Best Land-Based Casinos In South Africa in 2024

Things have changed since the 1970s, when the majority of casinos were small-time enterprises located in the Bantustans and operating within the constraints of a small market. Now there are nearly 50 registered casinos in South Africa, including several sprawling entertainment complexes, found all over the country.

Designed for use by both natives and tourists of all ages, these complexes are much, much more than just rooms full of slot machines. Yes, the casino element is a big part of these venues, but there are also activities for the whole family to enjoy. That includes restaurants, shops, cinemas, hotels and conference facilities, as well as nightclubs and bars for those of legal age.

As is the case with many casinos in Las Vegas, casinos often have a central theme that dictates everything from the architecture to the decor and the outfits their staff wear. Escapism is all part of the fun.

SA Gambling Venues

If you aren’t a fan of sitting at home doing some gambling while relaxing under your lapa then you can check out our list of land-based casinos in South Africa. From the world renowned Sun City to the humble yet understated Emnotweni, South Africa has something for everyone.

Blackrock Casino

Located in Newcastle, the Blackrock Casino offers a whole range of different casino games and tournaments, as well as the top-quality Garden Court Blackrock Hotel. Fantastic food is also on the menu, thanks to the Mid City Grill restaurant, with seafood being a specialty.

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Boardwalk Casino

The Boardwalk Casino is one of the most recognisable buildings in Port Elizabeth, and offers a full entertainment experience. From casino games through to fine dining, and from live entertainment through to a 140-room hotel, it really does have it all.

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Carnival City

Part of the huge Sun International chain, Carnival City is a great destination for those looking for family fun, thanks to the great entertainment on offer. Ten restaurants and bars can be found onsite, while the 4-star hotel offers some of the best accommodation in Brakpan.

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Carousel Casino

Found in the middle of the Kalahari, the Desert Palace Casino is an oasis featuring great food, a 60-room hotel, and even a crazy golf course. The entertainment consists primarily of local artists, while the conference room is regularly used by businesses throughout the year.

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Emerald Casino

Located overlooking the Vaal River, this is a casino with everything. Children will love the Aquadome and Animal World, nature lovers can head out on a game drive, food connoisseurs can taste dishes at a number of restaurants and, most importantly, gamblers will find all manner of games.

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Emnotweni Casino

Part of the Tsogo Sun chain of casinos, Emnotweni Casino is located in Mpumalanga. While gambling is the main focus, with players able to choose from many games and compete in a number of tournaments, it also offers a great hotel, as well as varied entertainment.

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Emperor’s Palace Casino

With four hotels, a spa and an extensive number of options at the casino, Emperor’s Palace is one of the top resorts in Johannesburg. It’s certainly aimed more at adults than family breaks, although the entertainment and cinema should entertain younger visitors.

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Flamingo Casino

Flamingo Casino is part of the Sun International chain, and is found in Kimberley. The casino claims to recreate “the energy and excitement of the historic diamond rush” and offers a huge variety of games, as well as varied entertainment and eating options.

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Frontier Casino

Found in Bethlehem, Frontier Casino is a boutique casino with a unique, old-fashioned vibe. Within the casino’s boundaries there are plenty of games, a luxurious hotel and even a golf course, while the Golden Gate Highlands National Park is just a short journey away.

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Garden Route Casino

Found at the starting point to the world-famous Garden Route, the Garden Route Casino is about more than just gambling. Family-friendly shows are found every evening; multiple restaurants offer stunning food; and those looking to relax can simply soak up the sun by the pool.

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Golden Horse Casino

Golden Horse Casino is unique, as it combines the fun of a casino with the excitement of a race track, leading to the ultimate gambling experience. Great restaurants and fun kids’ entertainment make sure it’s enjoyable for all the family though.

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Golden Valley Casino

Nestled in the beautiful Breede River Valley, the Golden Valley Casino is a smaller casino, designed for a more intimate experience. It still has everything you’ll need though, from great gambling to nice hotel rooms, as well as a relaxing spa.

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Gold Reef City

Gold Reef City is a casino, theme park and entertainment hub, all rolled into one. Situated in Johannesburg on the site of an old gold mine, it has a gold rush theme to it, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole area.

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Graceland Casino

Graceland Casino, which is just off the N17 highway in Secunda, offers a 4-star hotel, numerous gambling options, and a rich variety of different shows and other types of entertainment. Golfers will love playing there because the course was designed by none other than Gary Player.

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Grandwest Casino

Grandwest Casino is the only casino in Cape Town, and also boasts that it’s the largest entertainment destination in the whole country. Aside from gambling, visitors will also find Snow World, bowling, numerous restaurants, plus much, much more.

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Hemingways Casino

Hemingways Casino is inspired by Key West, where the author famously lived for much of his life. Located in East London, it offers a huge selection of casino games, as well as a 4-star hotel, a cinema and a huge mall with 180 different shops.

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Khoroni Casino

Khoroni Casino, in Thohoyandou, offers a large number of gambling options for visitors, from slots through to poker tournaments. Those looking to witness some of the country’s spectacular wildlife are in luck, as the Kruger National Park is close by.

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Meropa Casino

Part of the Sun International chain, the Meropa Casino is based on a Moroccan theme. Located in the centre of Limpopo province, it offers a whole range of entertainment options, from gambling to live shows, and go-karting to spa treatments.

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Mmabatho Casino

Located in Makifeng, Mmabatho Casino is just a short journey from Johannesburg, making it a popular location for South Africans and tourists alike. With a golf course, fitness centre, good food and, of course, gambling, it has something for everyone.

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Montecasino

Spread over a massive 26 hectares, Montecasino is one of Johannesburg’s hubs for entertainment. Bountiful gambling opportunities are complemented by award-winning theatre shows, a number of hotels and a relaxing spa, plus there’s plenty for kids to do as well.

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Morula Casino

The Morula Casino is one of the oldest casinos in South Africa, and comes with a great reputation. Located next to the Nooitgedacht Dam in Mabopane, it is really easy to reach from Johannesburg, Pretoria and Polokwane. Calabash Restaurant is a particularly highlight.

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Mykonos Casino

As the name suggests, this resort is based on the sun-drenched Greek islands. Found just an hour from Cape Town, it is a family friendly casino, with activities such as a kids’ entertainment centre and putt-putt. Of course, there’s plenty of gambling for adults as well though.

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Naledi Sun Casino

Visitors to Naledi Sun Casino, located around 45 minutes from Bloemfontein, can expect to find a great selection of casino games and a top-class restaurant, as well as some of the most well-manicured surroundings of any casino in South Africa.

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Sibaya Casino

Located in Durban, Sibaya Casino is one of the premier destinations in the city, and with views over the Indian Ocean, the setting is certainly spectacular. The casino is open 24 hours a day, while those with families will really like the Magic Company and the crèche.

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Silverstar Casino

One of the many casinos owned by Tsogo Sun, Silverstar Casino in Krugersdorp offers a luxurious spa, a 34-room hotel and, of course, lots of gambling opportunities. It also often holds special displays, bringing art and artefacts from all over the world for visitors to marvel at.

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Sun City

One of South Africa’s most famous casinos, Sun City lies on the edge of Pilanesburg National Park. Many different hotels are found there, as well as a comprehensive selection of casino games. Golf fans will really enjoy the fact it is next to the Gary Player Country Club.

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The Caledon Casino

Found in the Western Cape, the Caledon Casino is a resort with something for everyone. Food lovers will enjoy eating at three different restaurants, kids will love the PlayStation Room, and gamblers will find a whole array of different games for them to play.

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The Ridge Casino

Billed as the number one entertainment destination in Emalahleni, the Ridge Casino (previously known as the Witbank) has its own shopping mall, two hotels and a cinema. Those looking to gamble will find many different slots, as well as a variety of table games.

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Tusk Rio Casino

Taking its inspiration from the famous carnival in Rio, the Tusk Rio Casino is designed for the entire family to enjoy. With everything from go-karts through to casino games, and great restaurants through to live entertainment, everyone should find something they love.

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Tusk Umfolozi Casino

With a Zulu theme, the Tusk Umfolozi Casino is close to many popular tourist destinations, including Durban and St Lucia. Children are well-catered for, thanks to a variety of different activities, while adults will love the entertainment and gourmet dining.

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Wild Coast Sun

Wild Coast Sun Casino, located in Port Edward, has everything a visitor could want – including its very own water park. Nature lovers will also find that it’s a great base from which to explore the spectacular Umtamvuna Nature Reserve and the Oribi Gorge.

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Windmill Casino

One of the most popular destinations in Bloemfontein, Windmill Casino offers some of the best live entertainment in the area, as well as a bowling centre and an indulgent spa. The casino is the main attraction though, and features 353 slots and 18 table games.

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Desert Palace Casino

One of South Africa's leading gambling destinations, attracting tourists from all over the country as well as the world.

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Sun City complex

One of the leading gambling destinations in South Africa, attracting tourists from all over the country and indeed the world. Situated within easy travelling distance of Johannesburg, but it's far enough out of the city that it has a more relaxed pace and some beautiful scenery.

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Montecasino

Central to Johannesburg, so offers surroundings that are a lot more urban. That means more indoor activities and nightlife to enjoy. Themed around Monte Carlo, so expect a Roman/Italian style interior.

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Suncoast Casino

Located in Durban, the jewel in Suncoast's crown is its own private beach. A nightclub/bar, 20 restaurants, 8 cinemas and a sundeck are also on offer. Perfect if you can't decide between the beach and the casino...

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Rio Casino

A taste of Brazil in Klerksdorp. Boasts Peermont accommodation, a name synonymous with quality in South Africa, but truly embracing its theme is what sets Rio Casino apart from the others. It may not be the biggest casino, with around 300 slots and 13 gaming tables, but it's certainly one of the most fun.

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Emperor’s Palace

Perhaps one of the best casinos in Jo’burg, Emperor’s Palace features over 1,500 slot machines and 65 table games. The slots alone are worth justifying a visit to the “Slots Empire”. There is a high-stakes ‘Prive’ room for the big gamblers too and offers a number of special promotions.

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Windmill Casino

Windmill is another casino offered by the Sun International resort which is packed with amazing packages and hotel offers. It has over 350 slots and 18 tables so while it may not be the biggest in SA, there is certainly quality when quantity lacks.

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Emnotweni

Mpumalanga offers Nelspruit folk the Emnotweni. Opened in 1997, it was SA’s first land-based casino and offers two Tsogo Sun Hotel complexes, great restaurants and a waterpark. It offers 270 slots, a smoking casino and top electronic roulette action.

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Silver Star Casino

As part of the Gold Reef Resorts chain, Silver Star has amazing hotel, a great variety of restaurants to suit all budgets and a fantastic casino. It has over 1,000 slot machines with low stakes and high stakes machines including a top quality poker room for players of all skill levels.

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Carnival City

Behind Carnival City is Sun International so you know that you will be looked after. If you like circus-themed casinos then it’s definitely for you. Situated in the heart of Gauteng, Carnival City offers 1,750 slots and 58 high-tech gambling tables as well as a unique Lunar Poker electronic table.

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Geared towards business and leisure travellers alike, South Africa has some truly impressive casino complexes that offer so much more than just gambling. With a bit of glitz and glamour, they provide the perfect break from more traditional African tourist activities. And, for locals, they're the easiest way to gamble in South Africa without falling foul of the law. Now, do you think you can visit them all?