Casinos might not be the first thing many people think of when considering the diverse continent of Africa, but it does in fact play host to some premium gambling venues. Whether that's large casino resorts or small, luxury venues in upscale tourist hotels.
So if you're looking for a resort with casino gambling as part of a destination entertainment complex, or a dedicated high limit gaming room in a swanky hotel on the Mediterranean coast, Africa has it all. From South Africa to Morocco in the north of the continent, these are the best gambling venues in Africa.
Grand Casino de Tanger, Morocco
Situated on the top floor of the prestigious Movenpick Hotel in the iconic Moroccan resort city of Tangiers, this upscale casino venue isn't one to miss if you're in town.
The main gambling hall features more than 100 table games and a dozen tables of blackjack and roulette. Plus a poker hall and a VIP high limit card game room.
Of course, you don't have to go all the way to Morocco, or any of these physical casinos, to have a gamble. You can play live casino games online right now, capturing all the atmosphere of a physical casino but right from your mobile device or desktop. Plus any top casino operator will have sweet bonuses and promotions to get you in the game with a bang. Easy.
On top the gaming, The Grand Casino Bar and Terrace area offers sweeping, majestic views of Tangier Bay. And outside of that the five star Movenpick Hotel complex offers a huge pool, full service spa and several highly-rated restaurants.
Sun City Casino, South Africa
Although not the richest African country by GDP, South Africa does have a fair number of rich individuals and a fairly westernized culture in many areas. Therefore - casinos! South Africa has 40+ legal casino gambling venues, more than any other country in Africa.
Sun City, near Rustenburg around 150 km north of Johannesburg, is possibly Africa's most well known casino. The impressive, castle-like Sun City Resort complex was opened in the Pilanesberg mountains area in 1979. Initially the venue attracted international controversy, as owner Sol Kerzner paid top bucks for big international acts to perform there despite a widespread international boycott due to the apartheid regime of that time.
Today, Sun City Casino is open to all (if quite expensive) and features two five star hotel towers, an 18 hole golf course and a man made lake. The upscale casino has hundreds of slots, more than 40 table games and several exclusive high limit gaming rooms.
Club Liberté, Seychelles
Africa's smallest nation, the island chain Seychelles certainly makes up for it's small size with a strong trade in international tourism. Located by the Four Seasons Resort on the island of Mahé, Club Liberté is one of the most exclusive casinos in Africa.
The boutique venue is also smaller than any on this list. However, as well as a main casino floor with dozens of slots and a bar, its upscale features include:
- A unique blend of tropical island and Colonial architecture not really seen in any other global casino
- A dedicated poker room and private high limit rooms for blackjack and roulette
- An exclusive garden terrace with ocean views, only for casino patrons
The venue also has a live music bar and two restaurants, which is not to mention the nearby Four Seasons Hotel and all of its amenities.
Carnival City Casino, South Africa
Carnival City is something like an African version of Las Vegas' Circus Circus. The large entertainment complex is located in Gauteng, South Africa, just east of Johannesburg. Meaning you could visit both this and Sun City Casino in one trip, if you were so inclined.
Carnival is one of Africa's biggest casino by floorspace and number of games too. It has more than 1100 slot machines on its main casino floor, more than 50 table games and two Carnival Club Prive high limit private gaming rooms.
However, the attractions outside the casino are just as extensive. The sprawling resort contains a 3500-seat circus style big top that hosts concerts and sporting events, a go-karting track, several cinemas and a dozen restaurants, bars and a even a nightclub and theatre.
Golden Key Casino, Mombasa, Kenya
This one is another smaller, more private affair - but one that is still unique in its own way. Old Town Mombasa is one of Kenya's most unique architectural sights, with a real cultural mish mash of Swahili and other African culture styles mixed with colonial Portuguese and French influences.
The Golden Key Casino is just outside of the Old Town, but situated on the top floor of a building offering awesome views of the historic area. The building also houses one of East Africa's highest rated restaurants, The Tamarind.
What it lacks in size - with only a dozen or slots and a similar number of table games - it makes up for in vibrant local atmosphere and sophisticated decor. Plus, great food just downstairs.
