Introduction
St. Thomas is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. For many visitors, gambling is an exciting way to add some extra thrill to their vacation. In this article, we’ll explore the casinos in St. Thomas and examine the island’s unique gaming scene. Let’s dive in!
The Ultimate Guide to Gambling in St. Thomas: Everything You Need to Know
Before we start exploring St. Thomas’ casinos, let’s first take a look at the gambling laws in the US Virgin Islands. In St. Thomas, gambling is legal and regulated by the government. Visitors must be at least 21 years old to gamble in casinos.
There are two types of gambling available in St. Thomas: casino gambling and horse racing. Horse racing takes place on most weekends at the Clinton Phipps Racetrack in St. Thomas, and visitors can place bets on the races.
When it comes to casino gambling, there are currently two casinos in St. Thomas: the Divi Carina Bay Casino and the Casino at the Ritz-Carlton. Let’s take a closer look at these popular gambling destinations.
St. Thomas Casino Scene: Exploring the Thrills and Limits
The Divi Carina Bay Casino is located on the east side of St. Croix, just a short drive from the town of Christiansted. The casino features over 125 slot machines and 17 table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment and dining options at the casino.
The Casino at the Ritz-Carlton is a luxurious gaming destination located on the northeastern tip of St. Thomas. The casino boasts over 300 slot machines and 16 table games, as well as a VIP lounge for high rollers. Visitors can also enjoy dining options and live music at the casino.
In terms of gaming selection, the two casinos in St. Thomas offer a similar variety of games to those found in other Caribbean destinations. The most popular games among visitors are slot machines, blackjack, and roulette. However, the limits on games can vary. For example, at the Casino at the Ritz-Carlton, the minimum bet for blackjack is $15, while at the Divi Carina Bay Casino, it’s only $5.
Compared to other Caribbean destinations like Aruba and the Bahamas, St. Thomas has a smaller casino scene. However, this can be seen as a positive for some visitors who prefer a more relaxed and intimate gambling experience.
Tropical Oasis or Gambling Destination? Why St. Thomas is Both
While known primarily for its natural attractions, St. Thomas has embraced gambling as a way to attract more visitors to the island. The casinos offer another exciting activity for tourists to enjoy in addition to the beaches, boating, and other outdoor activities.
However, the impact of gambling on the overall tourist experience is a hotly debated topic. Some argue that it can detract from the island’s natural beauty and cultural offerings, while others believe it can enhance the overall experience by providing more options for entertainment.
Rolling the Dice in Paradise: How Casinos in St. Thomas Have Evolved
The history of gambling in St. Thomas dates back to the 1800s, when cockfighting was a popular pastime on the island. Eventually, other forms of gambling, such as horse racing and card games, became popular as well.
The first casino in St. Thomas, the Paradise Beach Club Casino, opened in the 1960s. Since then, the casino scene has evolved to meet the changing tastes of visitors. For example, in recent years, electronic gaming machines have become more popular, and both casinos in St. Thomas have added more of these machines to their gaming floors.
As the island’s tourism industry continues to grow, it’s likely that casinos in St. Thomas will continue to evolve to meet the demands of visitors.
Beyond the Beach: Diving into St. Thomas’ Lesser-Known Gaming Culture
For visitors looking to experience a different side of St. Thomas’ gaming culture, there are some lesser-known options to explore. For example, video poker is a popular game among locals and can be found at some smaller bars throughout the island.
In addition, there are often charity poker tournaments held on the island, providing a fun and unique way to support local organizations. And for those who want to take a break from traditional casino games, bingo is also available at some venues on the island.
If you’re interested in discovering these off-the-beaten-path gaming experiences, it’s worth doing some research before your trip to St. Thomas. You can also speak with locals to get recommendations and insider tips.
Conclusion
St. Thomas may be known for its gorgeous beaches, but for those looking for a different kind of thrill, the island’s casinos offer a unique and exciting experience. Whether you prefer electronic slot machines or traditional table games, there’s something for everyone at the casinos in St. Thomas. And for those looking for something a little more off the beaten path, there are also lesser-known gaming options to explore. So next time you’re planning a trip to St.