For some, the word Caribbean conjures up images of palm trees, Caribbean Island pristine beaches, and Caribbean warm, tropical, turquoise waters. For others, Caribbean vacation brings the smell of the ocean, colourful corals and fishes, and warm Caribbean tropical breezes to mind.

For still others, Caribbean vacation means world class golf, casinos, superb dining, and inexpensive Caribbean shopping. 

No matter what your vision of the 'perfect' Caribbean vacation you'll find something here to please. You can go diving and snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and just about any other water activity you care to name. 

You can shop till you drop, eat some of the best seafood anywhere, golf, bike, hike, and sightsee. Or you can simply lie on a beach with a good book and laze away the day. There's simply no place like the Caribbean for tropical island vacations and romantic getaways.

But if you want to also mix a vacation with gambling, where are the top rated places to go? Find out with out guide.

 

1. Aruba

Once known as the "Las Vegas of the Caribbean, Aruba has made itself much more friendly to families. Of course the casinos are still there, the beaches are still white and powdery, and now you can get married on Aruba as well.

Most major tourist resorts have their own casinos, some are even open 24 hours a day for slots play! This is the perfect destination for beginners as you can learn about poker hand rankings with dealers or just hit the slots.

 

2. Dominica

Known as the "Nature Island of the Caribbean", Dominica is a paradise for eco-tourists and nature lovers. Uncommercialized and still very much in the same state it was when Columbus discovered it, Dominica is wonderful for hiking, whale watching, and simply getting away from it all. It is also legal to gamble here.

 

3. U.S. Virgin Islands

There are seven commercial casinos on the islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

St. Croix

St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a pleasant mix of modern day mainland life and colonial West Indies culture. Whether you are looking for natural beauty, duty-free shopping, splendid accommodations, or sun & surf, St. Croix is sure to be a winner. It also provides a convenient home base for exploring the other Virgin Islands, both U.S. and British as well as Puerto Rico. You simply have to take a look at the Divi Carina Bay Casino - one of the best in the region.

St. John

If you're looking for a good balance of natural beauty and action then you couldn't do better than St. John. Thanks to the protected status of nearly two-thirds of the island (it's a National Park) ecology is taken very seriously and unlike most Caribbean islands the tropical splendor of St. John hasn't been spoiled by development. That's not to say that there are not wonderful places to stay on St. John - on the contrary.

St. Thomas

We know that the ideal Caribbean vacation can mean different things to different people. Some want great accommodations at reasonable prices, some are concerned with restaurants and nightlife, some are searching for the best duty-free shopping, and nearly everyone loves the turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches that the Caribbean offers. St. Thomas provides all of the above and more!

 

4. St. Lucia

Sun soaked beaches, awesome colourful marine life, and ancient shipwrecks lure water lovers to St. Lucia. Landlubbers can explore verdant trails in the rainforest, climbing towards the Pitons’ peaks. If you prefer motorized sight-seeing you can hop on an ATV to tour St. Lucia's green countryside, or drive to Sulphur Springs, a steam-hissing volcano. For gambling, be sure to check out Treasure Bay Casino.

 

5. Other Locations

You really can find casinos and gambling opportunities throughout the region, other popular places to consider booking a trip to include Puerto Rico, The Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda and the Dominican Republic.

 

6. Caribbean Cruises

Another option you might not have considered is booking a cruise to the Caribbean.

All cruise ship casinos have numerous slot machine options, and most have table games as well, including blackjack and a variety of poker games (Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Caribbean Stud, Three Card, Let It Ride) that you play against the dealer. 

There are so many amazing cruise destinations in the Caribbean, you will get to visit multiple destinations and gamble as often and when you like - perfect! If you are new to this idea, view our top tips for your first cruise.

 

The Caribbean really is a destination which offers something for everyone - culture, islands, beaches, architecture, water sports, nightlife and also gambling. For more tips, this Caribbean travel guide has tons of information. Now go enjoy this spectacular region of the world for yourself.