Enforcement of gambling age restrictions? Paradise Island

[Tyrohoo]

Going on a family trip in a few days to Paradise Island. My son is 17 & really wants to join his parents in a trip to the casino, to observe or even play a bit, if we can get away with it. I understand the legal gambling age is 18 & I don't want anyone to get embarrased or in trouble. Can someone give me some candid advice on how strictly the age limit is enforced, does it hurt to try, or is there any way he could observe if he doesn't play?...Thanks!!!

[Tyrohoo]

Leaving in 2 days ...DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY PRACTICAL ADVICE ON THIS ISSUE? thanks!!!!

[Host Bonjour]

It's not an easy question to answer because in all truth, we cannot tell you to do something illegal, especially in a foreign country but illegal is illegal anywhere. Casinos exist because they are moneymakers and that requires a license to operate; casino owners do not want to risk losing a gaming license by knowingly allowing someone that might be underage to gamble and so there are pit bosses and security all over the casinos and even the attractive servers who approach players while gaming for drink orders know how to spot someone underage. I have a story.

Two of my sisters took a trip to Vegas when one was legal - here 21 - and the other was 19. They went to play slots and a server approached them for drink orders. Well, the younger one wasn't much of a drinker (the older one only had experience drinking from college days!) and so when she fumbled, hemmed and stumbled over what to order, the server then carded her and consequently, they were asked to leave the casino. Luckily no further actions were taken.

Do people try to do it? Sure, every day. Do some people look older than their age? Sometimes but as was the case with the younger sister above, she showed her youth (and virtue I suppose) due to the fact that she'd not had much to drink in her life.

This is what I suggest, it's legal and might make you all happy. During the afternoon, bring your son with you and your spouse and let him watch you play. Also, sometimes casinos have "lessons" during the day where no money is on the line, for folks who wish to improve their skills or learn a game. They might let him try that, if you are with him. But I am sure he can watch you play for awhile...in the slots would probably be the easiest. Table games might work too, but without too much talking since some players don't like a lot of talking, it can slow play and certain dealers may just be "fussy" about it. However, during the day when there may not be as many people in the casino (sun worshiping?) but at night, when it gets crowded and players get serious, I don't think it would be such a good idea. There's one other issue ALWAYS in play....cameras everywhere watching everything. They might be looking more for cheaters, of course.

Basically, it's your call as his parents. But I hope this has helped a little bit. Whatever you do, enjoy beautiful Paradise Island; I really love it there!

[Tyrohoo]

We did not realize our son could be in the casino with us as an observer. If he can play as part of a lesson or "no money at stake" session, that would be perfect. Hopefully, Atlantis has this...Thank you for the reply & info!

[Host Bonjour]

You are welcome. Remember, it will likely be easier for him to observe if you're playing slots or *briefly* if playing black jack or roulette. There isn't always a lot of room around the tables. One of the many popular things at Atlantis is the casino and perhaps not everyone who visits has been to Vegas or Atlantic City, nor an Indian reservation casino but they want to be able to play; hence, in the mornings or early afternoons, there are a small amount of tables that teach the games. In your room, there should be a channel on the TV about the casino with all of this information; check it out when you arrive and then you can make your plans. Have a great trip!

[glenbutler]

Going on a family trip in a few days to Paradise Island. My son is 17 & really wants to join his parents in a trip to the casino, to observe or even play a bit, if we can get away with it. I understand the legal gambling age is 18 & I don't want anyone to get embarrased or in trouble. Can someone give me some candid advice on how strictly the age limit is enforced, does it hurt to try, or is there any way he could observe if he doesn't play?...Thanks!!!

It probably depends on the way Casino follows it. The casino You visit should allow the teenagers to accompany You if not to play. I think You should not allow Your kid to play for sometime more till he gets legally fit for it.