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Kampala Casinos
Visiting Kampala’s nightspots would not be complete without a visit to one of Uganda’s great casinos for a fun-filled evening, with great food and entertainment waiting to make your night a true pleasure. Chuck Swift investigates…
Starting around 1990, the first of the casinos began to appear in Uganda. In neighbouring Kenya, casinos have been in operation since the mid 60s, and in Ghana last few years has seen three, and Congo four. Now in Kampala, five casinos light up the skies brightly at night. There is something for everyone, to fit each budget, and to enjoy for a nights entertainment.
Casinos not only operate as a business for profit, but also are vital establishments for the economy of each of the cities they operate in all over Africa today. Casinos provide steady and worthwhile employment for locals, a solid tax base for governments, and with some of the more prudent operators paying close attention to the community needs, they offer assistance to various charitable organizations, the disadvantaged and local youth sports teams and programs.
Many have the misconception that casinos have major profits nightly, but in reality, they work on a very thin percentage line, and there are nights you wished you did not own or run a casino… like the people who come to enjoy the night… sometimes you get the cow… other times, the cow gets you… there is always next time to test your luck either way.
For the future of gaming in Uganda, there should be a limit set on them, and with a minimum of standards for accepting any more casino licences. Otherwise, some will open, and then fade away for a number of reasons. The more you have, does not necessarily mean the more benefits to the town as a whole, or to those who frequent casinos for a night’s enjoyment. Kenya is now suffering that problem with many properties being only marginally successful. Suffering from the last election problems, tourism will take a while to build back to the normal visitor counts
One of the original casinos and best known here in town, is Kampala Casino. Opening its doors in July 1994, it has outlasted many who have come and gone, and has been a household name, and favourite of many for the last 14 years. They are very heavily involved in community affairs and events, and support many worthwhile causes and youth groups locally. Currently going through renovation to keep up with the surge in new casinos, this will remain a favourite of most here in town for many reasons. Many operators can only wish and dream to have the daily business this successful operation has built up over the years,
During the last few years, has seen the opening of Grande Casino in 2004, Simba, owned by Pasha Gaming, and Mayfair Casinos opening early in 2008… The latest addition, opening in April of this year, after a two-year detailed building period, is the Pyramids Casino and Restaurant (owned and operated by Audly Ltd, owners of Kampala Casino); this is a magnificent Egyptian-themed casino with three towering pyramids, a replica of Giza in Eqypt down to the last little detail. It truly has it all, with a true five-star gourmet restaurant for great dining, either for lunch or dinner, and catering to all the high end group functions in town in their restaurant. This property is a world class casino-restaurant, catering to the more upscale guest wanting a little more privacy and services, a niche project that could go anywhere alongside the worlds best… that has made it a virtual attraction for visitors and locals alike to come and see, visit for a group function, or memorable night out – and most of all, experience the pure elegance for its special guests. This has truly become the gem of all of Africa.
Casinos today in Africa are much more than just gambling houses, they are places of entertainment for a night out, meeting places for gatherings or group functions, but most of all the chance to win a few shillings always lures most out to try their chances. Being regulated by the Government assures customers of the safety and legitimacy of these casinos, their machines and table games; all must apply, and be approved for operation.
For many first-time visitors, it can be a bewildering array of lights, people placing chips all over the roulette table layouts, watching chips come and go, cards being shuffled, the sounds of coins dropping out of slot machines, but all in all, it really is a pleasurable night out for adults – and you will find most casinos a great night of fun and excitement, especially the kampala and the Pyramids casino – these are ‘must stop' when visiting Uganda.
Whether a visitor staying for a few days’ business, or enjoying a local Safari…or locals looking for a great night out, Kampala has it all, not to mention five-star accommodations at the popular Serena hotel, or Kampala Sheraton, or the Protea. There is something for everyone here in Uganda – ENJOY!!
