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The Casinos of Tenerife
By John Hill
Tenerife, the largest of the the Spanish held Canary Islands,
lies off the west coast of North Africa. Stepping off the plane
at Norte Los Rodeos airport one immediately senses the relaxed
ambience that pervades the island as a whole. Perhaps moreso
than in any other Spanish province, the Canaries exemplify an
old world charm which is all too rare in this age of rapid development.
This is especially true of Tenerife, where the cities of Santa
Cruz de Tenerife and Puerto De La Cruz literally take you back
in time. Temperatures range from 64 degrees in January to 76
degrees in August.. This, coupled with the fact that the island
is one of the least expensive destinations in greater Europe,
make it an ideal vacation spot any time of the year. The lower
elevations are semi-tropical and the western shore is dotted
with bananna plantations. Ancient terraces wind upward along
the slopes of the massive volcano which dominates the island;
snow capped for nine months of the year.
For the gaming aficionado I can think of no more pleasant a place to spend a holiday than Tenerife. There are three major casinos on the island, managed by the Cabildo de Tenerife, the local governmental body. These are located in the principal population centers of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto De La Cruz, and Playa De Las Americas.
Casino Santa Cruz
Rambla General Franco, 105
38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Espana
Tel. 922 29 07 40
Fax. 922 29 12 85
Casino Santa Cruz is located at the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the elegant European style hostelery, Hotel Mencey. The hotel has 263 rooms, 27 suites, 3 bars, open air restaurant, dining room, swimming pool, gym, sauna, and tennis.
The small European style casino is located on the lower floor and provides the following games for players: 3 American Roulette tables, 4 Blackjack tables, 2 poker tables, 1 Tri Joker table, 25 video poker machines, and 38 slot machines.
Parking at the Hotel Mencey is difficult if not impossible. The tiny lot holds perhaps a dozen cars. For those who wish to partake of the hotel and casino amenities the best course is to leave your vehicle at one of the public parking areas in town, and taxi from there to the hotel. The ride is inexpensive and well worth saving the agony of attempting to park anywhere on the streets of Santa Cruz.
Hours are from 6PM to 3AM weekdays and 9PM to 5AM weekends.
Casino Playa De Las Americas
Avenida Del Mar, 9
38570 ADEJE, Tenerife, Espana
Tel. 922 79 37 58/12
Faz. 922 79 59 26
The Casino is located in the Gran Tenerife Hotel at Playa De Las Americas, a new and growing resort area at the southernmost part of the island. It is served by Sur Reina Sofia Airport and has been called the "Las Vegas" of Tenerife; a name which implies not so much the gaming aspect of the town, but the continued sprawling growth of high rise condominiums which seem to spring up daily.
The hotel and casino are located on the beach nine miles from the airport, The Hotel has 359 rooms, 2 suites, restaurants, bars, gym, sauna, and tennis. The European style casino provides the following games for locals and tourists: 4 American Roulette tables, 6 Blackjack tables, 3 Poker tables, 1 Tri Joker, 35 video poker machines, and 90 slot machines.
If your thing is pseudo Miami Beach, construction cranes, and scantily clad ladies of every possible nationality then Playa De Las Americas is for you.
Hours are from 3PM to 2AM on weekdays and from 8PM to 4AM on weekends.
Casino De Taoro
Parque Taoro, 22
38400 Puerto De La Cruz, Tenerife, Espana
Tel. 922 38 05 50
Fax. 922 38 37 44
Of all the casinos on Tenerife this one is my favorite. Located on the top floor of the soon to be re-opened, grand and graceful Tauro Hotel, the casino is surrounded by lush gardens. It is situated on the grounds of a lovely park high above Puerto De La Cruz and offers a breathtaking view of the city below.
In addition to gaming the establishment has a first class restaurant and bar, together with a "Vegas style" lounge which features dancing and popular music. Interestingly, the casino has developed into what might best be termed a "club" for the elite of Puerto De La Cruz; a social gathering place where business and gaming meld together. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and the service superb. For those more interested in gambling than eating, the following games are offered: 1 French Roulette table, 6 American Roulette tables, 3 Blackjack tables (six decks in the shoe), 2 poker tables, 1 Tri Joker, 29 video poker machines, and 33 slot machines. Additionally, various tournaments are held throughout the year, including backgammon and bridge.
My visit to Casino Taoro was exceptionally pleasant, made doubly so by the courtesy extended by Mr. Roberto Diaz Molina, Subdirector of the casino, and Vanessa Mendez in charge of public relations. They may be contacted at the casino for any current information you might require.
Hours on weekdays are 8Pm to 3 AM weekdays and 4PM to 4AM on weekends. Hours are subject to seasonal change.
Minimum and maximum bets at the casinos are as follows: (figures are in pesetas which exchange at approximately 155 pesetas to the dollar) French Roulette - 250 min./6000 max.; American Roulette - 250 min./5000 max.; Blackjack - 1000 min./50,000max.; Poker and Tri Joker minimums are 1000 pesetas. Slot Machines range from 50 to 250 pesetas and video poker from 50 to 500.
Entry into the casinos requires identification and passports for foreign nationals. A entry fee of 500 pesetas is also required for each visit.
As privacy is of major concern, patrons of the casinos cannot be reached once inside the doors. No information of any nature is disseminated to.any person or organization, public or private!
Attire is casual, recently relaxed to a point that jeans and open necked shirts are allowed. T shirts and sandals, however, will leave you standing on the steps!
As a matter of information, card-counters are not particularly welcomed on the 21 tables. Significant play indicating counting may result in an invitation to try other games of chance, especially since the practice is to play down the entire six decks in the shoe with no cut! One American team several years ago, equipped with transmitters and computers, attempted to "take" the Blackjack tables at Casino Tauro. They were spotted shortly after play began and ejected somewhat unceremoniously with unpleasant consequences!
Unless you are a diehard "Las Vegas" or "Atlantic City" gambler, used to huge crowds, flashing lights, and disinterested service, you will definitely appreciate the ambience and professional atmosphere of the Casinos of Tenerife.
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