Betting in the Port of Spain
Since 1757, Trinidad and Tobago’s capital city has been the Port of Spain. It is the country’s third-largest city, after San Fernando and Chaguanas. The city’s municipal population is approximately 43,396 and its metropolitan population is 128,126. The Port of Spain has the biggest container port on the island and it is an important shipping centre, mainly exporting manufactured goods and agricultural products. The Port of Spain’s economy is also fed by a major retail and administrative centre. The city is a prominent financial services hub of the Caribbean.
Tourism has become a relatively new priority for the Port of Spain. International conferences have boosted the efforts to increase visitor numbers to the area. The yearly pre-lenten Carnival is the capital’s most celebrated cultural festival which draws world-wide attention. There are a variety of entertainment complexes and nightclubs, along with a multitude of restaurants serving all sorts of cuisines including French, American, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Lebanese and Venezuelan-Panyol. Of special note is the renowned entertainment strip known as Ariapita Avenue.
Woodford Square is located in the middle of the city and is encircled by the City Hall, the Hall of Justice, The Red House, the Old Fire Station, Trinity Cathedral and the National Library. This historical part of the capital is often referred to as simply “Town” and winds down to the South Quay area and St. Ann’s River. Further down, newer buildings begin to appear.
The Port of Spain’s regulations stipulate that it is compulsory for authorised casinos to offer a members club scheme. Customers are usually required to pay a fee when signing up. However, many gambling establishments reimburse the charge in the form of slot tokens or chips, which then need to be used straightaway.
Clive Tilley founded the company known as Tilley Entertainment in 1996, which led to the opening of two gambling venues which are in close proximity to the city centre. The Big Bucks Club offers slots and gaming tables, and the Play 2 Win Club specialises in games machines. Membership is necessary to enter either club.
Turkey-based company Princess Entertainment Group are responsible for the Trinidad Club Princess. The venue is located downtown and is open for business from 10am until 2am, everyday. It houses 169 games machines and nine games tables. There is also a sister venue on the waterfront called The Royal Princess Casino.
The Royal Princess Casino requires membership to partake in its gambling activities which include gaming machines and table games such as Texas Hold’em, Blackjack and Roulette, as well as Rhum 32, a game which is exclusive to the area. The Royal Princess Casino can be found near to the Falls Shopping Mall and the cruise ship docks.
To the west of the city, the Ma Pau Casino can be found. Here, bettors can enjoy round-the-clock gaming machines plus table games such as Baccarat, Blackjack and Poker. In the same vicinity is the “Players on the Avenue” venue, again a members-only club. It features games machines, gaming tables, Blackjack, Roulette, Casino Hold’em, 3-Card Poker, 4-Card Poker and the local game Rhum 32. Palms Casino is a private members club. It offers a poker room, 80 slot machines and various tables where Blackjack, Roulette, 3-Card Poker and Rhum 32 can be played. Bingo events are held on different week days, as well as promotional slot draws. The property has several bars serving courtesy drinks and snacks.
