Casinos in Panama resorts

Casinos on the coasts and resorts (Panama)

Short review

The Panamanian coasts are two different worlds. The Pacific Ocean stretches from the resorts of Coronado - Santa Clara - Playa Blanca (Rio Ato/Farallón) to the surf spots of Pedasi/Playa Venao; here, resort hotels most often offer compact gaming rooms. The Caribbean coast is Colon with a cruise terminal (the most obvious point for a casino by the sea) and the island life of Bocas del Toro, where the gambling component is minimal and gives way to beaches, diving and the bar scene.

💡 In Panama, the main "cluster" of large casinos is the capital. Resorts by the sea are dominated by small hotel halls and slot rooms focused on the evening leisure of vacationers.

Geography and types of locations

Pacific Coast

Coronado and vicinity: weekend country complexes for Panamanians and expats; there are small game halls at hotels/plaza.

Santa Clara - Playa Blanca (Rio Ato/Farallón): all-inclusive zone; some resources have their own slot rooms or adjacent playgrounds in trading clusters.

Pedasi - Playa Venao (Asuero Peninsula): surf direction, emphasis on nature & sport. Casinos are rare; maximum - bar machines in the city nearby.

Caribbean coast

Colón (Port Colón 2000): The coastal area at the cruise terminal is the Caribbean side's most "playable" place; format - small casinos/slot halls focused on liner passengers.

Bocas del Toro (Colon Island): beaches, snap diving, boat tours; there is almost no gambling part, a bet on nightlife and bars.

What coastal casinos look like

Scale: more modest than the capital - several tens/a couple of hundred slots, electronic roulette, sometimes 2-4 tables (blackjack/mini-baccarat).

Format: at the hotel/within walking distance (plaza/mall) so that the guest can come in "for an hour after dinner."

Hours: large points - until late at night or 24/7; small ones have evening hours.

Audience: Vacationers in pairs/families, cruise tourists, "weekend-warriors" from Panama City

Where to Search: Quick Tips by Zone

Rio Ato/Playa Blanca/Faraglión: ask at reception if there is a house casino or partner slot room nearby (often 5-15 minutes walk/taxi).

Coronado: Check out the trading clusters at the main thoroughfare; there are compact game halls.

Colon (Caribbean coast): focus on the port area and shopping centers near the embankment - the "in-play-out" format is perfect for the cruise schedule.

Bocas del Toro: Plan leisure without casinos - snorkelling and pier bars win here.

Bets, box office and loyalty

Table minimum: usually 5-10 USD; hi-limits are rare.

Slots: from $0. 01–0. 05 per line, local jackpots are frequent mechanics for resorts.

Payment: cash USD and cards (bank fees are possible). A passport may be needed for a player's card and at the checkout for large payments.

Loyalty programs: welcome loans, draws, drinks by level; conditions are easier than in the capital.

Safety and practicality

Licensing: Legal venues operate under the supervision of Junta de Control de Juegos (JCJ); entry is strictly 21 +.

Transportation: in resort areas take the official taxi/hotel shuttle; at night it is better not to walk on deserted sections of beaches/highways.

Dress code: smart casual; beach clothes/slippers may not be allowed in the evening hours.

Etiquette: photos of tables are prohibited; for drinks - $1-2 tips.

What to combine with the game (route ideas)

Pacific - "day at the beach + evening at the casino"

Day: Beach, paddleboard/catamaran, sunset

Evening: dinner at the hotel → 60-90 minutes in the casino/slot room → cocktail bar by the pool.

Caribbean - "cruise sprint"

Before sailing: walk along the embankment of Colón 2000, souvenirs → a quick visit to the nearby casino → back on board/to the hotel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Are there poker rooms in the resorts?

Rarely. If poker is important, plan an evening in Panama City.

Do resort casinos work 24/7?

Top sites - yes; small - more often until late at night.

Can US/EU residents play?

Yes, upon presentation of passport/ID and compliance with site rules.

Are there sports betting?

Sometimes - in the form of racks/terminals; in coastal halls, the emphasis is still on slots.

"Coastal" excitement in Panama is a convenient addition to a seaside vacation, not an end in itself. In the Pacific Ocean (Coronado, Rio Ato/Playa Blanca) you will find small, friendly rooms at hotels and plazas; in the Caribbean, Colón, with its port infrastructure, is the best bet. If you need a large selection of tables, VIP areas and panoramic bars - leave the evening for Panama City, and on the coasts play with "short sessions" between the beach, surf and cocktails.