Sun, Sand, and Slots: The Best Casinos in Gran Canaria
Sun, Sand, and Slots: The Best Casinos in Gran Canaria
10/4/23, 4:04 PM ByCanarian Weekly Travel
On the sun-drenched shores of Gran Canaria, where the sand is as golden as the sunsets and the nights are as vibrant as the days are languid. But if you thought this island was only about the stunning beaches and fiery skies, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
Gran Canaria holds a secret allure for those who love the thrill of the game, the anticipation of the bet, and the intoxicating rush of a win. The island is home to some of the most captivating casinos in the world, each one promising an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the ordinary.
In this article, we'll guide you through the very best of them. These are no ordinary gaming destinations: they're grand stages where fortune dances with chance, where every player is treated like royalty, and where the promise of adventure beckons from every corner.
As you navigate through our handpicked selection of Gran Canaria's finest casinos, you'll discover a world that marries the excitement of Las Vegas with the laid-back charm of the Canaries. You'll get a taste of the unique ambiance that pervades these establishments: the mingling aromas of gourmet cuisine, the soft clinking of glasses, the murmur of friendly banter, and above all, the electric energy of the games.
So, let's wander together through the glimmering halls of Gran Canaria's top casinos, where the exotic beauty of the island meets the thrilling allure of the gamble. The dice are rolling, the slots are spinning — are you ready to join the game?
Gran Casino Costa Meloneras:
Located in the heart of Las Palmas, on Calle Mar Mediterraneo, stands the Gran Casino Costa Meloneras. This grand establishment boasts a generous 13,000 square feet of gaming space and an additional 6,387 square feet dedicated to a convention centre.
The casino is elegantly nestled on the southern coast of Gran Canaria Island, within the premises of the exquisite Gran Hotel Costa Meloneras, exuding a blend of classic elegance and contemporary flair.
Guests are required to be at least 18 years old and must present a valid ID such as a passport or driver’s license for age verification. The dress code is smart casual, aligning with the refined ambiance of the casino. Visitors are highly encouraged to partake in the various draws, giveaways, and promotions that the casino regularly hosts. For more information, guests can consult with a casino representative during their visit.
Gran Casino Costa Meloneras offers an impressive array of 71 gaming machines and 12 table games, including two poker tables. The electronic games area features a mix of the latest games and time-honoured classics that have entertained gamers for years. The floor dedicated to Video Slots caters to both traditional and modern gaming preferences.
The casino also offers a selection of table games including Roulette, Blackjack, Punto Banco, and various Poker Cash Games and Poker Tournaments. Regularly scheduled Texas Hold’em tournaments are a major draw for poker enthusiasts, and a comprehensive event calendar can be found on their official website.
The Gran Casino Costa Meloneras operates around the clock, welcoming guests 24/7.
The casino houses five distinct restaurants: Ambassador Restaurant, Alameda Buffet, Atlántico Buffet, Via Veneto, and Via Veracruz. The buffets cater to diverse tastes and are ideal for larger groups. Both Alameda and Atlántico offer live music alongside a range of classic international dishes.
Ambassador Restaurant provides a more refined dining experience with its a la carte menu of international dishes. For poolside dining, Via Veneto and Via Veracruz serve Italian and Mexican cuisines respectively. Live music performances are a regular feature at many of these restaurants.
The affiliated hotel comprises over 1,000 rooms, providing ample accommodation for its visitors. Additional hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, a children’s pool, Wi-Fi access in public areas, and a luxurious spa.
Gran Casino de Lanzarote:
Unleash your adventurous spirit at Gran Casino de Lanzarote, nestled on Avenida de las Playas. This casino, situated near one of the most picturesque areas of the island, is an oasis of relaxation and leisure. Valid identification such as an ID, passport, or residence card is needed for entry. The casino's machine room and snack bar are open for guests from 10:00am to 4:00am, and the game rooms and bar operate from 7:00pm to 4:00am daily, except on Christmas Eve.
The Gran Casino de Lanzarote, under the reputable Grupo Orenes, one of Spain's top global gaming operators, offers an array of more than 100 gaming machines, exclusive slot models, table games, and poker tournaments. It features:
· Table games like roulette, poker, and blackjack, among other classic casino games in a spacious room for an immersive gaming experience.
· Unique slot machines on the island, promising exciting moments and potential winnings of up to 2,000 times your bet.
· Sports betting facilities are equipped with cutting-edge technology and terminals for seamless betting.
For gastronomy enthusiasts, the Gran Casino de Lanzarote's bar and restaurant offer culinary delight, serving the finest local products in a fusion of contemporary and traditional cuisine that will tantalize your taste buds. Complementing this, live entertainment shows and promotions provide a holistic entertainment experience.
Casino Gran Canaria:
Nestled in the heart of Las Palmas, Casino Gran Canaria stands as a vibrant attraction amidst the bustling tourist centres and picturesque coastal resorts of the island. More than just a gaming hub, it serves as a magnet for tourists and gamblers alike, offering an expansive gaming hall filled with a variety of slots and table games, open from 10:00am to 4:00am for slots, and from 9:00pm for game rooms.
The casino stands out with its cutting-edge machine games and fresh-off-the-line poker and roulette tables. It's particularly famous for its cash-only poker tournaments offering substantial euro winnings. Video poker at this venue is also a hit among newcomers, especially those visiting in groups.
Admission to the casino doesn't require membership, but guests must be at least 18 years old. The gaming offerings include 60 slot machines, 3 poker tables, 10 blackjack and cash game tables, and 3 roulette tables. The casino features a spacious main gaming area with dedicated rooms for poker, blackjack, and roulette.
A separate hall accommodates slot machines, with all titles kept up-to-date and progressive jackpots displayed on screens. Poker enthusiasts will appreciate the exclusive three-card poker table and two tables for weekly Texas Hold'em cash game tournaments.
American roulette players will enjoy the double-zero option, while blackjack betting starts at €25 per hand. All electronic games are conveniently located in one corner of the hall. However, please note that sports betting is not available here.
While the casino does not have an attached hotel or restaurant, its prime location in a resort area ensures easy access to top hotels and restaurants in Las Palmas. Notably, the popular Las Palmas Fusion Restaurant and Lounge bar and the Gran Canaria Hotel are within walking distance.
Within the casino premises, guests will find a bar offering a broad selection of wines, alcoholic drinks, and beverages, with seating available both indoors and outdoors. Open during casino hours, it provides a convenient spot for refreshments. Parking options include self-parking and street parking.
Casino Las Palmas:
Nestled in the captivating beauty of Las Palmas, Casino Las Palmas presents a unique and compact haven of entertainment. Offering high-standard casino experiences seven days a week for a mere entry fee of €5, it's a must-visit destination for gaming enthusiasts. Guests are reminded to bring an ID and dress in smart casual attire for a seamless entry experience.
The elegant interior design sets the perfect mood for gaming, with stylish red-painted walls and brilliant lighting guiding players from one table game to another. The casino is also renowned for hosting non-gambling events such as live music, comedy shows, and sports events, contributing to its vibrant atmosphere.
Gaming enthusiasts should take note of the casino's operating hours: the Machine Gaming Room is open daily from 10:00am to 4:00am, while the Table Games Room welcomes guests from 5:00pm until 4:00am.
Set against the stunning backdrop of expansive beaches and cliffs, Casino Las Palmas stands out as one of the most charming casinos in the area. It offers a range of games including Blackjack, Mini Punto Banco, Progressive Jackpots, Slots and Video Poker, Roulette, Poker Table Games, and Poker Tournaments. Despite the limited number of slot machines, the quality of the gaming experience remains top-notch.
Guests can join others in a game of American Roulette or Mini-Punto Banco and engage in a live Baccarat game. With the casino open daily, players have ample opportunities to try their luck at the 4 Blackjack Tables or aim for one of the five Progressive Jackpots.
Adding to the allure, Gran Casino Las Palmas provides not just an outstanding gaming experience but a space for ultimate relaxation. The on-site bar/lounge and restaurant create an ambiance reminiscent of the world's leading casinos. The exquisite cosmopolitan cuisine further enhances the gaming experience, making it not only thrilling but also satisfying. Guests can indulge in delectable meals and cocktails for a complete and convenient casino experience.
Online Gambling in Spain:
Ever since gambling was made legal in 1977, Spain has emerged as a favoured spot for gamblers. The online gambling scene was initially monopolized by state-owned lottery firms until the EU stepped in citing breach of gambling directives, paving the way for private operators to enter the market.
The enactment of the 2011 Gambling Act marked a significant step in legalizing and controlling online gambling, setting up a state regulator responsible for issuing licenses, enforcing regulations, and safeguarding players. Even though this act applies nationwide, there are minor variations in gambling rules across Spanish states. While the national authorities oversee online casino gambling, regional authorities in all 17 regions are in charge of regulating physical casinos.
Spanish gamblers have access to a wealth of world-class online casinos, many of which are based in neighbouring EU countries, ensuring robust consumer protection laws. Many of the top Spanish online casinos offer everything from video slots, roulette, blackjack and other online casino games variants of land-based casino classics. Some even offer live casino experiences, which is one of the most immersive online gambling experiences available.
Sports betting has been a staple for Spanish gamblers for decades, but it's only in the last decade that online sportsbook options have been embraced. Online sports betting has seen a surge in popularity, with revenues reaching approximately €450 million in 2020 alone. Spanish bettors are particularly drawn to local and international football leagues.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in Spain is neither explicitly legalized nor prohibited, allowing players to wager real money on DFS leagues freely. US companies like DraftKings and FanDuel dominate the market, thanks to their solid reputations, efficient platforms, and regular competitions.
Poker, legal since 1977, saw a swift shift to online platforms when they first emerged in the 90s. With the regulation of online gambling in 2011, there has been steady growth in new high-quality poker sites, leading to increased interest in the online market. 2020 saw record revenues for Spanish online poker sites, a trend expected to continue into 2021.
Spain is home to one of the world's oldest continuous lotteries, which explains the strong local interest in online lottery. The annual Spanish Christmas Lottery, the world's largest national lottery draw with prize pools often exceeding €2 billion, is a testament to this. To meet this demand, several online lottery sites in Spain offer national and international draw games.