Aruba's casinos are among the most popular in the Caribbean

Visitors to Aruba can find all sorts of activities to help them relax and let loose. For those who dream of the glitz, glamor, and neon of Las Vegas, along with beautiful beaches, Aruba's casinos offer the best of both worlds.

Gambling in these casinos can add a little flare to any vacation, even for the casual gambler. However, visitors should keep in mind that this kind of glitz is reserved for vacationers aged 18 and up.

Aruba was the birthplace of Caribbean Stud Poker in 1988 and is home to 11 casinos which are usually open from midday to near dawn. Aruba's casino games most often include slot machines, video poker, blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, craps, and roulette. Some of the larger and more popular casinos include multiple restaurants or clubs, often featuring merengue music. Some may even keep their doors open 24 hours a day.

Aruba's casinos are often themed to add a little extra flavor. Try Carnaval Casino on Palm Beach, where the d�cor is decidedly musical. Bogart would be proud of the quietly elegant Casablanca Casino. Excelsior Casino has sports betting on the side. Each of Aruba's casinos offers something unique, from seaside gambling at Seaport Casino to a welcome from Roger, who is in the Guinness Book of Records for shaking the most hands, at Alhambra Casino.

Popular in many of Aruba's casinos, Caribbean Stud Poker is played by many of the same rules as regular poker, but has one big difference: Instead of playing against each other, players play against the dealer only. Another small difference is that all of the players can see one of the dealer's cards, which he deals face up. With this information, players are free to make bets. This type of poker is extremely popular both throughout the Caribbean and on cruise ships.

You'll find most of Aruba's casinos along Palm Beach, though there are a few on Eagle Beach and in Oranjestad. Most tourists and vacationers flock to Palm Beach for fun in the sun; it also has plenty of nightlife and other activities, making it the perfect spot for casinos. Before you go, check casino hours. Each one differs and, while a few are open round the clock, most open early (before noon) for slots, and later in the afternoon or evening for games.

Remember to take a little extra spending money with you when you go to Aruba. Whether you drop by for an afternoon activity or a night out on the town, Aruba's casinos are certainly something special.