Legal casino gambling is a relatively new phenomenon in South Africa. The ability to gamble had been severely restricted since the 1600s. This was reiterated in laws passed in 1965 restricting gambling to legally approved horse racing. This led to illegal casinos popping up over the countryside. By the mid-1990s it was estimated that over 2,000 illegal casinos operated within the country.
In 1994 the government changed and created the 1996 National Gambling Act. This legalized casino gambling, created a national lottery, sports betting, and other forms of gambling. The act provided for the National Gambling Board, which oversaw the licensing and the supervision of casinos, the lottery, and other organized gambling.
Except for licensed bookmakers throughout the country, online gambling is banned. The government will seize any winnings before they hit the bank account and prosecute the offender. Annual gambling revenues across South Africa total about US$3.6 billion, making it the country with the largest gambling revenues on the African continent. That figure is expected to double within the next decade.
This revenue has been important in restructuring the country after the Apartheid government that ruled until the mid-1990s. The taxes generated have gone to improving services and infrastructure in the rural communities that were traditionally ignored under the old government system. In addition, casinos have provided jobs and revenue directly to these affected areas, allowing them to generate revenue to add to the federal government’s aid.
1 – Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Resort
Contact information:
- Address: 64 Jones Rd, O.R. Tambo, Kempton Park, Johannesburg 1620
- Phone: +27 11 928 1000
- Email: info@emperorspalace.com
This 348 room resort just finished an US$8 million renovation and expansion that saw 100 rooms added to the hotel. The hotel is central to the Emperor’s Palace complex which includes 3 hotels, a convention center, a golf club, and 2 shopping centers.
Guests can expect to find the following features and services in their rooms:
- LCD TV
- Free wi-fi
- Coffee/tea maker
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Daily housekeeping
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Iron/ironing board
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- Memory foam mattress
- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Satellite TV service
- Room service
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The hotel offers a ton of amenities. These include:
- Aurelia’s Restaurant
- Braza Restaurant
- Col’Cacchio Restaurant
- Hooters Restaurant
- News Cafe
- Ocean Basket Restaurant
- Platia Restaurant
- Rosetta’s Restaurant
- Gold Rush Spur Restaurant
- Tribes Restaurant
- Taste of Mumbai Restaurant
- Zen Restaurant
- Anat Restaurant
- Hotdog Cafe
- Steers Restaurant
- Nandos Restaurant
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- Supa Leather Goods
- Mr. Bilton Snacks
- Sweets from Heaven
- Jupiter’s Childcare
- The Magic Company Family Entertainment
- NuMetro Cinema
- Octavia’s Day Spa
- Theatre of Marcellus
- Codesa Walkway
- Marc Antony’s Cigar Lounge
- The Convention Centre
- Barnyard Theatre
- Fitness facilities
- Free airport transportation
- 24-hour front desk
- Poolside bar
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- Conference space
- Porter/bellhop
- Meeting rooms
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Free wi-fi
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Outdoor pool
- Coffee/tea in common areas
- Supervised childcare/activities
- Breakfast available
- On-site ATM/banking
- 24-hour business center
- Concierge services
- Laundry facilities
- Wedding services
- Tennis on site
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The casino features over 1,700 slot and video poker machines, 68 table games, 15 poker tables, and 3 private gaming rooms. In addition to traditional games, the casino provides several new and innovative games patron can try.
The games at the casino include:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Slot machines
- Spanish 21
- Punto Banco
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- Arizona Hold ‘Em Poker
- Blackjack Elevens
- Double-Spin Roulette
- Texas Hold ‘Em Poker
- Omaha
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The Emperor’s Palace Hotel Casino Resort participates in the Peermont Winners Circle program. This rewards program allows users to accrue comp points for playing, discounts on restaurants and hotel rooms, and free services such as airport shuttles.
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.1 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 8.1 out of 10.0
2 – Southern Sun Montecasino
Contact information:
- Address: Montecasino Boulevard, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055
- Phone: +27 11 367 4367
- Email: tsogosunhotels.contactus@tsogosun.com
The Southern Sun Montecasino is located in the entertainment district of Johannesburg. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the theater and the bird gardens. The 194 room hotel that’s part of the hotel-casino complex has many features that guests will enjoy.
These include:
- Flat-panel TV
- Satellite TV service
- Refrigerator
- Free wi-fi
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Iron/ironing board
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- Private bathroom
- Deep soaking bathtub
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe
- Free cribs/infant beds
- Electric kettle
- 24 hour room service
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Because Southern Sun Montecasino is part of an entertainment complex, the hotel offers a ton of amenities. The complex is full of restaurants, bars, stores, theaters, and more.
The features of the hotel and entertainment complex include:
- Anat Falafel Restaurant
- Baglios Cafeteria
- KFC
- Milky Lane Restaurant
- Steers Restaurant
- Senhor Calistos Restaurant
- Wimpy’s Restaurant
- 3SIXTY Restaurant
- Aarya Restaurant
- Beira Alta Restaurant
- Billy G Buffet Restaurant
- Café Cru Restaurant
- Cantare Restaurant
- Casa Bella Restaurant
- Col’Cacchio Pizzeria
- Donatellas Restaurant
- Fireroom Restaurant
- Flamingo Café
- Kai Thai Restaurant
- La Rosa Mexican Grille & Tequileria
- Lai Lai Gardens Restaurant
- Lima Restaurant
- Malt Barrel & Fire Restaurant
- Medeo Restaurant
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- Milk & Honey Bar
- Montexo Spur Restaurant
- Mythos Restaurant
- Nando’s Restaurant
- Ocean Basket Restaurant
- PortuGalo Restaurant
- Punchinello’s Restaurant
- Texan Wing Bar
- The Meat Company Restaurant
- The Raj Indian Restaurant
- The Hussar Grill
- Verdicchio Restaurant
- YuMe Japanese Restaurant
- Fego Caffé
- Seattle Coffee Company
- Teatro Theatre
- Pieter Toerien Theatre
- Skoobs Theatre of Books
- Big Blue
- bluecollarwhitecollar
- Forma Viva
- Jewel Africa
- Madison The Heart of New York
- My Cousin
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- Truworths
- Biltong@ZA
- Earthstone, Fire & Ice
- Magic Novelties
- Vape King
- Candylicious
- Emilios Gourmet Popcorn
- Sins
- Bidvest Bank
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Fitness facilities
- Concierge services
- Designated smoking areas
- 24-hour front desk
- Banquet hall
- Free breakfast
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Meeting rooms
- Free wi-fi
- Outdoor pool
- Concierge
- Pets
- Valet
- Business Centre
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The 279,000 square foot casino features over 2,000 slot and video poker machines, 70 table games, a poker room featuring 8 poker tables, 2 private gaming rooms, and games with over 100 progressive jackpots.
Among the games offered are:
- Blackjack
- Craps
- Baccarat
- American Roulette
- No-Limit Texas Hold ‘Em
- Big Bang Blackjack
- Spread Bet Roulette
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.5 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 8.6 out of 10.0
3 – Sun City Casino Resort
Contact information:
- Address: R556, Sun City, North West
- Phone: +27 14 557 5840
- Email: crobook@suninternational.com
The Cascades Hotel is the main hotel at the Sun City Casino Resort. The 243 room hotel is only a mile from the Lost City. The hotel rooms are fully equipped to handle the most discerning guest.
The room features include:
- Flat screen TV
- Satellite channels
- Free wi-fi
- Laptop safe
- Soundproof rooms
- Full English Buffet breakfast
- Ironing and laundry service
- 24-hour room service
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Hairdryer
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- Lounge area
- Dining area
- Minibar
- Complimentary coffee and tea
- Kettle
- Butler’s pantry
- Jacuzzi
- Sauna
- Private balcony
- Patio furniture
- Private study
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As part of the Sun City entertainment complex, the hotel has a lot to offer, including:
- Bocado
- Calisto’s Restaurant
- Casa Bella Restaurant
- Crocodile Lounge
- The Brew Monkey Restaurant
- Food Factory Restaurant
- Gary Player Country Club
- Nando’s Restaurant
- Ocean Basket Restaurant
- Peninsula Restaurant
- RocoMamas Restaurant
- The Shebeen Restaurant
- The Spur Restaurant
- Splice Slow Lounge
- Stir Coffee Shop
- Wimpy’s Restaurant
- Debonairs Pizza
- Fishaways Restaurant
- Milky Lane Restaurant
- Smooch Frozen Yoguhurt
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- The Raj Restaurant
- Simply Asia Restaurant
- The Watering Hole
- Luma Bar and Lounge
- The Maze Bar
- Lazy river
- Waterslide
- Fitness facilities
- 24-hour front desk
- Business center
- Porter/bellhop
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Free valet parking
- Swimming pool
- Terrace
- Luggage storage
- Hair salon
- On-site ATM/banking
- Concierge services
- Gift shop
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- Conference center
- Golf course
- Full-service spa
- Free water park access
- Conference space
- Free breakfast
- Spa
- Grocery/convenience store
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Meeting rooms
- Free wi-fi
- Steam room
- Sauna
- Supervised childcare/activities
- Children’s pool
- Free area shuttle
- Laundry facilities
- Arcade/game room
- Garden
- Multilingual staff
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The casino is a 125,000 square foot facility with 852 slot and video poker machines and 33 table games.
When playing at the Sun City Casino Resort, you can find the following games:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Midi-Baccarat
- Electronic Roulette
- Electronic Blackjack
- Punto Banco
- Electronic Baccarat
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 3.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.3 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 7.9 out of 10.0
4 – GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World
Contact information:
- Address: Jakes Gerwel Dr, Goodwood, Cape Town, 7475
- Phone: +27 21 535 3611
- Email: info@clhg.com
The 176 room hotel is the main hotel for the GrandWest Casino. It is walking distance to several points of interests including the Old Biscuit Mill and Thornton Station.
Guest will find that each room of the hotel is equipped with:
- Television
- Satellite TV service
- Premium TV channels
- Free wi-fi
- Coffee/tea maker
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- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe
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The GrandWest complex and hotel offer the following amenities:
- The Hussar Grill
- Alibama Sports Bar
- Casa Bella Restaurant
- Beijing Orchid Restaurant
- Bukhara Restaurant
- Cape Town Fish Market
- Golden Anchor Restaurant
- Hanover Street Restaurant
- Jackson Hall Restaurant
- Quarterdeck Restaurant
- Silver Dollar Spur Restaurant
- Union Castle Club
- Burger King
- Doughnut Hive
- KFC
- Candylicious
- Debonaires Restaurant
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- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Farmhouse Biltong Restaurant
- Marcel’s Restaurant
- Milky Lane Restaurant
- Nando’s Restaurant
- Sausage Saloon
- Texies Seafoods
- Steers Restaurant
- Wimpy’s Restaurant
- Ying Tao Asia Express Restaurant
- The Ice Station
- Magic Bowling
- Kids’ Corner Crèche
- Magic Arcade
- Nu Metro Cinemas
- Laser Tag
- Free wi-fi
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- Fitness room
- Boardroom
- 24 hour reception
- Fax and photocopy services available
- Same-day laundry and dry cleaning
- Swimming pool
- Business center
- Restaurant
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Area shuttle
- Luggage storage
- Reception hall
- Airport transportation
- Laundry facilities
- Meeting room
- Garden
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The casino has 120,000 square feet of gaming floor. It’s filled with over 2,500 slot and video poker machines, 79 table games, 10 poker tables, a private poker room, a private game room, and sports betting at the sports bar.
The games offered in the casino include:
- Blackjack
- Blackjack Switch
- Single Zero Roulette
- American Roulette
- Punto Banco
- Stud Poker
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- Raise ‘Em Poker
- Easy Poker
- GranDice
- Midi Punto Banco
- Craps
- Texas Hold ‘Em
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Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.2 out of 5.0
5 – The Boardwalk Hotel and Casino
Contact information:
- Address: Beach Rd, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, 6019
- Phone: +27 41 507 7777
- Email: crobook@suninternational.com
This 140 room beachfront hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from many points of interest such as Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, St. George’s Cricket Ground, and Market Square.
The rooms of the hotel have great amenities such as:
- 40-inch LED TV
- Pay movies
- Premium TV channels
- Free wi-fi
- Minibar
- Bathrobes
- Slippers
- Turndown service
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- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- Daily housekeeping
- In-room safe
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- In-room childcare available
- 24-hour room service
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The hotel offers the following services and features:
- The Bayside Pantry Restaurant
- Bravo Bar
- Charter Club Bar
- Col’Cacchio Pizzeria
- Kipling’s Brasserie Restaurant
- Lobby Lounge
- Namak Indian Cuisine
- News Café
- Red Rock Spur Restaurant
- Sun Cafe
- Tshawe Bar
- Yi Pin Restaurant
- The VIP Lounge
- Camelot Spa
- HerSpace Wellness
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- Go-Kart Racing
- Kids’ Corner
- Magic Company
- Adventure Golf
- Nu Metro Cinemas
- Children’s Amusement Rides
- The Lighthouse Ten Pin Bowling
- Kids Party Venue
- Teens Party Venue
- Indoor pool
- Outdoor pool
- Fitness facilities
- Full-service spa
- Sauna
- Billiards or pool table
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- Supervised childcare/activities
- Business center
- Meeting rooms
- Conference center
- 24-hour front desk
- Concierge services
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Laundry facilities
- Luggage storage
- Porter/bellhop
- ATM/banking
- Garden
- Picnic area
- Terrace
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The casino features 79,000 square feet of floor space. The casino has over 900 slot and video poker machines, 24 table games, and a private game room.
Among the games offered are:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Blackjack Switch
- Raise ‘Em Poker
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.4 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 8.8 out of 10.0
6 – Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom
Contact information:
- Address: 1 Sibaya Dr, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban, 4320
- Phone: +27 31 580 5000
- Email: sibayainfo@suninternational.com
This 118 room hotel is located within walking distance to 2 beaches, a shopping center, and a nature reserve.
In each room you’ll find:
- Flat screen TV
- Satellite TV service
- Pay movies
- Free wi-fi
- Minibar
- Coffee/tea maker
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- Daily housekeeping
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Continental buffet breakfast
- Ironing and laundry service
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The hotel and entertainment complex provides lots of opportunities to relax when you’re not gambling.
Among the services and features at the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom are:
- Aqua Restaurant
- Buffalo Bar
- Fego Caffe
- The Royal Court Grill
- Sun Sun Chinese Restaurant
- Tatso Restaurant
- Virginia Bar
- Nando’s Restaurant
- Debonairs Restaurant
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- Steers Restaurant
- Rockwood Theatre
- Mangwanani Day Spa
- Children’s Crèche
- The Magic Company
- Business center
- Free breakfast
- Porter/bellhop
- Free wi-fi
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- Babysitting or childcare
- Outdoor pool
- Supervised childcare/activities
- Spa services on site
- Luggage storage
- On-site ATM/banking
- Laundry facilities
- Meeting room
- Garden
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The casino is 99,000 square feet. It features over 1,200 slot and video poker games, a private gaming area, and 49 gaming tables.
The games you’ll find at the casino include:
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Texas Hold ‘Em
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 3.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 7.6 out of 10.0
7 – Peermont Metcourt Frontier Inn and Casino
Contact information:
- Address: Johan Blignaut Drive NS, Panorama, Bethlehem, 9700
- Phone: +27 58 307 6080
- Email: info@frontierinn.co.za
The Peermont Metcourt is a quaint 21 room hotel within walking distance of the Goble Park and the Dihlabeng Mal.
The rooms feature:
- Television
- Satellite TV service
- Free wi-fi
- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Coffee/tea maker
- Room service
The hotel provides the following amenities:
- The Beef Baron Grillhouse
- The Coachman’s Saloon
- Munchies Restaurant
- The Clarens Trout & Golf Estate
- The Magic Company
- Little Rascals
- Luggage storage
- ATM/banking
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- Breakfast available
- Conference center
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Arcade/game room
- Babysitting or childcare
- Garden
- Supervised childcare/activities
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The 13,000 square foot casino is home to 143 slot and video poker machines, 11 table games, and a private gaming room.
Among the games you can play at the Frontier Inn and Casino are:
- Double-Spin Roulette
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Texas Hold ‘Em
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.2 out of 5.0
8 – Peermont Metcourt – Thaba Moshate Casino Resort
Contact information:
- Address: R555 Steelpoort Road, Private Bag X1007, Burgersfort, Limpopo, Burgersfort, 1150
- Phone: +27 11 928 1442
- Email: info@peermont.com
The Peermont Metcourt – Thaba Moshate Casino Resort is a family-friendly 82 room hotel that’s centrally located in the city to such points of interest as the Morone Center, the Tubatse Crossing Shopping Mall, and Calvin College.
Each room is equipped with:
- LCD TV
- Satellite TV service
- Minibar
- Free wi-fi
- Coffee/tea maker
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- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- In-room safe
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The hotel amenities offered at this venue include:
- The Platinum Aloe Restaurant
- The Molecule Showbar
- Rootz Boutique Spa
- Serotong Convenience Shop
- Kidzone Games Arcade
- Safe-deposit box at the front desk
- Babysitting or childcare
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- Fitness facilities
- 24-hour business center
- 24-hour front desk
- Free breakfast
- Grocery/convenience store
- Meeting rooms
- Free wi-fi
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- Arcade/game room
- Outdoor pool
- Garden
- Multilingual staff
- Supervised childcare/activities
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Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 3.5 out of 5.0
- Google – 3.9 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 8.2 out of 10.0
The casino has 56,000 square feet of floor space. The casino offers 171 slot and video poker machines, 13 table games, 1 poker table, and a private game room.
Among the games offered at the Peermont Metcourt – Thaba Moshate Casino Resort are:
- Blackjack
- American Roulette
- Raise ‘Em Poker
- Double-Spin Roulette
9 – Caledon Hotel, Spa, Casino & Entertainment
Contact information:
- Address: 1 Nerina St, Caledon, Western Cape, 7230
- Phone: +27 28 214 5100
- Email: caledon@tsogosun.com
This 81 room hotel is in the out-of-the-way town of Caledon in the Western Cape of South Africa. Guests can enjoy views of Klein Swartberg Mountains and the Bath River. They can also enjoy the natural warm mineral springs that the town is famous for.
The rooms have the following features:
- Flat screen TV
- Satellite TV service
- Free wi-fi
- Coffee/tea maker
- Refrigerator
- Daily housekeeping
- In-room childcare
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- Phone
- Turndown service
- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe
- Room service
- Cribs/infant beds available
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The hotel provides lots of amenities, including:
- Black Sheep Diner
- Blue Crane Restaurant
- daVinci Restaurant
- The Caledon Spa
- Wonderland Games Arcade
- Twinkles Crèche
- Play Station Room
- Movie Room
- Barbecue grill
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- Picnic area
- Fitness facilities
- 24-hour front desk
- Business center
- Free breakfast
- Conference space
- Porter/bellhop
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Free wi-fi
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- Steam room
- Sauna
- Outdoor pool
- On-site ATM/banking
- Laundry facilities
- Television in common areas
- Wedding services
- Multilingual staff
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The casino features 21,000 square feet of floor space. The casino houses 300 slot machines, 8 table games, and 1 private gaming room.
You can expect to find the following games in the casino:
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Raise ‘Em Poker
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.2 out of 5.0
10 – Rio Hotel Casino and Convention Resort
Contact information:
- Address: Rio Boulevard, Freemanville, Klerksdorp, 2571
- Phone: +27 18 469 9100
- Email: info@riocasino.co.za
Located within walking distance of the Klerksdorp Museum, Galaxy City Mall, and Matlosana Mall, the 70 room hotel is located in the heart of Klerksdorp, making getting anywhere in the city very accessible.
Guest can expect to find the following in their rooms:
- Flat-panel TV
- Satellite TV service
- Mini-bar
- Mini-fridge
- Wired Internet Access
- Coffee/tea maker
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- Daily housekeeping
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Hair dryer
- In-room safe
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The hotel amenities include:
- Karamba Grillhouse
- F.L.A.G. Café
- Moo Bar
- The Escapades Theatre
- Trio Off Road Go-karts
- Fantasia Game Arcade
- Play Zone Crèche
- Luggage storage
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- Elevator/lift
- Breakfast available
- Conference center
- Banquet hall
- Business center
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Outdoor pool
- Garden
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The 66,000 square foot casino floor contains 274 slot machines, 11 table games, 2 poker tables, a poker room, and a private gaming room.
Among the games you can play at the Rio Hotel Casino and Convention Resort include:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Texas Hold ‘Em
Ratings:
- TripAdvisor – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Google – 4.0 out of 5.0
- Booking.com – 7.9 out of 10.0
With the casino gambling industry in its infancy in South Africa, the casinos try new things, such as new games to attract visitors. They also try to build casino resorts up as family friendly, creating an atmosphere that would attract kids like theme parks, go-kart tracks, and video game arcades. They even provide child care to allow you to go to the casino while the kids are taken care of.
It’s important to check with hotels on amenities like cable/satellite TV or internet connectivity. Some areas of the country only have dial-up internet. Some hotels will charge for internet access. Due to limited cellular reception in certain areas, the hotel option may be the only internet option as a hot spot may not have service.