Casino Colon and David
Casinos in tourist areas (Colon, David) - Panama
Short review
Colón and David are two different "faces" of Panamanian gambling outside the capital. Colon lives by the rhythms of a cruise port and a free economic zone: compact but bright casinos near the embankment and in shopping malls are in demand here. David is the calm provincial capital of Chirika, a knot on the way to Boket and the Baru volcano: casinos at hotels and in the mall, a democratic average check, an emphasis on slots and several tables.
1) Colon: Atlantic "cruise showcase"
Location profile. City at the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal; the tourist flow comes in waves - along with liners and buyers from the Colón Free Zone. Gaming halls are focused on short visits: quick entry, easy registration, generous promos for the arrival of ships.
Where to look for a casino
Port area and embankment (Colón 2000 district): halls as part of shopping and entertainment clusters for cruise passengers.
Downtown/highways to the Free Zone: compact casinos and slot rooms next to hotels, bars, restaurants.
Format and games
Slots and video slots, electronic roulette; in separate halls - blackjack/mini-baccarat, sometimes poker tables on "peak" cruise days.
Hours more often until late at night or 24/7 at large points.
The average rate on tables is from 5-10 USD, on slots - from 0.01-0.05 USD per line.
Audience and atmosphere
Passengers of liners "for a couple of hours," Free Zone buyers, tourists from Panama City for the weekend.
Many express promotions: welcome loans, happy hours, ticket/voucher draws.
Practice and safety
Stay in tourist clusters (port, shopping and entertainment center, coastal hotels).
Use licensed port taxis/shuttles; keep documents and large sums in the hotel safe.
Currency - USD, tips are welcome (bar/croupier).
Route 1 day (under cruise)
Morning: Colón 2000 waterfront, souvenirs and cafes
Day: shopping in the Free Zone/mall, then 1-2 hours in the nearest casino.
Evening: Cocktail bar by the water, return to liner/hotel.
2) David: "Chirika gate" and the comfort of the province
Location profile. The provincial capital of Chiriquí, the hub airport and bus station; base for outings in Boqueta, to the beaches of Las Lajas and to the Baru volcano. Casinos are integrated into urban everyday life - at hotels and shopping centers.
Where to look for a casino
Central avenues and shopping and entertainment centers: slot halls with a bar and sports broadcasts.
Medium and business class hotels: small casinos with 2-4 tables and dozens of machines, convenient for guests for 1-2 nights.
Format and games
Main traffic - slots/video slots, electronic roulette; at the tables - blackjack/mini-baccarat, less often poker cash tables in the evenings.
Often there are local jackpots and daytime promos (drinks mugs, bonus loans).
Hours - usually late or around the clock at large points.
Audience and atmosphere
Locals, transit tourists, travelers to tropical routes.
Prices are moderate, dress code smart casual or free; service is friendly, without metropolitan pump.
Route 2 days (David → Boket)
Day 1 (evening): check-in at the hotel, dinner in the center, 1-2 hours in the casino at the hotel/mall.
Day 2 (morning/day): departure in Boket (coffee plantations, suspended trails), return to David, evening session on slots/roulette.
3) What Colon and David have in common
Licensing and regulations. All legal venues operate under Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ) licenses; in the course of the standards of responsible play, age 21 +, documents at the entrance. Online game - a separate mode (offline rooms are relevant for a tourist).
Payments and service
Currency - US dollar; accept cash and bank cards (sometimes with fees).
A bar and light snacks are available at most venues; in "port" casinos - shares for cruises.
Loyalty programs: cumulative points for slots, draws and "levels" with free drinks/hotel rooms (as agreed).
Minimum rates and banquiroll
Tables: from 5-10 USD; VIP limits are lower than in the capital.
Slots: flexible betting grid; jackpots local and network.
Recommended bankroll for a tourist for the evening: 100-300 USD when playing "for fun."
Etiquette and safety
It is usually impossible to photograph tables; phones - on silent.
The croupier/waiter is left 1-2 USD per round of drinks; on winning tips at will.
Use hotel safes; at night - only licensed taxi.
4) Pros and cons of zones
Colon - pluses
Cruise drive, frequent promotions, "short" game formats.
Walking distance from the terminal and mall.
Colon - cons
Tourist "rush hours" and possible crush.
Out of Port Area - Safety/Transport considerations.
David - pluses
Calm atmosphere, moderate rates, casinos "at hand" at hotels.
An excellent base for tours in Boket and to the Baru volcano.
David - cons
Fewer tables and events than in the capital.
Nightlife is more modest than Panama City.
5) Frequent Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a passport to enter?
Yes, to confirm the age of 21 + and when issuing a player card.
Is there a dress code?
Usually smart casual; beach clothes/slippers may not be allowed in the evening hours.
Are casinos open around the clock?
The largest are yes, especially in the port area of Colon; in David, part of the halls - until late at night.
Can I smoke?
Generally not; smoking areas/terraces are provided.
Colón is an "hour before departure" thrill: compact, dynamic casinos at the cruise terminal. David is a measured, "wallet-friendly" evening after his trips around Chiriquí. Both zones offer a licensed, secure game format with logical integration into a traveler's Panama itinerary. If you need glamour and high-limit - keep the course for Panama City; if you want an easy rest "without fuss" - David and Colon will fit perfectly into the trip.