Looking for a place for our next big family vacation. In-laws want a casino which limits us, and we want of course, a nice beach and pool, also toddler friendly. Would like a direct flight from NYC. Thinking Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic maybe. Any specific recommendations on resorts? Thanks!

Sounds like a cruise could fit your bill;Casino for the inlaws, Kids program, lots of great beaches at ports and pools on board, usually great food and pampering for everyone. Visit cruisecritics.com or the cruises tab on Fodors.

That would be fun.... a cruise that visits places with nice beaches. Maybe a Southern itinerary out of from Puerto Rico, where you can stay for a couple of nights pre- or post-cruise for a little more casino action.

Cruise critic (slight correction from above... no "s" on the end) is a great place to start looking around IF a cruise is of interest - www.cruisecritic.com.

Carole

Unfortunately a cruise won't work (sorry - I should have said that). My Mother-in-law gets seasick.

Check http://www.doitcaribbean.com/casinoandgambling/
for islands with casinos.

Depends on your budget. I would suggest
Bahamas - The Atlantis (great place for kids)
Puerto Rico - El Conquistador
Aruba - there are several that fit the bill

PR,Aruba,St. Maarten and Bahamas all have casinos. Toddler friendly can't help, yrs of traveling with children are long gone. I have spent time at the Stellaris in PR, would meet the bill of beach, casino and pool, toddlers???? From what I had read Atlantis in the Bahamas might be worth looking into.

St Kitts also has a casino and the Marriott is across the street, and there's a golf course right there is anyone is interested in golf. Antigua also has casinos.