There are so many unique venues and attractions that make Johannesburg an unmissable destination for entertainment lovers. Whether you’re here for a weekend trip, an extended stay, or have lived in Jo’burg all your life, this city is sure to surprise you with the sheer amount of thrilling activities just waiting to be discovered.

There are some seriously unforgettable experiences to be found in this bustling metropolis. For the foodies, Johannesburg hosts a variety of world-class dining options, and is home to some of the best restaurants in South Africa. History buffs will be fascinated by the many historic sites and museums here, whilst nature lovers will find solace in the city’s blissful botanical gardens and majestic mountains. For the thrill seekers, Johannesburg has an outstanding selection of brick and mortar casinos – so if you’re looking for those bright lights and the best table games, we’ve put together a handy introduction to some of the very best casino venues.

The casino scene in Jo’burg is pretty exciting right now, and there really is something for everyone available here. For those who prefer gaming on the go, or even from the comfort of their hotel room, there are some awesome online casinos available for players in South Africa. Whether you prefer slots, blackjack or baccarat, we’d recommend that you start off by reviewing selected sites so you can choose the online casino that suits you best. If you love all the excitement of a land-based casino, we’ve rounded up our top picks below so you can get straight into playing the games you love! 

1. Gold Reef City Casino

Starting off in Johannesburg South, this amazing casino is our top pick as it’s an absolute must-see for thrill seekers in the city. The casino is based in Gold Reef City Theme Park, a much-loved tourist attraction which attracts visitors from all around the world with its epic, unique rollercoasters like Anaconda and Tower of Terror. Based on the site of an old gold mine, both the adventure park and the casino offer up an exhilarating atmosphere and top-class amenities.

The casino itself offers an abundance of gaming options, including a huge variety of slot machines alongside classic favorites like blackjack, roulette and poker tables. Seasoned gamblers can opt for a private gaming experience, whilst casual players are sure to find something new to enjoy. With a huge variety of on-site entertainment – and of course, that spectacular theme park – Gold Reef City Casino really does have something for everyone!

2. Montecasino

Next stop is the suburb of Fourways, where Montecasino (or ‘Monte’ as it’s otherwise known) draws in over 9 million visitors every year. This place is sure to delight anyone who visits – above all else, it’s an architectural marvel, as its incredibly detailed replication of a village in Italy leaves a lasting impression. The venue gets its name from Monte Cassino (an ancient historical site near Rome) and its stunning Italian style buildings and beautiful plazas create a magical, immersive experience for visitors.

Monte opened in November 2000 and has been impressively popular ever since. Its unique Tuscan design has generated global attention, and the venue has hosted international music performances and even been used as a filming location. Onsite hotels like the Palazzo and the Piazza are stunning, stylish, and super comfortable, and visitors to Montecasino can enjoy fine dining experiences including high tea and date night specials. With over 1700 slot machines and 83 table games available, this sensational spot makes for a truly unforgettable visit.

3. Silverstar Casino

Head out west to Krugersdorp and you’ll find the deluxe Silverstar Casino, which is situated at the base of the Magalies Mountains (less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg city centre). This casino offers a multitude of gaming options, from classic table games and slot machines to theatre shows, live music and sports screenings. 

Any first-time visitors to Johannesburg will surely love this spot for its relaxed setting; with a hotel, day spa, cinema and arcade games on site, Silverstar is a perfect destination for those looking for a more diverse variety of entertainment. It’s an easy-going spot with plenty of delicious dining options available at the many restaurants and bars on the Square, so there is something here to suit every visitor – even the picky eaters!

4. Emperors Palace

Emperors Palace always provides a classic, memorable casino experience. Conveniently located right next to OR Tambo International Airport, this much-loved spot boasts an impressive complex of luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, spa facilities and of course its decadent casino venue. Table games on offer here include blackjack, poker and roulette, and the main casino also offers an impressive choice of over 850 different slot machines which are accessible round-the-clock.

For those looking to take their gaming experience to the next level, Emperors Palace offers exclusive Privé areas and lounges with personalized service available, as well as giving visitors the option to play a wide selection of games on its Ultimate Supanova Stadium Gaming consoles. Emperors Palace is even renowned for hosting prestigious poker tournaments, attracting players from around the world – why not check it out for yourself!

5. Carnival City Casino

 Lastly, just a short ride out east to Brakpan will take you to the excellent Carnival City Casino. This excellent venue features a large gaming floor with a diverse range of games to suit every player’s preference – slot machines, jackpot games, blackjack, poker, and many more options are on offer here. 

The complex also features a dedicated entertainment venue which regularly hosts live music performances, comedy shows and theatre productions. Guests can expect to enjoy an array of local and international artists, meaning there’s always something exciting happening at Carnival City!

Hopefully, this introductory guide to land-based casinos in Johannesburg has given you a taster of what’s on offer in this exciting city. You’ll be spoiled for choice here, so make sure you explore your options and try out a few different spots – we think you’re going to love it!