Casinos in Nassau - Find Casinos Near You in Nassau

Nassau Casinos: The Basics

Once a crown jewel during the height of the British Empire's colonial period, Nassau still retains many old-world charms and traditions of earlier times, albeit with a modern twist and independent flair that makes Bahamians a proud people, and the Bahamas an oasis of peace and tranquility. 

For visitors, The Bahamas can be a perfect getaway - for sunning, swimming, boating, snorkeling, diving, parasailing, sightseeing, eating, drinking, partying, and gambling. It's also an island oasis to just lay around, unwind, and relax, and do nothing at all. 

Nassau is easy to get to either by land or sea, particularly from nearby Florida. As the nation's biggest city, Nassau also offers many special events, gambling tournaments, and other attractions certain to entice tourists year around.

Fun Fact about The Bahamas

The Bahamas includes more than 3,000 islands, cays, and islets. The Atlantic Ocean nation is located north of Cuba and northwest of the island of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) and the Turks and Caicos Islands. 

It's close to the U.S. state of Florida, and east of the Florida Keys.

The capital city is Nassau on the island of New Providence, with a total population of about 250,000. 

Andros is by far the largest island of the Bahamas, and remains virtually untouched by development. Aside from Nassau on New Providence, the other primary destination and casino-resort hub is Freeport, on Grand Bahama (also called Grand Lucayan), with a total population of about 50,000.  

The rest of the country is sparsely populated and not as frequently visited.

Top 10 Things to Do in Nassau

1. Lay on a public beach - enjoy the pristine natural beauty and tranquility of Junkanoo Beach (the most popular), or Cabbage Beach (on Paradise Island), or Cable Beach (near Baha Mar), or any other beach here on New Providence island....they're all magnificent!
2. Order a rum cocktail - we dare you to order just one (rum is the tourist fuel for the islands)
3. Enjoy Aquaventure at Atlantis - this is probably the most famous and popular attraction in the entire country; this massive water-themed amusement park for both adults and children at the Atlantis includes an expansive 141-acres of swimming pools, sun decks, slides and rides, marine life, live music, and an astonishing number of other fun things to do
4. Walk around central Nassau - this colonial-era town has lots of cozy shops, bars, and markets to explore, and it's closeby to the major resorts
5. Visit Queen's Staircase - also called "the 66 steps," this is a national landmark at the Fort Fincastle Historic Complex in Nassau; the stairs were carved from solid limestone rock in the 1700s
6. Take a short cruise - half-day and full-day cruises out of Port of Nassau include sightseeing sea life (turtles, dolphins, etc.), island hopping, and even dinner cruises at sunset 
7. Take a Nassau city tour - we recommend you take the ATV group tour, which includes your own small open-air vehicle (seats up to 4), led by a knowledgeable local guide 
8. Visit the Pirates of Nassau Museum - Pirates roamed and ruled the seas long before the Bahamas became an island paradise; this unique part of local history is highlighted in creative displays and fun daily shows
9. Take a Trip to Blue Lagoon Island - what an incredible experience! Here you can swim with dolphins, interact with sea lions (they don't roar) and stingrays (they don't sting), and even snorkel with live sharks (they don't bite)
10. See and enjoy the swimming pigs - yes, swimming pigs. We saved this fun recommendation for last; you'll just have to visit and see it for yourself to believe that pigs do swim (but they don't fly); ask anyone on the island-they’re easy to find

Planning Your Trip to Nassau, Bahamas

Remember, the Bahamas is an independent country. So, you'll likely need a valid passport to enter. Note that some cruise ship arrivals do waive the usual passport requirements.

You'll probably arrive either by air or sea.

Nassau and the connected Paradise Island is a convenient nonstop flight from several major Canadian and U.S. cities (there are a surprising number of Canadians who visit here). Flights from Florida typically take only about an hour. Other Caribbean islands also have flights (including to/from Cuba).

You'll arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport, which has a TSA PreCheck program, plus Global Entry for pre-approved, low-risk travelers from other countries.

Arrival by cruise ship is also convenient, and within walking distance of many top attractions. 

You won't need a car in Nassau, and it might be more trouble than it's worth to rent one. Instead, use taxis - which are easy to get and relatively cheap. The island also has small buses called “jitneys” which go between the major points (typically at 30-minute intervals).

Hotel choices are plentiful in Nassau, though the two mega-resorts can be very expensive. During peak travel season, reservations are almost mandatory. So, plan accordingly.

In the Eye of the Hurricane

It's impossible to discuss planning a trip to Nassau without including a warning about weather.

The Bahamas lies in the epicenter of hurricane alley. The islands can be a wonderful place, or the most dangerous place on earth - that is, if it's in the path of an approaching hurricane. 

Hurricane season refers to the period when conditions are ideal for dangerous storms which start at sea and then hit land. 

Typically, the most severe storms happen during July through October. However, with global warming altering the climate, weather is now even less predictable. This is especially true in turbulent geographical regions with a confluence of clashing currents and weather systems.

If you're flexible and a bit of a risk taker, booking your vacation to Nassau in August and September does have some advantages. Cheaper rates and less crowded conditions may be well worth taking your first gamble before leaving home. 

However, do be advised that hurricanes are a major threat in this part of the Caribbean and are always to be taken seriously.

Expert's Recommendation: Order a Coconut Cocktail!

Nothing screams "I'm on vacation!" more than the photo you'll snap on the beach while sipping one of those delicious cocktails through a paper straw out of a freshly cut coconut. Oh, and yes, it’s not just for show - the coconuts are real!

These native-Bahamian cocktails are served almost everywhere on the island. At many beach areas and resorts you'll see servers making the alcoholic treats right there on the sands, next to the sea. They’re tasty. They’re addictive. And, they can be intoxicating if you aren't careful and happen to overindulge.

So, take it nice and slow and easy and don't get too carried away, or else you’ll end up being carried away (Note: I speak from first-hand experience - rum hangovers on a beach vacation are no fun!).

The ingredients of these cocktails are simple.

The top of a fresh coconut is sliced off, or holes are drilled through the hard brown outer shell. Then, white rum is poured inside to mix with the coconut milk (sometimes, the milk is drained out). Next, pineapple juice, cherries, and/or sugar also gets added. Some cocktails taste quite similar to a blended Pina Colada or the classic Mai Tai.

Then as a finish with a flair, they're topped with little paper parasols, which is sort of like an umbrella for your drink. Even the cocktail is on vacation.

Another great feature, which can be a dangerous enticement: Even though they taste delicious, they're usually cheap. A common expression heard everywhere goes like this: "Okay, order me one more. But that's it. Then, cut me off."

Aquaventure at Atlantis

Atlantis' massive water park and tropical playground which surrounds the sprawling resort-casino might be the most incredible sea-themed hangout we've ever experienced. This is an attraction for kids of all ages (and by "kids," we mean adults, too!).

Aquaventure is a 141-acre waterscape with the theme of a mythical ocean paradise.

The park includes thrilling high-speed water slides. It has a mile-long lazy river floating ride with rolling rapids and wave surges. There are 20 swimming areas, hundreds of sun decks, bars, hidden alcoves, a spectacular water-play fort (mostly for children), and impressive displays of live sea animals.

Aquaventure also includes a lush, tropical oasis that is both immersive and interconnected.

If you want a thrill, this park is ideal. If you want peace and relaxation, this part is perfect. If you want privacy, the park is also remarkably appealing because it's so large and has so many sections which can be explored.

Admission to the water park is complimentary for hotel guests at Atlantis.

However, don't be dissuaded if you're not staying at Atlantis. Unlike most resorts, to visit Aquaventure you do not need to be a guest. You can simply book Aquaventure tickets online.

We consider this waterpark to be a "must see."

Our Top 3 Favorite Nassau Casinos

Let’s explore the top 3 Nassau Casinos and discover which one is the best for you:

1. Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas

Located just north (and within walking distance) directly across a bridge from the city of Nassau, the Atlantis lies on Paradise Island. It’s appropriately named.

The Atlantis casino includes a marina (for your yacht, should you be so fortunate to own one), 4 massive hotel towers, 21 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges, shopping, a gigantic water amusement park, luxury spas, a nightclub, live entertainment, DJs, a full-scale casino, a sportsbook, and a poker room.  

The casino offers ore than 1,000 slots and video poker machines. It has 85 gaming tables. The sportsbook primarily shows American sports. However, the Atlantis Race & Sports Book also offers betting on horse racing from major U.S. tracks.

Important Note: The minimum wager at the Atlantis race and sportsbook is $20. Things tend to be more expensive here and gaming minimums can be higher than you’re used to.

2. Baha Mar 

This newer hotel-resort-spa-casino opened in 2017. It’s not as big as its rival, Atlantis.

However, it still has many advantages. For one thing, it’s nicer, newer, cleaner, and the casino is better. Okay, that’s four things.

Baha Mar is closer to Nassau and the parts of the city you’ll likely want to visit.

The casino includes more than 1,100 slot machines and 119 live tables (with 18 different types of games - including blackjack, baccarat, craps, and roulette). This casino floor is unlike any other. Most casinos are closed off, but the floor-to-ceiling windows provide breathtaking ocean views.

The mega-resort also includes 9 pools and a luxury spa. You have 40 restaurants and bars to choose from. The cruise port and marina are nearby. It’s walking distance to the beach.

We also found hotel rates are cheaper here at Baha Mar than at Atlantis. However, that’s always subject to change.

3. Island Luck

You’ll see small betting cafes and sportsbook lounges throughout central Nassau. Island Luck is by far the biggest licensed operator.  

These are integrated betting shops that combine live gambling with online gambling. Many outlets have a small number of slot machines and even a few gambling tables. Most are set up to allow deposits and withdrawals for the online casino and national lottery. 

One More Note: The Wyndham Nassau Resort (a.k.a. Crystal Palace Casino) has permanently closed. Many casino websites (unknowingly) still list this casino-resort as being open, but it is now gone.

Must-see: PokerStars Caribbean Adventure

One of the world's largest and most prestigious poker tournaments is the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure.

This annual international attraction draws poker professionals and amateurs alike from dozens of countries who land on Nassau every January for a two-week poker festival that's live streamed and televised.

This huge poker event has been held at the Atlantis for nearly 20 years. However, it moved in recent years to Baha Mar. A temporary poker room is set up in the convention arena.

Players can qualify to play in the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure on the PokerStars.com site. You can also show up and play, both in cash games and tournaments. Due to the long running success of this poker attraction, we expect other major poker and gambling events will also be held in Nassau in the future.

A Controversial Opinion About Nassau

We absolutely love Nassau. That said, there are a few things which could use improvement. 

About the Food 

First, the food choices here aren't great for such a popular international resort destination of this size with a stellar reputation. 

Moreover, the food almost everywhere is mostly bland and ridiculously overpriced for what you're getting. 

We've suffered through some atrocious meals, even at the mega-resorts (food at the Atlantis might be the biggest ripoff of any casino, anywhere). Be advised there are many exciting things to do here. 

Dining out and finding a tasty snack aren’t so easy. In fact, we think the food situation here is - we can't say this nicely - it's terrible.

About the Service 

Second, the influx of casinos, lots of new money, and a flood of rich tourists has jaded the service industry and attitudes here appear to have soured. 

While many places are very friendly and do offer excellent service, far too many others are indifferent to legitimate customer expectations. 

We don't know why this is the case.

Maybe it's the laid-back culture here, or the reality that big money has skewed the mindset of those who work in the service industry. Whatever the reasons, our visits here were not always handled optimally by staff, and that goes for small business as well as the big hotels.

Nassau (Bahamas) Casino Laws and Regulations

Unlike most American casinos where the legal age of entry is 21, The Bahamas allows persons aged 18 and up to enter and play (the same is true for drinking alcohol - the age of consent nationwide is 18).

All gambling throughout the islands is overseen by the Gaming Board for The Bahamas.

The government-run board is solely responsible for issuing casino licenses and enforcing regulations.

More recently, the Bahamas has become a haven for online gambling. After being strictly forbidden, online gambling was legalized under the Gaming Act of 2014. The new law provided a framework for licensed casinos, national and charitable lotteries, and taxation.

This allowed online casinos, lotteries, live poker, poker tournaments, and race and sportsbooks to set up operations on the islands and be operated as fully-regulated businesses.

It should also be noted that a state-run lottery is also legal, as is electronic bingo, keno, scratch tickets, and pull-tabs.

Sports betting parlors which offer both online wagering and in-person betting are also popular in the country, and especially within Nassau. Betting is mostly in American sports, and also South American and European soccer matches.

Conclusion

There aren't many vacation destinations more perfect to visit than the nation known as The Bahamas. Whatever your aspiration - sun, fun, romance, partying, gambling, or a family vacation - this is a wonderful place to go on vacation. 

Best of all, aside from the amazing Nassau casinos near you, there are lots of fun things to do for people of all ages and interests. 

With careful planning, you can get a lot out of your trip to the islands, and probably won't ever want to leave.