Summary
- Bets Galore: In 2021, South Africa recorded gross gambling revenue worth $2.5 billion.
- Casinos Approved: Decades ago, there were hardline anti-betting laws, but these days in South Africa casino betting is entirely legal.
- Multi-lingual Rainbow Nation: South Africa has 11 official languages, one of which is English.
South Africa is an enthralling country filled with magnificent wildlife and areas of great beauty. It's also not short on luxurious tourist destinations, including numerous excellent betting establishments. The Rainbow Nation is brimming with diverse cultures, great golf courses, and it's a top place in Africa for Anglophones to visit as English is one of the official languages. Here are the top 10 best luxury casinos in South Africa.
Silverstar Casino
Muldersdrift, Gauteng
Pros & Cons:
- Very impressive number of slots to play.
- Thirty-three gaming tables.
- Distant from the city centre attractions.
Go for Gold at Silverstar
Ritzy style and entertainment is yours to enjoy at our first entry on the top 10 list of best casinos in South Africa - Silverstar Casino. Visitors have a diverse set of distractions, including 10 pin bowling, big screen blockbusters at the cinema, and Laser Tag and arcade games at The Magic Company. On the gaming front there's a smorgasbord of ways to wager. More than 900 slot machines are waiting to be played and include slots poker and slots roulette, with 200 games offering progressive jackpots (either linked or solitary). Stakes can be as low as 1c or as high as R100. Thirty-three gaming tables are just the thing for fans of the best classics, with top 10 games like blackjack that have been around for centuries (plus baccarat, roulette, and poker).
When the time for playing is over, there's just as large a range of restaurants, with Italian tastes catered for at Col'Cacchio, and carnivores able to sink their teeth into the delectable treats of the Hussar Grill. If you like to spend your downtime relaxing amid the tranquility of nature then head a tiny distance south to reach the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, where birdwatching spots and nature trails provide the perfect place to stretch your legs in the great outdoors.
More Information
- Website: https://www.silverstar.co.za/
- Opening Times: 8am to 2am
- Email: Via form on website
- Address: R28, Muldersdrift, 1768, South Africa
Boardwalk Casino
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape
Pros & Cons:
- Moments from sun, sea, and sand.
- Great variety of slots and table games to play.
- Service can be slow.
Sun, Cigars, and Casino Games
The Boardwalk Casino is the best betting establishment in Port Elizabeth (formally renamed Gqeberha). It's mere minutes away from the sun and sand of Hobie Beach, winner of a Blue Flag and the best spot to laze in the rays and top up your tan. Lovers of food have a global menu from which to pick the choicest of morsels, from breakfast at Kipling's Brasserie to drinks and cigars in the relaxing surroundings of Tshawe Bar.
Slot machines are present in the hundreds, and stakes start from just 2 cents, so whether you like to wager a lot or just play for fun there's something for you. This top 10 best casino is divided into smoking and non-smoking sections for the convenience of players, and those into table games have plenty of card games, including poker, baccarat, and blackjack. American roulette is also accessible, as is AmaDice, with more games to play in the exclusive Privé section. And be sure to check the schedule because there's often the best live entertainment playing, from concerts to magic shows.
More Information
- Website: https://www.suninternational.com/boardwalk/casino/
- Opening Times: 8am to 2am (24hrs Fri-Sat)
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Beach Rd, Summerstrand, Gqeberha, 6001, South Africa
Carnival City Casino
Boksburg, Gauteng
Pros & Cons:
- Live entertainment hosted regularly.
- Fifty-seven gaming tables.
- Can get crowded at times.
Enjoy the Carnival at this South Africa Casino
Live entertainment is the order of the day at the Carnival City Casino, one of the top 10 best betting establishments in South Africa. The casino is just one of several avenues of entertainment visitors can stroll down, with other possibilities including the best live DJs and music, multiple top notch restaurants and kids activities such as arcade games at The Magic Company to Lazer Zone, 10 pin bowling, and go-kart racing. And if the big city is your favored terrain then just a short drive west is Johannesburg.
But within this top 10 best casino itself there are a plethora of gaming delights to while away the hours, and perhaps make a little money if fate is on your side. The casino is open every day of the week, from 7am to 10pm, with plenty of the best slots for fans of spinning reels. While they may not offer free spins cash bonuses, there's an impressive 57 table games for card sharks, who can choose between blackjack, baccarat, and poker, with American roulette another possibility for those who prefer old school classics. Once you've worked up an appetite there's a variety of great eateries, such as Bru's, where you'll find live entertainment and gastropub delights, while Vikrams serves up the best Indian fare you'll find.
More Information
- Website: https://www.suninternational.com/carnival-city/
- Opening Times: 7am to 10pm
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Century Rd Witpoortjie 117-Ir, Brakpan, Boksburg, 1541, South Africa
Emperors Palace
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Pros & Cons:
- Sports betting also available.
- Hundreds of slots to play.
- Some way from downtown Johannesburg's destinations.
Imperial Luxury
Another of the top 10 best casinos in ZA has an imperial flavor: it's the Emperors Palace, in Kempton (just north-east of Johannesburg). Players can place their bets both in person and online and, in addition to the standard casino games available in most places, there's also the chance to bet on sports and see who's best when it comes to predicting match and tournament results. The main casino is home to 850 slot machines that can be played 24/7, and more than two dozen table games such as roulette, poker, and blackjack. In the heart of this top 10 best casino is the glass-enclosed Velarium, home to more table games and slots, and there are exclusive high stakes Privé games too. Private gaming rooms are available (with private dining) if you want to play alone with friends.
In addition to the excellent selection of the best casino games, the Roman stylings of Octavia's Day Spa allow one to soak away stress in the lap of luxury. Gourmands have plenty to sink their teeth into, from the classy African flavors of Aurelia's to the European treats from the Italian Kitchen & Grill.
More Information
- Website: https://www.emperorspalace.com/
- Opening Times: 24/7
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 64 Jones Rd, O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park, 1620, South Africa
Rio Hotel Casino and Convention Resort
Klerksdorp, North West
Pros & Cons:
- Largest gaming space in the whole of Africa.
- Exclusive high roller Salon Privé section.
- Could be more gaming tables
The Biggest Casino in South Africa
Next up on our top 10 best casinos in South Africa list is the Rio Hotel Casino and Convention Resort, which has a floor space exceeding a quarter of a million square feet and is thus one of the biggest betting sites in the whole of the Southern Hemisphere and the largest in all of Africa. The spacious gaming floor of this top 10 best casino is occupied with a combination of table games and slots, with 274 cutting edge slot machines ready to play on a 24/7 basis and accepting a wide range of stakes to suit wallets thin and thick. The dozen table games open for business at midday, offering blackjack, roulette, and the popular choice of poker, which many consider to be the best card game there is. Inside the high roller Salon Privé are exclusive slots and table games plus the privilege of Privé parking.
In addition to seeing if the wheel of fortune is turning your way, entertainment can be enjoyed at the Escapades Theatre with cabaret, comedy, and music all performed live for your pleasure. There's also family-friendly fun courtesy of Trio Off Road Go-karts and nearby attractions include the Klerksdorp Museum and the Faan Meintjies Nature Reserve.
More Information
- Website: https://www.riocasino.co.za/
- Opening Times: 24/7
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Rio Boulevard, Freemanville, Klerksdorp, 2571, South Africa
Gold Reef City Casino
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Pros & Cons:
- Over one and a half thousand slot machines.
- Dozens of gaming tables.
- Service can sometimes be disorganised.
Get in on the Gold Rush
Visitors to Johannesburg aren't short of the best tourist hotspots, and those with an eye for gambling should take a little time to enjoy the delights of the Gold Reef City Casino, one of the top 10 best in the country. It's part of the Gold Reef City amusement park, with rides including rollercoasters such as the Anaconda and Jozi Express, and is within easy reach of many of the best museums, including the Apartheid Museum. Inside the top 10 casino itself there are separated smoking and non-smoking sections, where the 47 gaming tables provide roulette, blackjack, and poker. Play the side bet at the card tables, and if Lady Luck is on your side you might even win the Main Floor Mystery Jackpot. Reel jockeys have more than one and a half thousand machines from which to choose, while the Salon Privé is made for high rollers.
There are dozens of dining options, from the best meaty treats of Sausage Saloon to ice creams at Milky Lane, and the casual fare of Barney's Restaurant & Bar. Gold Reef City is also home to Johannesburg's only genuine underground mine tour, while fans of the silver screen can catch up with the latest flicks at the cinema.
More Information
- Website: https://www.goldreefcity.co.za/
- Opening Times: 8am to 1am (4am Fri-Sat)
- Email: Via form on website
- Address: Cnr Northern Parkway and, Data Cres, Ormonde, Johannesburg South, 2159, South Africa
Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Pros & Cons:
- More than 1,800 games to play.
- Durban's finest attractions close at hand.
- Customer service can be hit and miss.
The Best South Africa Casino in Durban
Located on the eastern coast of South Africa, Suncoast Casino, Hotels and Entertainment offers gaming entertainment in the heart of Durban. The urban location also confers great convenience for finding big city distractions in the vicinity when not playing cards or spinning reels. Fans of flora and fauna are both catered for at the Durban Botanic Gardens and Mitchell Park Zoo, while the Moses Mabhida Stadium offers 56,000 seats for live soccer and other events.
An impressive array of slots is available on the casino floor at this top 10 best betting establishment, with more than 1,800 games. And those who prefer classic table games aren't short-changed either thanks to the 71 gaming tables that offer roulette and a variety of card games. Luxury gaming, ocean views, and high stakes await in the Salon Privé for elite players with deep pockets. In addition to the casino delights, the establishment is also home to theatrical entertainment and numerous restaurants and bars, from the Havana Grill to Thava Indian Restaurant and Debonairs Pizza. Whatever your culinary and gaming appetite, it'll be sated here.
More Information
- Website: https://www.suncoastcasino.co.za/
- Opening Times: 8am to 4am
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Suncoast Boulevard, O R Tambo Parade, Durban, 4056, South Africa
Montecasino
Johannesburg, Gauteng
Pros & Cons:
- Numerous other on-site activities to experience.
- More than 1,700 gaming machines.
- Outskirts location puts downtown diversions a little far off.
Betting and Live Theater in Johannesburg
Located in the north of Johannesburg, the Montecasino complex includes not only betting aplenty but various other distractions to entertain visitors, including a mall, cinemas, and theaters. Created with Italian design in mind, the stylish Montecasino complex was inspired by the cultural and visual charm of a Tuscan village. It's also one of the best slot casinos as there's a bumper crop of one-armed bandits, with over 1,700 state of the art gaming machines, one of the biggest selections to be found anywhere in the country. Stakes range from 1c to R100, making the slots suitable for both bottle top bettors and those with cash to splash. There's also a great number of gaming tables, more than 80, including blackjack, multiple poker variations, American roulette, craps, and baccarat. But for the swankiest of players the Salon Privé's personalized service and higher limits are just the ticket.
When you've finished playing the big screen blockbusters at the cinema and theatrical productions (from local to international) offer on-site entertainment options. Or you can visit the bird and wildlife park to get closer to Mother Nature.
More Information
- Website: https://www.montecasino.co.za/
- Opening Times: 7am to 2am (24hrs Thu-Sat)
- Email: Via form on website
- Address: Montecasino Blvd, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055, South Africa
Emerald Resort & Casino
Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng
Pros & Cons:
- High stakes table games available.
- Excellent and varied dining options.
- Reception service could be improved.
A Beautiful Riverside South Africa Casino
Next up on our best casinos in South Africa list is the Emerald Resort & Casino, located on the verdant banks of the Vaal River on a private estate. Amid a hectic world, this resort offers guests a luxury oasis in which to rest and relax in a beautiful setting. Those with deep pockets will feel right at home at the high stakes table games that are available in the resort's casino, with perennial favorites blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat all on the gaming menu. In addition to the 22 gaming tables, fans of spinning reels have plenty of distractions thanks to the 385 slot machines in operation. Gold and Diamond card members can also take advantage of the Privé space, dedicated to gaming for VIPs.
Once your stomach's grumbling for attention there are multiple on-site restaurants and bars to indulge yourself, ranging from pizza to buffet breakfasts and a la carte dining. If tension needs soothing away then visit the spa, or have fun at the adventure golf course. The heated pools and water slides of Aquadome provide plenty of opportunity for watery fun, or you can admire the magnificent beasts of Africa with a drive through Animal World Game Park.
More Information
- Website: https://www.emeraldcasino.co.za/
- Opening Times: 8am to 4am
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 777 Frikkie Meyer Blvd, Vanderbijlpark, 1900, South Africa
Sun City Resort
Close to Rustenburg, North West
Pros & Cons:
- Close to the animal attractions of Pilanesberg National Park.
- Dozens of table games to play.
- Resort housekeeping could be better.
The Most Popular Casino in ZA
Sun City Resort first opened its doors in 1979, and to this day has been a travel hotspot for those who yearn for luxury, love gaming, and want to see outstanding natural beauty. On top of all that, it's just two hours away from Johannesburg, making it ideal whether you're into big city distractions or want to take in the great outdoors. Immediately north of this top 10 South African casino resort is Pilanesberg National Park, a game reserve with thousands of the country's most amazing wild animals.
Within the resort itself Sun City has multiple hotels for guests, including the exquisite and magnificent Palace of the Lost City and the tropical luxury of Cascades Hotel, plus a pair of 18 hole golf courses. Sun City Casino opened at the same time as the resort in 1979, and both newcomers and old hands at betting have plenty to keep them occupied. There are hundreds of machines offering some of the highest slot winnings and if classic table games are more your speed then take your pick from the more than 40 on offer.
More Information
- Website: https://www.suninternational.com/sun-city/
- Opening Times: 7am to 2am (24 hrs Fri-Sat)
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: R556, Sun City, 0316, South Africa
Concluder
And that polishes off our list of the best casinos in South Africa, from available games to nearby destinations and restaurants. Just remember to only ever bet what you can afford to lose, and not get too giddy if Lady Luck favors you. And of course, for those who also want the same experience online, we recommend you try out Yebo Casino or Springbok Casino.
