The French possession of Guadeloupe conjures up images of endless sunshine beating down on perfect white sandy beaches and deep blue Carribean seas. Stay a little longer and you will enjoy the islands’ (there are two, connected by a bridge) fantastic rain forests, waterfalls, and beautiful and cosmopolitan villages. Yet, when the sun goes down, the island offers nightlife no less colorful than its fabulous setting – including two Guadeloupe casinos for those who want the thrill of trying their luck on the gaming tables.

Surprisingly, neither of Guadeloupe’s casinos is found in the capital Basse-Terre or in its commercial capital, Pointe-à-Pitre. Instead, they are located in two of the country’s premier resorts, Gosier and Saint Francois.

The reason for Gosier’s reputation is obvious as soon as you arrive – it has five miles of sandy beaches and some of the best restaurants and nightlife in Guadeloupe. In addition, the laid-back French lifestyle of the area is very appealing to locals and tourists alike. At the center of this scene is the Casino de Gosier, found at 43 Pointe de la Verdure, and open from 12 pm to 3 am on Tuesday to Sunday (it is closed on Mondays). Fancy your luck? There are 115 slot machines, which should be enough for even the most committed gambler, and for those with the nerve to play the gaming tables, there are seven table games, including blackjack and poker. The casino adjoins a 200-room hotel that has an American restaurant, and like most places in this enchanting country, a beach is just a stone’s throw away.

The other Guadeloupe casino is the Casino de la Marina in Saint Francois. Saint Francois is another of the major resort towns of Guadeloupe and an important fishing port. It is located on the Grande-Terre Island and has some of the most popular beaches and bays, as well as an international standard 18-hole golf course. The marina is a focal point for tourists; with many charming restaurants and grand luxury hotels surrounding it, and overlooking all of these is the casino. It is open every day of the week from 3 pm to 3 am, and offers 49 slot machines and three table games, playing baccarat, blackjack, Chemin de Fer, craps, and roulette. When you are tired of gambling, there is a restaurant and nightclub as part of the complex to allow you to continue the party, or you can head down the cliff to savor the nightlife buzzing by the harbor side.

By Adel Awwad
This article is the property of Guadeloupe Casinos