Panama is arguably most famous for straw hats, a global financial scandal, and the canal that links the Pacific and the Caribbean. Look closer, however, and the country between two continents reveals a popular gaming industry.
Nowhere is this more evident than in the country’s world-class casino resorts. Many of the best of them are located in Panama City, the country’s capital and most populous city.
Each venue offers something unique. One is the world’s highest casino, while another is the country’s largest, with more than 400 games available. More than one establishment is on Panama Bay, where their hotel rooms and other amenities offer sweeping views of ships making their way through the locks.
Ocean Sun Casino and Panaviera
Trump Ocean Club International Hotel and Tower is the location of both the Ocean Sun and Panaviera casinos.
The Ocean Sun, on the first floor, is open 24 hours a day, and features 600 slot and video poker machines, and 32 games tables. The tables offer a mix of live dealer and electronic games such as blackjack, roulette, classic and midi-Punto Banco, and baccarat.
The Panaviera, located on the 66th floor, is the world’s highest casino. It offers gaming in luxury to high rollers and VIP guests.
Among the features of Panama’s most exclusive casino are 60 slot machines, and 10 tables with blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, poker, and Texas Hold’em, as well as a restaurant, three private rooms, and an outdoor infinity pool with a bar.
The hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites, fine restaurants, swimming pools, a spa, and various entertainments and amusements.
StarBay Casino
Located in the Hilton Hotel, StarBay Casino is another of Panama City’s popular gaming venues. Gaming aside, however, the venue also offers a selection of restaurants and eateries, live music, competitions and promotions, and comfortable, modern accommodation.
The casino itself boasts 450 slot and video poker machines, and 27 games tables, with roulette and Punto Banco among their offerings.
Sortis Hotel, Spa and Casino
Panama’s largest land-based casino is at Sortis Hotel, Spa and Casino, located in the capital city. Rooms and suites, shops, restaurants, live shows, social and lifestyle events, and a spa offering numerous treatments are all among the attractions.
Known especially for its table games, the casino offers baccarat, online blackjack games for real money, poker, and roulette. It also has 400 slots and video poker machines.
Royal Casino
The Marriott hotel’s Royal Casino is another of the capital’s larger casinos. Its floor holds 400 slot and video poker machines, as well as 30 tables for games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker.
Unlike many other casinos in Panama City, this one does not operate 24 hours a day. Rather, its doors open at 10am and close at 5.30am.
Veneto Casino
Found in the Wyndham Grand Hotel, the Veneto casino is at the heart of a venue that also offers a spa, shopping, and various other entertainment options.
The casino boasts more than 600 slots and video poker machines, more than 40 table games, and 15 dedicated poker tables. The games on offer include mini and midi baccarat, blackjack, craps, roulette, Caribbean Stud, Seven Card Stud, Three Card Poker, Omaha, and Texas Hold’em.