Mzanzitravel Magazine Issue 10

Leisure & Entertainment
was reviewed and new, relaxed legislation led to a proliferation of casino resorts
opening around the country. Under the new National Gambling Act administered by
the National Gambling Board, 40 casino licences were set aside, of which 38 are
currently operating.
Other top casino resorts
Among the many top casino resorts in South Africa today, Gauteng’s award-winning
Montecasino must surely rate as one of the best. This popular entertainment
destination is conveniently located in the heart of the suburb of Fourways in
Johannesburg near the main arterial routes, airports and the super-fast Gautrain.
Its spectacular 24/7 ‘World at Play’ development was meticulously designed
to replicate an authentic Tuscan Village. This resort complex includes a casino,
retail offerings, world-class entertainment, corporate hospitality and events, three
hotels on property and a luxury office park. Montecasino, with its Italian communal
theming and vibrant social and entertainment buzz attracts over 9.3 million visitors
annually.
A stone’s throw away in Kempton Park, almost adjacent to the O R Tambo
International Airport, is another star-studded attraction: the Emperors Palace Hotel,
Casino, Convention, and Entertainment Resort. It too is close to the main highways
and the Gautrain network. Billed as being ‘fit for emperors’, this world-class casino
resort offers a choice of four unique hotels, a beautiful health and beauty spa, a
magnificent casino, the finest in restaurants, spectacular entertainment choices,
state-of-the-art conference facilities, and excellent service.
And south of Johannesburg you’ll find Gold Reef City, long a premier entertainment
destination in the south of the City of Gold. The resort is styled on an authentic
replica of a turn-of-the-century mining town, close to the city centre and just 20
minutes from OR Tambo International Airport. The resort also offers a variety of
entertainment that includes a state of the art casino, two 4-star hotels, conferencing
and teambuilding facilities, a thrilling theme park, travelling down a mine shaft to an
underground gold mine, a theatre featuring acclaimed live productions, and many
restaurants and fast foods outlets for every taste. It is also home to the Apartheid
Museum.
Fun by the sea
If you are looking for something a little more laid back in a spectacular coastal
setting, you are spoilt for choice: Durban has the Suncoast Casino right near
the beach, while the Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom is located in the
green hills just up the coast north of the city. Both are top entertainment and
holiday destinations. The city of East London offers visitors and locals a choice
of gaming, movies, events and shopping at Hemingways hotel and casino, in an
architectural setting inspired by the luxurious Key West home of famous author
Ernest Hemingway, right next to Hemingways Mall. In Port Elizabeth the Boardwalk
Casino is a dynamic entertainment hub in the heart of the city’s popular beachfront
area that includes the casino, restaurants, bars, family fun and shopping.
From Port Elizabeth, travel along the world-renowned Garden Route to Mossel
Bay where you will find the Garden Route Casino, perched high up on the cliffs of
Pinnacle Point, overlooking the Indian Ocean. This seaside resort town is known
for its moderate climate and stunning scenery. The casino resort offers the usual
array of action, entertainment and variety. At the time of writing, in the preceding
24 hours its slots had just paid out almost half a million rand, while a number of
special promotion cash and other prizes of around R1-million were being offered!
The casino is situated right next to the Pinnacle Point Beach & Golf Resort, one of
the most unique and scenic golf courses in the world, enjoying panoramic views of
the ocean from each of its 18 holes.
There are similar resorts in or near every city and almost every major town
across South Africa – too many to describe here. All offer gambling, shopping,
restaurants, bars, superb hotels, shows, family entertainment, and many are close
to golf courses, a horse racing track, game reserves, beaches, mountains and
other scenic attractions. If you are after a relaxing holiday combined with fun and
excitement, plus the chance of winning big, book your place at a casino resort now
and throw in a day at the horse races too. Have great fun and good luck!
28 |ISSUE 10|www.mzanzitravel.co.za | MZANZITRAVEL
Manmade sea and beach, Palace of the Lost City
- Ina Felker / shutterstock
Spin the wheel – Vitaly / iStock