Casinos in Egypt

Introduction

Egypt is one of the countries with the longest, most fascinating known history worldwide. From whatever part of the planet you are reading this, you surely know at least some particulars about Egypt, such as the incredible pyramids, the famous Queen Cleopatra, and the ancient city of Luxor. When we think of Egypt, truly many things come to mind. As far as the basic geographical data is concerned, this country of ancient history and vibrant cultural heritage belongs to the African continent. It borders with Libya, Sudan, Israel, and part of the Gaza Strip. It opens onto two seas - the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. The capital is Cairo, a lively metropolis that is home to around 10 million people. By the way, with more than 100 million people in the entire territory of the Arab Republic of Egypt, this country is among the most populated in the entire Arab world. There are many fascinating facts about Egypt, and among them is the history of gambling in this country. Did you know that one of the oldest games in the world originated in Egypt? Buckle up, let's start an exciting story about the past and present of gambling in Egypt!

History of Gambling in Egypt

Thanks to the drawings inside the pyramids, and various other artifacts of the past, historians have concluded, without a doubt, that gambling was part of the daily life of the ancient Egyptians. This activity is deeply rooted in Egyptian history; it was practiced among the common people, but, as it is believed, also by the royal families, including Queen Cleopatra herself. The most popular were dice games, as well as table games, including one of the oldest known game in the world – Senet.

Gambling was part of everyday life and the most popular way of entertainment in Egypt until the 7th century. The spread of Islam in the country meant a gradual reduction, and eventually the abolition of this type of past time activity. Islam, the dominant religion of Egypt, considers gambling to be harmful and completely incompatible with the values that Islam supports: honesty, kindness, patience, family care, hard work...

Nevertheless, despite religious prohibitions, during the Ottoman rule in Egypt, which lasted between 1517-1914, gambling, as a social activity aimed at raising the spirit of the nation, was once again present in society, and was freely, albeit illegally, taking place on the streets of Cairo. After the Ottomans left the territory of Egypt, and a few hundred years later the same area was occupied by the British, gambling took on an even more specific form. During the occupation, Britain, seeing the economic benefit of the gambling industry, opened several casinos in Egypt.

Current Law Situation

In modern Egypt today, the gambling situation is quite delicate. Considering that religious perspectives are not in line with this activity, and on the other hand, the economic benefits in connection with the land-based casino industry are not negligible, the government of Egypt, responsible for this branch of the industry, had to find a balance. Gambling is strictly prohibited for local residents, but allowed for tourists visiting the country. The land-based gambling industry is rigorously controlled, and the facilities where gambling is allowed are located in supervised spots, mostly tourist epicenters of the country.

The Ministry of Tourism is responsible for issuing permits to land-based operators, as well as monitoring activities and ensuring that brands operate according to established rules and laws. We emphasize once again - that gambling, any form of gambling, is strictly prohibited for the local Egyptian population, as it is inconsistent with religious moral norms. Tourists over 18 years of age can engage in casino action, but only in legalized casino halls, built in specific tourist locations.

Best Places to Gamble in Egypt

Tourism is one of the leading sources of income, crucial to Egypt's economy. In the country's rich tourist offer, the Pyramid Complex in Gaza, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Luxor Temple, the Library of Alexandria, and many other historical sights are at the top of the list of attractions. In addition to excellently developed tourism in the sphere of history and culture, Egypt also offers a great offer of resorts on the sea, in which, most often, there are land-based casinos available.

At the time of writing, Egypt had several dozen legal land-based casinos, and we will single out some of the most popular:

Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino: The luxurious building is located on the banks of the Nile River in Cairo, the capital city of Egypt. The hotel and casino have been successfully operating for decades, making this one of the safest choices for foreign guests. This establishment exudes the elegance for which this hotel chain is famous. The gambling hall itself is a large, richly equipped space, featuring slot machines, roulette, blackjack tables, and several variations of poker—truly a place where the dreams of all types of players come true! Guests can make deposits using wallets, bank transfers, credit, and debit cards.

Casino Royale: In the tropical surroundings of Sharm El Sheikh, a popular tourist destination on the Red Sea, the famous Casino Royal is located! One of the most popular land-based casinos in the whole of Egypt, for years now, with its classic, elegant appearance that recreates the historical Pharaonic period, and great offer of games, has been attracting numerous visitors to this coastal Egyptian town. Besides the excellent offer of slot machines, Royal Casino also offers American Roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Three Card Brag, and many other table games!

Vegas Casino: Named after the most glamourous gambling destination in the world, the legendary Sin City, Vegas Egypt also offers unforgettable entertainment, only of a smaller size. The casino is decorated in an American style, and visitors, at the very entrance, are greeted by the Statue of Liberty, the most famous symbol of the North American continent. The casino works 24 hours a day and is located in the heart of the resort of Sharm El Sheikh.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a fusion of exciting activities in one place, which includes visits to ancient sites, enjoying fantastic beaches, and taking advantage of excellent land-based casino spots - Egypt is the place you want to be! We remind you that gambling here is strictly regulated and unavailable to the local population, so if you have the opportunity to gamble within the borders of this country, do so in accordance with the laws, only in legal and licensed places!