Casinos in Reunion

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Overview

Réunion, also known as La Reunion, is a small island in the Indian Ocean. It’s about the same size as Tokyo. The closest neighbors to Réunion are Mauritius and Madagascar. On this teeny island, two cultures come together - French and African. For those who fancy geography, this information is no surprise; although far from mainland France, Reunion is actually an overseas French department, that functions under French laws. Simply put - it is part of France.

The island is well-known for producing the world’s most expensive vanilla and for having many active volcanoes. With 1,000 km long hiking paths and stunning natural scenery, Reunion is a popular tourist spot for nature fans. But it’s not just about the gorgeous views—if you’re into land-based gambling, this island has something for you too. So, if your journey takes you to the Indian Ocean, don’t miss to check out La Reunion!

History of Gambling in Reunion

The laws in Reunion are the same as in mainland France, and that includes gambling laws. As well, the history of gambling here is very similar to that of France. Gambling was illegal until the end of World War II when the first land-based casinos started appearing on the island. Of course, the fact that the activity was illegal does not mean that it was not practiced; gambling is rooted in many cultures, and Reunion is no exception.

Until the late 1940s, gambling in Reunion was exclusively of an entertainment nature and was most often practiced at homes, for social purposes. The situation remained unchanged even in the first few years after the opening of the first legal land-based casinos; at first, casinos were opened to boost tourism and were intended for visitors to the island. As the interest of tourists grew in this area of entertainment, so did the number of casinos, but also the interest of locals to join this type of entertainment. Today, the land-based gambling industry can be defined as quite fine, especially if we consider that the overall size of this island is quite small.

Current Gambling Laws in Reunion

Gambling laws on the island are identical to those practiced in mainland France and are quite relaxed. After some forms of online gambling became legal in 2010 ( sportsbetting, online horse betting, online poker games) , France became one of the most gambling-friendly countries.

However, the fact that almost all forms of gambling ( online slots are illegal ) are legal means a lot of work for the state. Constant improvement of existing laws, and regular checking of whether laws are implemented and followed, is one of the most important tasks of regulatory bodies, of which, according to French laws, there are two: PMU (Pari Mutuel Urbain) and (FDJ) Française des Jeux. PMU oversees activities within horse racing, while FDJ is responsible for controlling the betting and lottery sectors. Both operators are state-owned.

The following stand out among the French laws on land-based gambling:

• All land-based casinos must have a valid license to operate.
• Land-based operators can work in certain locations - tourist spots, seaside resorts, and spa towns.
• The offer of a land-based casino according to French laws includes the most popular games: slot machines, poker, and table games.
• Gamblers must be AT LEAST 18 years of age to legally participate in the game.

Where to Gamble in Réunion

Only a handful of casinos on the territory of Reunion Island. The number of active gambling establishments is limited, there is no doubt, but the range of games is very comprehensive; from slot machines to poker, Reunion has everything an average gambler could want.

Here are the most popular land-based casinos in Réunion:

Casino de Saint-Gilles:

One of the most popular casinos on the island, this venue offers a great variety of games, making it well worth the visit. With over 150 slot machines and a wide selection of games including poker, blackjack, English roulette, and electronic English roulette, the casino delivers entertainment to every type of player. If you get hungry during your gaming sessions in this elegantly designed space, a large restaurant with a diverse menu is available. You can also enjoy a cocktail at the bar during your break from gambling. The location is another highlight of Casino de Saint-Giles — it’s situated near the beach in the tourist town of Saint-Gilles on the western coast of Reunion.

Casino Du Sud:

Slightly smaller than the previous casino, but still a great choice—especially if you're in the charming oceanside town of Saint-Pierre. This venue is a must-visit! Popular with both locals and tourists, it offers fine entertainment with over 80 slot machines and several gaming rooms featuring table games. The staff speaks both French and English, ensuring smooth communication for tourists. Before visiting, we recommend checking the opening hours by clicking here to plan your trip accordingly!

Casino De Saint Denis:

Located in the capital city of Saint-Denis, this casino specializes in table games, offering poker, roulette, and blackjack. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this review, slot machines were not available. While the exterior is somewhat modest, the interior looks fine, decorated in a classic casino style. Based on some photos, it seems that the casino also hosts music and dance events, adding to the entertainment options.

Conclusion

Options for land-based gambling are limited, which isn't surprising given the petite size of the island. However, don't let that dissuade you—if at any point while reading this review you considered a trip to this charming French island in the middle of the ocean might be a good idea, you'd be right! While there may not be many casinos, each one offers a unique mix of the island’s laid-back, nonchalant atmosphere with the dynamic and often thrilling energy of gambling. And if that's not enough to convince you, just Google photos of this destination! Even if you have some time left after gambling, you'll easily find fantastic ways to spend the rest of your visit—ravishing beaches, stunning lakes, mountains, and waterfalls. Nature truly didn’t hold back when it came to the beauty of this island!