Peru has lots to offer to its visitors: an amazing history with numerous archaeological sites spread around the country, an incredible nature incl. dessert on the coast, tropical beaches in the north, the Andean highlands and the Amazon jungle and a highly praised cuisine. If you are looking for even more and love to try your luck during your visit, no problem. Gambling in Peru is legal, so are online casinos, lottery gaming and pari-mutuel wagering. And while Peru in general and Lima in particular surely isn't Las Vegas, the gambling and gaming scene is booming.
Not every Casino in Peru is a "Real" Casino
Very popular in Peru are slot parlors. Although their name often suggests these gaming houses are casinos they are actually so called tragemonedas, which only offer slot and video gaming machines and such the like. They can be found in all bigger and even smaller cities in the country nearly around every corner. For the "real" casino experience you have to come to Lima and here best to the Miraflores district. And be assured, you won't be disappointed. The few licensed casinos offer next to the lasted slots as well all you expect from a traditional casino incl. Roulette (traditional and electronic), Poker (mostly Texas holdem), Black Jack, Baccarat and Craps. They are high quality establishments and run absolutely professional. So, no need to worry about being snookered.
Casinos
Casinos are open 24/7, but by Peruvian law gaming tables are only allowed to operate between 06.00 pm to 06.00am. The real action doesn't start before 09.00 pm. Dress code is smart / casual. Credit cards are accepted (don't forget your ID) at the cash desks and ATMs available. All casinos trade in Peruvian Soles and US Dollars. And although for entry you most probably won't need an ID, for cashing in larger wins you will. Most staff at Lima's casinos speaks Spanish and English.
By courtesy casinos serve gamblers (at slots and tables) free drinks and snacks; if you play for a longer time even a full meal. By law all casinos in Peru are non-smoking, but still once in a while smoking especially in the private rooms is permitted. The minimum age for entering a casino in Peru is 18 years.
And just to mention it, even though Lima's casinos are located in safe neighborhoods, take care when leaving late at night. Opportunity makes a thief. If you won a larger sum best use the free taxi service the casino will offer.
Atlantic City Casino
Opened 24 hours a day the multi floor Atlantic City Casino is one of the largest and nicest casinos in town with a gaming area of around 3000 m2. The entertainment and convention center houses some 1000 slots and video gaming machines and over 50 table games incl. a comfortable poker room. The casino has successfully run high-stakes international poker tournaments for several years and is widely regarded as the heart of Peruvian poker.
Majestics Casino
Located inside the JW Marriott Hotel the nice Majestic Casino houses more than 300 slots and video gaming machines in Peruvian Soles and US$ Dollars and nearly 20 regular casino table games incl. American Roulette, Black Jack, Majestic 21, Midi and Mini Baccarat, Texas Holdem, Caribbean Poker and Craps. The two VIP rooms feature a Roulette table, Punto Banco tables and additional Texas Holdem Poker tables.
Fiesta Casino
The spacious Fiesta Casino claims to be the first and only Las Vegas style Casino in Peru. The casino is located in the heart of Miraflores and offers a wide variety of entertainment on their three ample stores. Available are nearly 450 slots and video gaming machines with progressive games and over 30 live gaming tables incl. American and French Roulette, Black Jack, Baccarat, Caribbean Poker, Texas Holdem and (Midi) Punto Banco.
Golden Palace Casino
The spacious, two floors Golden Palace Casino is located in Lima's financial district San Isidro. The casino offers 900 slot and video gaming machines with progressive jackpot games. On the upper floor you find 30 live table games incl. American Roulette, Black Jack, Texas Holdem, Punto Banco, Craps, Baccarat, American Poker, Pai Gow Poker and Golden Poker. Regular tournaments and promotions are held.
Casino Los Delfines
The Casino Los Delfines is located inside the 5 star hotel with the same name in Lima's exclusive San Isidro district. On the first floor you find nearly 300 Jackpot slots and video game machines with daily promotions and raffles. The second floor houses 20 tables incl. American Roulette, Black Jack, Mini and Midi Baccarat, Craps and Progressive Poker.
Casino La Hacienda
The Casino La Hacienda located within the hotel with the same name in Miraflores offers around 400 slots and video gaming machines with progressive jackpot games. Their 20 live table games include American Roulette, Oasis Poker, Black Jack and Midi Punto Banco.
Casino New York
Close to the Jorge Chavez International Airport the Casino New York offers 500 slots and video gaming machines. Their 13 live table games include Black Jack, Black Jack Switch, Crazy 4 Poker, Texas Bonus Poker, Roulette, Midi Punto Banco and Baccarat.
Casino Miami
Located very close to Lima's international airport this smaller casino offers 200 slots and video gaming machines as well as live table games including Roulette, Black Jack, Mini Baccarat and Texas Holdem.
Poker
Lima's casinos offer most nights Texas Holdem poker cash games and regularly tournaments. By-ins vary depending casino and table and may start as low as US$ 20 (or the equivalent in Soles), but are commonly around US$ 50 to US$ 100 (or the equivalent in Soles). Most often 2/5 games are played, less frequently 5/5 or 10/20. Poker tournaments are scheduled regularly at all casinos. Best ask at the casino of your choice when the next ones are being held.
Before you enter the game, make sure you know the rules. Here and there you find some for non-locals unfamiliar or probably strange variations. Around the tables you have expats, business travelers, but also many skilled and good locals, so even as an experienced player take your time to settle in. Play is in Spanish, but you can ask questions to the dealer or declare in English as well.
Horse racing
In Peru you only have one horse racing track, the Hipodromo de Moneterrico / Jockey Club in Lima featuring races on dirt and grass. The track is open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the afternoon. A modern race book with pari-mutuel wagering is located on the premises.
The website of the Hipodromo de Monterrico offers detailed information on horses, jockeys and races. Here you find as well the possibility for online betting on upcoming horse races.
