Gold Reef City Review

Review

With over 1500 slot machines and 50+ table games, Gold Reef City truly is one of the most exciting casinos in South Africa. As we'll see below, there's actually much more to Gold Reef City than just a casino – it really is a fully-fledged resort destination near the centre of Johannesburg.

With 24 hour gambling action, facilities for both smokers and non-smokers, plus a lavish Privé featuring private tables and slot machines, it's hard to beat the casino action at Gold Reef City. From modern video slots with high payback percentages and progressive slots titles through to blackjack and roulette tables, Gold Reef City has it all.

Fans of card games will be pleased to find that Raise 'Em Poker Xtra and Baccarat, which is notably absent from many South African land-based casinos, are here too. There are also various promotions, including car giveaways and other prize draws, to try when you're here.

In short, there are very few casinos in South Africa that can legitimately claim to beat (or even be on par with) the real cash gambling action you'll find at Gold Reef City. If you do decide to visit, there's no doubt that you're in for a real treat.

Restaurants & Bars

No matter if you're a foodie or just looking for a bite to keep you going, Gold Reef City has you covered. If speed is your main concern, pick up some fast food at one of seven outlets on the complex – you'll find KFC, Debonair’s and Steers in the casino and four other places to grab a quick bite in the theme park.

If you'd rather take your time, try one of Gold Reef City's 14 (yes, 14!) a la carte restaurants. Whether you're in the mood for Portuguese, pizza or themed diner cuisine, you'll find it at Gold Reef City.

Obviously, the fairly central location of this casino – everything Johannesburg has to offer is just a few kilometres away – means that you'll have no trouble finding somewhere to eat if you do decide to venture out, but it's always refreshing to know that you could theoretically not need to set foot outside the complex to enjoy some great food and drink.

Hotel Accommodation

Gold Reef City doesn't just have one hotel, but two to choose from. The luxurious Southern Sun Gold Reef City is ideal for visitors looking to splash out and enjoy a little pampering. With fewer than 40 rooms available, you're sure to get plenty of personal attention; no request is too much for the dedicated concierge to take care of.

The Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel is arguably aimed more at families, but there's something for everyone else to love about it as well. The hotel is themed to resemble an old mining town, but has a laidback atmosphere that feels a lot like New Orleans. It's a little bigger than Southern Sun, with 75 rooms up for grabs, so feels a little more busy and bustling.

Whichever you choose, you'll be right in the thick of it all – the theme park and casino will both be a matter of minutes from your door.

Entertainment & Nightlife

As well as the obvious – a night of action in the casino – guests have plenty of activities to choose from as the sun sets. Head to one of the on-site bars to dance the night away, play a frame of ten pin bowling or take in a show.

Gold Reef City has its own 6 screen cinema if you're looking to see a movie or, if you prefer things a little more up close and personal, visit the 1,000+ seat theatre to enjoy a comedy show or rock out to some live music.

Just down the street is the fascinating, if a little more sombre than the activities we've listed above, Apartheid Museum. This venue has had praise heaped on it for taking a frank and detailed look at the history of South Africa, and it's well worth a few hours away from the casino to check it out.

One thing's for sure – however many nights you decide to stay, you'll never be short of something to do until you retire to your room and go to bed.

Other Facilities

If all that's not enough, there are plenty more ways to pass the time at Gold Reef City. Grab your credit card and hit the shops or grab your coin purse and visit the arcade (not just for kids!).

If you'd rather lay back and chill out, you could take a swim at the hotel pool. At the other end of the scale, there's a conference centre if you need to get some work done, as well as a chapel and a wedding venue if you want somewhere special to tie to the knot.