Officially known as the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Kitts and Nevis is the more colloquial name by which many people refer to this Caribbean island. It is the smallest of the sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere, both in terms of the population that lives there and the area that the islands cover; fifty two thousand and one hundred and one square miles respectively.
Christopher Columbus first landed on the island in 1493, with the English being the first settlers in 1623. Five years later and the English also began to settle on Nevis, having made an agreement with the French to allow them to settle on Saint Kitts too. As a Commonwealth realm, Saint Kitts and Nevis has Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state but is able to create its own laws and rules.
The Casinos
Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis
Gambling in Saint Kitts and Nevis has been legally regulated since the passing of the Betting and Gaming Control Act in 1999. It is the responsibility of the Saint Christopher and Nevis Gaming Board to issues licences and ensure that casinos are living up to the standards of the licence. Though gambling is legal and casinos are allowed, the small size of the islands means there aren’t many.
The Royal Beach Casino at St. Kitts Marriott Resort
858 Frigate Bay Road, Frigate Bay, St Kitts & Nevis
The largest casino on Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Royal Beach Casino is attached to the Marriott Resort in the Frigate Bay Area of St. Kitts. Set over thirty-five thousand square miles, the casino offers guests three hundred electonic gaming machines and nineteen table games. Video poker, electronic roulette and standard slots make up the electronic gaming.
If you prefer your casino play to involve a bit more human interaction then the table games will be for you. As well as games that are casino staples to the local area, such as Caribbean Stud Poker and roulette, you’ll also enjoy the likes of craps and baccarat. Three-card poker and Ultimate Texas Hold’em are also on offer on the tables.
Obviously the fact that it is part of the Marriott hotel in St. Kitts means that guests have ready access to bars and restaurants, with more nearby to the resort. There’s also a swimming pool for those staying in the hotel, plus easy access to the beach. Though you can’t see any of this from the casino, it still means it’s in a beautiful location for when you want to step away from the games.
MaPau Casino
Located in the Basseterre part of Saint Kitts, the MaPau Casino is probably more accurately referred to as a gaming venue. This is summed up by the fact that you’ll find it within a shopping centre, but don’t let that put you off. There are one hundred and sixty-six electronic gaming machines, as well as a gaming table.
The electronic machines allow you to play computerised versions of all of your favourite casino offerings, such as roulette, video poker and more. There’s also an excellent selection of slots. Poker is also a popular game here. There’s no restaurant on site, but you’re close enough to a number of options if you want to get a drink or bite to eat.
Royal Saint Kitts Casino
You’ll find Royal Saint Kitts Casino, which isn’t to be mixed up with Royal Beach Casino, near to the centre of Frigate Bay. Whether you’re a dab hand at the world of casino betting or just fancy giving it a try, you could do a lot worse than heading here. There are one hundred electronic gaming machines, which offer a nice gentle way or introducing yourself to the place.
Most people will want to step away from the electronic machines eventually and when you do you’ll be greeted by a nice selection of table games. Craps, blackjack, roulette and a host of different poker varieties will keep you busy. There are often Texas Hold’em and No Limit tournaments, plus Caribbean Stud and three-card poker to play when you feel like it.