Going on vacation to Zimbabwe is a great idea. The people are known for their welcoming demeanor, there’s natural beauty to see and poker to be played in the country, while the locals continue to show an interest in the best online poker sites. Today we look at some of the elements to include in your next trip to Zimbabwe – so that you can combine the rich local culture as well as getting your poker fix.
The Legality of Poker in Zimbabwe
First things first, are you going to get into any trouble going to Zimbabwe and playing poker? No problem, at all. Gambling has been allowed in the country since 1914 for all patrons over the age of 18. Online poker is also considered legal to play in Zimbabwe too. A lot of players however use international sites rather than localised platforms.
What currency will you use for Poker in Zimbabwe?
If you’ve researched Zimbabwe at all, you’ll already appreciate that Zimbabwe’s local currency, the Zimbabwe dollar isn’t very stable. Many outlets describe the currency as unstable and unpredictable. As of August 2023, it is still in circulation but many physical stores in Zimbabwe still accept US dollars as well. In land casinos, it will most likely vary from establishment to establishment as to what they accept. For context, the Zimbabwe dollar is very weak compared to its US counterpart. Reports in summer 2023 state that $1 is equal to around 361 in Zimbabwe dollars.
Online it’s a little more cut and dry. As there are almost no domestically based Zimbabwe online casinos or poker rooms, it is very unlikely that you will have to bank in Zimbabwe dollars. Therefore you can anticipate using American money while playing on this select list of the best online poker sites.
Downtown Harare
The chances are that your travel plans to and from Zimbabwe will include a stop in the capital city. Given that some of the more famous tourist attractions like the Hwange National Park and Victoria Falls are quite far away, it’s a good idea to stay a night or two in Harare, instead of continually travelling.
While in Harare sites like Epworth Balancing Rocks, Shona Sculpture Park, and the National Heroes’ Acre can all be enjoyed by day. However, by night, it’s time to play a hand or two of poker. Casino Marina, Regency Casino, and Wing Wah International Poker are great destinations for a wager.
Gambling Nearby Victoria Falls
No trip to Zimbabwe is complete without an excursion to Victoria Falls. The town by the same name also has a lot of accommodations for travelers to stay in. Elephant Hills Resort or Victoria Falls Safari Club are two of the most exquisite options to stay in. The waterfall itself is visible from the Victorian Steel Bridge which is simply idyllic as you see the Zambezi River gush between either side of Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Devil’s Cataract isn’t bad either as a viewpoint of the entire proximity as you take in all this beautiful natural wonder. When it gets dark, however, there’s poker to be played. The Makasa Sun Casino in the area has many gambling functions including poker.
If you want, you can even cross the border into Lusaka, Zambia, and try out your luck at the Majestic Casino. The local authorities have made it easy for tourists who want to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia, as minimal paperwork is required to see both nations.
Betting in Bulawayo
Another interesting place to visit while in Zimbabwe is the second biggest city in the country, Bulawayo. It’s not only home to over 600,000 people but several pathways to many attractions. Matobo’s rocky formations are a real sight to enjoy in the African sunshine. Tshabalala National Park is also a nice day out with multiple animals to see, like lions and tigers. The cave paintings in the surrounding area are an interesting insight into the world and local history. Or if you’d like to go shopping, Nkulumane Shopping Mall offers a lot of retail therapy. There are at least two different casinos in Bulawayo city center. Omadu and Bulawayo Casino Casino might not specialize in poker specifically but will offer you a decent hand or two.
In Transit Mobile Poker
Zimbabwe is a vast country and if you’re planning to do an exhaustive trip, then you’ll likely find yourself commuting a lot between different destinations. This presents a fantastic opportunity to log on to online poker services. After all, what else are you going to do on the long-haul 9-hour ride from Harare to Victoria Falls?
Whether you’re on a private bus or taxi for multiple hours or getting on a flight from one city to another, then they’ll still be ample time for a hand or two. While Zimbabwe’s mobile network isn’t the fastest, it is usually more than serviceable to handle such apps.
However, be sure to check that your favorite online poker app works in Zimbabwe. If it doesn’t, then you can always sign up for one that is! Some big international sites like BetOnline, Ignition Poker and Everygame Poker all currently work and trade in Zimbabwe. Registration with these sites shouldn’t be too difficult while you’re on the road in Zimbabwe either.