Volcanoes, tropical climate, and rich biodiversity aside, Nicaragua also boasts a number of well-appointed casinos and casino resorts.
The Central American country has a turbulent political history and has faced severe natural disasters, but a mid-90s resurgence has seen it continue to develop, and it now lists tourism as its second largest industry.
The country’s most popular casinos are located in Managua, its capital city, and Bluefields and Masaya. Some are casino resorts with hotels, entertainment venues, and other amenities, while others are stand-alone casinos, where the focus is on gaming only.
Gambling in Nicaragua
It was only in 2001 that the government legalised land-based and online gambling in Nicaragua. The government had to introduce a new act in 2011 to crack down on illegal venues, establish a new gambling board, and outlaw venues that operated with less than 10 slot or video poker machines.
2014 saw another change to the act; this time to place the industry under the Ministry of Finance’s control.
Barcelo Montelimar Beach Hotel
Managua’s Barcelo Montelimar Beach Hotel is one of Nicaragua’s most well-known casinos. An entertainment hub, it also caters to guests who aren’t looking to play pokies or table games.
The casino offers more than 100 slot machines and several games tables with blackjack, roulette, and poker available, and the hotel features more than 400 rooms. Other attractions include a beachfront setting, themed restaurants, swimming pools, nightclubs, shows, and various activities and events.
The Morocco Casino
One of Managua’s smaller gaming establishments, the Morocco Casino is open 24 hours a day. The intimate environment means gaming options are limited to the traditional favourites of slots and classic table games.
There are approximately 50 slot machines, and several tables that offer blackjack, poker, and roulette.
Pharaohs Casino Camino Real
Located in Carretera Norte, not far from Managua, is Pharaohs Casino at the Camino Real Hotel. The casino is open daily from 10am until 4am, and offers a large number of slot and video poker machines, as well as blackjack, Caribbean poker, poker, and roulette.
The casino and hotel also offer restaurants, bingo, live music, cash draws, a business centre, a pool, a gym, and a spa. Modern facilities and good guest relations see many players agree that this is one of Central America’s best casinos.
Managua Princess Casino
Nicaragua’s Managua Princess Casino is one of the country’s favourite gambling destinations. More than 250 slot and video poker machines occupy the casino floor, while its tables offer blackjack, poker including Texas Hold’em, roulette, Electronic Touchbet Roulette, and bingo.
Located in the centre of the capital, the casino is open from noon to 4am during the week, and from noon to 6am on weekends. The casino’s other facilities include bars, a restaurant, live entertainment, and various promotions.
Palms Casino
Another of Nicaragua’s 24-hour casinos, Palms Casino is another establishment where the focus is directed towards gaming. It is located in a part of the city known as the Zona Rosa, which is the epicentre of Managua’s nightlife.
Facilities in addition to the casino include an all-hours snack bar, live music, promotions, and a VIP room. The casino itself features approximately 140 slot and video poker machines, while its eight games tables offer blackjack, American roulette, Caribbean Stud poker, Three Card poker, and Texas Hold’em Bonus poker.