Betting in Cancún

Located in southeastern Mexico, on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula facing the Caribbean Sea, the city of Cancún was conceived in 1970 specifically to serve as a destination for tourism. It was part of a comprehensive government plan to transform a fisherman’s island surrounded by virgin forest into being one of the nation’s best-known seaside resorts. In fact, the first nine hotels built in the area were financed with federal funds.

In keeping with its purpose, entertainment and recreation receive the highest priorities in Cancún. Activities have been developed with vacationing visitors in mind, from water sports, zip lines, mountain biking and jungle treks to visits to archaeological digs and ancient Mayan ruins. World-class spas, restaurants, golf, shopping and nightlife are available, and it only makes sense that the gambling facilities of this glitz and glamour focused city are also top flight.

A prime example is the Dubai Palace Casino, located one block south of Plaza las Americas and open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It can boast of being the only casino in Cancún with a 30 percent bilingual staff, including two fulltime bilingual concierges to cater to patrons’ needs. There are 350 gaming machines on the floor of the Dubai Palace Casino, all of which have been manufactured in the United States and over 80 percent feature English. The remaining slots have bilingual selection for easy play.

Until rather recently, the Dubai Palace Casino also offered table games, including blackjack, roulette and Texas Hold’em. However, the laws governing Mexican casinos are in constant flux, and there is currently a ban on all live card games and roulette as well as video poker and video roulette.

The Dubai Palace Casino has an award winning restaurant serving authentic Mexican cuisine. It is open 24/7 days a week, featuring breakfast and lunch buffets plus inexpensive steaks and burgers. Drink prices are also among the lowest in town with beer going for 15 pesos all day and mixed drinks starting at 35 pesos.

Another very exclusive place to gamble is the Playboy Club Cancún. Located on Boulevard Kukulcan, it is one of just two remaining Playboy Clubs currently operating in the world, the other one being in Macau. In addition to a 12,900 square foot gaming space hosting 50 gaming machines, the Club has its own sportsbook for betting on football, boxing, horse races and other sports. On the occasion of the Club’s second anniversary in November 2012, international playmate Kendra Wilkinson paid a visit, and of course there are local bunnies on duty every day of the year.

“Mexican Bingo” is a fast-paced game much loved by local residents, and one place where they can get their fill is the Casino Palace on Avenida Tulum. The casino features gaming machines, a live stage for music and performances and a sportsbook for bet taking, too. From its sophisticated neon façade to its tuxedo-wearing staff, the Casino Palace presents itself as one of Cancún’s classiest acts.

Also on Boulevard Kukulcan and located within the Plaza Forum by the Sea is a fourth place to play—the Caliente Casino. It is part of the Caliente group of sportsbooks, locally owned and operated by Hipódromo de Agua Caliente, S.A. de C.V. Although the main focus is bookmaking, gaming machines are also available for guests and a loyalty programmed called “club Caliente” is available for frequent players.

Published on: 02/04/2013

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