How Many Casinos Are There in South Africa?
The Current State of Casinos in South Africa
As of the latest available data, there are a total of 41 casino licences in South Africa. However, not all of these casinos are operational, with some licenses still pending approval or awaiting development. In total, 38 casinos are operational, spread across the country’s nine provinces. These casinos offer a wide range of gambling activities, including slot machines, table games, poker, and sports betting.
Here is a breakdown of the number of casinos by province:
1. Gauteng (7 Casinos)
Gauteng, the economic hub of South Africa, has the highest concentration of casinos. It is home to a mix of large, well-known casinos that attract both local and international tourists. Some of the most popular casinos in Gauteng include:
Gold Reef City Casino and Hotel (Johannesburg)
Emperors Palace Casino and Hotel (Kempton Park)
Montecasino (Fourways)
Carnival City Casino (Brakpan)
Silverstar Casino (Krugersdorp)
These casinos offer a variety of entertainment options, including live shows, luxury hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres, making them major tourist attractions in the region.
2. Western Cape (5 Casinos)
The Western Cape is home to some of South Africa’s most scenic casinos, with establishments located in coastal areas and offering stunning views. The casinos in this province include:
GrandWest Casino (Cape Town)
Mykonos Casino (Langebaan)
Garden Route Casino (Mossel Bay)
Golden Valley Casino (Worcester)
The Caledon Casino and Hotel (Caledon)
These casinos are known for their laid-back atmosphere, appealing to both tourists and locals alike.
3. KwaZulu-Natal (6 Casinos)
KwaZulu-Natal is a popular tourist destination, known for its beaches and cultural experiences. The casinos here are a major part of the tourism industry. Notable casinos in KwaZulu-Natal include:
Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom (Durban)
Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World (Durban)
Golden Horse Casino (Pietermaritzburg)
Umfolozi Casino (Empangeni)
These casinos provide entertainment options ranging from slots and tables to entertainment shows and fine dining.
4. Mpumalanga (4 Casinos)
Mpumalanga, known for its natural beauty, particularly the Kruger National Park, has a smaller yet still vibrant casino market. The casinos in this province are:
Emnotweni Casino (Nelspruit)
The Ridge Casino (Witbank)
Graceland Casino and Golf (Secunda)
These casinos often attract tourists visiting the national parks and those looking for a gaming experience during their travels.
5. North West (5 Casinos)
The North West Province has casinos that are spread out in areas that attract both tourists and locals. Some of the casinos in North West include:
Sun City Casino (Sun City)
Mmabatho Palms Casino (Mahikeng)
Rio Casino and Hotel (Klerksdorp)
Sun City, in particular, is one of the most famous casino resorts in South Africa, offering luxury accommodations, golf courses, and a variety of entertainment options.
6. Limpopo (3 Casinos)
Limpopo is a province known for its wildlife and natural attractions. The casinos in Limpopo are:
Meropa Casino (Polokwane)
Thaba Moshate Casino and Hotel (Burgersfort)
Peermont Metcourt at Khoroni (Thohoyandou)
These casinos cater to tourists visiting the province’s game reserves and wildlife parks.
7. Free State (4 Casinos)
The Free State, located in the heart of South Africa, is home to casinos that offer a great mix of gaming and entertainment. Some of the casinos in this province include:
Wind Mill Casino (Bloemfontein)
Gold Fields Casino (Welkom)
Naledi Sun Casino (Thabanchu)
Frontier Inn and Casino (Bethlehem)
8. Eastern Cape (4 Casinos)
The Eastern Cape has a combination of casinos located in both urban and coastal areas. The casinos in this province are:
Boardwalk Casino (Port Elizabeth)
Hemingways Casino (East London)
Wild Coast Sun Casino (Port Edward)
Queens Casino and Hotel (Queenstown)
These casinos attract tourists who come for both gaming and beach vacations.
9. Northern Cape (3 Casinos)
The Northern Cape has a small but important casino industry. The casinos in this province include:
Flamingo Casino (Kimberley)
Desert Palace Casino (Upington)
The Grand Oasis Casino (Kuruman)
Types of Gambling Offered in South African Casinos
Casinos in South Africa offer a wide range of gambling activities. These include:
Slot Machines: Popular and easy-to-play electronic games found in most casinos.
Table Games: Includes games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
Sports Betting: Many casinos also offer facilities for sports betting, especially on popular sports like cricket, soccer, and horse racing.
Poker: Several casinos host poker tournaments and have dedicated poker rooms.
Conclusion
In total, South Africa currently has 41 licensed casinos, with 38 operational casinos across the nine provinces. The number of casinos is subject to change as new licences are issued or casinos are closed or relocated. These casinos play a vital role in the country's economy, offering entertainment, creating jobs, and contributing to tourism.
Whether you're in Gauteng for a luxury experience or enjoying the coastal beauty of the Western Cape, there's no shortage of casinos to explore in South Africa. Each casino offers a unique atmosphere, ensuring that there’s something for every type of gambler.