Caribbean Poker Update - Aruba

[Pscam10]

I know every now and then someone asks a question on where to play poker in the Caribbean. I was on vacation in Aruba last week and I wanted to share a little info...

The Raddison Hotel is the only poker room that I played in. I was told only one other casino had a poker room - I believe it's the Alahambra Casino (sp?)

Games:
4/8 limit HE
15/30 limit HE
2/2/5 nlhe
5/5/10 nlhe
10/10/20 nlhe - only saw this one night

Room:
Small with only approximately 9 tables. Slightly separated from the casino floor in a fenced off area. There's no smoking permitted by the tables, but smoking is allowed on the casino floor and the bar area which is located directly adjacent to the poker tables. The tables and chips are old. The chips could only be used at the poker tables - they were different then the regular casino chips. The cards are large faced, but also had the rank and suit imprinted in very small letters on the upper left hand corners. The dealers were a mix of different skill levels. Some were good and others were horrible. Some of the dealers rotated through the floor games. Cocktail service was horrible, but the cocktails were good when you did receive one.

Players:
I was there during a holiday week, so I'm not sure how it is at other times. I only played 2/2/5 nlhe. Overall, most of the tourists had a decent understanding of the game. Their was a lot of college kids who watched way too much poker on TV. Their was also a decent amount of locals who must prey on the tourists. Overall, their's a lot of money to be made. my buddy and I played for about 15 total hours over 4 days (had the wives with us) and ended about +$2,000.

Random Notes:
- The 4/8 lhe game played like 2/4 lhe - could raise in $8 intervals on all streets
- The floor was making every effort to start the 15/30 lhe game every night
- All the games had no max buy in
- Very high rake ~ 5% up to $10 max at 2/2/5
- Had a bad beat jackpot - $2 drop ~ Any Aces full had to be cracked by any 4 of a kind to win (must use both hole cards). 50% to loser, 25% to winner and 25% spread out to every player in the room.
- They run tournaments weekly - sorry no more details
- The room doesn't open till 7:00pm
- They have a promotion where you are given an extra $20 in chips for free if you help start a game by 7:30pm

Overall, it was easy to make money and a good experience. I was just happy to play some poker while on vacation.

I apologize if this is too long, but hopefully it helps someone. Feel free to post any questions.

[TonySoprano9]

I've also seen a few posts asking for poker details in the Caribbean so here are the details for poker in Curacao which is the island next to Aruba.

Game
$5 / $10 No Limit Hold'em
$200 Minimum Buy-In (No max)
Full Ring 10 players max
Mississippi Straddle allowed in any position

Location
Curacao Mariott Beach Resort & Casino
Mariott Website

Players / Game Type
A mix of local businessmen, sportsbook employees and tourists.
The game plays pretty loose with at least two players straddling on a typical night. Four and five way action in raised pots is not uncommon. Standard opening raise is $50. It is a very social game with good banter as players play more for fun than to win money.

Other Info
The Mariott casino is small but quite nice and has two poker tables in the corner roped off. There is usally one full table every night with two tables when there are more tourists that want to play. The casino allows smoking but not at the roped off poker area.
The rake is 5% up to $5
The game usually starts at around 10pm and runs untill the casino closes at 4am.
The hotel has a special casino rate for table games players but might also be available for poker when they are quiet.
Currently this is the only poker on the island but a new Radisson hotel and casino is being built that should also spread poker.

Hope this helps but feel free to pm me if anyone needs more info.