Board games (roulette, blackjack, poker)

The board games center in the Bahamas are two major Nassau resorts: Baha Mar (Cable Beach) and Atlantis Paradise Island (Paradise Island). Both venues are tourist-oriented and offer a wide range of tables: roulette, blackjack, baccarat/mini baccarat, craps, poker tables/games against casinos, and electronic tables (ETGs).

Access rules and age

Who is allowed: resort casinos Bahamas - for non-residents; local residents are not allowed to play.

Age: 18 +. At the entrance, they usually ask for identification.

Opening hours: slots - almost always 24/7; tables - extended hours (during the day until late at night, at peak - longer).

Roulette: what to expect at the table

Formats: American roulette is more common (double zero, 0/00); in peak seasons, single-zero tables or electronic terminals with one zero may appear (check the sign at the wheel).

Limits: vary by time of day and table location (regular room vs. high-limit). Minimum rates during the day are lower, in the evening - higher; inside the same table, the minima may differ into "internal" and "external" fields.

Etiquette: the player puts chips on the "internal" numbers, on the "external" (red/black, even/not enough) you can ask the dealer to help. Wait for the "no more bets" announcement.

Hint: if you see one zero, it is mathematically more profitable than 0/00. Check the rules "la partage/enne prison" - if any, this is a plus for the player.

Blackjack: The most popular rules and options

Decks and soft/stand: resorts usually have 6-8 decks; the rules (dealer "takes" to soft 17 or "stands") differ in tables - see the rule plate.

Double and split: as a rule, double is allowed on any two cards (or 9-11), re-split pairs and separate conditions for split A, A (often one card per ace after split).

Side-beta: Perfect Pairs, 21 + 3, etc. increase dispersion; treat them as entertainment rather than "strategy."

Lows/highs: friendly lows can be found during the day; in high-limit zones - much higher with personal service.

Etiquette: hand signals are required (pulling - gesture "to yourself," standing - palm horizontally). Put chips on insurance/side-beta - only after the dealer is announced.

Poker: cash, tournament series and "casino poker"

Cache and schedule: live cache tables are in waves (in high season and for events - more often). The easiest way to find out the latest games is from the poker host on the spot or in the application/casino counter.

Tournaments/events: Major series on Paradise Island have historically been played in waves; now the format depends on the calendar of the resort and partners - check the announcements before the trip.

Games against casinos: almost always available Ultimate Texas Hold'em, Caribbean Stud/3 Card Poker, etc. - this is not a player-against-player, but "poker" tables with fixed payments and side-betes of the jackpot.

Electronic Tables (ETGs): speed up play, lower minimums and are suitable for "warm-up" if all live tables are busy.

High limit and VIP formats

Both Baha Mar and Atlantis hold high-limit spaces with increased minimum rates and the ability to negotiate a limit through the host.

For frequent guests, loyalty programs are useful (computers for accommodation/dinners, invitations to events). Credit for the game (casino credit) and front money are issued in advance through the credit department of the casino.

Practical tips for a beginner

1. Choose "your" table according to the rules. In blackjack, look for "dealer stands on soft 17" and double for any two cards; in roulette - tables with one zero.

2. Watch the bankroll. Start with limits at which 100-200 bets of your face value are comfortable.

3. Reserve time. Tables are tighter in the evening: arrive early or ask for a name on the waiting list.

4. Dealer tip. In the Bahamas, it is customary to "token" a dealer (with a bet "for the dealer" or a chip after a successful deal/spin).

5. Photo and phone. At the tables - minimal; comply with casino policies.

6. Responsible play. Both resorts have self-exclusion and limits - feel free to use the tools.

Mini Payment Glossary

Roulette (American): straight - 35:1; dozen/column - 2:1; kras/cher - 1:1.

Blackjack: "straight" is usually 3:2 (less often 6:5 - avoid such tables if you see the 6:5 sign).

Ultimate Texas Hold'em: payments according to the table (e.g. street - 2:1, flash - 3:1, full house - 3: 1/4: 1, etc.; check the specific paytable on the table).

Before the trip - checklist

Passport/ID (age 18 +).

Budget and limits plan.

Clarification of the schedule of tables on the site/host (especially for live poker).

Restaurant/activity reservations during high season (to avoid queuing between sessions).

Bahamian board games are a comfortable mix of "classics" and resort service: American roulette, a lot of blackjack with different limits, popular "poker vs. casino" and periodic live cash games/tournaments. Keep in mind the basic rules, choose tables with favorable conditions, come with a document (tourists 18 +) - and have fun playing in one of the most pleasant resort destinations in the Caribbean.