
Gaming at Racecourse
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Golden Horse Casino South Africa
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Casino Gaming at Scottsville Racecourse
Golden Horse Casino operates directly on Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg, making it part of a major entertainment complex offering casino gaming, entertainment, and horse racing. The venue opened in the early 2000s and later became part of Hollywoodbets. It is one of only two casinos worldwide built on a racecourse. The casino is conveniently attached to the back of the Hollywoodbets Scottsville Grandstand. Unusual? Absolutely.
Step onto our gaming floor: 450 slot machines await, and 22 tables featuring roulette, blackjack, and poker. For anyone wanting peace and privacy, our Equus Club Room offers high-limit games in a more intimate setting. Hours of operation shift a little during the week. Sunday through Thursday, gaming runs 08h00 to 04h00. On Fridays and Saturdays, gaming runs 24 hours.
All transactions on-site use South African Rand. By signing up for the Hollywoodbets Rewards program, guests earn points while playing - and those points can be swapped for perks and privileges.
| Gaming Type | Available Options | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | 450 machines | Sun-Thu 08h00-04h00, Fri-Sat 24h |
| Table Games | 22 tables (Roulette, Poker, Blackjack) | Sun-Thu 08h00-04h00, Fri-Sat 24h |
| Private Gaming | Equus Club Room | By arrangement |
You’ll find regular draws, tech-assisted jackpots, and lively table tournaments. For the latest promotions and event schedules, we recommend contacting guest services directly.
Hotel and Accommodation
Guests at the Golden Horse Hotel can book from 96 rooms, most looking straight onto the racecourse. Four stars, straight connection to both casino and events. Choose from standard or superior rooms, or take it up a notch with one of the suites. Every room has individual climate controls, a bathroom, TV, and a workspace. Suites offer separate living areas.
Nightly rates are available on request. Sometimes guests see package deals that pair a room with dining credits or tickets for special happenings. Bring your ID and credit card when checking in. Gambling is restricted to guests 18+.
Our business guests or event planners can use conference setups for anything from board meetings to big sit-downs. Rooms can be arranged for groups from 10 up to 200 people, and we handle audio-visual setups, catering, and even décor if that’s needed.
Dining Options and Family Entertainment
Three main dining spots keep everyone fed: the terrace buffet, a sit-down Indian restaurant, plus a lively bar and fast food court. Meal times and menus may vary by venue and day.
The buffet’s open at breakfast, lunch, and dinner with different dishes cycling through the week. Our Indian eatery focuses on à la carte options. At the bar, you’ll find local and international drinks, plus every screen showing live sport.
Families may find additional activities on site. Swing by the mini golf course or to the arcade. There’s a driving range, and crèche staff handle child supervision so parents can play in peace. All family facilities run during the day and shut in the evening.
Live acts are hosted all year - musicians, DJs, theme nights. Some events require tickets aside from normal casino entry. Check our website or ask at guest services for schedules.
Casino Gaming at Scottsville Racecourse
Golden Horse Casino operates directly on Scottsville Racecourse in Pietermaritzburg, making it one of only two casinos worldwide built on a racecourse. Official sources describe Golden Horse Casino as part of a major entertainment complex offering casino gaming, entertainment, and horse racing. The gaming floor features 450 slot machines and 22 table games including roulette, blackjack, and poker. Operating hours run Sunday through Thursday from 08h00 to 04h00, with 24-hour gaming on Fridays and Saturdays. All transactions use South African Rand, and players can join the Hollywoodbets Rewards loyalty program to earn points and climb membership tiers. The venue combines casino gaming with direct access to live horse racing events.
- 450 slot machines available
- 22 table games with popular variants
- Equus Club Room for private high-limit gaming
- Hollywoodbets Rewards loyalty program
- 24-hour weekend gaming

Race Day Integration
The property combines casino gaming with horse racing access. On race days, visitors can combine casino access with racecourse activity and related hospitality.
The Golden Horse Casino Sprint is an annual event sponsored by Golden Horse Casino, run over 1,200 meters (6 furlongs) each May. Major horses and jockeys from all corners of South Africa come out for this. On this day, you’ll find corporate hospitality, reserved seating, exclusive dining, and entertainment away from the betting windows as well.
The casino sits beside the racecourse, so race-day visits can combine gaming and racing in one location. On these huge race days, extra food options open up, more casino staff work, and parking expands by partnering with neighbouring properties.
Responsible Gambling Support
We’re committed to responsible gaming and back responsible gambling resources. “Winners know when to stop” - that message is displayed in all gaming areas. Resources for problem gambling are always close.
If you or someone you know needs help, there’s a free, confidential support line at 0800 006 008. Responsible gambling resources are available on site.
You can request self-exclusion through the venue’s responsible gambling process. Credit isn’t extended for gaming. All bets must be placed using cash, debit, or credit cards on site - we have ATMs here, but no cash advances.
Hollywoodbets Rewards Membership
Membership in the Hollywoodbets Rewards program is free for guests 18+ years old. To join, just visit the rewards desk with your valid ID. Once you’re in, your play is tracked not just at Golden Horse but across other Hollywoodbets properties.
Points add up from both slots and tables, depending on your bets and games played. These points can be used for meal deals, hotel discounts, entry to special promotions. There are several tiers: standard, silver, gold, and platinum - all determined by annual points. Reach higher status, and you’ll unlock priority help, exclusive events, and member-only deals. Each year on your signup date, your status recalculates.
If you lose your card, contact the rewards desk for assistance. Always swipe before playing for points. Don’t share cards, or memberships may get suspended.
Location and Contact
The property stands at 45 New England Road, Scottsville, Pietermaritzburg, 3201, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, next to Scottsville Racecourse.
Our Guest Relations team answers calls during business hours on +27 33 395 8000. Email us at [email protected] - messages get responses in roughly one or two business days.
Hundreds of parking spaces are available, most on level pavement. Add in valet parking for busy nights and special races. Security keeps a regular watch on vehicles throughout operating hours.
Visitors typically reach the venue by road transport. The majority of visitors drive or catch a taxi. We don’t run shuttles from Durban - occasionally, tour groups add us into their routes.
Bookings are best made in advance, especially on race days. Walk-in rooms could be unavailable on race days or holidays. For Indian and buffet restaurants, we recommend booking tables in peak hours. Food court and bar run on a first-come basis.
Tickets for concerts and entertainment are purchased separately from casino entry and can be bought at guest services or sometimes via outside sellers. Conference or event bookings require you specify dates, attendance numbers, setup and catering preferences when you enquire.
