A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Arts For the degree of Master of Arts, Department of Geography and Environmental Studies University of Zululand, 1998. / The gaming practice or activity commonly known as gambling has become a major force in the tourism industry and an important money earner in the economy of many countries. It has always been a popular form of recreation yet gambling remains a controversial issue in many societies. The Empangeni-Richards Bay urban environment has been confronted with the emerging debate whether or not to introduce casino gaming or not in the area. This study examines the local residents' perceptions of the proposed establishment of a casino gambling resort in their locality. The study has revealed two opposing perceptions, the group lobbying for and the group lobbying against the casino. The group in favour of the casino proved to be in the majority, emanating from the poor Black population whose members hope for job opportunities and increased tourism activity. The anti-casino lobbying group was found to be in the minority and comprised the higher income people from the prestigious residential areas of Richards Bay, who fear the disadvantages associated with commercial gaming. The study makes several recommendations relating to what would be best for both groups in the study area. Some of these include that: (a) the gaming casino is to be located away from both prestigious and lower income residential areas; (b) the casino should be established for purposes of promoting eco-tourism, where its location assumes a balance between natural wildlife and modernised African cultural artefacts and facilities for attracting tourists. (c) a gaming studies and research institute should be established at a local provincial university, so as to facilitate tourism education among the populace, as well as gaming-based skills and professional training. In conclusion, the study found that there was significant support for the establishment of the gaming casino, with the hope that its negative social, economic and environmental impacts could be well managed and minimised. / KwaZulu-Natal Sustainable Tourism Research Programme