The Republic of Suriname, the former Dutch Guyana, is located on the northeast coast of South America. There are an estimated 450,000 inhabitants; more than 300,000 of these persons live in and around the capital, Paramaribo. Paramaribo is on the coastal plain of the country and is by far the largest and most developed city. Because of the early importation of slave labor from Africa and contract labor from Asia, the society is one of the most ethnically diverse in the world. The main language is Dutch, but English is widely spoken. Owing to the multicultural environment, additional languages commonly heard include Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, and Portuguese as well as the local language, called Sranan.
Suriname has been claimed at various times by England, France, and the Netherlands. It remained a dependency of the Netherlands from 1815 until 1954, when it obtained a parliamentary form of government and the right of local constitutional revision. Suriname became independent from the Netherlands in 1975. In 1980, the country experienced its first military revolution, and during the next fifteen years there were at least three attempted coups. A newly elected democratic government was formed in 1996.
Suriname has the lowest market share of tourism receipts and tourist arrivals of any of the countries in the Americas. Gambling is not a tourist attraction. There is a lottery, which serves as a distraction for local citizens seeking to forget the grueling trials of daily life. Bingo may also take up their time.
In 1962, while still under Dutch authority, casino gambling was legalized by a government corporation, the Landsverordening Hazardspelen. In 1962 the Hotel Maatschappij Torarica opened the first legal casino. Shortly after that the Palace Hotel opened its casino, but it closed in the late 1970s owing to high maintenance and refurbishing costs. Tararica, the only legal casino currently operating, has seventy-four slot machines, four blackjack tables, and four roulette tables. The slots are very popular, with a minimum bet of US$0.25. Blackjack has an average wager of US$10 and roulette US$125. The casino currently enjoys a loyal enthusiastic clientele.
In 1996, the Wild Forest Hotel Resort and Casino and two additional hotel companies were issued casino licenses. The Wild Forest Casino and one other are located in Paramaribo, and the third is two hours’ driving distance from Paramaribo.
Gaming is a privileged industry. Ownership and employment in the casino are limited by the Gambling Act. The district commissioner is authorized to provide permits in compliance with the Ministry of Justice and Police. The district commissioner must approve casino employees with supervisory responsibilities.
The licensee is required to refuse entry to or evict any individual who is believed likely to disrupt the normal operation of the casino. The licensee is required to ensure against alcohol abuse. Patrons who are intoxicated are not to be allowed entry to the casino. Patrons who become intoxicated while in the casino are to be evicted from the casino. Any incidences of disturbances or eviction due to intoxication are required to be reported to the police.
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