Until recently, the Jamaican government did not support casino-style gambling. It was just in April 2008 that Jamaican Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, gave the green light to develop the first legal casino house in the country. However, many resorts have been granted special licences that allow them to operate on their premises. As a result, you can now find casinos/gaming lounges popping up in tourist areas such as Kingston, Negril, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

A far cry from the grand casinos of Las Vegas, Jamaican casinos still have something to offer players. A warm, cosy place to gamble where you don't have to worry about con artists trying to rip off your coins, and oh, you only have to be 18 years old to gamble or drink in Jamaica. Isn't it lovely?

Here is a list that will make your quest for the best casinos in Jamaica go smoothly:

Kingston

On the southern end of the island, a must stop for those who want to roll the dice on their luck is The Terra Nova Hotel and Monte Carlo Gaming. With 137 gaming options including roulette, slots and track betting, a gambler is sure to have a good time here. Guests can all enjoy a full bar filled with an assortment of Jamaican rum, a restaurant that can suit even the pickiest of eaters and great service from a cordial staff. The Terra Nova Hotel has 44 rooms and rates start at US$139 per night for a standard room in the summer.

Also featured in Jamaica's capital is The Acropolis Gaming and Entertainment Centre. Opened in 2005, this Jamaican casino hosts about 150 slot machines, a restaurant and a bar. It's about 12,000 square feet and is owned by Supreme Ventures Limited that operates the Jamaican Lottery, Cash Pot, Lucky 5, Pick 3 and other games popular among Jamaicans.

The Villagio Gaming Lounge, also operated by Supreme Ventures Limited, is located in the 303-room Hilton Kingston hotel, near the pool. The Villagio offers gaming on slot machines and games such as Roulette, Royal Ascot Horseracing, Blackjack and Three Card Poker. The gaming lounge also boasts one of the best in cocktails and entertainment and is open at 11:30 a.m. each day and closes at 3:00 a.m. the following morning. Rooms start at US$229 per night.

Negril

 

Situated in western Jamaica, Negril is a hotbed of tourist activities. The town boasts myriad fun-filled adventures which happen on and off the beaches. One such adventure that happens off the beach is casino gambling and in Negril it gets no better.

Located inside the adult-only, notorious party spot Hedonism II is a casino that houses 20 slot machines. Fully decorated with Caribbean flair and decked out with a bar that serves nothing but the tastiest alcoholic beverages, the 280 room hotel offers the gambler an experience like no other. Rooms start at US$136 per night.

Grand Lido Resort and Spa in Negril is yet another resort that offers a delight to the gambling crowd. Boasting a slew of exciting slot machines and nightly entertainment, the resort comes complete with a bar, many restaurants and 210 rooms that guests can retire to once they have had enough fun. Rooms start at US$349 per night.

Ocho Rios

Moving to the northern coast of the island is Ocho Rios, a place where any kind of jet setter is guaranteed to have a great time, for a starting price of US$175 per night. Just like Negril, Ocho Rios is home to another clothing optional, party centre that just offers a little gambling to boot. Opened after the success of Hedonism II, Hedonism III houses 20 slot machines and a great opportunity for constant entertainment for the uninhibited adventurer. Just like Vegas, what happens at a Hedonism resort stays there and that's a promise.

Also in Ocho Rios is The Treasure Hunt, which is home to slot machines, bingo, poker and video poker. In total there are 120 gaming machines, so no matter what kind of game you feel most comfortable playing, you are sure to find it at Treasure Hunt.

The Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort is home to 80 machines which include slots and electronic blackjack. Resting on 17 acres of well manicured lawns, The Sunset Jamaica Grande houses 730 rooms starting at US$557 for a minimum three night stay.

Montego Bay

In the tourist hotspot of Montego Bay lays The Coral Cliff Hotel. Situated on Jamaica's famed Hip Strip, this Jamaican casino is open all day long. So you can hit anyone of the 120 slot machines housed on the property to your heart's content.

And people do linger for hours on end at The Coral Cliff Hotel. With a tropical jungle décor that appeals to your desires and free drinks for all its guests, who could possibly tear themselves away from the chance to hit the jackpot, or stay at this treasure of a hotel in Jamaica. Rooms start at US$70 per night.

Inside The Holiday Inn Sunspree, an all inclusive resort is a small casino that houses about 50 slot machines. This cosy little spot tucked away in a 524 room resort is the perfect spot for beginners to enjoy a little spin on the slots. Rooms start at US$200 per night.

So the next time you visit Jamaica make sure to try your luck at one of the casinos, who knows, you might just hit the jackpot.

Kingston

In the capital city of Kingston, a must-see landmark for travellers or locals is the incomparable Port Royal. Back in its heyday of seventeenth century this city was hailed the wickedest place on earth. Frequented by notorious and feared pirates such as Henry Morgan and Blackbeard, and home to the Caribbean's most defeated bout with morality and sobriety, it is no wonder why this place got its name.

Legend has it that the 1692 earthquake that sank half the city in the sea is a retributive act of God for Port Royal's wickedness. But even so, Port Royal being the rebellious town that it is, decided that it was going to use the earthquake to attract even more people to it. When the earthquake hit on June 7, 1692 its shifts made half the town uneven and created the Giddy House, another famous Jamaican landmark. All who go into this half sunken, uneven house are all left feeling light-headed after exiting it.

Also, take time to visit Fort Charles that the British used to ward off the Spanish after they took control of the island in 1655, or the historic St. Peter's Church that was destroyed twice within just over a decade and finally rebuilt in 1726. These Jamaican landmarks are unforgettable.

Prices to Port Royal from Kingston vary but they are generally in the vicinity of $54 per person, $52 per person in a group of 4-6 persons and $45 per person in a group of 7 persons and more.

For all you die-hard Reggae fans a must-stop attraction on you tour of Jamaica's most famous landmarks should include a trip to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston. Housed in his former studios where he hammered out world-renowned hits, you can indulge in all sorts of Marley memorabilia for an entrance fee of $10.

Also, visit the former great house now turned a national monument, Devon House. At this national landmark, you will get a tour of the Jamaican-Georgian styled home with lavish furnishings, eat ice cream and chat with a few of the locals.

Palm Hall, Devon House

Or take a tour of Jamaica's highest peak on the Blue Mountain, home to Jamaica's Blue Mountain Coffee on your next tour of Jamaica's landmarks.

Montego Bay

If you are in the Montego Bay area a popular one among tourists, don't pass up a visit to the Rose Hall Plantation. This famous Jamaican landmark sitting on 6,000 acres is said to be haunted by its former residence, the slave-cursed Annie Palmer, more popularly known as the White Witch of Rose Hall. A slew of misfortunate death of her husbands and a notorious mistreatment of her slaves that often included whippings that cleaved flesh from bone, earned her this nickname.

Ocho Rios

In St. Ann is the Bob Marley Mausoleum. Often referred to as the Nine Miles area, this town boasts the largest collection of Bob Marley souvenirs, T-shirts and the final resting place of the Reggae icon. The Zion Bus Line from Chukka Cove is how you get here and while on tour refreshments are served.

Mountainous Jamaica is home to many caves. During slavery, runaway slaves would hide out in the island's many caves to escape recapture. One such cave that served this purpose was the Green Grotto Caves. Take a safe and guided tour through the caves and explore the many deep, winding passageways where maroons once hid for their lives. The limestone cave is 1,525 metres long and 12 metres deep and has numerous chambers and light holes. It also boasts an underground lake - the Grotto Lake. Tours are available daily 9am- 4pm and are priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children 4 -12 years old.

To see some of the horrors from which slaves fled, take a quick trip to the Coyoba River Garden and Museum, home to a collection of relics from the plantation society. See old maps, slave shackles, whips and an array of items from Jamaica's history. Also, enjoy breathtaking views of small a waterfall running on huge rocks on the property, take pictures of Ocho Rios Bay from Ysassi Lookout Point, enjoy world-famous Blue Mountain Coffee in the courtyard or visit the shops of Jamaican arts and crafts.

For all you James Bond fanatics, drop by the Golden Eye Estate where author, Ian Fleming, wrote 13 of his James Bond novels. History has it; Ian Fleming fell in love with the island while on a CIA mission in 1946. The Golden Eye Estate was originally a three-bedroom villa, but has now been upgraded with four new villas, all of which boast a serene, beautiful view of the lush trees that surround them.

The Golden Eye Estate has played host to the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Truman Capote, Graham Greene and Noel Coward whose Firefly Estate sits right next door and is also open to tourist all year round. 

Another interesting landmark to see while in Jamaica is the island's most celebrated waterfall, Dunn's River Falls. Here you can see where the river meets the Caribbean Sea and climb the rocks washes by the rushing waterfalls. For more information go here.

St. Elizabeth

Lovers' Leap is also a favourite landmark in Jamaica. This famous St. Elizabeth landmark earned its name from the legend of two slaves so madly in love that fearing separation from each other, jumped from a 1700 feet cliff to their deaths.

There is never a dull moment t be had in Jamaica, a country filled with such a rich history could never disappoint and it doesn't.

The Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival

The Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival is an eight day festival held annually to showcase local and international talents in the field of Jazz. The Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival 2008 will be held on June 8-15. This summer festival in Jamaica hosts free concerts everyday comes complete with photo exhibitions of famous Jazz artists on display. The creators of the Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival works with the Youth Programme in Jamaica to enrich the lives of young Jamaicans through their music program, mentorship and sponsorship

The Ocho Rios International Jazz Festival started in the summer of 1991 as an experimental one day event called The Ocho Rios “Mini” Jazz Festival. From there, it quickly gained much deserved recognition in Jamaica and across the globe. Many tourists come to Jamaica during the summer to hear the melodies and musical styling of local and international Jazz greats.

International Reggae Day

International Reggae Day is held on July 1 each year to celebrate the impact of Reggae music around the world. People across the world first celebrated International Reggae Day in July1994, when millions of persons went online to listen to the broadcast of Reggae music streaming live from Jamaica. People who followed the on air and online media festival on International Reggae Day are also greeted with messages from popular Jamaican artists such as Jimmy Cliff, urging people online to support Reggae music.

But International Reggae Day in Jamaica goes far beyond on air and online media displays. In Jamaica, there is an annual International Reggae Day Festival held in Kingston that features many local Reggae artists, Jamaican poets and dancers. Each year an International Reggae Day Award is presented to a Reggae artist whose creative work extols the virtues and spirit of Reggae music. In the rest of the island there are many local events in places such as Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios; just ask your hotel for any event they have planned for International Reggae Day or local celebrations nearby.

Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest

Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest is not only the biggest and best attended summer festival in Jamaica, but it is also the biggest Reggae festival in the world. Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest is a week-long summer event held each year on July 13-19 in the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex in Montego Bay, except for the Tropical Beach Party.

This summer festival has grown considerably in notoriety since its start in summer 1993 and many popular American, European and local acts grace the stage night after night to fuel the excitement of the events. Local artists such as Damien Marley, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Shaggy, Beres Hammond and Sean Paul are popular among Reggae Sumfest fans from across the globe. The events at Reggae Sumfest are split into categories such as Reggae Night, Dancehall Night, International Artists Night etc. Visit Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest for ticket prices and other details to this summer festival.

The National Festival of Arts

The National Festival of Arts is a summer festival in Jamaica that starts at the beginning of summer and ends on August 6 each year. At the National Festival of Arts, many Jamaican artists sell their local arts and crafts, which are sure to add value to anyone's travel souvenir collection. Local competitions are held during The National Festival of Arts to showcase not only Jamaican artistry, but also to showcase other areas of Jamaican culture: the summer festival features competition in culinary arts, speech, drama, painting, sculpture and dance among many others.

Emancipation Day

Emancipation Day is a Jamaican national holiday held on August 1 to commemorate the day slaves in the British Empire were finally emancipated. Story has it that slaves traveled to the hilltops of Jamaica on the eve of Emancipation Day to meet the dawning of a new day in their history on Friday August 1, 1838. And today, Jamaicans still mark this day in history by reenacting the reading of the Declaration of Emancipation and paying homage to their ancestors.

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Each year the Jamaican Prime Minister gives a speech that is broadcast live on local television from Emancipation Park. Emancipation Park is a newly-built Jamaican landmark in Kingston, built for the purpose of remembering the past: Jamaica's historical figures, national heroes, as well as to commemorate the growth of Jamaica since August 1 1838. Emancipation Park is a well-manicured landscape filled with palm trees and beautiful flowers and on Emancipation Day, many Jamaicans fill the park listening to Reggae music, celebrating and awaiting the Prime Minister's speech. This Jamaican summer holiday should not be missed if you want to learn about the culture of Jamaica.

Independence Day

Jamaica celebrates its day of national independence on August 6, just five days after its Emancipation Day celebrations. For this reason, the beginning of August marks a month of national and cultural pride among Jamaicans. Jamaica gained its independence from Britain on August 6, 1962 and since then it has been celebrating the birth of a new, independent country with annual firework displays across the island.

On Independence Day in Jamaica, many Jamaicans flock to the beaches to enjoy music, jerk chicken, fish and festivals and an all round day of fun in the sun. Jamaica's National Marching Band also marches in the streets of Kingston on Independence Day and a Float Parade also happens in Kingston, Jamaica's capital city.

.At night, people across Jamaica have many street dances in their local communities, where they indeed sweat up a storm and celebrate all that it means to live in a free nation. There is no better time to celebrate independence than in the summer and Jamaicans are prime examples of this idea. No matter what part of the island you are on, you are sure to find local Independence Day events, displays and celebrations that you can attend.

Catering to the entertainment pleasures of all kinds of jet setters, Jamaica's nightclubs offer an array of musical styles and that keeps patrons coming back for more.

Margaritaville, Montego Bay

Located in the heart of Montego Bay's Hip Strip, Margaritaville got its name from the world-class helpings of margaritas bartenders serve up at this trendy club. A prominent hotspot among teens, locals and tourists, the three-level club sits on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

During the day Margaritaville is a sports bar and cafe, but at nights this place truly comes alive. Step unto the thumping dance floor on the ground floor, go to the second floor to enjoy live music or go and have a tropical Jacuzzi experience on the water-themed third floor. Here you can find floating lilo beds, a 110 foot water slide leading from the rooftop to the Caribbean Sea below, two water trampolines; anything for your aquatic pleasure.

Margaritaville serves pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches, traditional Jamaican eatery and an array of pricy drinks. Entrance fee is US$15 and tour buses are available for pickups and drop offs at nearby resorts.

Amnesia Nightclub, Ocho Rios

The name says it all. At this trendy nightclub in Ocho Rios you can party all night to your heart's content. But beware, there is a good chance you won't remember a thing in the morning. If the hard partying doesn't do you in the tasty beverages served at this club coupled with the high tech sounds and flashing lights sure will.

At Amnesia international music flourishes and so more visitors than locals are attracted to this booming venue. Amnesia comes complete with an open air patio, two dance floors, a different part theme each night its open and features many celebrities, entertainers and guest DJs. The club is open from Wednesday to Sunday.

Acropolis Disco, Ocho Rios

A favourite among locals, Acropolis Disco offers the best in Reggae, Dancehall music, Hip Hop, R&B and Pop music. The loud pulsating music draws patrons in. Dance to your heart's delight at this Ocho Rios hotspot for a fee of US$5. The club is open 9pm - 5am from Monday to Sunday.

Asylum Nightclub, Kingston

This nightclub is a staple of Jamaican nightlife in Kingston. It is so popular that traffic outside the club is often backed up. With patrons so eager to party till they go crazy it's no wonder why. They flock here to experience thumping sounds, crowded dance floors, well stacked bars and the occasional offering of live music that keeps them coming back again and again.

The club features Ladies Night, Dancehall Night and Oldies Nights where selections from the DJs drive the crowds crazy. The Asylum nightclub is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9pm - 4am and on Fridays 5pm- 4am.

Quad, Kingston

Fast becoming the hottest, most exclusive nightclub in Kingston, Quad is a clubber's paradise. This multi-level nightclub boasts a jazz cafe, the Oxygen nightclub and the famed Voodoo Lounge. Christopher's Cafe is located on the first floor and has a beautiful decor, a baby grand piano and an Appleton V/X Bar, serving the best in Jamaican rum. Christopher's Café has live music on Thursdays with an artist contribution of J$300 or US$5.

On the second floor the Oxygen nightclub opened every Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays is an America styled pop club that features all the best music. Wednesday nights features music from the 80's and 90's, while the weekend features the styling of American top 40 mixes.

The bewitching Voodoo Lounge located on the top floor plays all the trendy music of today and yesteryear. Wednesdays offer music in the now while on Fridays and Saturdays you can enjoy the Bee Gees, Cyndi Lauper or Destiny's Child with a selection of classic hits from the 70's , 80s and 90's. The Voodoo Lounge offers yet another level of excitement where patrons can go to the outdoor decking and enjoy a spectacular view of Kingston.

Club Hurricane in the Hedonism II, Negril

Located in the notorious home of the uninhibited crowd of Hedonism II, Club Hurricane features Pop, Techno, Reggae and R&B music and is opened nightly from 10:30pm - 5am. There are many events that take place all year round including: Halloween celebrations, toga parties, and a spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations to name a few, which makes this nightclub really enjoyable. But nothing quite draws visitors to Hedonism II like the non-judgemental, anything-goes attitude that appeals to those who want to let go and live free of their inhibitions, on or off the dance floor.

The Jungle, Negril

At The Jungle their slogan is "Unleash the Animal," and it's a dare to get you to party like you've never partied before. The Jungle is open Wednesday through Saturday with a cover charge of US$9 for men and US$7 for women. That's unless of course it's Thursday (Ladies' Night) where women enter free before midnight. Wednesdays boast the international hits of today, Fridays are special events nights and Saturdays feature a crowd-roaring selection of music from DJ Rusty. You are sure to enjoy The Jungle.

Whatever your taste in musical entertainment and nightlife, Jamaica has got it all. From Pop, R&B, Reggae, Rock; just rest assured that it is here. Boredom in Jamaica is simply out of the question.

Mere beauty is not the only thing Jamaican beaches have to offer. No matter what kind of jet setter you are or no matter what kind of beach activities you enjoy, you are bound to find a beach that delights your taste for adventure, romance or laid-back comfort. Here is a guide to the best Jamaican beaches:

Doctor's Cave Beach

The thriving tourist hotspot of Montego Bay (Mobay) is home to some of Jamaica's most treasured beaches. A favorite among Mobay's beaches is Doctor's Cave Beach, a five mile stretch of pristine white sands, surrounded by sparkling, turquoise water. This Jamaican beach earned its name when it was found in 1906 by a group of doctors.

Doctor's Cave Beach located on the hotbed of Mobay's tourist activity known as the Hip Strip, comes equipped with several changing rooms, a beach bar, many food stands and water activities like snorkeling and water skiing. This spot is perfect for the whole family.

Negril Beach

On the northern coast of the island is the trendy tourist magnet, Negril and it is here where you will find the seven mile long Negril Beach. It stretches along the west of Negril and comes complete with golden sands and a view of the sea that is truly remarkable. This Jamaican beach is perfect for all kinds of jet setters, but family vacationers beware: several sections of the beach are allocated to the uninhibited who like to bare all.

Within close proximity to the Hedonism II Resort, it's no wonder why Negril Beach lends itself to a laid-back, care-free attitude.

Along the beach there are many open-air restaurants, bars, clubs and resorts where you can relax when you tire of swimming in the clear, blue waters of the Caribbean.

Cornwall Beach

Cornwall Beach is also a favorite in Montego Bay. This favored Jamaican beach is within less than half a mile from the major tourist resorts in Montego Bay and is a must stop for anyone who vacations in Mobay.

From 9 am to 5 pm for a price of US$2.50 for adults and US$1.50 for children, you get to enjoy the views of the sparkling blues sea as you sip drinks on the white sugar sand under your feet. This is a great place for the whole family. Just find a comfortable spot for you and your loved ones as the popularity of this Jamaican beach lends it to overcrowding and a few aggressive vendors hawking their wares.

James Bond Beach

Located near Port Maria, James Bond Beach is a great place to leave all your troubles behind. White sand beaches, warm blue sea, Reggae music; what is there to worry about again? Enjoy yourself sunbathing, snorkeling, kayaking or rent a glass bottomed boat and admire the sights of marine life and coral below.

This Jamaican beach named after the famous British spy penned by Ian Fleming offers visitors much seclusion than other Jamaican beaches, so there is plenty opportunity for a romantic stroll along the beach.

Nearby eateries include a hearty serving of breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Almond Tree Restaurant and The Little Pub that are 9.7 and 10.6 miles away respectively. With The Almond Tree Restaurant serving an international cuisine and The Little Pub serving tasty Jamaican delights, everyone is sure to go home satisfied.

Treasure Beach

On the south coast lays a Jamaican beach that is pretty much summed up by its name. This gem of a beach is often treasured by those who prefer to break away from the crowds and enjoy tranquil seclusion. Let the crashing waves, and sounds from the magnificent birds heard overhead be the soundtrack to your soothing vacation.

A strong undertow in the waters at Treasure Beach can be dangerous for inexperienced swimmers, but will prove to be a delight for thrill seekers and daredevils who enjoy being heaved by the under current. Never overestimate your aquatic abilities when you visit this Jamaican beach.

Nearby restaurants offer local servings of delicious pumpkin soup, jerk chicken and pork, octopus and Jamaica's national dish, ackee and salt fish (cod fish). There are also many beach cafes.

Boston Bay Beach

If simple swimming and sunbathing only scratches the surface of your vacation enjoyment; if your total idea of fun involves more robust activities, then Boston Bay Beach in Portland is a must stop for you. Here you can find the biggest waves in Jamaica, so rent your surf boards and improve your half pipe with the surfing lessons offered - that's if you need if of course.

Boston Bay Beach also offers swimmers the comfort of not having to muscle their way through crowds whenever they want to go swimming, because of its reputation for being one of the less crowded Jamaican beaches.

Visitors to this Jamaican beach can also enjoy picnic style food served up by nearby vendors who specialize in Jamaican jerk chicken, pork etc.

Dunn's River Beach

The Dun's River Beach is popular among both locals and tourists. Here you can take in the breathtaking sights of famed Dunn's River Falls and see exactly where the river meets the warm, deep Caribbean Sea. Many types of jet setters flock here annually as it is as much a popular Jamaican beach as it is a famous landmark.

Located in the Parish of St. Ann, Dunn's River Beach allows visitors to participate in activities such as climbing the waterfalls, swim in the Fall's whirlpool or just simply admire this natural phenomenon before their eyes.

Jamaican beaches are some of the best in the world and with a little consideration you can find the one that suits you best the next time you choose to visit this island paradise.