Africa is home to some of the most stunning natural sights and incredible wildlife reserves on the planet. As such, it is a popular tourist destination for those looking to get closer to nature and see the continent’s wonders.

Many bustling cities and towns offer various forms of entertainment mixed with the bush and rural charms. There is plenty to do, from watching the latest blockbusters to playing adventure mini-golf to visiting one of the many entertainment parks.

Meanwhile, gambling tourism on the continent has created some fantastic resorts featuring casinos that any gambler worth their weight in chips should check out.

Gambling in Africa

While there is little doubt that gambling and tourism tend to go hand in hand—not just in Africa but worldwide—tourism for gambling in Africa is slightly limited. This is because many countries on the continent don’t allow gambling or have minimal gambling options available.

Of the 54 countries on the continent, only a few hold gambling opportunities that will empower you to enjoy a holiday there. South Africa is the clear forerunner, with gambling in the country accounting for 80% of all gambling on the continent.

Other places, like Egypt, don’t allow locals to gamble at all under local laws. However, the country still operates casinos exclusively for tourists. Meanwhile, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya also offer great gambling opportunities for travelers.

One thing to note, however, is that while some countries thrive off gambling and others permit tourists to gamble, others strictly prohibit it. Countries like Somalia won’t let you play the top casino games regardless if you’re a local or just passing through.

Gambling Resorts

Despite some countries on the continent clearly stating they don’t allow gambling, the tourist industry in others has led to the formation of incredible gambling resorts. Most of these are in South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya.

Below, we’ve outlined the details of the best resorts to visit if you’re traveling to Africa and want the chance to strike it lucky while there.

Sun City Resort and Casino

Built in 1979, Sun City Resort and Casino is located in the center of an extinct volcano on the Pilanesberg National Park border in South Africa. It is home to several sub-resorts, including the Sun City Resort, Cabanas, Cascades, and the Palace (also known as the Lost City).

Established when the area was independent of South Africa and known as Bophuthatswana, it is currently the most famous casino in the country. It has also regularly appeared in Hollywood blockbusters, such as Blended and Witness to a Kill.

The resort offers gambling tourists many entertainment options. Amongst these are concerts and shows by famous singers, including Cher, Dolly Parton, Rod Stewart, Elton John, and Queen.

Aside from shows, the resort has two world-class golf courses (the Lost City Golf Course and the Gary Player Country Club). It is also home to Valley of the Waves—a giant wave pool simulating the ocean surrounded by an artificial beach.

For gamblers, the casino section of the complex has over 800 slot machines and 33 tables that offer games like baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and poker.

Golden Key Casino

Situated atop the roof of the Tamarind—one of the best-rated seafood restaurants in Eastern Africa—the Golden Key Casino offers travelers an elegant place to take a break and play. Located in Mombasa, Kenya, the casino is in a prime location for tourists to take advantage of.

Situated on the edge of the inlet for Tudor Creek, the casino has views overlooking the water and city that are hard to find elsewhere. It is also a stone’s throw away from multiple other tourist attractions. Amongst these are the Mombasa International Show Grounds, Tudor Water Sports Marina, and Fort Jesus Museum.

While not large, as it offers around only 50 slots and 11 tables, the casino has all the classics you know and love, including roulette, blackjack, and poker.

Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino

Within the capital city of Botswana, Gaborone, is the Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino. Only a few miles from the international airport, the resort offers much more than simply gambling the night away. That said, the casino features 135 slots and eight tables, which should be more than enough to keep you entertained all night.

Aside from the gaming floors, the resort is home to a luxury hotel you can book for the duration of your stay. Then, in between (hopefully) cashing in at the casino, you can enjoy various activities at the resort. These include a spectacular golf course, swimming pools, top eateries, squash and tennis courts, and even a gym if you want to ensure you stay fit on your holiday.

The casino resort is also located in the heart of the city, with plenty of sights to see. Amongst these are city tours, checking out the Three Chiefs’ Statues, touring the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, and visiting the Lion Park Resort amusement park.

Gold Reef City Theme Park and Casino

Also found in South Africa is the Gold Reef City Theme Park and Casino. Themed after the mining of gold that put Johannesburg on the map, the casino is surrounded by other tourist attractions. These include the Apartheid Museum and Johannesburg Zoo.

The venue’s theme park section features the country’s largest adventure park, which has a vertical mineshaft drop (aptly called the Tower of Terror) and three rollercoasters, including the famed Anaconda. These are apart from many other rides scattered throughout the property.

Meanwhile, with 1,450 slot machines and over 51 tables to play poker, roulette, and blackjack, the casino is the perfect place to go after a day of adrenaline-pumping rides.