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Tourist "imitations" of gambling in hotels (Cuba)
After 1959, Cuba has a complete ban on commercial gambling. Nevertheless, resort hotels strive to maintain an atmosphere of "evening entertainment" for tourists. Compromise - interactive formats that mimic the game, but without money bets, winnings and "money interest." Below is a map of such formats, legal boundaries, risks and best practices.
1) What are gambling "imitations"
Imitation is a gaming experience, visually or in rules similar to casino/betting, but without cash bets, cash prize and convertible value. The goal is shows, training or socialization, not winning money.
Non-Cash Typical Items
Zero-value chips/tokens are free and cannot be exchanged for money.
Prizes - symbolic (branded souvenirs, certificate for a cocktail, icon "player of the evening"), not money.
The host/croupier is an animator who explains the basic rules "for fun."
2) Popular formats in hotels
1. Casino Night (show & learn): mini roulette/blackjack tables on stage. Guests learn basic actions, the host comments on the probabilities.
2. Fun Chips: Guests are given "fan chips" for the evening; they cannot be purchased, exchanged or "cashed out."
3. Poker Demo/Blackjack Clinic: lessons in rules and etiquette, parsing "moves" without a real bank.
4. Wheel of Trivia: Wheel of questions instead of wheel of bets - quizzes win, not "odds."
5. Arcade & Skill Games: table football, darts, billiards, arcade machines with points without exchanging for money.
6. Raffle without cash contribution: draw among the participants of the activity/quiz tour - without buying a ticket and without a cash prize.
7. Themed Cabaret + Fantasy Bet: Viewers are offered a "prediction" for the element of the show (which will win applause), the prize is applause and a photo on stage.
3) Where is the legal boundary
In Cuba, any cash bets, cash winnings, sale of tokens, conversion of points into money or valuables are prohibited. Hotel Safe Zone:- No money at the entrance (no paid "stacks").
- There is no monetization of chips/points (exchange for money, alcohol of expensive value, accommodation, etc. is prohibited).
- Prizes are symbolic and of insignificant value.
- Communication without the terms "casino/money betting" - emphasis on shows, training and culture.
4) Risks of substitution of concepts
Gray scenario: guests "quietly" are offered to buy additional tokens - this is already a legal risk.
Collecting "for the prize fund": even "for the hat" is a sign of a money game.
Advertising "casino-evenings" as gambling: incorrect marketing can lead to questions for the administration.
External sellers of "lotteries": any paid lottery is illegal, even if "for charity."
5) Best practices for hotels (compliance-by-design)
1. Zero monetary value policy: prohibiting the exchange of chips/points/coupons for money/values.
2. Scripts and brief for animators: correct terms ("demo," "show," "training"), phrases-prohibitions.
3. Poster-disclaimers: "No money. No stakes. Entertainment/training only."
4. Prizes-symbols: diploma "master of blackjack-today," selfie with the troupe, souvenir to the value limit.
5. Cutting off "gray" initiatives: the security service suppresses offers to "buy chips" or "play separately."
6. Event log: to record the format and composition of prizes - the provability of conscientiousness.
7. Alternatives: quizzes in music and cinema, dance battles, "mixology" (cocktail lessons) - everything that gives competitiveness without money.
6) Memo for tourists
See disclaimers: if you are offered to pay for chips, this is a red flag.
Prizes ≠ money: souvenirs ok, "conversion to services" - controversial.
Do not participate in "room" games for money: it is illegal and unsafe.
Shoot like a show, not like "betting": don't turn a friendly demonstration into a money dispute.
Take care of the data: do not leave contacts to people offering "continuation of the banquet" outside the hotel program.
7) UX of such evenings: how to make interesting without money
Learning corner: posters with probabilities (chance at 21, roulette principle), mini-quizzes.
Gamification: "player passport" with seals for participating in various activities (roulette demo, quiz, dance round).
Setlists: Short rounds of 5-7 minutes to rotate guests and maintain drive.
Social finale: general photo, mini-parade of "winners-of-the-day," announcement of the next show.
8) Frequent Questions (FAQs)
Is it possible to give free drinks for "victory"? Yes, if it is a fixed computer drink of low cost and does not depend on the "amount of winnings."
And the spa voucher? Risky if the value is great. Better souvenir/certificate for a symbolic service.
Why can't I sell tokens? Selling mimics betting and banking is the core of gambling.
Quiz with a cash prize? Undesirable. Better souvenirs or the title of "champion of the evening."
9) Checklist of legal cleanliness of the event
There is no money at the entrance and in the process.
There is no monetization of chips/points/coupons.
Prizes are symbolic, announced in advance.
Communication: "show/learn," not "bet/bank/win."
Animators are briefed, there is a stand-up disclaimer.
The security service is informed about the risks of "gray" offers.
Gambling "imitations" in Cuban hotels are a theatrical shell without a money core. When simple rules are followed (no bets, no exchange, prizes-symbols), such evenings remain in the zone of legal entertainment and help hotels maintain the atmosphere of the "night program." The border is thin, but manageable - subject to discipline, transparent communication and zero tolerance for "gray" initiatives.