decor, making it approachable for newcomers. Their nightly promotions, like "Spin the Wheel" for prizes, add to the relaxed environment.

How to Choose a Casino in Aruba Based on Minimum Bets and Game Variety

For low-stakes table games, select a gaming establishment in the downtown Oranjestad area, such as the Seaport or the Crystal. These venues frequently offer blackjack and roulette with minimum bets starting at $5, especially during daytime hours. In contrast, gaming halls along Palm Beach, like those at the Hyatt Regency or Marriott Resort, typically set their table minimums at $15 to $25, with these figures often increasing after 6 PM.

If you seek a specific game like Craps with the "fire bet" side wager, your best option is the gaming floor at the Ritz-Carlton. For Three Card Poker with a progressive jackpot, the Stellaris establishment at the Marriott is a frequent host. The Alhambra is the primary location for a large selection of video poker machines, including "Deuces Wild" and "Jacks or Better" with favorable pay tables. For live poker, the tournament schedule at the Hilton's gaming hall is the most consistent on the island, with daily No-Limit Hold'em events.

To find $1 slot machines, concentrate on smaller, off-strip locations. Larger resort gaming centers primarily feature penny and nickel denomination machines. For those interested in sports betting, the books at the Stellaris or Hyatt offer the most extensive wagering options, covering American sports, European soccer, and horse racing. Keep in mind that minimum bet requirements for table games can double during peak weekend evenings and holidays, so plan your visit accordingly for lower-cost play.

Consider the time of day for your visit. Early afternoons on weekdays are optimal for securing a spot at a $5 blackjack table in Palm Beach establishments. Downtown locations maintain lower minimums more consistently throughout the day. If you want to play Baccarat, the high-limit rooms at the Ritz-Carlton or the Stellaris are your primary destinations, with minimums rarely dropping below $100 per hand.

A Guide to Player's Club Cards and Loyalty Programs in Aruba's Casinos

Enroll in a player's club immediately upon arrival at any gaming establishment on the island. This is a complimentary service that provides direct access to rewards. Present your photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license, at the player's club desk to receive your card. Registration typically takes less than five minutes.

Insert your card into the slot machine or hand it to the dealer at a table game before you begin playing. Points are awarded based on the amount of money wagered and the time spent playing, not on wins or losses. Slot machines usually accumulate points faster than table games due to the electronic tracking of every wager.

Expect to earn approximately one point for every $5 to $10 wagered on slot machines. Table game point accumulation varies significantly by house rules and the game type. For example, a $25 per hand blackjack player might earn points at a different rate than a $100 per spin roulette player.

Accumulated points can be redeemed for a variety of comps.  https://aviator.it.com -tier rewards often include free slot play credits, food and beverage vouchers for on-site restaurants, or discounts at the gift shop. Higher-tier rewards, earned by consistent, high-level play, can grant complimentary hotel nights, room upgrades, or invitations to exclusive tournaments.

Player's club cards on this Caribbean destination often have tiered levels, such as Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. Moving up a tier requires earning a specific number of points within a set period, usually six months or a year. Higher tiers provide enhanced benefits like priority service, better point conversion rates for cash back, and exclusive access to VIP lounges.

Inquire about linking your player's card to a hotel chain's loyalty program if the gaming hall is part of a larger resort. For instance, properties associated with Marriott or Hilton may offer the ability to convert gaming points into hotel points, expanding your redemption options to global locations.

Always check your point balance at a player's club kiosk or with a host before you leave the establishment. Points often expire after a period of inactivity, typically 6 to 12 months. Use your accumulated points for a meal or merchandise before your departure from the one happy island to avoid losing them.

Navigating Local Gaming Regulations and Tipping Etiquette in Aruba

The minimum legal age for gambling on this Dutch Caribbean island is 18. Physical identification, such as a passport or a valid driver's license, is required for age verification upon entry to any gaming establishment. Smoking is permitted in designated areas within most gaming venues, but it is prohibited at table games and slot machines in many locations. Check for specific signage at your chosen establishment.

All winnings are paid in United States Dollars. While the local currency is the florin, gaming operations are conducted exclusively in USD. Payouts are tax-free for tourists. You will receive the full amount shown on a slot machine or paid out by a dealer. The island's government strictly regulates all gaming operations, ensuring fair play through the Department of Gaming Affairs (DGA), which oversees machine certifications and operational standards.

When tipping dealers and croupiers, a gratuity of $5 to $10 per hour of play at a table is customary if you are winning. Alternatively, you can place a small side bet for the dealer. For slot machine jackpot wins, a tip of 1% to 2% of the total payout for the attending staff is standard practice. For beverage servers on the gaming floor, tipping $1 to $2 per drink is appropriate. Chip runners also appreciate a small gratuity, typically a low-denomination chip, for their service.