Our South African casino top picks
Finding your next casino site could not be simpler. Right here on this page, you will find a list of all the very best sites that have casino games available in your country. Take a look at the details and see which one is best for you. Also, be aware of the top casino bonus deals that can come your way when you create an account. Some may require you to spend a little money first but some may be completely free. So always check these details first before making your mind up where to play.
What the law says about online gambling South Africa
As with most countries gambling in South Africa is split into separate areas. There are some laws that control betting sites in South Africa and there are others that control lotteries etc. The South Africa casino laws apply mainly to land-based casinos in this jurisdiction. And there is no problem setting up a physical casino in South Africa.
A few years ago, there was talk of developing a more favourable stance towards the internet casino community. However, it went the other way and the decision was made to ban many online casino games. But this does not mean that they are not available. A very lenient approach has been taken and many operators still offer their services within the borders. Players generally do not find any problem accessing all the entertainment from within South Africa.
Is it legal to play online casino South Africa?
So the upshot of the changing laws in South Africa is that it is not legal to play these games. But as we said, there is no comeback on players who decide to do so. The only advice that we can give is that if you want to access any casino online within this jurisdiction then you should make sure that they are fully licensed. Licensing is controlled in various areas around the world. Some of them are much bigger than others and offer a more rigorous level of protection to players.
Casinos that welcome South African players
All of the sites that you see listed here on this page are completely compliant with one form of well-known licence or another. Many will have several licences so that they can offer their games all over the world. There are a few main licensing bodies to mention and we are going to take a look at a couple of them now.
Curaçao
The Curaçao Gaming Control Board is based in the Lesser Antilles group of islands. This is a small area in the Caribbean. It is a fantastic zone for businesses due to the very low business tax rates. Over the years, many casinos have decided to base their operations in this small area.
The level of protection may not be as great as some of the other places like the UK, for example. But the UKGC will only protect players in that country. So they won’t be of a lot of use to international players overseas.
We would say that playing at a site with a Curaçao gaming licence is the very minimum level of protection that you should be looking out for you.
MGA
Moving around to the other side of the world, and you will find the Malta Gaming Authority. This organisation was created to control casino online gambling activity on that island. It started out as a local set of rules but has quickly become the standard for many other jurisdictions as well. Countries that do not have their own licences in play will often recommend that you play at the site with an MGA licence.
They have a reasonably tough registration process and can offer you a good level of protection as a player.
How we rate and review South African casinos
Deciding which casinos should make it onto our coveted list takes a lot of time. We need to check out many things within that brand to ensure that they are safe and can offer a top-level of entertainment.
Let’s take a look at a few of the criteria on our list of priorities when assessing any of these gambling sites.
ZAR deposits and withdrawals
Getting your Rand into the best online casino South Africa is extremely important. Without having any cash in your balance, you cannot play any of the games.
There are tons of payment providers out there and a decent casino should offer a good number of options to their players.
The types of payment platforms that a casino online can offer are usually a good indication as to their reputation in the business community. If no payment providers want to work with them, then we have to ask why.
Reputable gaming license
And as we mentioned before, it is imperative that you only play at an online casino that offers some form of licence control. And this is true regardless of where you play in the world.
If a site does not have any form of legal protection, then we don’t take our interest any further.
Welcome bonus and other promotions
One of the most important aspects for many players around the globe is welcome offers and other promotions. We don’t insist that a casino offers up thousands of Rand but we do like to see some form of incentive. There is a lot of competition out there in this niche and businesses need to present some form of freebie to entice new players on board. They may come in the form of spins or perhaps cash that you can use on various casino games.
Software providers and game selection
All of the games available at these online casino sites come from clever software providers. Some of these top companies employ the very best designers and engineers in the world.
There are some design companies that are much larger and more reputable than others. And these guys will produce games that you are probably familiar with. Everything from casino classics to the very latest slots.
It’s always great to see a brand that works with many different software companies. This way, you will get the very broadest selection of games available.
Fast payouts
And if you have enjoyed a great profitable session on any one of the aforementioned casino games, then you want to get your cash back out into your bank. Any casino worth its salt will allow you to get your hands on your money as soon as possible.
There is usually a couple of days delay before you see any cash but anything beyond 3 or 4 days isn’t really acceptable. Payment methods do play a part in this. But in general, any longer delays are down to the casino and their administrative processes. We don’t like to represent a site that makes it deliberately difficult to see your winnings.
Real money casino gaming in South Africa
Winning money is usually the aim of the game! Many players love to play real money games as they can have a chance of seeing some tidy profits.
But of course, it isn’t all about the money. There is also a lot of entertainment to be found in the games along the way. And this can be especially true for some of the more advanced slots and classic card games as well.
Real money or play for fun?
And if you are more in it for the entertainment value or perhaps you would like to try out the game before spending any cash, then you always have the option of a demo version.
Software providers always release a demo version of games. These might be table games or slots. The great thing about the demo is that you can play as long as you like and it won’t cost you a penny. It’s a perfect opportunity to see how any special features work on technical games like some of the more modern slots, for example. The major downside to a demo is that you will not keep any of the winnings.
Popular online slots in South Africa
There are loads of top slot titles out there. Not a day goes by when a new one isn’t released. And this has led to an enormous back catalogue of games.
Some are more popular than others and this is perhaps you to the theme that they use and the regularity of the payouts. And there are others that present enormous jackpots that can really change your life. Let’s take a look at a few of some of the big-name slots that you will find at South African online casinos.
Age of the Gods
The Age of the Gods slot is considered a Playtech classic. There are 5 reels, 3 rows and 20 paylines. It’s accessible for all types of budgets thanks to the low minimum wagers. And it’s also available on mobile devices too.
It features a progressive jackpot where 4 of the biggest names in Greek Mythology help you along as best they can in your quest for great riches. The Age of the Gods Bonus is 4 different free spins games with up to x5 multipliers and plenty of wild symbols thrown in.
Jackpot Giant
If you’re looking for an online slots South Africa game with even bigger jackpot potential than the Age of the Gods slot, then look no further. This game has been known to pay out millions to some lucky players.
It features fun, animated 3D graphics and a great soundtrack. The game pays out its biggest prize by landing 5 of the top symbols across a pay line. But there are plenty of other prizes up for grabs. And some of the best ones can be seen during the bonus rounds. 2 volcano symbols takes you to a pick a win game and 3 scatter symbols awards a mystery payout of up to 500x.
Aztec’s Treasures
This slot comes to us courtesy of Betsoft that has produced some top titles over the years. There are 5 reels and 3 rows of action with 30 winning lines in play. As you would expect, the theme is based around the Aztecs which ruled the central Mexican region hundreds of years ago before the Spanish turned up looking for gold.
This game boasts some smart features including a progressive jackpot, pick a win game and a traditional nudge system that many games have abandoned over the years. The volatility is low which means that you’ll see lots of regular wins of a small value coming your way.
Gladiator: Road to Rome
Roman Gladiators set the scene for many of the world’s top slot games: And Road to Rome is one of the best you can find. Its creator, Playtech, put a lot of time and effort into this title and it has paid dividends.
It’s another progressive jackpot game with 5 reels and 3 rows. And there are 25 paylines. On top of the massive progressive prize, there is a set of Colosseum games that allows you to pick shields and can reward you with various prizes. These can be win multipliers, extra wilds, scatter wins, free spins and nudges.
The main prize is up for grabs during the main Gladiator Bonus Game. Land 3 helmets to have a chance of picking from 9 more helmets that appear. Find 9 gold helmets to get your hands on the progressive jackpot.
Casino bonuses for online casino in South Africa
Casino bonuses come in a variety of forms. And there is always something fantastic for everybody. Naturally, some promotions will be larger than others. But you shouldn’t just take the overall figure that is offered to you for granted.
Sometimes the smallest offers can be the most valuable. And this is all down to the terms and conditions placed on these deals.
Huge bonus offers can prove to be troublesome. If the T&Cs are not favourable, then this can hinder your progress when using a casino bonus. We will take a look at the most common terms and conditions in just a moment. But for now, let’s have a look at the most frequently offered casino promos.
Slots freespins
It goes without saying that free spins are every slot fans favourite deal. They allow you to play some of the very best titles in the business and also have a chance of winning some fabulous cash as well. If you are not making a deposit then you should not expect to see hundreds of spins come your way. But if you do part with a little cash first, then you can expect to see this deal grow to quite a decent size.
If you have a particular game in mind, then you need to check the T&Cs very carefully. Sometimes there are only a few games available during a promotion.
Bonus with no deposit required
But it isn’t just free spins that can come your way when you create a new account. You can also get access to no deposit bonuses.
You can also pick up some bonus cash at an online casino in South Africa with no deposit too. With bonus cash, you can play classic card games and other table games as well. And some sites even allow you to use your bonus cash while playing live casino too.
As with the free spins, you shouldn’t expect to see a huge amount of bonus cash if you aren’t making a deposit.
Bonus with deposit required
Deposit bonuses usually come your way in the form of a deposit match deal. This occurs when you pay in some cash into your casino account. After that, the casino will match it.
Depending on the type of deal that you select, you may be able to see 100% or even 200% of your deposit value added to your account. Although you should bear in mind that this bonus cash will go to your bonus balance and not your live playing balance. And this is very important as bonus cash is subject to any of the restrictions in place for that deal.
What you need to know about T&C’s
Promo terms and conditions are very important. You should become a dab hand at recognising any restrictions in place before you select any deals. They can greatly affect the value of an offer.
The most common restriction is called a wagering requirement. And this dictates that you must play with any bonus cash a number of times. And this can also apply to any winnings that come your way from bonus spins as well.
Wagering generally starts from 5x and can go all the way up to 70x. So you need to pay close attention to this if you are selecting a large bonus that has a large wagering requirement. It can take a long time to comply with these rules.
South African gambling apps and mobile casinos
Mobile play has become an essential part of all online casinos. Many of us prefer to play games while on the move. And to do that, a casino site needs to be mobile compatible.
Playing casino in your mobile browser
One way to get involved on your mobile device is to play directly through your internet browser. As you would with any other website, simply type in the web address and go directly to the casino.
Here you will be able to do everything that you can on the regular website. The only difference is that everything here is a little smaller, as you might imagine. You can access your account and all of the games quickly and securely.
Playing casino using a casino app
The alternative connection method is to download the casino’s app. Not every site has one but many do. The app is saved directly on your phone and you can access the action at the click of a button.
The layout of an app may appear a little different to a browser-based version. But that’s perfectly normal. The application has been created separately to give you a very specific mobile-based user experience.
Betting sites South Africa
Online betting in South Africa is perhaps not as popular as some other areas of the world. But it is still quite a major market. And as a result, you will see plenty of brands offering their services in this area.
And they don’t just offer the most well-known sports. It is also possible to play fantasy sports as well as esports. Regular video games have always been extremely popular in every corner of the globe. And now it is possible to place your bets on the outcome of these games as well.
Bonuses available at SA bookmakers
And the bookies are just as keen to get new players on board as the casinos. They will offer you many different types of promotions to attract your attention. All of these deals mean extra playing money and extra bets. And this is always a welcome reward.
And some welcome offers can also be used across the various betting niches. Many of the large online betting South Africa operators have their fingers in many pies. They could offer casino games as well as sports betting and bingo as well. And some of the bonuses will be available to play on a variety of these different betting platforms. So keep your eyes peeled for those that can bring you opportunities to enjoy a wide range of entertainment.
Free bet promotions
For those who love the sports betting action, a free bet promo is ideal.
For creating an account, a bookie may reward you with a number of free bets that you can place. It’s similar to the offers you’ll find at an online casino South Africa no deposit. These may be restricted by the types of events or markets that you can choose.
They often come about around the start of a major competition. It could be football, cricket or even a large horse racing festival. So you should always check the small print before selecting these free bet offers. If you are not interested in the sport on which you can place the bet, then it may not be the best promo for you.
Matched deposit bonuses
Match deposit bonuses are fantastic because they allow you a little more freedom to place bets wherever you like. In general, you can have a flutter on any one of the sporting markets available at that bookmaker.
Do be aware of any wagering requirements that are attached to this deal. It may not be that you can simply place a bet and walk off with the winnings. You may need to gamble with the winnings a number of times. And it is also possible that winnings will come to you in the form of betting credit rather than cash that you can spend.
Safety and security when gambling online in South Africa
You should take your online security seriously. Too many people are caught out by scams and schemes all over the internet. And this is true for all types of industries.
Doing a little research before accessing a site will often give you a good idea of what to expect. Most of the time, you won’t even need to visit a casino to know if it is widely trusted or not. Check out review sites like ours and customer reviews as well to get an initial feel for a brand.
Always check the licensing details
At Gamble.xyz, we do go on about licensing a lot! But we make no apologies for it. We can’t state enough just how important it is that you don’t access any online casinos in South Africa that don’t hold a licence. And the stronger the licensing authority, the better.
Some sites may offer the most unbelievable welcome deals that seem to amass tens of thousands of rands. But this should perhaps be a red flag as usually, the sites that offer this are unlicensed. If you can’t see a brand’s legal credentials by taking a quick look at their homepage, then move on to another casino.
SSL-encryption
SSL is the most basic form of protection that any website should offer its customers. All sites are hosted on a server and the tech that these servers use is important. Encrypting any data that comes to and from the server stops hackers from accessing your details. And this can save you from attacks on your money and personal info.
All online casinos should be using reputable hosting companies and they will use SSL tech. This is the standard encryption format. To show that they are compliant, they will issue the SA casino site with a certificate and a small padlock icon will appear on the address bar next to their site address.
Always play responsibly
Most gamblers know what it’s like to want to carry on and try and win more money. It’s a pretty natural instinct. But the key is knowing when enough is enough. You should try to limit the amount of time that you spend playing online casinos and be strict. That way, you stay in control of your hobby.
Setting up a budget is also a great way to keep things in check. Everyone wants to think that they will win while playing at a casino online. But there is also a chance that you may lose. So you must accept that you might not see some of your wagers again. Having a budget allows you to control your spending irrespective of wins and losses.
South African gambling help organisations
Regardless of the type of gambling online South Africa you enjoy, the National Responsible Gambling Program is there to help you if it goes a little too far. Some players may find that they spend too much time and money while playing online casinos. And this is never a good thing.
If you think that this might apply to you, then contact the helpline and get some advice today. The longer you leave it, the worse the problem may get.
The Gambling program will offer your guidance and counselling and can exclude you from playing online games to take away the temptation.
FAQ
Hopefully, you now have all the info you need to go off and enjoy all the South African online casinos safely. But here are a few FAQs just in case.
