Best Casinos in St. Maarten: The Complete Guide to Gaming on the Dutch Side

By Hannah Barnard on 13th April, 2026

St. Maarten — the Dutch side of the island — is one of the Caribbean’s most exciting destinations for casino entertainment. While the French side, Saint Martin, has no gambling venues, Sint Maarten’s Dutch side is home to over a dozen gaming establishments, stretching from the sprawling Casino Royale in Maho Village to intimate boutique casinos in Philipsburg and Simpson Bay. Whether you’re a serious poker player, a slots enthusiast, or simply looking to try your luck after a beachside dinner, here’s your complete guide to the best casinos in St. Maarten.

1. Casino Royale – Maho Village | The Island’s Flagship Casino

As the largest casino on the island, Casino Royale is the undisputed centrepiece of St. Maarten’s gaming scene. Spanning over 21,000 square feet of gaming space in the heart of Maho Village, directly across from the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, it offers an experience that rivals many Las Vegas properties in ambition, if not in scale.

The gaming floor features 400 slot machines — including Bingo slots with a Progressive Jackpot starting at $5,000, the only Bingo slots on the island — and 22 gaming tables offering American Roulette, Craps, Blackjack, Baccarat, and Poker (Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, and Texas Hold’em). A private high-roller area offers the island’s highest table and slot limits, and VIP packages are available for a premium experience.

Sports fans will appreciate the casino’s dedicated Sportsbook, featuring self-service kiosks for straight bets and parlays across all major leagues — NBA, MLB, NFL, and European football. It’s the most comprehensive sports betting setup on the island.

After the tables, head to the Déjà Vu Lounge for craft cocktails, live music, and special event screenings. Every Saturday night, Casino Royale hosts a free spectacular show on the island’s largest theatre stage, featuring guest performers from the US and Vegas circuit — a highlight of any visit to St. Maarten.

The Players Club loyalty programme is widely regarded as the most rewarding in the Caribbean, offering free slot play, substantial cash-back rebates, resort stays, and fine dining discounts. Membership is free.

2. Princess Casino – Port de Plaisance Resort | 24-Hour Gaming Near the French Border

Known locally as the “Little Las Vegas of Sint Maarten,” Princess Casino is situated within the Port de Plaisance Resort, close to the French-Dutch border. Its 24-hour operation makes it a favourite for night owls and those who want to slip away for an early morning session.

The casino offers over 160 slot machines and 17 gaming tables featuring Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, and Poker. Beyond pure gaming, it regularly hosts themed nights and events — including wine tastings and special promotions — that give it a social atmosphere beyond the typical casino floor.

The Port de Plaisance Resort setting adds a resort lifestyle backdrop: guests can move easily between the pool, restaurants, and casino throughout the day and night.

3. Hollywood Casino – Simpson Bay | Boutique Gaming with a Piano Bar

Located on Billy Folly Road in the Pelican Key area of Simpson Bay, Hollywood Casino is a boutique casino with serious character. Themed after golden-age Hollywood, the interior features murals of classic entertainers, movie memorabilia, and a glamorous renovation that has elevated it well beyond its modest footprint.

Despite being on the smaller side, it punches above its weight in terms of game variety: you’ll find Blackjack, Roulette, Three Card Poker, Texas Hold’em, Let It Ride, and Punto Banco, along with a dedicated Baccarat room and a separate poker area. Drinks are free for all players, and free valet parking is available — a thoughtful touch.

The entertainment complex surrounding the casino is a big draw in its own right. ISOLA Ristorante Italiano next door is one of the island’s most popular Italian restaurants, ideal for dinner before a gaming session. Below the casino on the lower floor, the Red Piano is a beloved piano bar with live singing pianists every evening — a distinctly St. Maarten institution.

For guests staying at the Simpson Bay Resort, Flamingo Beach Resort, La Vista Resort, or the Atrium Beach Resort, the casino is an easy walk away.

4. Coliseum Casino – Philipsburg | Upscale Gaming in the Capital

Situated in Philipsburg, Coliseum Casino is part of the Princess Casino group and is known for its upscale ambiance. It’s a polished, well-presented venue that attracts both cruise passengers and longer-stay visitors alike. The casino offers a range of slot machines and table games, and its Philipsburg location puts it in easy reach of the boardwalk and the island’s main shopping street.

5. Rouge et Noir Casino – Philipsburg | Beachfront Views and Daily Poker

One of the oldest casinos on the island, Rouge et Noir occupies a unique spot in Philipsburg with windows looking directly out over the beach — a rare combination of sea views and casino atmosphere. It offers a full range of table games and hosts daily Texas Hold’em poker tournaments, making it a genuine destination for poker enthusiasts.

The beachfront setting gives it a more relaxed, local feel than some of the resort-based venues, and the daily poker schedule attracts a loyal regular crowd alongside visiting players.

6. Jump Up Casino – Philipsburg | Carnival Spirit on Front Street

Located on Front Street in Philipsburg, Jump Up Casino takes its name seriously — thematic carnival décor, vibrant music, and a festive atmosphere set it apart from the larger, more formal venues. It offers slot machines and a relaxed, lively gaming environment, making it a fun pit stop for cruise visitors exploring the city centre.

7. Paradise Plaza Casino – Simpson Bay | Slots and Sports Betting by the Bay

Nestled in the heart of Simpson Bay near some of the island’s top resorts, restaurants, and bars, Paradise Plaza Casino offers a wide selection of the latest slot machines and sports betting options. Its central Simpson Bay location makes it a convenient choice for those based in that part of the island, and its laid-back atmosphere suits casual players looking for a fun evening without the formality of the larger resort casinos.

8. Beach Plaza Casino – Philipsburg | A Quick Stop in the Capital

Beach Plaza Casino is a compact, no-fuss casino in Philipsburg offering a selection of slot machines. It’s a convenient option for those exploring the city and looking for a quick gaming experience — particularly popular with cruise passengers who want to try their luck without venturing far from the port.

9. Diamond Casino – Philipsburg | Front Street Gaming with a Sportsbook

Also operated by the Maho Group, Diamond Casino sits at the heart of Philipsburg on iconic Front Street — making it one of the most conveniently located casinos on the island, particularly for cruise ship visitors exploring the capital.

The casino floor features over 140 of the latest slot machines and eight gaming tables, offering American Roulette, Blackjack, Three Card Poker, and Caribbean Poker. It also boasts one of the island’s best sportsbooks, with 9 self-service betting kiosks covering all major leagues including the NFL, NBA, EPL, UEFA Champions League, and more, plus live horse racing daily from premier tracks including Gulfstream Park, Woodbine, and Saratoga.

Drinks are complimentary while you play, and the Diamond Players Club offers free membership with points redeemable for cash back, double-point Sundays, birthday bonuses, and a Mystery Bonus Link that can be triggered on any slot machine while your card is inserted.

Tips for Visiting Casinos in St. Maarten:

Age requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to gamble in St. Maarten. Valid ID is required at all venues.

Currency: The US Dollar is widely accepted across all casinos, and most operate entirely in USD. ATMs in Philipsburg dispense both US Dollars and Netherlands Antilles Guilders.

Dress code: There’s no strict dress code at most venues, but resort-casual attire is the norm. The larger casino-resorts such as Casino Royale and Princess Casino tend to attract a smarter-casual crowd in the evenings.

Getting there: Philipsburg casinos — including Diamond Casino, Coliseum, Rouge et Noir, Jump Up, and Beach Plaza — are walkable from the cruise pier on Front Street. Maho Village (Casino Royale) and Simpson Bay (Hollywood Casino, Paradise Plaza) require a taxi or rental car from Philipsburg; the journey takes around 20–25 minutes. Taxis are readily available and fares are fixed.

Best time to visit: Casinos are generally quieter in the early evening. Peak hours run from around 9pm to midnight, especially on days when cruise ships are in port and visitor numbers are high. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, arriving early evening gives you more space at the tables.

Loyalty programmes: Several casinos offer free-to-join loyalty programmes — Casino Royale’s Players Club and Diamond Casino’s Diamond Players Club are particularly well-regarded, offering cash-back rebates, free play, and dining perks. Worth signing up even for a short stay.

Responsible gambling: All casinos on Sint Maarten operate under Dutch Caribbean gaming regulations. If you need support with gambling habits, the Responsible Gambling Foundation provides resources and assistance.

Whether you’re chasing jackpots at the Caribbean’s biggest casino floor, watching the beach from a roulette table, or simply catching a free Saturday night show at Casino Royale, Sint Maarten’s gaming scene has something for every kind of visitor. The Dutch side truly earns its reputation as one of the most entertaining islands in the Caribbean.

Best things to do in St. Maarten / St. Martin

Best restaurants in St. Maarten / St. Martin

Best hotels and resorts in St. Maarten / St. Martin