Aruba has been the most successful casino jurisdiction in the southern Caribbean. The island, now an independent nation, lures tourists who enjoy the warm climate along with gaming opportunities. Casinos reach into South America, particularly to Venezuela, for players. Many people also come to Aruba from the United States via the gambling junkets offered by the casinos. The lack of adequate lodging, however, limits the potential for gaming development. Profit margins are small, as expenses are very large. Also the government extracts a 2 percent drop tax, meaning that when a player buys $100 in chips, the casino is obligated to pay a tax of $2. That amount is rather high. In addition, there is a gross gaming tax.
The casinos of Aruba are self-regulated; the island nation has no gaming board. The Ministry of Justice provides inspectors who monitor the doors of the casinos to ensure that no persons younger than eighteen years of age enter.
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