The online casino industry is booming in South Africa, with analysts expecting growth rates to reach market-leading levels. The country already dominates the gambling industry on the continent, accounting for approximately 75% of the total market.
Driving sustained growth is the country’s relatively high GDP, the government’s drive to push forward 5G service, high participation rates amongst consumers, and iGaming investment in the region. The country has been particularly successful in providing a platform for new players to join.
Perhaps you’re already a veteran of land-based establishments, or you’ve never placed a wager in your life. No matter your situation, finding the right online casino isn’t always straightforward.
Where possible, go local
Not too long ago, most customers had limited options with online casinos. Players had to sign up for sites based abroad, such as SkyVegas or Ladbrokes. Both sites focus on the British market, with the lingo, customer service reps, default currency, you name it, all geared for non-South Africans.
Now, however, you can have an experience fully designed for local players. Let’s take a South African casino with a golden touch as an example (apologies for the bad pun!): Casino Midas. It’s relatively new and forms part of a trend of investment in the region, with companies looking to provide consumers with a more personalized and familiar experience. Casino Midas has the Rand as the default currency, and the online casino offers welcome bonuses up to 18.000 rand chosen specifically for the South African experience.
Now, we’re not saying you should go local every single time. Casinos that do not target South Africans, in particular, are not by definition unsuitable. Their bonuses and game choice may be worth checking out. But local casinos will probably become your long-term go-to option, simply because they cater to you.
Read a wide range of reviews
Most people will do a single Google search and read the top result, leave it at that. This is not a thorough methodology, and there’s every chance you will end up creating an account with a dud. In the best-case scenario, you waste your time with a low-quality casino. Worst case scenario? You can’t withdraw your money.
We recommend reading several reviews from different sources. For example, check Google reviews. Known websites like Trustpilot are also useful and have a good vetting process to avoid fakes. But you should also read casino review sites, as they can compare different services and know exactly what players are looking for.
When reading reviews, just use your common sense. If a review sounds like a commercial for an online casino, it probably is. Look for balanced reviews that provide both pros and cons, ultimately letting the consumer decide.
Check the legal license
This one is an absolute must-do step; check whether the casino has a license. This ensures that your establishment of choice has been vetted by the government and given legal permission to operate as an online casino.
Every single country has its own rules and regulations. Remember, online betting is only legal in South Africa for certain casinos. For most, however, you will likely be placing your bets with a casino licensed abroad.
This isn’t a problem, particularly if the casino targets South African consumers, as they will undoubtedly have local employees working with the company. However, you absolutely must check that the license is valid first.
For companies based in Ontario, Canada, for example, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission will list organisations with valid permissions to offer gambling services. Most websites will have a logo of their license, but it’s up to you to verify this on a third-party official government website.
Test the games first
Many casinos will let you play their games for free; in many cases, you don’t even need to open up an account. If you can, try before you deposit any real cash. This will let you get a feel for the casino, and see if you like it.
Some casinos may look flashy and impressive, but it’s all talk and no walk. Once you open up the games, you will find antiquated graphics and slow, clunky gameplay. This is a clear sign to move to the next provider.
Don’t be afraid to take many online casinos around for a spin. If you’re new, you won’t know what to expect at first, so it’s worth seeing what the differences are between companies.
Find the bonuses and freebies
Our last tip is perhaps the most lucrative if you’re one of the lucky ones. Casinos are always doing their best to stand out and win you over as a customer. Use this key fact as an advantage; remember, you’re the one in control!
To woo potential new customers, online casinos will offer generous bonuses. These will often include our favourite, the no-deposit variety. This means all you need to do is start up an account, and you will be given an entirely free bet (or spins on a slot machine).
Of course, not every bonus is created equal. Read the small print before you play, as many sound better than they actually are. In particular, double-check the wagering requirement (WR). If it’s too high, the bonus may be worth skipping.
Finally, the best online casino is the one you can walk away from every once in a while. The bright lights, wide selection of games, and bonuses on offer can be enticing, particularly for new players. Our advice? Balance your approach, quit while you’re ahead, and never chase losses. Don’t expect to make this your 9-to-5 gig, but winning big is possible every once in a while.