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Top 10 Largest Casinos in South Africa (2026)

South Africa has some of the biggest casinos in the whole African continent, and they are popular destinations for travelling gamers. Most of these casinos are within the extended metropolitan areas of the major South African cities.

Johannesburg has the largest share of casino resorts, including South Africa’s famous Montecasino. But if you are in the capital, Cape Town, you can check into the reputable GrandWest Casino. For those seeking a true getaway, the coastal city of Durban also has options.

Largest South African Casinos

Gambling is legal in South Africa, and in 1996 the National Gambling Act created a system of licensed casinos and created a single national lottery. Prior to that, casinos did exist in South Africa, but only in the bantustan territories, and were inaccessible for most. In 1996, the National Gambling Board was established to regulate landbased ZA casinos across the country, and now there are casinos in most metropolitan areas. It is by far the biggest gambling industry in Africa, and now has over 35 casinos.

But the cream of the crop is the massive casino resorts. These entertainment centres include all kinds of thrilling amenities, leisure facilities and activities for both visitors and guests. The majority of the casinos in South Africa are owned by 3 companies: Tsogo Sun, Sun International, and Peermont Global. As such, any loyalty programs and membership perks can stretch across each operator’s venues.

#1. Montecasino

montecasino south africa casinos around the world

  • Fourways (Johannesburg)
  • Tsogo Sun Gaming
  • 270,000 sq ft Casino Floor
  • 1,500+ Slot Machines
  • 80+ Table Games

Affectionately nicknamed Monte, this casino is located in Fourways, Sandton, a 40 minute drive north of Johannesburg. The casino was opened in 2000, and attracts over 9 million visitors annually. The theme of this casino is Monte Cassino, and it has design elements that reflect ancient Tuscan villages. Among its hotels, diners, and leisure facilities, a key attraction is The Teatro. It is the largest theatre in South Africa, and has hosted all kinds of musical productions, from the Lion King to the Phantom of the Opera.

The casino floor space is vast, with a fresh selection of slots, and a wide diversity of table games. Most gamers flock to the blackjack, poker, American roulette and baccarat tables. There are also many variants of popular casino games, such as the alternate Roulette games or baccarat variants. And for the VIP members, there is Montecasino’s Salon Privé, offering games with denominations from R100 to R10,000.

#2. Rio Casino Resort

rio casino resort south africa

  • Klerksdrop
  • Peermont Global
  • 260,000 sq ft Casino Floor
  • 250+ Slots
  • 10+ Table Games

Rio Casino is one of the largest casinos in the Southern Hemisphere and has been around since 2002. Originally named the Tusk Rio Casino Resort, the venue has a 3-star hotel and premium restaurants. A key feature is The Escapades Theatre, where visitors can enjoy cabaret revues, music acts and comedy performances. The casino is themed on Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival. The bright lights, vibrant colours and cosy rooms really carry the theme.

Despite its massive size, the casino itself is not as large as you may think. It has only a hundred slot machines, and 10+ table games, which is extremely small in comparison with the casino floor space. There is also a Rio Privé Lounge, reserved for gamers craving high-stakes action. The slot machines across the casino are of a very high quality, and they are spaced out to give you the space and comfort you need to really immerse yourself in your games. There are jackpot games, multi-link slots, and games of all denominations.

#3. Emperors Palace Casino

peermont emperors palace casino resort south africa

  • Johannesburg
  • Peermont Global
  • 188,000 sq ft Casino Floor
  • 1,600+ Slot Machines
  • 65+ Table Games

Emperors Palace Casino is right next to OR Tambo International Airport, and a 40 minute drive from downtown Johannesburg. The resort has 3 hotels for visitors to pick from, which are 3, 4 and 5 star facilities. Among its many attractions, there are pools, spa facilities, the Barnyard Theatre, and quality diners are scattered all across Emperors Palace.

One of the winning features of the casino is its cashless experience. You can load funds onto the Winners Circle Card, skipping the queues and enjoying an unencumbered gaming experience. Emperors Palace has opportunities for players of all levels. Newcomers can come here and check out the How To Play brochures and get help from the professional staff. There are also low minimum bets, ranging from 1c to R5 across slot machines and table games. Emperors Palace also has semi private zones with progressive slots and quieter gaming tables. But for those seeking a more custom tailored VIP gaming session, they can head straight to the exclusive privé zones or the private gaming rooms.

#4. Sun City Casino

sun city casino south africa

  • Rustenberg
  • Sun International
  • 125,000 sq ft Casino Floor
  • 850+ Slot Machines
  • 40+ Table Games

Sun City Resort is located in a truly secluded reserve. It is around 2.5 hours away from Johannesburg by car, closest to the city of Rustenburg. The resort was opened in 1979, and it is one of the most popular getaway spots for South Africans. It houses a 5-star hotel, and is a stone’s throw from Waterworld, and the Gary Player Golf Course. A-list music acts have come to the Sun City Resort, including the likes of Elton John, Queen and Michael Buble.

The casino is packed with hot games, and covers loads of classic casino games and their variants. Baccarat players will love the Punto Banco, Midi Punto Banco, and high stakes baccarat tables that can go up to R10,000 per hand. There are also loads of slots and video poker machines, with denominations ranging from R5 up to R100. It is also highly worth checking out the Sun City Casino promotions. The casino has recurring jackpot drop days, roulette tournaments, and even bingo roulette games.

#5. GrandWest Casino

grandwest casino south africa

  • Capetown
  • Sun International
  • 120,000 sq ft Casino Floor
  • 2,000+ Slot Machines
  • 70+ Table Games

GrandWest Casino is located in Cape Town, and really gives visitors their entertainment value. It doesn’t just put up guests in the Grand Hotel, but it spoils them with a string of quality events and facilities. You can check into the CineCentre to watch a film in the most luxurious of atmospheres. The Ice Station is a massive ice rink, and the only indoor ice rink in the Western Cape. Another top attraction is the Magic Arcade, comprising of all kinds of exciting arcade style games. And to top it off, there is a ten pin bowling court, world class spa, laxer tag, and even a kids’ corner. You don’t have to stay at the Grand Hotel, but if you are looking for a quality way to spend time and get your kicks, the GrandWest is the place to go.

Casino gamers will also revel in the sheer variety of choice here. The casino has over 2,000 slots, and 50+ table games to offer. There are promotions held virtually all the time, jackpot drops, and even tournaments for gamers to opt into. GrandWest Casino knows how to spoil its visitors, and attract new gamers. With an exclusive salon, designated high stakes table area, and provisions for gamers of all budgets, GrandWest Casino is a top gaming destination in the country.

#6. Gold Reef City Casino

gold reef city casino johannesburg south africa

  • Johannesburg
  • Tsogo Sun Gaming
  • 110,000+ sq ft Casino Floor
  • 1,700+ Slot Machines
  • 50+ Table Games

Another Johannesburg casino, Golf Reef City Casino is built on top of a former mine. The resort doubles as a theme park, with loads of rides, options for families and children, a trampoline park, and an underground mine tour. There are also dining options, retail stores, and a hotel for guests to check into. The mine tour delves into the intriguing history of Johannesburg’s gold rush, which began in 1886 and ultimately led to the founding of the city. History lessons aside, the theme of this casino and the theme park is the Gold Rush.

Going from the mine into the casino is like stumbling into a treasure trove in a cave. The casino is luxurious, spacious, and is packed with stylish modern slots machines. There are slots for virtually any player, with jackpot games, themed slots, and games with innovative features and gameplay. The denominations range from 1c up to R100, and there is a unique 98% payback on standalone progressives. There are also various video poker titles, electronic roulette, and many gaming tables with dealers conducting the action.

#7. Sibaya Casino

sibaya casino south africa

  • Durban
  • Sun International
  • 100,000 sq ft Casino Floor
  • 1,200+ Slot Machines
  • 40+ Table Games

Sibaya is located in the greater Durban metropolitan area, and it has a Zulu-themed casino. The casino has fantastic views of the Ocean, and the resort includes hotels, a theatre, spa and golf course. The Izulu Theatre is a thatched dome indoor venue, and often throws shows with local performers and live bands. The hotel has many rooms overlooking the swimming pools and ocean, and there is a variety of restaurants to try out. While the nearby KwaZulu‑Natal is quieter, it is a top spot for travelling gamers to go to. And if you ever need to take a break, you can hit the pools or head to the coastal beaches.

The Sibaya Casino has loads of feature packed slots, and a wide selection of table games. Card game players can check out the Call Card 52 game, an exclusive table game that is only served here. There are also touch bet roulette machines, and gaming tables with the classic poker, roulette and blackjack to offer.

#8. Time Square Casino

time square pretoria south africa casino

  • Pretoria
  • Sun International
  • 90,000 sq ft Casino
  • 1,500+ Slot Machines
  • 55+ Table Games

Time Square Casino opened in 2018, and is the biggest entertainment complex in Pretoria. Located in Pretoria’s upscale Menlyn Maine precinct, Time Square is a hot spot for nightlife, culinary experiences, and it has the world class SunBet Arena. This arena has housed numerous sporting events, including NBA exhibition games, and it also has world class music acts. The Time Square Hotel has over 100 rooms, from affordable abodes to luxurious premier suites.

The casino spans two floors, with communal gaming zones and four fully catered private gaming lounges. Time Square Casino spaces out the games to give a grander atmosphere to players, and it is not lost on slots players either. The slots area, on the ground floor, is large and has all the hottest and newest titles. The table games include American roulette, blackjack, and a smattering of poker variants including the popular Raise Em Poker.

#9. Boardwalk Casino

boardwalk casino south africa

  • Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
  • Sun International
  • 80,000 sq ft Casino Floor
  • 900+ Slot Machines
  • 20+ Table Games

Port Elizabeth is an entertainment precinct just south of Gqeberha, and sits on the Indian Ocean coast. The area is packed with boutique hotels, and right in the middle sits the Boardwalk Hotel. Known for its Premier Luxury Hotel, the Boardwalk also has a mall and spa. It is also a great spot to stay at when you want to explore the area, which has nature reserves, museums and heritage monuments, and also adventure bike trails.

The Boardwalk Casino has hundreds of slots and the gaming starts from 2 cents. Players can get in on the action using the smart cards, and take breaks between sessions at the designated pause areas. There are loads of table games to draw a seat at, serving American roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. Naturally, there are also jackpot games to be had, and a Privé salon that is reserved for the high stakes gamers.

#10. Wild Coast Sun Resort and Casino

south africa wild coast sun casino resort

  • Port Edward
  • Sun International
  • 70,000 sq ft Casino Floor
  • 500+ Slot Machines
  • 15+ Table Games

Wild Coast Sun Casino is just south of Port Edward, and is next to the Mtamvuna River, dividing the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Right next to the casino, the Wild Water Water Park is one of the key attractions. It has pools, massive slides, and is all a stone’s throw from the ocean. Wild Coast Sun also has a golf course nearby, and, if for nothing else, visitors can come to walk along the unspoiled Ocean coast. It is pretty out there, so to not rush it, you can stay at the 4-star hotel.

The casino at Wild Coast Sun is a mixture of old and new, with plenty of advanced, smart card slots, as well as classic casino games. The table game limits are pretty far reaching, with tables offering action as low as R10, to the high limit tables where you can stake R5,000 per hand. But for an even more lavish experience, you can upgrade to the Sun Privé and play with a private bar, lounge, and sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.

Daniel has been writing about casinos and sports betting since 2021. He enjoys testing new casino games, developing betting strategies for sports betting, and analyzing odds and probabilities through detailed spreadsheets—it’s all part of his inquisitive nature.

In addition to his writing and research, Daniel holds a master’s degree in architectural design, follows British football (these days more out of ritual than pleasure as a Manchester United fan), and loves planning his next holiday.

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