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Legal casino gambling is a relatively new phenomenon in South Africa. The ability to gamble had been severely restricted since the 1600s. This was reiterated in laws passed in 1965 restricting gambling to legally approved horse racing. This led to illegal casinos popping up over the countryside. By the mid-1990s it was estimated that over 2,000 illegal casinos operated within the country.
In 1994 the government changed and created the 1996 National Gambling Act. This legalized casino gambling, created a national lottery, sports betting, and other forms of gambling. The act provided for the National Gambling Board, which oversaw the licensing and the supervision of casinos, the lottery, and other organized gambling.
This revenue has been important in restructuring the country after the Apartheid government that ruled until the mid-1990s. The taxes generated have gone to improving services and infrastructure in the rural communities that were traditionally ignored under the old government system. In addition, casinos have provided jobs and revenue directly to these affected areas, allowing them to generate revenue to add to the federal government’s aid.
1 – Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Resort
Contact information:
- Address: 64 Jones Rd, O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park, Johannesburg 1620
- Phone: +27 11 928 1000
- Email: info@emperorspalace.com
This 348 room resort just finished an US$8 million renovation and expansion that saw 100 rooms added to the hotel. The hotel is central to the Emperor’s Palace complex which includes 3 hotels, a convention center, a golf club, and 2 shopping centers.
Guests can expect to find the following features and services in their rooms:
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The hotel offers a ton of amenities. These include:
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The casino features over 1,700 slot and video poker machines, 68 table games, 15 poker tables, and 3 private gaming rooms. In addition to traditional games, the casino provides several new and innovative games patron can try.
The games at the casino include:
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The Emperor’s Palace Hotel Casino Resort participates in the Peermont Winners Circle program. This rewards program allows users to accrue comp points for playing, discounts on restaurants and hotel rooms, and free services such as airport shuttles.
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.1 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 8.1 out of 10.0
2 – Southern Sun Montecasino
Contact information:
- Address: Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055
- Phone: +27 11 367 4367
- Email: tsogosunhotels.contactus@tsogosun.com
The Southern Sun Montecasino is located in the entertainment district of Johannesburg. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the theater and the bird gardens. The 194 room hotel that’s part of the hotel-casino complex has many features that guests will enjoy.
These include:
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Because Southern Sun Montecasino is part of an entertainment complex, the hotel offers a ton of amenities. The complex is full of restaurants, bars, stores, theaters, and more.
The features of the hotel and entertainment complex include:
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The 279,000 square foot casino features over 2,000 slot and video poker machines, 70 table games, a poker room featuring 8 poker tables, 2 private gaming rooms, and games with over 100 progressive jackpots.
Among the games offered are:
- Blackjack
- Craps
- Baccarat
- American Roulette
- No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em
- Big Bang Blackjack
- Spread Bet Roulette
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.5 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 8.6 out of 10.0
3 – Sun City Casino Resort
Contact information:
- Address: R556, Sun City, North West
- Phone: +27 14 557 5840
- Email: crobook@suninternational.com
The Cascades Hotel is the main hotel at the Sun City Casino Resort. The 243 room hotel is only a mile from the Lost City. The hotel rooms are fully equipped to handle the most discerning guest.
The room features include:
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As part of the Sun City entertainment complex, the hotel has a lot to offer, including:
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The casino is a 125,000 square foot facility with 852 slot and video poker machines and 33 table games.
When playing at the Sun City Casino Resort, you can find the following games:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Midi-Baccarat
- Electronic Roulette
- Electronic Blackjack
- Punto Banco
- Electronic Baccarat
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 3.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.3 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 7.9 out of 10.0
4 – GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World
Contact information:
- Address: Jakes Gerwel Dr, Goodwood, Cape Town, 7475
- Phone: +27 21 535 3611
- Email: info@clhg.com
The 176 room hotel is the main hotel for the GrandWest Casino. It is walking distance to several points of interests including the Old Biscuit Mill and Thornton Station.
Guest will find that each room of the hotel is equipped with:
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The GrandWest complex and hotel offer the following amenities:
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The casino has 120,000 square feet of gaming floor. It’s filled with over 2,500 slot and video poker machines, 79 table games, 10 poker tables, a private poker room, a private game room, and sports betting at the sports bar.
The games offered in the casino include:
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Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.2 out of 5.0
5 – The Boardwalk Hotel and Casino
Contact information:
- Address: Beach Rd, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 6019
- Phone: +27 41 507 7777
- Email: crobook@suninternational.com
This 140 room beachfront hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from many points of interest such as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, St. George’s Cricket Ground, and Market Square.
The rooms of the hotel have great amenities such as:
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The hotel offers the following services and features:
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The casino features 79,000 square feet of floor space. The casino has over 900 slot and video poker machines, 24 table games, and a private game room.
Among the games offered are:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Blackjack Switch
- Raise ‘Em Poker
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.4 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 8.8 out of 10.0
6 – Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom
Contact information:
- Address: 1 Sibaya Dr, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, 4320
- Phone: +27 31 580 5000
- Email: sibayainfo@suninternational.com
This 118 room hotel is located within walking distance to 2 beaches, a shopping center, and a nature reserve.
In each room you’ll find:
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The hotel and entertainment complex provides lots of opportunities to relax when you’re not gambling.
Among the services and features at the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom are:
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The casino is 99,000 square feet. It features over 1,200 slot and video poker games, a private gaming area, and 49 gaming tables.
The games you’ll find at the casino include:
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Texas Hold ‘Em
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 3.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 7.6 out of 10.0
7 – Peermont Metcourt Frontier Inn and Casino
Contact information:
- Address: Johan Blignaut Drive NS, Panorama, Bethlehem, 9700
- Phone: +27 58 307 6080
- Email: info@frontierinn.co.za
The Peermont Metcourt is a quaint 21 room hotel within walking distance of the Goble Park and the Dihlabeng Mal.
The rooms feature:
- Television
- Satellite TV service
- Free wi-fi
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Coffee/tea maker
- Room service
The hotel provides the following amenities:
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The 13,000 square foot casino is home to 143 slot and video poker machines, 11 table games, and a private gaming room.
Among the games you can play at the Frontier Inn and Casino are:
- Double-Spin Roulette
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Texas Hold ‘Em
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.2 out of 5.0
8 – Peermont Metcourt – Thaba Moshate Casino Resort
Contact information:
- Address: R555 Steelpoort Road, Private Bag X1007, Burgersfort, Limpopo, Burgersfort, 1150
- Phone: +27 11 928 1442
- Email: info@peermont.com
The Peermont Metcourt – Thaba Moshate Casino Resort is a family-friendly 82 room hotel that’s centrally located in the city to such points of interest as the Morone Center, the Tubatse Crossing Shopping Mall, and Calvin College.
Each room is equipped with:
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The hotel amenities offered at this venue include:
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Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 3.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 3.9 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 8.2 out of 10.0
The casino has 56,000 square feet of floor space. The casino offers 171 slot and video poker machines, 13 table games, 1 poker table, and a private game room.
Among the games offered at the Peermont Metcourt – Thaba Moshate Casino Resort are:
- Blackjack
- American Roulette
- Raise ‘Em Poker
- Double-Spin Roulette
9 – Caledon Hotel, Spa, Casino & Entertainment
Contact information:
- Address: 1 Nerina St, Caledon, Western Cape, 7230
- Phone: +27 28 214 5100
- Email: caledon@tsogosun.com
This 81 room hotel is in the out-of-the-way town of Caledon in the Western Cape of South Africa. Guests can enjoy views of Klein Swartberg Mountains and the Bath River. They can also enjoy the natural warm mineral springs that the town is famous for.
The rooms have the following features:
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The hotel provides lots of amenities, including:
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The casino features 21,000 square feet of floor space. The casino houses 300 slot machines, 8 table games, and 1 private gaming room.
You can expect to find the following games in the casino:
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Raise ‘Em Poker
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.2 out of 5.0
10 – Rio Hotel Casino and Convention Resort
Contact information:
- Address: Rio Boulevard, Freemanville, Klerksdorp, 2571
- Phone: +27 18 469 9100
- Email: info@riocasino.co.za
Located within walking distance of the Klerksdorp Museum, Galaxy City Mall, and Matlosana Mall, the 70 room hotel is located in the heart of Klerksdorp, making getting anywhere in the city very accessible.
Guest can expect to find the following in their rooms:
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The hotel amenities include:
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The 66,000 square foot casino floor contains 274 slot machines, 11 table games, 2 poker tables, a poker room, and a private gaming room.
Among the games you can play at the Rio Hotel Casino and Convention Resort include:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Texas Hold ‘Em
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 7.9 out of 10.0
Conclusion
With the casino gambling industry in its infancy in South Africa, the casinos try new things, such as new games to attract visitors. They also try to build casino resorts up as family friendly, creating an atmosphere that would attract kids like theme parks, go-kart tracks, and video game arcades. They even provide child care to allow you to go to the casino while the kids are taken care of.
It’s important to check with hotels on amenities like cable/satellite TV or internet connectivity. Some areas of the country only have dial-up internet. Some hotels will charge for internet access. Due to limited cellular reception in certain areas, the hotel option may be the only internet option as a hot spot may not have service.
