Northern Cape Casinos

There are only two recorded casinos currently operating in the Northern Cape, quite surprising when you consider it's South Africa's largest province.

Having said that, the two casinos on offer - in Kimberley and Upington - are worth a trip up the coast if you've exhausted the various options in the Eastern Cape.

The Northern Cape was once famous for its diamond rush. And while the draw of riches once attracted thousands of pioneers here in the 1800s, a rush of slots winnings is slowly bringing them back.

Flamingo Casino, Kimberley

Visit: https://www.suninternational.com/flamingo/

Why We Like It:

Beautiful casino in an historic setting
Loads of activities in the area
Salon Privé available for VIP gamblers

Kimberley is known for its biggest attraction - the Big Hole - an enormous hole left over from the city's mining industry.

Hopefully, once you visit the Flamingo you won't be left with a similar-sized hole in your bankroll.

Situated in the bustling capital of Northern Cape, Kimberley's Flamingo may share a name with a legendary Las Vegas casino, but it's 21st century all the way.

As well as the awesome Harvest Charcoal Grill and the nearby Kimberley Golf Club, the Flamingo offers lots of gambling action inside.

The exterior of the Flamingo puts you right in the colonial history the area is famous for. A giant clock tower greets you when you enter the casino, but once in you're greeted by banks of slots (280 and counting) as well as 11 table games. The usual mayhem of American Roulette, blackjack and Raise'Em Poker are available.

As with the biggest and best Sun International properties, there's a Salon Privé offering plenty of exclusive VIP gaming. Two gaming tables and a bank of slots are available in the Barnato Room.

The Flamingo Race Day is the pick of the promotions at the Flamingo. Every Wednesday, prize draw tickets are won every time players gamble on virtual horse races.

Meanwhile, promos like 'Sun Swipe' award freeplay, meal vouchers and accommodation every time you earn player points.

Desert Palace Hotel & Casino, Upington

Visit: http://www.desertpalace.co.za/

Why We Like It:

Situated in the heart of the Kalahari
165 slot machines at a range of bets
Big-money Desert Dream progressive games

If you like mixing up some desert action with a spot of gambling, you'll most probably love the Desert Palace casino.

The Desert Palace is a small-ish casino, boasting only 165 slot machines, but coin bets are pretty inclusive, ranging as they do from 5c to R5. And when we say 'desert', we mean it: the Desert Palace is smack bang in the middle of the bush with nothing for miles other than a passing impala for company.

There are only seven gaming tables including American Roulette, but a great range of promos makes up for that.

'Club Oasis' players can earn double points on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while all visitors to the resort get an entry to a monthly draw where a share of R9,000 is up for grabs.

There's some good luxury hotel accommodation set in a Kalahari oasis, while added extras like the 'Entretenga' video arcade, the 'Putt Putt' mini-golf course and swimming pool add a little extra to the experience.