Casinos in Bahamas

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Introduction

Ah, the Bahamas… A tropical paradise nestled in the Atlantic Ocean, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant casino scene. Consisting of many coral islands (with about 30 inhabited) this destination blends luxury, charm, and entertainment. With so much to explore, this guide to Bahamas land based casinos will prove invaluable.

Explore the comprehensive list of casinos in the Bahamas with LCB and uncover all this tropical paradise offers!

But first, a few words about the country itself…

The Bahamas, officially known as the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, is an island nation in the Lucayan Archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean. This country encompasses 97% of the archipelago’s land area and 88% of its population.

Comprising over 3,000 islands, cays, and islets, it lies north of Cuba, northwest of Hispaniola (shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti), and the Turks and Caicos Islands, southeast of Florida, and east of the Florida Keys. The capital city, Nassau, is located on New Providence Island. Also, the territory of the Bahamas includes 470,000 km² (180,000 sq. mi) of ocean space.

Gambling History

Throughout the history of the Bahamas, approximately 30 gaming establishments have been established. Gambling in this country dates back to 1920 with the opening of the Bahamian Club in Nassau, which operated until 1960.

Over the years, several well-known brands have set up shop on the islands. Notably, from 1978 to 1983, the Playboy Club operated a casino and social spot at Cable Beach, located in the Ambassador Beach Hotel.

Legislation & Jurisdiction

Unlike online gambling, land-based casinos are legal in the Bahamas – although only for non-residents aged 18 and older. This archipelago is renowned for its casino resorts, stunning pink-white sand beaches, and historical significance in the abolition of slavery in the US. These casinos contribute significantly to the country’s economy, with tourism accounting for 40% of the GDP.

Since the 1960s, casinos have been a legal fixture in the Bahamas, guided by the 2008 Lotteries and Gambling Act. Notably, establishments like the Bahamian Club in Nassau existed even before formal regulations were in place.

Furthermore, the Gaming Board for The Bahamas (‘the Board’) was established in August 1969 under the abovementioned act. In November 2014, the Board underwent a significant transformation following the Government’s decision to introduce a comprehensive new set of laws to regulate gaming operations in the country. This included:

• the Gaming Act 2014
• the Gaming Regulations 2014
• the Gaming House Operator Regulations 2014
• the Gaming Rules 2015
• the Financial Transactions Reporting (Gaming) Regulations 2014

This new legislative framework was essential for modernizing the gaming regulatory system, regulating the previously unregulated domestic gaming sector, expanding the range of gaming services and products, and establishing a more robust licensing regime. These changes have positioned the Bahamas as a leading gaming jurisdiction worldwide.

Casino operators must obtain a license from the Board to legally operate. The gambling industry is tightly regulated, with laws dictating the maximum amount a player can win or lose in a single session. The minimum age for casino play is 18, and – as we mentioned before – residents of the Bahamas, along with their spouses, are prohibited from gambling. Additionally, resorts often restrict employees and those on work permits from participating.

Popular Spots and Games

Currently, there are three major casinos in the Bahamas, as two have closed in recent years. In addition to these, over 100 smaller gambling establishments cater to locals, though they are not considered full-scale casinos. Many of the main casinos are part of larger resort complexes offering diverse entertainment options.

The largest casino is the Baha Mar Casino in Grand Hyatt Baha, which stands out as a premier destination for gaming enthusiasts.

This expansive resort, managed by Sky Warrior Bahamas Limited, features a 100,000-square-foot casino located on the Cable Beach Strip. As the largest casino in the Caribbean, it offers cutting-edge gaming technology and a diverse range of entertainment options.

With over 119 gaming tables, visitors can enjoy a variety of games, including Roulette, Baccarat, Ultimate Texas Hold‘em Poker, Craps, Let It Ride Poker, Pai Gow Poker, Roulette, and Blackjack. Additionally, the casino offers private gaming rooms, 1,000 slot machines, and a sportsbook. The entire property exudes an atmosphere of pure luxury!

The next big resort is The Atlantis Resort and Casino, owned and operated by Brookfield Asset Management, features a 50,000-square-foot casino, making it the second largest in the Caribbean.

The casino offers 85 gaming tables, including Blackjack, Craps, Baccarat, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘em Poker, Pai Gow Poker, and Roulette. Additionally, it has private gaming rooms, 700 slot machines, and sports betting. The resort’s theme showcases a stunning marine habitat and the underwater ruins of the legendary lost city of Atlantis.

The third and last resort is The Resort World Bimini Bay Casino, managed by Genting Bimini Limited and situated on the island of Bimini, which features a spacious 10,000-square-foot casino floor. Visitors can enjoy a variety of table games, including Ultimate Texas Hold‘em Poker, Baccarat, Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, Three Card Poker, and.

The casino also offers 166 slot machines, a private gaming room, and a sportsbook betting kiosk. The resort is set in a stunning tropical environment, enhancing the overall gaming adventure with its beautiful and relaxing atmosphere!

Banking

Land-based casinos in the Bahamas typically offer a range of options for handling deposits and withdrawals, including cash transactions, debit and credit cards, and direct bank transfers. For those preferring cash…

… many establishments have on-site cashiers or cage services where players can make deposits and collect their winnings directly. Credit and debit card transactions are also common, allowing for quick and efficient handling of funds. Additionally, some casinos may offer direct bank transfers, providing a reliable method for larger transactions.

When it comes to withdrawals, the process is generally just as accessible. Players can request cash payouts at the casino’s cashier desk or opt for a transfer to their bank account. Most casinos prioritize security and compliance with regulations to ensure that all financial transactions are handled safely.

For a seamless experience…

… it’s wise for players to check the casino’s banking policies beforehand and understand any associated fees or limits. This careful approach helps in making informed decisions and ensures that managing finances at land-based casinos in the Bahamas is smooth and efficient.

To Conclude

The land-based casino industry in the Bahamas stands out for its vibrant offerings and attractive settings. With several casinos spread across the islands, visitors can enjoy everything from luxurious resorts to exciting gaming experiences. The focus on high-quality facilities, diverse gaming options, and scenic environments contributes to the appeal of the Bahamian casino scene!

As the industry continues to evolve, it maintains its status as a key player in the country’s tourism sector, blending entertainment with the natural beauty of the islands.