Since airfare to Vegas is now much higher than Freeport I'm considering going there in late August. Since my main interest is gaming I'm curious to hear how the casinos are and how many there are. Most of the websites don't have much. Anyone been there recently ? Any decent hotels less than $100 near the casinos ? Thanks !

Their machines are very very tight.

There is only one casino in Freeport (on Grand Bahama Island) -- at the former Bahamas Princess (now the Royal Oasis) -- at the moment. Another will be opening in the next year (not sure when) at the "new" Lucaya Resort.<BR>It is much smaller than Vegas, but has a sampling of most of the Vegas style games.

The Our Lucaya Casino should be open by August. They are now swearing they will be opening by July but I've learned over many years of visiting to NOT pay a whole lot of attention to Bahamian schedules. That casino was supposed to open nearly two years ago! The casino at the Royal Oasis is also under renovations but should definitely be completed before you go. As Julie said, they are definitely not Vegas like casinos. Much smaller and lousy odds on craps. Their slots have a reputation for being very tight. I would hope that once both casinos are up and fully operational things might change a little with the competition between the two resorts. You might want to check the hotel rates at the Port Lucaya Resort and Yacht Club at Port Lucaya. It's across the street from Our Lucaya and usually has rates below $100. It's a nice little resort but nothing special. Their rooms are usually comfortable and clean and the resort is right next door to all the action at Our Lucaya and the Port Lucaya Marketplace and Marina. If the casino at Our Lucaya is NOT open by the time you would go they will probably still be operating the free shuttle from Our Lucaya to the Royal Oasis casino beginning at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 12:30 a.m. Leaves Our Lucaya on the hour and the casion on the half hour. For a much more detailed description of both resorts and a large number of pictures you can visit my amateur web site at www.fortunecity.com/oasis/bahia/443/index.htm<BR>Hope this helps.<BR><BR>Danny

Gary,<BR>I was at Our Lucaya in March and went to the ONE casino that Danny is talking about. As someone who has gone to Vegas and Atlantic City numerous times, there is no comparison. I found this casino to be a joke. Everyone I met thought the same thing. I only went there because it was literally the only thing in town. So if you're interested in gambling, this is NOT the place to go. I had a good time at the resort but the gambling was terrible.

Whay not go to Nassau? They have a huge one at Atlantis and another at The Crystal Palace!<BR>Ronnie