Ahoy there! Those islands look so beautiful.

Good news and bad news. First, the bad news. Casinos are currently illegal on Saipan, though there are 1,226 poker machines on the island.

Now the good news: Tinian is allowed to issue a maximum of five casino licenses, and has a massive licenced casino, the Tinian Dynasty Hotel and Casino. "High rollers from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan hop over to this little island, a 50-minute high-speed ferry ride or ten minutes by small plane from Saipan."

I guess they give you some bumpf on Saipan, but in case they don't:

"Saipan, CNMI's capital and largest island, is famous for its beautiful burnt orange flame trees and turquoise beaches. R&R is in the air, but when you're ready to play or pay, restaurants, bars and shopping are nearby. There are also numerous events throughout the year to jazz up a short trip, including the Flame Tree Arts festival, Micronesian Open Boardsailing Championship, the Saipan Laguna Regatta, Tagaman Triathlon, and the La Fiesta San Roque festival of lights. But with world-class golf courses along the ocean and dozens of advanced dive sites and deep ocean waters, Saipan is great for a long weekend getaway to sharpen your stroke, wrack up some advanced dives in a hurry, get certified in warm water or catch a giant tuna. If none of these sports tickle your fancy, Saipan has a lot more to offer.
Managaha Island is a favorite spot for snorkeling, lunching and other water sports

Things to see and do
Variety is the buzzword on Saipan. Parasailing, windsurfing, banana-boating, swimming and snorkeling are just a few of the water sports available at a reasonable cost. If you want them all in one neat package, stay at Pacific Island Club. With spacious rooms, Western restaurants and a plethora of things to do included in the price, it's great for families and active individuals. Because coral reefs are close to shore, World War II wrecks lie in fairly shallow waters and visibility is high, Saipan has great snorkeling. Mañagaha Island, just off the northwest coast, is blanketed by beach, has protected lagoons, coral gardens and wrecks, which make it a popular day trip.

Joggers and cyclists should check out the paved Marpi pathway in the north that leads to Suicide Cliff or the 2.5-mile path along the beach at American Memorial Park. Saipan also has a number of well-marked hiking trails through the jungle and down to the sea. If you prefer to be carried, horseback riding is an option.

Famed as a family vacation spot, Saipan also has a romantic side, which many Asian honeymooners take advantage of. If you're looking for peace and privacy, the Hyatt Regency has a private beach, pools and lushly landscaped grounds overlooking the ocean and even a wedding chapel. If you want to snuggle with your sweetheart or take in the sunset from the sea, a two-hour cruise on the Jade Lady III, a 64-foot Catamaran, around Tanapag Harbor and the surrounding waters, complete with drinks, a steak dinner and live entertainment, is a relaxing way end to the day (US$66/person, call 670-233-8231 for further information).

Shoppers sick of Tokyo prices will find designer goods for up to 40% less at the Duty Free Galleria in Garapan and other deals at La Fiesta San Roque shopping mall. For a look at local handicrafts, cuisine and cultural shows, check out the Garapan Street Market on Third Street between Beach Road and Dai Ichi Hotel every Thursday from 6-10pm.

A trip to Saipan would not be complete without a tour of its historical and natural sites. An organized tour includes the last command post, Okinawa Peace Memorial and Banzai and Suicide Cliffs where hundreds of Japanese soldiers, their wives, and children cast themselves off rather than surrender to American troops. Locals sell fruit and water at these spots and offer touching war stories to those who are interested. Also in the north, the Blue Grotto, with its electric blue tunnel leading into the ocean is a must for advanced divers and interesting for sightseers who don't mind the long, steep stairway down to the water. Nearby Bird Island is a good place for a Kodak moment and-obviously-bird watching.

Wine and dine
When Spanish missionaries settled in Saipan they brought their beloved chili with them, now a staple of Chamorran cuisine along with garlic, soy, vinegar, and lime. Try coconut crab if it's in season, beef tinaktak, chicken kelaguen with coconut shavings, chili, lime and scallions wrapped in titiyas, red rice seasoned with the root of the achote plant and a variety of buns, breads and baked goods, sweetened with tuba, a local liquor made from fermented coconut sap.

Many of Saipan's best restaurants are found in top hotels, but plenty of privately-owned restaurants serve up all kinds of international foods. If you want a taste of the local cuisine, head to Capital Hill and the tiny, dilapidated Esco's Bake House, a 50-year-old locally-run convenience store/bakery that sells a wide variety of local baked goods such as sweet tuba bread, papaya empanadas and banuelos. Here, you can also sample tuba in a Styrofoam cup for $1 and have a chat with the owners. "

If you get to Tinian, post a game report when you get a chance.

Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino
San Jose Village, Tinian, 96952 Northern Marianas

Reachable by ferry.

Looks to be the only casinio in the area. Got very good reviews. Took me like 3 minutes to do this so you owe me $0.30