Aruba
Aruba is the Dutch Caribbean's gaming capital — a sun-soaked "one happy island" outside the hurricane belt, with reliably sunny weather, powdery white beaches, and a cluster of beachfront casino resorts along Palm Beach. Smaller and more laid-back than the Bahamas, Aruba offers a relaxed Caribbean gaming experience where the casino is one part of a beach vacation rather than the main event.
Quick Facts
- Country: Aruba (constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands)
- Casino area: Palm Beach and Eagle Beach (high-rise zone)
- Legal gaming age: 18
- Currency: Aruban Florin (AWG); USD widely accepted
- Language: Dutch, Papiamento, English, Spanish
- Best time to visit: Year-round (outside hurricane belt); December–April peak
- Airport: Queen Beatrix International (AUA)
Recommended Hotels
Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino
★★★★☆ 4.4 — #8 Ranked
The classic Palm Beach property, opened in 1970 and fully renovated. Home to the Stellaris Casino — the largest casino in Aruba. Direct beachfront, multiple pools, and the famous Sunset Grille steakhouse.
Ritz-Carlton Aruba
★★★★★ 4.8
The most luxurious property on the island, at the north end of Palm Beach. Elegant rooms, adults-only pool, and the intimate Stellaris Casino. Quieter and more refined than the high-rise cluster.
Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort
★★★★☆ 4.6
Family-friendly luxury on Palm Beach with a multi-level pool complex and the Ruinas del Mar restaurant. Adjacent to the Hilton casino.
Marriott Aruba Surf Club & Ocean Club
★★★★☆ 4.4
Two adjacent Marriott properties with the Stellaris Casino shared with the Marriott Aruba Resort. Popular with timeshare visitors and families.
The Casinos
Aruba has about a dozen casinos, most located within beachfront resorts along Palm Beach and in downtown Oranjestad. The largest is Stellaris at the Hilton; others include the casino at the Ritz-Carlton, Copa at the Riu Palace, and the Glitz at the Hilton. Most are open from morning until late night, with table games typically starting at 6pm.
Unlike mega-resorts in the Bahamas, Aruba's casinos are smaller and more intimate — a handful of blackjack tables, roulette, and slots. This makes for a casual, friendly gaming atmosphere. Dress is casual — resort wear is fine; no need for jackets.
Travel Tips
- Outside the hurricane belt: Aruba is one of the few Caribbean islands rarely affected by hurricanes. Weather is reliably sunny and dry year-round, with constant trade winds.
- Currency: Aruban florin (AWG) is pegged to USD at ~1.79. US dollars are accepted everywhere; you'll often get change in florins. Credit cards widely accepted.
- Getting around: Taxis are flat-rate (no meters). Rental cars are cheap and driving is easy. Arubus public buses run between resorts and Oranjestad for ~$2.
- Beaches: Palm Beach (high-rise hotels, lively) and Eagle Beach (low-rise, quieter, wider) are the two main resort beaches. Both have powdery white sand and calm water.
- All-inclusive vs. European plan: Most Aruba resorts offer both. All-inclusive makes sense if you'll drink and eat at the resort. Otherwise, Oranjestad and Palm Beach have excellent restaurants worth exploring.
- Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants (check if service is included). $1–$2 for drinks and porters.
- Wind: Aruba is windy — that's what keeps it comfortable. Bring hair ties and secure loose items on balconies.
- Casino hours: Slots open by 10am; table games typically 6pm–4am.
Beyond the Casino
- Eagle Beach — Voted one of the world's best beaches. Wide, white sand, fofoti (divi-divi) trees, and turtle nesting sites. Free to access; public parking.
- Arikok National Park — Nearly 20% of Aruba is protected in this park. Cacti, volcanic formations, natural pools, and the Conchi natural pool. 4WD recommended.
- Natural Pool (Conchi) — A volcanic rock pool inside Arikok, reached by 4WD or horseback. Stunning setting.
- California Lighthouse — Northern tip of the island, named for the SS California shipwreck. Great sunset views and a restaurant nearby.
- Baby Beach — Southern tip, a shallow crescent-shaped lagoon perfect for snorkeling and families.
- Snorkeling & diving — The SS Antilla shipwreck is one of the Caribbean's largest. Multiple operators run snorkel trips from Palm Beach.
- Oranjestad — Colorful Dutch colonial architecture, luxury shopping (Renaissance Marketplace), and the free downtown streetcar.
- Flamingo Beach — On Renaissance Island (private, adults-only). The famous flamingo photos. Day passes limited to hotel guests or paid day passes.
- Kitesurfing & windsurfing — Fisherman's Huts at Hadikurari Beach is a world-renowned kitesurfing spot.
Dining Highlights
Aruba's dining scene is surprisingly diverse — Dutch, Caribbean, Latin, and international influences. Don't miss: keshi yena (stuffed cheese, Aruba's national dish), fresh catch of the day (often wahoo or mahi-mahi), and Dutch pancakes. Standout restaurants: Sunset Grille (Hilton), Screaming Eagle (Palm Beach), Barefoot (Surfside Beach), and Zeerovers (fresh fish, no menu, by the pier in Savaneta).
Responsible Gaming in Aruba
Aruba's legal gaming age is 18. Casinos are regulated by the Aruban government under the Casino Regulatory Act. For problem gambling support, the Aruba Mental Health Foundation (IMFA) provides confidential counseling — contact via your hotel concierge or +297 582 3344. See our responsible gaming guide for US and international helplines (most Aruba visitors are from North America).
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