Casinos in Uganda

Skip To The List of Casinos

Introduction

In this review, we’ll look at gambling in Uganda, a little bit of history, and all of the casinos that are still in operation. We don’t have to look too far to find the gambling hubs because today all but one are in the capital city, much as it has always been. The land-based gambling industry is small and has gone through some constriction in recent years, possibly due to the ongoing economic and security situation there, but some closures might be down to lost revenues during the COVID shutdowns. Stick around and we’ll explore the remaining casinos and list a few of the ones that were well-known before, but first…

…let’s look at Uganda overall.

Uganda is often referred to as the "Pearl of Africa," and Ugandans take pride in the nickname. It’s a country with a variety of geological features and unique landscapes. The country was dubbed the Pearl of Africa in a 1908 book by Winston Churchill recalling his time on safari there, but it is also sometimes referred to as the Land of Lakes. It is a landlocked country located in East Africa that straddles the equator and includes everything from sweeping savannas to high mountain snowy peaks of the Rwenzori Mountains as well as sweltering untamed jungles.

Despite its natural beauty and biodiversity, Uganda remains one of the region's less-frequented tourist meccas. It’s often overlooked by travelers who venture out, to its more famous neighbors, but Uganda offers large wilderness areas, amazing scenery, and plenty of culture to experience. Backpackers are finding their niche there and of course, safaris by boat and on land offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

The country holds a population of about 46 million, and although not as famous as some other tourist destinations it enjoyed growth in tourism during more peaceful times. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to endangered mountain gorillas, and another city, Jinja is the recognized source of the Nile River. It is also the location of the Nile View casino.

Politically, Uganda has been fairly stable under the long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, but concerns about democratic freedoms remain. It places abysmally on the Freedom House Index, ranking 110th out of 180 nations. Internet penetration is increasing steadily and there are about 26 million mobile phone users, or nearly half the population, and almost 14 million Internet service subscribers.

While some tourist areas and activities can be safe, violent crimes, such as armed robbery, home invasion, and sexual assault present a serious threat to those visiting and residing in Uganda and can occur at any time. Travel to Uganda is not recommended for the average person.

Next…

…we’ll jump right in

Casinos in Uganda

Casino Simba

Casino Simba is located inside the Garden City Mall in the capital city of Kampala, Kampala and it is Uganda’s largest and most well-known casino. It is owned and operated by Pasha Global. The company also has operations in other countries including Atlantis in Paramaribo - the capital and largest city of Suriname; the Mirage Hotel & Casino, Magic Casino, Savannah Hotel & Casino, and the Tropicana - all in the same city, and the Guyana Carnival Casino in Georgetown.

The casino floor covers over 16,000 square feet and features over 130 slot machines and 22 gaming tables, including roulette, blackjack, and poker. Casual players make up the vast majority of players but Uganda is divided into roughly two classes, the poor and the rich and there is also room here for the more well-heeled gambler who prefers to bet with higher stakes. 

In addition to gambling entertainment, Casino Simba offers dining at its Continental restaurant, a well-stocked bar, and live jazz performances to liven things up many nights. While the city itself may not be a safe place for visitors to take a stroll, the casino offers a safe and secure environment with strict security measures in place at all times. Simba is open daily from 10:00 AM until late. The venue is an important part of Kampala’s nightlife and entertainment scene.

Mayfair Casino & Club

Mayfair Casino & Club bills itself as an upscale gambling venue with high security and special attention for rated players. It is located in Kampala and first opened in 2008, it provides a discrete gaming experience with a variety of games such as American Roulette, Blackjack, and other 21 variants like Pontoon. The casino has private gaming rooms and an exclusive club atmosphere.

Kololo Courts Hotel Casino

Formerly or colloquially known as Diamond Casino, this is a small but high-end gaming center in the Kololo Courts Hotel which offers signage throughout in both English and Chinese. Look for a good variety of gaming tables and a few slots. The property focuses largely on Asian clientele but of course, everyone who can pay their bill is welcome, as it is a decidedly upscale venue.

The KTV Club is located on the fourth floor and offers a luxurious and sophisticated experience for the well-to-do traveler. This exclusive venue is known for its elegant design and discrete atmosphere. The KTV Club has several private rooms with professional stages, high-quality audio systems, cutting-edge lighting, and over-the-top service for entertainment and relaxation.

Kings Casino

Formerly known as Golden City, this gaming venue is located in the small tower at Cham Towers in Kampala. It may or may not be open.

Nile View Casino

While still offering a few slot machines, this spot is mostly a nightclub and restaurant with live DJs, dance, and nightlife. It is located in the Vizvar Mall on Lubas Road and receives high ratings from most visitors.

Closures and Suspected Closures

• Kampala Casino
• Taj Mahal Casino
• The Pyramids Casino

Conclusion

The Ugandan economy is cracking under various forces and that seems to have broken the back of many casino operations in the country. The higher-end establishments and the far outlier in Jinja seem to be the exceptions. Whereas a few short years ago there were at least seven ongoing operations, that seems to have been reduced to four or five after the world health emergency - whether or not that directly affected the gaming hubs’ viability.

However Casino Simba, Mayfair Casino & Club, and Diamond Casino in Kololo Hotel seem to be going strong and the Nile View appears to be holding its own.