Aruba · Sports & Activities · Caribbean’s poker playground

Tropical beaches, the Caribbean Stud and world-class casinos – Aruba has it!

Aruba: Caribbean’s poker playground

The Caribbean in recent years has made a name for itself as a world-renowned tropical casino destination. The prospect of playing blackjack, craps and slots against a picturesque background of powdery white beaches and crystal blue waters entices people from all four corners of the world to visit the Caribbean. The Bahamas, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are some of the favorite holiday destinations for casino fanatics. But among its gems, only one island stands out as the Caribbean’s top poker playground – Aruba.

This Dutch constituent country off the coast of Venezuela has always prided itself of its fine white beaches, a near-perfect weather all-year round, and a fantastically friendly people. But one aspect that has lured travelers to go to Aruba is its long history with one of the world’s most popular card game – poker. The exciting game Caribbean Stud was invented or first brought (whichever story one believes) to Aruba in the 1980s, and Arubans know how to play poker whether on the beachside or in the casinos that were later built on the island.

Some of the best casino facilities in Aruba are the Holiday Inn SunSpree Resort’s Excelsior Casino, the Radisson Aruba Resort and Casino, and the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino. The Excelsior offers a wide variety of high-stakes poker games such as the no-limit Texas Hold'em, limit Hold'em, and pot-limit Omaha high. The Radisson, unlike the Excelsior, has a more action-filled poker hall with a rousing crowd placing their bets on games such as the Let It Ride Bonus poker, three- and four- card poker, and the Caribbean stud. The Renaissance, located at the popular luxury cruise stop of Oranjestad, is a good choice for those who still prefer an elegant poker experience. One great thing about the Aruban gaming experience is the vibrant and exotic nightlife at the Palm Beach, which greets poker enthusiasts after a grueling match in nearby casinos.

Its reputation as the Caribbean’s haven for card sharks has put Aruba on the world poker map. International poker tournaments have been held here, from the partypoker Irish Poker Championship to the Players Poker Championship. These competitions are attended by big time poker players, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP) legends Phil Hellmuth and Annie Duke.

Travelers and card sharks alike are raving to visit Aruba for a one-of-a-kind poker experience. All the elements of a top notch poker destination are already here: exceptional casinos, world-class hotels and resorts, and a people who love poker than anyone else in the region. No wonder Aruba is the Caribbean’s poker playground.