The traveler to South Africa who feels that luck is nearby will have a good chance of finding a casino within relatively easy reach. The industry in South Africa is fairly young but the regulations and controls – and the offerings – are world class.
North West Province
Sun City, which is the brain child of hotel magnate Sol Kerzner and a firm favourite amongst foreign visitors boasts tables and slot machines in its main hotel as well as entertainment centre. The Palace of The Lost City – a five star plus international hotel – and Valley of the Waves remain the main calling cards.
Gauteng Province
The Johannesburg and Pretoria areas host numerous 5 star Las Vegas styled themed casinos from which to choose Roman themed Emperor’s Casino (previously Caesar’s) is situated a stone’s throw from OR Tambo international airport in Johannesburg. Its location ensures high visitation as do the conferencing facilities and hotels, which make it a comfortable and entertaining option for the transit traveller.
To the north of Johannesburg, close to Sandton in Fourways, one will find Monte Casino. Numerous dining outlets and theatres can be found in this Venetian-styled complex which also contains a varied collection of retail outlets. Through time this gambling facility has become the entertainment hub of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs and a destination for theatre lovers.
A replicated feel of old Johannesburg through the gold rush days can be found at Gold Reef City in the South West of Johannesburg. This facility also boasts a theme park of various roller coasters and swing rides for the young and adventurous.
Colour, fun and fantasy will be found at Carnival City on Johannesburg’s eastern side in Brakpan – also a short commute from OR Tambo. Besides the casino, the Big Top Arena hosts local international superstars with its approximately 4000 seats. A children’s play-park and restaurants round off the offering.
Silverstar Casino is the most recently built casino in the Gauteng area and can be found close to Muldersdrift, outside Krugersdorp. Besides a good dining experience, a musical fountain sets the scene for evening drinks and relaxation.
Cape Town
Gamers travelling through Cape Town should consider Grand West casino a must. The architecture replicates buildings of colonial times and hosts the biggest casino in Africa. An ice skating rink and numerous great restaurants are also available.
KwaZulu Natal
In Durban, there are two options: near the main beachfront, Suncoast Casino will dazzle with colour whilst Zulu tradition oozes from Sibaya Casino further to the north, away from the hubbub of the city noise.
Outside of South Africa’s major cities, there are more venues to be found. , the list below is a good guide to gaming destinations:
Port Elizabeth: The Boardwalk
East London: Hemingway’s
Kimberley: Flamingo
Bloemfontein: Windmill
Polokwane: Maropa
The gaming tourist deciding on a flutter will be guaranteed of fair odds in world class establishments – ask locals or hosts for directions and Break a Leg!
Casino Tips for the Novice
According to an online sports betting website, of the top 20 revenue earners in 2020 the Las Vegas Strip came in first with over $6.1 billion while Council Bluffs, IA took in a not-so-paltry $468 million at 20th. That having been said it is important to note that level headed, prepared players can walk away ahead of the house if they follow a simple system.
Set a Budget Before Betting
It is very important for any player who enters a casino to have a budget that is set in stone. This is important whether it is $100 or $100,000.
It may not be very much fun for a player to lose it all in 10 hands of blackjack or 3 spins of the roulette wheel, but violating this first rule not only shows immaturity and a lack of discipline, but it also exposes a serious disregard for domestic budgets that will be affected by squandering more money than was originally allocated just for the sake of not being bored. Must take a look at Casino games software.
Have a Game Plan in the Casino
All professional players go into the casino with a plan. According to Max Redd’s June 23, 2008 article on Buzzle.com titled “So You Want to be a Professional Gambler?” the first thing he mentions is discipline, which he expands to mean that it is important to know that gambling is a serious business from which serious benefits can be derived.
Part of this discipline to the amateur gambler should involve a plan of attack, whether it is to watch slot machines for 3 hours to see if there’s a pattern of paying and holding prizes, or betting on red at the roulette wheel until the chips have doubled or gone back to the house.
Having a clear view of one’s priorities will require a clear view of strategy for the future. Dealing with the smaller picture of an evening or weekend in a casino having a game plan can prevent players from making rash decisions such as drawing additional funds from their checking account in order to get back to where they had been before they lost more than they originally intended.
Know When to Take a Break
At some point in the process of playing, especially after an extended period of time, the stress can start to fatigue a player. Fatigue can cause a player’s mind to wander from the hand in play and cloud judgment, both of which will lead to costly mistakes.
When the buzz of winning, or simply playing, has run its course, it is important to step away from the bells and whistles of the gaming floor and take a walk, visit the buffet, or take a nice bath and watch some cable programming.
After a player has recharged his batteries, he should re-evaluate his current station and how he feels about it. Most novice players will never reach this point, and that is why they remain the casinos’ best friends.
These guides and tips are important in gambling and it is suggested to do a proper research before placing a bet.