Colombia Casinos
Colombia, a country in South America, has legalized gambling only in casinos. However, pari-mutuel betting on horse racing, greyhound racing, and the sport of jai alai are perhaps more popular than casino gambling. There are approximately 21 Colombia casinos, however, that are visited by tourists and locals alike and the majority of these are located in Bogotá, the capital. Many of these casinos offer the usual games of blackjack, roulette, and poker. Poker games may not be specifically mentioned in some casinos; however, they are available and they can include Caribbean Stud, Texas and Omaha Hold’em, and other types of poker. It is important to remember, however, that playing three card Monte is strictly illegal in Colombia, and if found doing so, may result in imprisonment or a hefty fine.
The Colombia casinos in Bogotá include the Casino Caribe Norte, with 129 slots and five table games; the Casino Rock’n Jazz, with 150 slots and 12 table games, and Club Jacks, with three types of poker tables. In addition, there are five different Slotmania Casinos, with only slot and gaming machines.
The largest Colombia casino, the 32,000 square foot Casino Caribe in Medillin has 16 table games and 400 slot and video gaming machines. Also in Medillin are the Casino Aladdin, the Excalibur, and the Rio, offering slots only.
There is one casino in the city of Palmira, the Casino El Castillo, which has 50 slots and three table games. Another Colombia casino with 72 slots only, the Casino Internacional, is in the city of San Andres. Cucuta, Colombia, has the Casino El Dorado and Hotel, with 30 slots and six table games of blackjack, punto banco, poker and roulette. The city of Cartagena features La Perla del Caribe casino, with 60 slots and 11 popular table games.
For something different in the city of Cali there is the Cali Gran Casino, which has live entertainment, a restaurant, and bar, as well as 180 slots, five table games, and a 100 seats for bingo. An even larger casino in Cali is the Hollywood Casino and Café-Concert, with 220 tables and sixteen table games.
As in most South American countries, Colombia has strict gambling rules, and although illegal gambling can be found in out-of-the-way places, it is certainly advisable not to frequent these establishments.