Of course, people come to Curaçao for the soul soothing impeccable year round weather but where do sunbathers go for fun when the sun dips behind the moon and a boom in neon lights and dance music fills the air?
Home to beach bars and intimate lounges, high-energy nightclubs and 12 Vegas style casinos, Curaçao’s nightlife caters to crowds with the ka-ching ka-ching of slot machines and the rollicking laughter of action in the casinos can be heard throughout.
Willemstad is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in all of the Caribbean. The island packs a pretty punch when it comes to the restaurant, bar, nightclub, theatre and casino scene. Choices are wide and varied so tourists never have to settle for the traditional, if trendy is what they want or for noisy, if tranquility is what attracts them.
Many of Curaçao’s casinos are situated in Willemstad and are renowned for glitz and glamour. The casino at Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino, is a sophisticated space, loaded with vibrant color and entertainment for any traveler interested in the ambiance of authentic island charm combined with European influence. The hotel and casino are nestled in the historic setting of the Rif Fort, a 19th century landmark designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and offers non-stop gaming action.
Visit The Emerald Casino at Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort and wrap yourself in the inviting warmth and charm that is pure Old Amsterdam. With 5,000-square-feet the casino features live entertainment as well as slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and Caribbean stud poker. Attendants at the door ensure that children aren’t able to innocently wander in.
Otrobanda Hotel and Casino is 5000 Square ft of action with 199 slot machines and 5 tables for your gambling entertainment. Also situated in Willemstad, it features black jack with instant bonus, roulette with one free spin and high progressive jackpots.
The 80-room Hotel Kura Hulanda is a boutique resort with a European-style casino on site. It is centrally located for cruise ship visitors, island tourists and local residents as well. It is the only casino in Curaçao to offer Seven Card Stud Poker. Other options include American Roulette, blackjack tables, poker tables and slot machines.
With a “pinch me, am I in Las Vegas?” intoxication, gambling enthusiasts and non-gamblers who visit the casinos in their hotel resorts or neighboring casinos should have no problem enjoying their stay.
If you’re planning on playing the slot machines, keep in mind that all slot machines regardless of where you play, are regulated by a random number generator and it changes the result possibilities about a thousand times per second. It helps to understand the list of likely combinations, the coins and points to play before beginning so walk around and check which machines give the biggest payout on the specific number of coins you want to play.
In Curaçao, the legal gambling and drinking age is 18. In 2007, gambling popularity and tourism began to soar so the government tightened up the laws. Gambling cannot be found in restaurants and casinos regularly check identification. Carry your passports as proof of age and call ahead to find out about each facility’s policies. Some have cover charges, some require a dress code, and some have specific processes for awarding winnings that might take a few weeks if you aren’t resident.
Set aside a small budget and limit a time frame. Pre-determine the amount of money and stretch of time you want to use to keep yourself entertained and then let yourself feel the thrill of bells ringing just for you.
Like the tourist who tells the story of twenty dollars and twenty minutes while her husband was playing blackjack who walked away with $472.00 dollars just because she wanted to “kill some time,” you too could pack a happy ending.
After all, you’re here for a good time, so indulge! No one wants to go home feeling short-changed with memories only of great beaches but boring nights. Go on! Let your inner night owl out to play!
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