Think of Kenya and what's the first thing that springs to mind? Is it the endless Savannah? A chance to spot one or all of Africa's Big Five animals? The sweltering equatorial forests? Perhaps it's even the snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya? Whatever you pictured, it probably wasn't a casino, right?
Well, despite preconceived notions of Kenya, the country does offer some world-class gambling nightspots. From the upmarket Mayfair Groups ventures, to the idyllically positioned Golden Key Casino, we've inspected them all to bring you three of the best.

Finix Casino (Nairobi)

Just ten minutes outside of Nairobi City Centre is the Finix Casino. This luxurious open plan casino spans two floors. It offers punters five single roulette tables, ten Black Jack tables, Pontoon, Caribbean Baccarat, Texas Hold Em Poker, slot machines featuring progressive jackpots, and an electronic roulette table. All of this is set in lush, comfortable surroundings set within the high-class neighborhood of Hurlingham.
The Finix also provides weekly and monthly scheduled poker tournaments. Sunday nights play host to a Ksh 1,000, single re-buy Texas Hold ‘Em tournament. Starting at 7:30pm, players compete for a guaranteed prize pool of Ksh 200,000.
The main event, however takes place on the first Saturday of every month. Kicking off at 8pm is the Grand Texas Hold Em tournament. This bad boy features a massive guaranteed prize pool of Ksh 1,000,000, and players must fork up Ksh 10,000 to play. Like the weekly, there's a single rebuy in the Grand which is the same cost as the initial stake.
For those who like their action a little less intense, the Finix Casino also offers regular bingo games. These take place on Sundays at 4pm and Tuesdays at 8:30pm. It's always a great atmosphere and players can enjoy the complementary buffet too. Cards cost Ksh 1,000 and the jackpot is an impressive Ksh 50,000.
To make the evening feel that bit more special why not take advantage of the casinos valet parking or chauffeur service. The latter being particularly useful if you plan on indulging at the complementary bar service the Finix Casino offers all players.

Golden Key Casino (Mombasa)

Overlooking the breath-taking Mombasa harbour is the Golden Key Casino. From the front, punters can look out upon the crystalline blue waters and to the rear is a spectacular view of the Old Town.
The Golden Key is without doubt Kenya's most elegant casino. The grandiose decor provides the perfect setting to hit the tables. Whether it's roulette, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud Poker, Pontoon, Texas Hold 'Em, Casino Hold 'Em, or Three Card Poker, there'll be a table waiting for you. For the higher rollers there are specific tables, and the floor has many state-of-the-art slot machines from some of the planet's premier providers.
The Golden Key Casino offers customers a pickup service from various hotels in the Mombasa and surrounding areas. Night owls will be pleased to learn that the casino floor stays open until 5am. This makes Golden Key the latest operating on our list a perfect for that all-night blackjack session.
The luxurious, high-class experience provided at the Golden Key is further heightened by the bar and terrace section. Sipping cocktails into the small hours whilst basking in the Indian Ocean breeze after a big win is just magical.
Downstairs from the casino floor is the world-famous Tamarind. This modern seafood restaurant couldn't be situated more perfectly with customers able to look out on the waters from which their dinner was caught just hours earlier.
Next door to the Tamarind and the Golden Key is the Tamarind Village. This modern complex houses a luxurious hotel and pool with its own exotic gardens. Visitors are recommended to take a visit to the Village and embark upon a trip on the Tamarind Dhow.
With its world classic gaming facilities, stunning surroundings, and exceptional hotel and dining options, no wonder the casinos own motto is: The key to a golden evening!

The Mayfair Casino & Club (Nairobi)

Quite Beautiful with amazing murals
The Mayfair Group is a huge name in the East African gambling industry. They've some of the most luxurious casinos in the region. The Mayfair RKL also in Nairobi and Mayfair Indian Ocean, Malindi would easily be worthy of their own entries on a longer list but as we had to pick just one, it had to be the original. Mayfair’s flagship offering might not have the same poker facilities as its sister, the Mayfair Kampala Casino, but it still takes our vote as the best of the bunch.
Located in the suitably upmarket Parklands Road, Westlands, Nairobi, the Mayfair first opened its doors in 1994. Being positioned to the north of the city, it's close to some of the best shopping that Nairobi has got to offer as well as the fanciest hotels. Just next door, for example, is the stunningly decadent Southern Sun Mayfair Hotel, which of course, is run by the Mayfair Group.
The gaming room features six card tables, six roulette tables and sixty slot and video machines. Amongst the games on offer are American roulette, Black Jack, Pontoon, Caribbean Poker, Brag, Seven Card Poker, and Bingo. There are also private facilities for special guests and high rollers. These consist of one roulette table and two card tables. The game selection has been well planned and stacks up well with other sits reviews at GamblingAfrica, who review many different land-based and online casino gambling options for Kenyan residents.
The casino's decor is traditional and heavily inspired by East African culture. Murals depicting lush scenes of the Kenyan country side surround a beautifully constructed wooden, peaked roof. All the finishing are made from a deep-toned timber and they provide suitable elegance for a casino of such grandeur. The private facilities overlook the main casino floor via a mezzanine. All told, there's a real touch of modernity in the Mayfair whilst remaining true to traditional African style.
Guests of the casino are welcome to enjoy the games, as well as complementary food and drink until 3am on weekdays and until 4am weekends.

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