Cengiz Kucuk, owner of the Dolphin Casino, opened his operation in August of 1999. St. Maarten's newest casino offers Las Vegas-style gaming that is a little bit "on the wild side." Not only does the casino offer traditional gaming and more than 200 slot machines, it has a complimentary buffet every evening for gamblers. Kucuk knows about difficult times.

"I opened a shopping mall in 1995 and lost it to Hurricane Luis within six months," he said. Undaunted by the setback, Kucuk ran another casino before opening his own. A native of Turkey, he has been in the industry for eight years. Kucuk left Turkey for St. Maarten when the government changed its laws and closed the casinos.

The Princess Port de Plaisance Resort and Casino also offers nightly entertainment and gaming. A French atmosphere is the theme of the casino, which is located close to the French side of the island. Begum Ozer, a native of Istanbul and the coordinator of the operation, also came to St. Maarten because of the changes to Turkish laws. Working in the industry for almost 14 years, she wants to make sure tourists take full advantage of what the gaming sector in St. Maarten has to offer.

We offer entertainment every night with a Russian revue dance show complete with a live band, in addition to gambling," she said. A Russian revue is a dance show like the Lido of Paris and it is quite popular locally. Local dancers perform on the weekends in the facility that includes as many as 700 slot machines, in addition to other table games.

"I live with this operation 18 hours a day and I am here for the people. Those that keep returning, they enjoy their stay," said Kucuk. Tourists should take his advice and see what all casinos in St. Maarten have to offer. Where else can one enjoy Las Vegas-style entertainment that is close to beaches, marinas and first-class restaurants on a friendly Caribbean island?