Casinos in Suriname

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Introduction

The Republic of Suriname, simply Suriname, is a country located in the natural wilderness of South America. The capital is Paramaribo, which is also the center of economy and culture, but also the most visited tourist spot.

The official language of this South American country is, interestingly, Dutch, which may not be a fun fact for history connoisseurs; Namely, Suriname was under the control of the Netherlands from the middle of the 17th century until the middle of 1970. Today, the country is independent, and developing, and the economy relies mainly on natural resources, including gold mines. Suriname also works on tourist promotion, and in addition to the wild, unrestrained Amazonian nature, tropical beaches, and breathtaking mountains, it also offers a solid selection of places for land-based gambling. Although this branch of entertainment is not spectacularly developed at the moment, the industry is slowly but progressively developing... if you are interested in filling your days with long exciting walks in the untouched nature of the Surinam forests, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, and what not, and a good casino by action... continue reading!

Gambling History in Suriname

The history of gambling in Suriname is quite short, especially compared to other South American countries. Why is that so? The explanation is in the history books; we mentioned that Suriname was under the control of Europe, more precisely the Netherlands. During the colonial period, the economy of this territory was based exclusively on plantations, which, from the natives of Surinam, often slaves, required hard and thorough work. Leading a social life at that time, in that place, was not possible. There was no time, no opportunity, and given the weight of everyday life, no will for amusing activities. Even decades after slavery was abolished in Suriname, the economic situation of the population was still extremely difficult; famine reigned in this country. All these factors affected all social activities, including gambling, which was basically inaccessible to the population that lived within the borders of this country.

The first, most significant step towards a more modern, orderly way of life was made by Suriname in 1975 when it gained complete independence. At that time, it was necessary to come up with ways in which the country would begin to get out of economic ruin, and the choice fell on the exploitation of natural resources. Only in the 90s of the last century, did the country become economically stable, and the development of tourism and the entertainment sector began, which included the opening of the first land-based casinos. In those years, small casinos were opened, with modest offers, which, at the same time, were not subject to the planned laws, that is, they were not heavily regulated. Nevertheless, the land-based casino industry proved to be an attractive endeavor, quickly accepted by locals and tourists. As tourism evolved, the land-based casino scene evolved in step with it, and during the late 90s, some bigger brands with more exciting gaming content appeared in the capital.

Current Law Situation

The opening of new places to play initiated the issue of gambling regulation in Suriname. The primary body responsible for regulating gambling in Suriname is the Ministry of Justice and Police. The Ministry issues licenses to land-based establishments and performs regular checks in order to determine whether gambling operators adhere to established laws. The laws concern the protection of minors, the fight against money laundering, and the promotion of a responsible gaming policy. Also, casinos are required to pay taxes, which will boost the country's economy.

However, despite the established and enforced laws, in the early 2000s, gambling activities in Suriname have faced challenges; rules were broken, most often in relation to money laundering. Nevertheless, the industry continues to develop, and the government keeps on working on improving the regulatory framework to ensure the integrity and sustainability of the Surinam gambling industry.

Top Places for Land-Based Gambling in Suriname

At the moment, several legal land-based casinos operate in the territory of the Republic of Suriname, mostly located in the capital city of Paramaribo. Each of the establishments listed below offers a very solid selection of games including slot machines, roulette, blackjack, and poker tables. Everyone is welcome in the casinos, both local residents and tourists, on the only condition that they are over 18 years old.

Hotel Casino Torarica: This luxurious, eco-certified casino hotel is located in the capital of Suriname, and comfortably situated on the banks of the Suriname River. Torarica is considered one of the top places in the capital, a favorite residence of tourists during a tour of the beauties of Suriname. In addition to the swimming pool, spa services, and excellent offer of local specialties, visitors to this hotel can also enjoy the casino offer, which includes more than a dozen slot machines, and the most popular table games. Gamblers can deposit money using chips, which can be purchased with cash or debit and credit cards.

Elegance Hotel & Casino: A casino of up to 11,840 square feet of space is available within Elegance, an upscale 4-star hotel located in the capital city of Paramaribo. The building is located in the urban part of the city, in the immediate vicinity of the city park and the most popular shopping center in the capital. Gambling, walking, shopping... this place has a lot to offer!

Golden Truly Hotel & Casino: Also located in Paramaribo, Golden Truly Hotel & Casino provides a more casual and relaxed gaming atmosphere. The casino offers a very good selection of slot machines and table games, making it a popular spot for those looking for a friendly environment. Playing poker is also possible at the spot. If you get hungry during the gambling sessions, there are a handful of restaurants near the Golden Truly, with a wide range of local and international specialties.

Conclusion

Suriname is a country with a turbulent history. From colonization, through slavery, gaining independence, and establishing a stable economy, this South American republic has left behind a very complicated past. Today, Suriname is considered a modern, attractive destination, that has a lot to offer to those seeking adventure - Suriname's natural resources are breathtaking; Amazon rainforests, magnificent beaches, many artifacts of the past, as well as a booming land-based casino industry... there are many reasons why Suriname should be on your bucket list.