For many people, beaches, bullfights and the fabulous food and culture
are the first thing they think of when they think of vacationing in
Spain. However, the Espanol casinos, or Spanish casinos are as popular
as they are numerous. Unlike some other European countries, like Italy,
Spain has many casinos located throughout the country. They range in
size from mega-gambling complexes with restaurants and live
entertainment to smaller venues with just a handful of slot machines and
a few tables.
Although they might be more numerous and widespread than in other
countries, Espanol casinos are very similar to their contemporary
European counterparts in that nearly all of them, even the smaller ones
like the Gran Casino de Cueta in Cueta, Andalucia, have dress codes (tie
and jacket) and entrance fees. Although the smaller and less exclusive
casinos may have more relaxed dress codes, like casual dress instead of
tie and jacket and the entrance fees may be just a couple of dollars.
Due to the fact that Spain can get so hot in the summer time, many
Espanol casinos relax their dress codes in June, July and August so that
their guests are more comfortable. Many of the small to mid-sized
casinos like the Gran Casino de Cueta and the Casino de Ibiza in Ibiza,
Balears and the Casino Mediterraneo in La Villa Joiosa, Valencia are
only open at night into the early hours of the next morning. However,
the larger casinos generally have daytime hours, especially on the
weekends.
Most of the popular Spanish tourist destinations have a casino either in
the area or nearby. Madrid, for example is home to the palatial
Casino Gran Madrid, a 110,000 square foot facility that features 20
table games and 174 slot machines. Barcelona is also home to a large
casino; the Casino de Barcelona has 219 slot games and 45 table games
ranging from poker to Punto Banco. The Casino Gran Canaria is located on
Grand Canary Island and is a major hot spot for tourists and locals.
Unlike most other Espanol casinos, the Casino Gran Canaria runs in
cooperation with a large hotel.
Like in most other European countries, 18 is the minimum gambling age at
Espanol casinos. While larger casinos may have a staff that speaks a
wide variety of languages, including English, French and German, prepare
to communicate with the staff at most casinos primarily in Spanish.
Many casinos have restaurants, live entertainment and nightclubs for
their guests to enjoy well into the early hours of the morning.
