Red Sea and Sharm el-Sheikh Resort Casinos
Days on the reef, evenings at the tables: Egypt's Red Sea resorts have long combined diving and beach holidays with a lively nightlife, and casinos are part of it. As in Cairo, they are open to foreign passport holders only.
Sharm el-Sheikh
At the southern tip of Sinai, Sharm el-Sheikh grew from a small fishing harbour into one of the Middle East's best-known resorts. Its centre of nightlife is Naama Bay, a crescent of beach lined with hotels, restaurants, bars and a promenade that stays busy until late. Casinos are found in some of the large resort hotels in and around Naama Bay and along the coast towards the airport, typically offering roulette, blackjack, poker and slot machines in US dollars.
By day, Sharm is the gateway to Ras Mohammed National Park and the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, both described in our guide to Luxor, Aswan, Sinai and the Red Sea.
Hurghada and El Gouna
On the African mainland coast, Hurghada stretches for kilometres along the shore, with a modern marina, resort hotels and a busy nightlife strip. A few of the bigger hotels have casinos or gaming rooms for international guests. Nearby El Gouna, a purpose-built lagoon town, is popular for kitesurfing and has a more upmarket bar and restaurant scene.
Other resorts
- Marsa Alam, further south, is quieter and focused on diving with dolphins, dugongs and turtles.
- Taba and Nuweiba, on the Gulf of Aqaba, are smaller and more relaxed.
- Sahl Hasheesh and Makadi Bay, south of Hurghada, are self-contained resort areas.
What resort casinos are like
| Cairo casinos | Red Sea resort casinos | |
|---|---|---|
| Crowd | Business travellers, Gulf visitors, tourists | Holidaymakers, mostly from Europe and the Gulf |
| Atmosphere | Formal, late-night | More relaxed, holiday mood |
| Dress | Smart casual | Smart casual, no swimwear |
| Entry | Foreign passport | Foreign passport |
Tips for a resort casino night
- Carry your passport. Room keys and photocopies are often not enough.
- Bring US dollars or euros; exchange rates at the cashier may not be generous.
- All-inclusive packages rarely include the casino; drinks at the tables may be charged separately.
- Combine a night out with Naama Bay's promenade or Hurghada's marina restaurants.
Spending time in the capital first? Read casinos in Cairo and Egypt. And if your sport is cycling rather than cards, our guide to betting on track cycling is where the real edge lies.