In almost all corners of the globe,gambling is a favoritepastime for many. According to statistics, the worldwide market should hit a size of $525 billion by 2023, growing at an annual rate of 4%. So, the activity’s popularity is not in question, and nor is the fact that the industry will continue to accumulate new players.
When one thinks of gambling meccas, destinations such as Las Vegas, Macau, and Monte Carlo come to mind. However, while many may not associate the second-largest continent with the activity, it still has its hot spots.
Africa is a vast stretch of land, and disparities between its 54 nations in terms of culture and religion shape each one’s governance system. While few outright ban gambling, many allow it, including Nigeria (there are even many online casinos in Nigeria), and the current climate suggests that more are open to laxer legislation. The participation of 26 African nations at the 2018 ICE Totally Gaming conference in Johannesburg pointed to this trend. There, the main topic of discussion was the prospect of attracting foreign investors concerningonline casinos.
Though expertsclaim that the sector is going digital, if you crave an authentic casino experience, you can still get that on African soil. There are many quality land-based gaming establishments found in the following African countries.
South Africa
The rainbow nation is undoubtedly the gambling king of Africa, and its casinos are a sight to behold. Though gaming venues got banned in 1965, when a new democratic government assumed power in 1994, it passed the National Gambling Act that authorized 40 casino licenses. Its most famous venue, Sun City, has been operational since 1979 in Bophuthatswana, which was an independent state at the time and not subjected to South African laws.
Today, Sun City is alive and well, and a massive attraction located within the Pilanesberg Game Resort. Globally,it is perhaps famous for the countless musical performances on its stage by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Elton John, Rod Stewart, the Beach Boys, and Queen. However, today, more people seem to be flocking to The Gold Reef City Casino. It is Johannesburg’s oldest casino, adjoined to the Apartheid Museum and Gold Reef theme park.It features a gaming floor of over 1,700 slots. Other popular venues in the country include the Emerald Casino and Safari Resort and Montecasino.
Kenya
Even though Kenya is most-famed for its vast wildlife preserves and scenic landscapes, it is also one of Africa’s major gambling hubs. The casino industry is growing at a fast pace, as going a PWC report, revenues doubled from 2009 to 2014, with projections claiming that they rose a further 50% in 2019. It boasts the continent’s third-highest industry revenues, and as expected, its capital is the home to the majority of its venues.
You can find twenty-one casinos in Nairobi, which feature more than 900 slots and other gaming machines, as well as 128 table games. There are also many live poker tables at these establishments where you can enjoy NL Texas Hold’em, 7 Card Stud, and other variations. The largest venue in the country is Casino Flamingo, and it has the most robust gaming offer in the country with 160 slots and 15 table games. Other quality options include Paradise Casino at Safari Park and Finix Casino in Hurlingham.
Morocco
Seeing as Morocco has an overwhelmingly Muslim population, it may seem strange that casino gambling is legal in the country. However, it was made so by a decree issued by its Prime Minister in 2002. Morocco became a French Protectorate in 1912 through the Treaty of Fez, and some speculate that their colonial presence has had an impact on Moroccan culture. Since locals mainly practice Islam, which does not allow gambling, the casino resorts are more of a tourist attraction. They aim to reel in foreigners from nearby countries where the activity is illegal or where such venues do not exist.
Currently, four cities in Morocco feature gambling facilities, and Agadir is the most prominent one, with three. Likely the best spot in the country is the Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort in El Jadida. Other venues worth visiting in the country are Casino Le Mirage, Casino de Marrakech, and Shems Casino.