Fodor's In Focus Aruba by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2020-01-14T00:00:00+00:00

Casinos

The Casino Aruba

CASINO—SIGHT | Well refreshed since the Hilton took over the Radisson in 2005, and renamed the Casino Aruba, you’ll still find the famous starry skies on the casino ceiling, but there are upgraded machines and the latest digital games; it’s open until 3 am. Poker is often the game of choice here with a dedicated Poker Room that has 10 tables, large-screen TVs, and frequent tournaments. E J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 81, Palm Beach P 297/526–6930 w www.tcaruba.com.

The Casino at the Ritz-Carlton

CASINO—SIGHT | A very “ritzy” casino just off the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton Aruba offers many traditional table games like blackjack, craps, roulette, Caribbean stud poker, baccarat, and Texas hold ‘em and more than 300 snazzy modern slots: spinning reels, video reels, and video games with jackpots available 24/7. Tables run from 6 pm to 3 am. They also have two sports-betting kiosks and offer “luxury” bingo several times a week. Points accumulated from their VIP casino club card can be used toward hotel extras like dining, spa treatments, and room nights. E L. G. Smith Blvd. 107, Palm Beach P 297/527–2222 w www.ritzcarlton.com.

Excelsior Casino

CASINO—SIGHT | Located in the Holiday Inn Aruba Resort, this is one of the oldest casinos on the island, and unfortunately its age is beginning to show; it stays open until 4 am. Many sections in the common areas are somewhat run-down and the air-filtering system could use an upgrade, but there is still a good selection of standard slots, blackjack, craps, and roulette tables, and the place is usually hopping with locals for daily bingo games. The blackjack tables are known for not hitting “the soft 17.” E Holiday Inn Resort Aruba, J. E. Irausquin Blvd. 230, Palm Beach P 297/586–7777 w www.excelsiorcasino.com.

Good-Luck Charms s

Arubans take myths and superstitions very seriously. They flinch if a black butterfly flits into their home, because this symbolizes death. And on New Year’s Eve they toss the first sips of whiskey, rum, or champagne from the first bottle that’s opened in the New Year out the door of their house to show respect to those who have died and to wish luck on others. It’s no surprise, then, that good-luck charms are part of Aruba’s casino culture as well.

The island’s most common good-luck charm is the djucu (pronounced joo-koo), a brown-and-black stone that comes from the sea and becomes hot when rubbed. It’s often called the “lucky nut.” Many people have them put in gold settings—with their initials engraved in the metal—and wear them around their necks on a chain with other charms such as an anchor or a cross. Another item that’s thought to bring good luck is a small bag of sand. The older generation of women might wear them tucked discreetly into their bras.

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