GAMING REPORT: GAMING IN GHANA, MOROCCO, NIGERIA, SENEGAL

BY ANN BROWN

As Africa heats up as a travel destination and a new frontier for international business, the gaming industry is also making its mark on the Continent. In fact, in 2002 the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), in collaboration with the Africa Travel Association (ATA) organized a forum to explore the role of the travel, tourism and gaming industries in the economic growth and development of Africa. Held at the Atlantic City Convention Center in Atlantic City, the event was specifically designed for individuals and companies that are interested in learning more about the travel, tourism and gaming industry on the African Continent. At the well-attended (330-plus people) conference participants were able to explore opportunities on the African Continent in the travel, tourism and gaming industries; network with agents, representatives and suppliers; as well as look into joint venture partnerships and strategic alliances. Representation from Mauritius, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Angola, Benin, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia were in attendance. And although no country has as nearly as many casinos and gaming forums as South Africa with its 44 gaming sites, other countries do offer outlets for gaming. Egypt has 24 gaming venues, while Kenya has 13. Here's what Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria have.

GHANA

ACCRA

La Palm Atlantic Casino and Royal Beach Hotel
www.kairointernational.com/lapalmcasino is in Accra and features 34 slots and eight table games (three American roulette and five card tables). The property has one restaurant and a hotel. Operated by KaiRo International, it opened in December 2003. Since the closing of the casino at Golden Tulip Hotel & Royal Casino in Sept. 2005, La Palm is now the premiere casino destination in Accra. And, in partnership with Ladbrokes.com, on-line sports betting facilities are also provided here.

KUMASI

In Kumasi, Ghana, there’s City Hotel & Ashanti Casino, with a 164-room hotel. The City Hotel & Ashanti Casino features blackjack, slots, and roulette.

TEMA

Tema boasts the Meridien Hotel & Club Vegas Casino, featuring such games as blackjack and slots. The property is home to a hotel with 179 rooms.

MOROCCO

AGADIR

The city’s first gaming facility, Casino le Mirage www.casino-lemirage.ma is only open at night and features 50 slots and nine table games. It is located inside the Valtur Resort, and is a favorite nightlife spot for locals and tourists.

Located near the famous beach of Agadir, Shem’s Casinos d’Agadir www.shemscasino.com has 80 slots; tables for blackjack, Caribbean std poker, punto banco, and roulette; and three restaurants — French, Middle Eastern and a casual bar. The Sheraton Hotel is right next door if you need a place to stay.

MARRAKECH

The 2,400-sq. ft. Casino de Marrakech www.casinodemarrakech.com includes 80 slots and 14 gaming tables. The property also includes two restaurants and the 150-room Hotel Saadi. Opened since 1952, it is the first Moroccan casino. And its entertainment venue has seen the likes of such greats as Josephine Baker. The casino is surrounded by a 20-acre flowered park.

Le Grand Casino La Mamounia is the city’s largest with 320 slots and 19 tables for gambling featuring such games as American roulette (eight tables), blackjack (eight tables), mini punto banco (one table) and poker (two tables)

TANGER

Movenpick Hotel & Casino features 200 slots, 30 tables, three restaurants, and hotel.

NIGERIA

ABUJA

The NICON Hilton www.hilton.com offers 40 gaming machines and nine tables offering blackjack and roulette. The hotel features 670 rooms.

Visitors to the Sheraton Hotel & Towers & Casino www.starwoodhotels.com can play blackjack and roulette, among other games of chance. The high-end hotel offers 645 rooms and suites.

IBADAN

The Premier Hotel & Casinohere has blackjack, roulette and a hotel with 87 rooms.

LAGOS

Le Meridien Eko Hotel & Casino features 15 table games and 605 rooms. They offer such standard games as blackjack, poker, and roulette.

Stay and play at the 250-room Lagos Airport Hotel & Casino, which has tables for blackjack and roulette.

Try your luck at blackjack and roulette at the 405-room (b)Federal Palace Hotel & Casino(eb).

PORT HARCOURT

President Hotel & Casino boasts 200 rooms and gaming tables for blackjack and roulette.

SENEGAL

DAKAR

Casino Du Cap Vert is home to 16 slots and five tables (three tables for American roulette, two blackjack tables and one poker table).

Casino Du Portoffers 10 tables, but no slots. Among the games here are: blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, poker, and roulette.

Casino Terrou-bi is probably the country’s largest with 130 slots and nine tables.

SAINT LOUIS

Casino de St. Louis has 24 slots and 10 tables for gaming.

 

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