I visited a lovely casino in Gauteng recently and actually discovered something I didn't know was possible at such a place.

I learnt that you can actually have a ball with your family at a casino.

If you think about it, these establishments have become part of our lives because there are now several casinos in our midst, with six of them in Gauteng alone.

You probably think I went there to gamble, but I did not go to Montecasino for that reason. I went as a domestic tourist and did what tourists normally do - had a wonderful meal and a drink and basically chilled.

Casinos have some of the best entertainment . Gold Reef City has the Lyric Theatre, Carnival City has the Top Arena, Emperors' Palace has The Theatre of Marcellus and Silver Star, Morula Sun and The Emerald Resort and Casino have concert and theatre venues as well as one or more hotels.

Anyway, living only 30 minutes away from Montecasino and wondering where to take my partner on her birthday, it was enticing to spend a night at an entertainment place close to home, which leaves you feeling that you have been away somewhere after all.

It felt really good booking ourselves in for one night at the SunSquare Hotel.

Its restaurant, Mondo Vino, with its urban setting, serves some of the best food around town.

It is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and overlooks the Musical Fountains of the Piazza.

Even though casinos are well known for people who gamble and try their luck at the slot machines, they are an alternative to traditional entertainment centres , attracting all sorts of people who don' t gamble

In fact, a good number of people do not even go near the slot machines and casinos.

They go there for music concerts, theatre entertainment, shopping for unique presents at lovely boutiques and to eat out at good restaurants such as the ones attached to the SunSquare Hotel.

I saw many families who were there just to have a good time.

SunSquare Montecasino, at R1300 per night, offers a unique and refreshing experience for business and leisure travellers.

Located on the Piazza Square, right in the heart of the Montecasino Gaming and Entertainment Complex, you can enjoy a cosmopolitan experience with easy access to all the restaurants, cinemas, theatres and excitement of Montecasino.

Located in Fourways, north of Johannesburg and only 15 minutes from Lanseria Airport and 40 minutes from O R Tambo International Airport, the hotel is easily accessible from all major highways and the business hub of Sandton.

Rooms are funky and fresh and offer an eclectic yet comfortable lifestyle, with views over Fourways as well as the European feel of the Piazza.

So the next time you crave really good food and entertainment and do not want to travel long distances, do not overlook Gauteng's casinos.

And of course you can check out the slot machines too if you are into that kind of thing.