Casino Palma Real Guide and Review

Casino Palma Real, situated in the vibrant city of Bávaro, Dominican Republic, presents a rather mixed bag of experiences according to recent visitor feedback. While some older reviews highlight specific positive aspects, more contemporary comments lean towards a less favorable impression, primarily focusing on its modest size and operational concerns.
Size and Accessibility 🚪
A consistent theme across multiple reviews is the casino's size. Visitors frequently describe Casino Palma Real as "very small". This might be a crucial factor for those expecting a sprawling, grand casino floor typical of larger resorts.
Furthermore, a significant point of concern has emerged regarding access. One recent review explicitly states, "If you don't live in the hotel you won't get in," suggesting that access might be restricted primarily to guests of the associated hotel. Prospective visitors not staying at the hotel should verify entry policies beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Gaming Experience & Concerns 🃏
Blackjack Issues 📉
The blackjack tables, in particular, have drawn considerable criticism. Multiple users reported issues with card machines, noting that they "kept 'malfunctioning'". More alarmingly, there were complaints about a perceived lack of professional oversight and inappropriate card handling by employees. One user even made strong allegations of the game being "rigged," claiming that "20 or so face cards" were missing from an 8-deck shoe, which would heavily favor the house.
Poker Room (Historical View) ♦️
In contrast to the blackjack complaints, an older review (from 7 years ago) paints a more positive picture of the poker room. Despite being described as small, it was lauded as "friendly, comfortable and exciting." The review specifically praised the poker room manager, Roberto, for creating a memorable experience, and highlighted the "impeccable" service from bartenders, noting that drinks were "outstanding even though they are free." It's important to consider that conditions and staff may have changed significantly since this older review was posted.
General Environment 🤔
One very recent comment described the casino as being "full of kids," which is an unusual observation for a casino environment and could detract from the intended adult gaming atmosphere.
Service & Professionalism 🤵♀️
While the older poker review highlighted excellent service and free drinks, more recent feedback concerning the blackjack tables suggests a decline in professional handling of games and a lack of proper protocols and oversight. The discrepancy between these observations could indicate a change in management or standards over time, particularly outside of the poker room.
Final Verdict ⚖️
Based on the most recent feedback, Casino Palma Real appears to be a small venue with potential access limitations for non-hotel guests. While it once offered a highly-rated poker experience, current concerns about blackjack fairness, professionalism, and even the general atmosphere (presence of children) raise questions about its appeal as a primary casino destination. Visitors might find it lacks the breadth of games and professional standards expected in larger establishments. It seems to be a place that some recent visitors felt was "not worth the visit."
Their poker room may be small but it is friendly, comfortable and exciting. The poker room manager, Roberto, made it an experience to remember. The service was impeccable, bartenders are always within an earshot away and drinks are outstanding even though they are free.
VERY small casino! Card machine on blackjack table kept "malfunctioning" and there didn't seem to be any protocols or oversight in place. A number of employees were handling the cards, emptying and reloading. Not professionally handled at all.
Black Jack is rigged, they have taken out 20 or so face cards out of a 8 deck shoe. Totally favors the house...
