The Caribbean nation of Guyana, which sits along the top edge of the South American continent, has taken its first step into the wonderful world of gambling. On Saturday, history was made when the Princess Hotel cut the ribbon in the country’s first casino.

The facility houses 300 slot machines and 11 gaming tables, including roulette, poker, and of course blackjack. Because Guyana does not offer much to foreigners outside of the area’s usual eco-tourism attractions, the casino hopes to close the gap by attracting clientele from Brazil, Canada, US, and elsewhere. Director of operations Oguz Tayanc hopes that the casino will grow quickly enough to become a stop in next year’s World Poker Tour.

The facility is only open to foreign customers, and all guests are required to provide proof of their nationality before they will be allowed in. Security is tight, with 270 CCTV cameras monitoring the casino at all hours of the day. While the casino is expected to create between 130 and 160 new jobs for local residents in coming months, Guyanese gamblers cannot benefit from the casino’s services.

Locals who are interested in playing blackjack may do so online, since Guyana has no specific laws against internet gambling. There are quite a few strong blackjack casinos that accept Guyanese players, offering everything from quick single player action to massive multiplayer blackjack tournaments. Look here for comprehensive site reviews, or check these blackjack bonus listings to find a deal that is perfect for you.