Monte Casino

MONTECASINO – Fourways, Johannesburg

Montecasino touts itself as “Your No.1 entertainment destination” with the tag line “We’ve got it“.

While that may seem like an ambitious statement, this casino really does deliver on it and has been voted amongst others, Best Casino, Best Entertainment Complex, Best Cinema Complex and Best place to take out-of-towners and it’s not hard to see why!

This venue offers not only a premier gambling experience but also entertainment extravaganza for the whole family and literally if you can think of something you’re likely to find it here in this beautiful setting reminiscent of an old Tuscan City. So if you haven’t been here yet, check out our tips below and make sure you visit next time you are in the area.

THE CASINO

General: The casino floor is divided into a main non-smoking casino area, a small and a large Smoking Casino area, as well as a Smoking and non-smoking Salon Prive to cater for a variety of preferences.

Table Games: Montecasino offers over 70 gaming tables spread across the casino in the non-smoking, smoking and Salon Prive areas. Of course all of the most popular games are offered including Roulette (The American version only of course), Blackjack, Craps, Poker and Baccarat and table composition is as follows:

31 Blackjack Tables
31 American Roulette Tables
1 Craps / Dice Table
1 Stud Poker Table
3 Let it Ride Poker Tables
6 No Limit Hold’em Poker Tables
2 Full size Baccarat Tables
1 Midi Baccarat Table

Machines: Like most casinos, Monte features a tremendous number of slot machines with close to 100 Progressive jackpot machines. There are also a number of Video Poker machines with all of the regular favourites available.

Betting Limits: On slots denominations range from 2 cents up to R100 minimums and table games range from R50 to R5000 minimums depending on the table and game.

Drinks: There are a number of small mobile bars located across the casino floor as well as a bar service which during peak times can be a little slow.

Promotions: This casino has seemingly endless promotional campaigns which are mostly slots related (Currently “Cash and Cars” where you can win brand new vehicles and R10,000 in cash with each one given away. And there is also the Club Festival promotion where players club members can win a share of R5.4 million when playing slots or tables during the promotional period).

THE FOOD

Montecasino offers visitors a host of dining options situated on the periphery of the casino floor. These include restaurants, bars and café’s catering to all tastes and pockets, and ranging from fine dining to family style restaurants, grill houses, seafood restaurants, buffet meals, dinner dance venues, coffee shops and fast food outlets in the Food Court.

Most noteworthy are:
Verdicchio: For fine Italian dining in an elegant venue with a rich, sumptuous atmosphere. The prices are high end but what else would you expect from such a venue?
Coco Bongo: If you’re looking for something more than just dining then be sure to try Coco Bongo which offers not only a wide variety of delicious food but also a Latin dance experience that is sure to get even the most jaded patrons feet tapping. Prices are average for a restaurant and portions are reasonable.
Fego Café: Great for a quick bite or a sweet treat…just check out the cake stand! Prices are comparable to most coffee shops and service is generally good.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

Theatres: Montecasino boasts not one but two theatres for those looking for more cultured entertainment these include The Teatro at Montecasino and Pieter Toerien’s Theatre and studio. The Teatro was acoustically designed for large scale musical productions and has been home to the Disney musical The Lion King as well as Chicago – the musical, Tap Dogs, Lord of the Dance, Beauty and the Beast and most recently High School Musical with Grease and Stomp coming soon. Pieter Toerien’s Theatre and studiois the small theatre of the two and is home to productions like Defending the Cavemen as well as a host of SA productions and comedy acts.

Family: There is something for everyone from the Montecasino Bird Gardens which are home to a variety of birds and reptiles to the ABSA hot air balloon rides, Musical fountains, movies and game arcades. Really, you could never be bored here, as long as you’ve got cash that is! Although people watching is free and fun and can be done from a variety of “park benches” situated throughout the casino.

Nightlife: Monte is home to thriving nightlife in its numerous bars, café’s and nightclubs. Don’t miss Café Vacca Matta for upmarket clubbing (careful though, drinks are a bit pricey) or for more down to earth fun pop into Cobblestones Pub which often features live bands and DJ’s. Or if you’re in the mood for a laugh stop by Joe Parker’s Comedy Club.

THE HOTELS

Montecasino has 3 accommodation options on site all managed by the Southern Sun Hotel Group and the one you choose will really depend on your budget:

The Palazzo Montecasino: 5 star luxury (and prices) for both the business and leisure guest. Situated amongst magnificently landscaped gardens and water features this venue never fails to disappoint. While R2000 upwards per night may seem a little steep, it is comparable to most other casino hotels, many of which don’t offer this 5 star luxury. If you can, stay here at least once, it is worth the experience.

Sun Square Hotel: This hotel is stylish and sophisticated without costing the earth in comparison to the others (although R1250 per night isn’t exactly cheap). The facilities and service are however beyond reproach.

Southern Sun: This one will open on the 1st of May 2010 and will reportedly feature 194 rooms, Conference venues and meeting rooms. More details to come as soon as it opens!