Casinos have appeared in KwaZulu-Natal since 1999, and while the state may not boast anything on the scale of Sun City, there's still a pretty decent range of places to get your slots and roulette fix.
From Durban palaces to friendlier casinos like Newcastle's Century Casino, KwaZulu-Natal is fast becoming the go-to place for South Africans looking for some top gambling action.
Let's take a closer look at some of the best casinos to visit.
Visit: https://www.tsogosun.com/suncoast-casino
Why We Like It:
Big entertainment and promotions are the name of the game at Durban's SunCoast casino.
The 'Power Slots' offer, making full use of the casino's 1,550 slot machines, gives SA players to chance to win a Kia Rio just for playing their favourite games.
Exclusive to the casino's Suncoast Black Card holders, however, is a leaderboard challenge where R7 million is up for grabs for players. Running for a whole year, millions of Rand in freeplay can be won.
But if you're just interested in regular play, there are over 1,550 slot machines (all accessed via notes and player cards) in total in the casino. Coin bets range for 1c to R100, and there are some big progressive games available like Bally's Blazing 7s, so there's certainly something for everyone.
Visit: https://www.suninternational.com/sibaya/
Why We Like It:
Another jewel in the Tsogo Sun crown, the beautiful Sibaya casino is easily Durban's best gambling establishment.
If the Entertainment Kingdom - featuring the world-beating restaurant Aqua and buffet heaven of Africa to Asia - doesn't grab you, the casino floor with 1300 slots might.
There are also plenty of touch-screen electronic roulette machines at Sibaya, 50 roulette, blackjack and poker tables, and exclusive private gaming rooms (Salon Privé). Reserved for gold and platinum MVG (Most Valued Guest) cardholders, the private rooms have a top selection of VIP gaming.
Prize draws are one of the best features of the casino, however. Cardholders can earn points playing games and tickets into big prize draws. R10,000 is given away each week as part of the draws for Maroon and Silver holders, with Gold cardholders able to nab a share of R25,000 and Platinum holders a share of R50,000 in their exclusive draws.
Visit: https://www.tsogosun.com/golden-horse-casino
Why We Like It:
Not the biggest casino in KwaZulu-Natal, but perfectly formed all the same.
If you're looking for lots of electronic gaming terminals and interesting games like Raise'Em Poker, you'll be satisfied at the Golden Horse.
Raise 'Em Poker requires you to bet on the strength of a poker hand formed using three cards dealt to you and two community cards held by the dealer. There are also progressive side bets to make the action more interesting.
On the slots front, the Golden Horse boasts 450 machines, with an impressive top coin bet of R45 available.
The Rosewoods VIP Salon Privé, meanwhile, features 66 slots, plus four roulette and two blackjack tables. An exclusive private bar and kitchen is available to big gamblers. In short, it's luxury all the way.
Visit: http://www.peermont.com/casinos/kwa-zulunatal/umfolozi
Why We Like It:
Part of the Peermont casino group, the Zulu-themed Umfolozi manages to pack over 260 slots into its 24-hour gaming frame.
There are also 12 table games on offer, including the usual American Roulette and blackjack favourites, while Peermont's 'Winners Circle' loyalty programme keeps regular VIP gamblers satisfied. The three-tiered card features Maroon, Silver and Gold levels, with benefits like R1 cash earned for every R500 gambled on slots.
If you're not too concerned about high-end dining, you're in luck. Umfolozi offers plenty of cheap burgers at Fast Food and the Sugar Room Bar, while you can enjoy local favourites in the Umoja Bistro.
Land Casino Review by: Casino.co.za