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However, you can hone your gambling skills here, and then play for real at one of the Gold Coast’s several casinos.  We’ve attempted to compile a list of the casinos in the area; however, we’ve no doubt missed some.  We’d appreciate your help in reporting any errors, omissions, or comments to info@gringoflamingo.com.  Thanks.

You should ask about the local casino rules, before you play - there are usually some Costa Rican variations (for example, you may not get a bonus for blackjack; however, you may for three of a kind or straights*) and the odds may not be what are familiar with. 

*Problably, the most popular casino game in Costa Rica is “veinte un” “(21”) (also often called “Rummy”), which is similar to blackjack but with Tico rules. You get two cards, you can then ask for another card or stay with the two you have if you have 21 or close to 21.  As in blackjack, the idea is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, with face cards counting as 10 and aces counting as one or 11. All the rules just mentioned are just like blackjack . . . however, here is where the game differs from the Las Vegas version: if your first three cards are the same, three of a kind, or a straight (6, 7, & 8 of the same suit), you have a ‘rummy’ and you are paid double. And if your three of a kind happen to be three sevens (which is 21), you get an even higher bonus. If you get 21 with two cards or get five cards without breaking 21, there’s no double bonus as you get in many other international casinos. Splitting pairs is allowed, as is doubling down.

Some of the other games include a variant of roulette, as well as craps and “canasta”, . There are also electric slot machines; however most are different than the Las Vegas style. There are also other, uniquely Tico, card games you’ll need to learn before you can play.  One is called “tute” (a three-card version of poker, similar to Caribbean Stud).  Research can be done on the Internet as the local rules, before you dive in!