Checking out the best casinos in SA
You don’t need to consider going out of the country to experience some of the best that the world has to offer.
We may be far from the world’s gambling centers of Macau and Las Vegas, and currently in the midst of a nationwide lockdown, but that doesn’t mean SA misses out on what the realm of casinos has to offer. With a wide range of options from classic establishments to contemporary arrivals, SA has a little a bit of everything, regardless of what you want from your casino of choice.
In this list, we aim to cover four of the best casinos in the nation to visit, for a day or longer, so our readers can get a taste of SA’s gambling scene. Whether cards, racing, table games, or whatever else is your fancy, these choices will not leave players wanting.
To Relax – The Caledon
For the player who likes to unwind while they play, The Caledon in the Western Cape stands out as a popular pick among professional gamblers and casual enthusiasts alike. Overlooking the Klein Swartberg mountains, The Caledon paints a picturesque scene, enhanced by their much-loved mineral-rich warm springs.
On the gambling front, The Caledon covers all the bases including roulette, bingo, blackjack, craps, poker, and slots, and this is just the start. Also boasting live entertainment and three restaurants, visitors to this establishment won’t be wanting for engagement.
Whether looking out for yourself in summer or trying for a pleasant winter get-away, The Caledon has you covered.
For the Racing – Scottsville Racecourse
South Africa is home to many land-based casinos and racecourses, which make for an excellent day out whether they’re local to you or part of a vacation. And few of these options combine the two as well as Scottsville Racecourse. Located in KwaZulu-Natal, Scottsville also offers the Golden Horse Casino on-site, giving punters a way to extend their fun, or just spend a little downtime at the tables.
It’s not just a casino and racecourse available either, as Scottsville also comes with a dedicated family area and infield picnic sites. With bars and restaurants located on-site, this could be a fun stop off on a trip, or a worthwhile daily excursion.

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For Slots Enthusiasts – GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World
Heading back to the Western Cape, we have what is undoubtedly one of the best slot machine casinos in the entirety of SA. The GrandWest Casino and Entertainment world boasts over 2,000 slots to choose from, alongside 70 tables, all near the stunning Table Mountain.
Those who wish to spend some time at this hotel can rest assured that their stay will be a comfortable one, with the 4-Star Grand Hotel located right next door.
Even better, the GrandWest doesn’t skimp on the Entertainment World aspect, also offering cinemas, a games arcade, go-karting, bowling, and even an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink. Alone or with a group, the GrandWest is famous for a reason.
For the Experience – Montecasino
If you’re looking for a casino that matches the glitz and shine of Vegas, then Montecasino in Gauteng should be one of the foremost options on your list. Found within Johannesburg, Montecasino may be one of the more expensive options on the list, especially if you intend to make it a primary destination in a travel package, but it’s also one of the biggest in the country.
Offering all the classics like a wide selection of slots and table games, Montecasino also goes above and beyond in bringing something else to the table. This includes regular poker tournaments and even famous novelty games like Wheel of Fortune and Life of Luxury.
No slouch when it comes to gambling, Montecasino is also home to over 30 restaurants, covering world-wide favorites like Thai and Indian cuisine, as well as sushi, contemporary Greek, and much more. Similar attention has been paid to drink selection, with cocktails, wine, and beer from all over the world all showing heavy representation.
Finally, Montecasino’s entertainment comes in the form of live theatre and music, as well as cinemas, and video gaming arcades.

Image Source: Pixabay
As just a small portion of what SA casinos have to offer, these are our picks for four of the best. For those out of the loop, you don’t need to consider going out of the country to experience some of the best that the world has to offer. All within our backyard, SA’s casinos and racecourses are world-class and, perhaps best of all, they don’t require a passport.
