Casino's age of admittance?

[Mr Edwards]

This must sound pretty stupid to seasoned travellers, but does anyone know definitively how old you must be to attend a casino in either Nassau or Grand Bahama Island? My nephew and his girlfriend are planning a trip there soon, but are both 19, and not sure if they will be allowed to gamble. I have a 10 spot riding on this, as I claim that they need only be 18. Anyone have the answer?

[Jimbo]

Since you were so informative about my cigar post, let me return the favor. Having consulted my Carribbean resource guide, (my Trinidadian neighbour) someone who has travelled extensively throughout the islands, I have it in good authority that the legal age of admittance to a Bahamian casino is 18. Looks like you've got that 10 bucks coming your way. Apparently it's 19 for locals, but all non-residents 18 and older can legally gamble anywhere on the islands. Two of the best casinos are the Atlantis Casino on Paradise Island, and the Crystal Palace Casino in Nassau, but there are a host of others as well. Tell the kids to make sure they have a budget, and not to fall for the old trick of heading to the ATM or maxing out the credit cards if they aren't doing well; that's the worst they could do. For two young people, I'd recommend a hundred dollars maximum, and that should do them for several hours. Personally, I've never understood the appeal of slots, Poker is my game, but it's never easy to win at a casino in my experience, though it can be one of the most fun ways to lose money ever invented. Hope they have fun, as the Bahamas definetely rocks. :)

[Shazza]

I used to work in a casino and believe me, it isn't supposed to be easy to win.

The casino owners are in business to make money, after all, so the house has to win. Sure, a few people will go home with more money in their pockets than they arrived with but most won't.

I think you just have to see it as an expensive form of entertainment rather than a way of making money. Be prepared to lose. As Jimbo said, give yourself a maximum and stick to it. Say "I'm willing to spend $100 on being entertained tonight" and don't spend a dollar more. Those $100 should then cover your drinks, your turns at the tables, tips etc. IF you're lucky enough to go home with some money after spending the $100 you originally came out with, that's great, but don't expect to.

Shazza