South African online casinos list
Here at Casino.xyz, our expert reviewers work round the clock. And they love nothing more than rating and reviewing all the online casinos in South Africa and overseas. Before bringing you their top picks, where you can play the best games and snap up the greatest bonuses.
Here, we’ve listed some of our experts’ favourites. And each casino we list has been put through its paces thoroughly by our team. So you know you’re in good hands!
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Online gambling in South Africa and the Law
So, before we get into the different types of games you can play, we need to look at what the law says about gambling online in South Africa.
The bad news is, any form of gambling online is prohibited. But the good news is, the law is so lax that it doesn’t really stop anyone doing it anyway!
While the SA government, through the NGB, licenses and regulates its own land-based casinos, as well as other forms of gambling like lotteries and charitable gaming, they have completely turned their backs on internet-based gambling. And, as such, online casinos South Africa aren’t permitted.
That said, players have plenty of opportunities to gamble online with offshore sites, who offer their services to SA customers. And, more often than not, they even offer ZAR as a preferred currency. So they cater specifically for the South African market. Meaning, you still get plenty of great chances to gamble as a South African client.
Is gambling legal in South Africa?
So, is online gambling in South Africa legal? In short, no. Online gambling is not permitted within the South African territory. But, as we’ve seen, offshore sites offer their services to SA players. And, with such high demand for these gambling sites, overseas operators saw the gap in the market and have rushed to fill it. Meaning that there’s a wealth of foreign sites who welcome South African players with open arms.
Plus, while online gambling is considered illegal, the fact is that the law seems to turn a blind eye to it. So, it’s most likely that you can play at these foreign sites with no problem whatsoever.
Casinos that accept South African players
As we’ve seen, the best online casino South Africa sites are actually based outside of the country. But, with so many casino operators offering their services, you must be careful that you don’t fall into the trap of an unlicensed site. Unfortunately, there are some shady sites out there. So you must remain vigilant and ensure you only play at licensed and trustworthy sites.
Luckily, there’s a very easy way to keep yourself safe at any real-money site. And that’s by checking that the casino in question holds a licence from a reputable authority.
So, the next time you consider playing at a new offshore site, look for a licence number from the following two organisations.
MGA Casinos
The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) has been licensing and regulating offshore casinos for decades. And this small island in the Mediterranean has gained a sterling reputation within the industry.
Online casinos that hold an MGA licence are some of the most reputable and trustworthy in the world. And the MGA runs a tight ship! So, sites that bear the MGA logo will offer you the best games around. As well as great bonuses and 5-star customer service.
Curacao Casinos
The other leader in casino licensing is the Caribbean island of Curacao. After the MGA, this tiny tropical paradise has the largest number of overseas casinos on its books.
And, while Curacao’s regulations aren’t as strict as the MGA’s, all real-money sites that hold a Curacao licence are considered trustworthy and safe.
What you should look for in a South Africa casino
So, now you’re up to speed on how to find the best South African casinos overseas. As well as what to look out for, to make sure you’re safe.
Now it’s time to take a look at exactly what you should take into consideration when you find a new site. Here’s some tips from our experts.
Does the casino accept ZAR deposits?
You already know that there are lots of overseas casinos that welcome South African players. So, one of the first things you should look at is if the site offers ZAR as a preferred currency.
While you can use other currencies at a casino site, it’s far easier for you to pay in and withdraw in ZAR. Plus, you avoid any cheeky bank charges and/or a poor exchange rate when you have to convert ZAR into another type of money.
That’s why we recommend looking for sites that offer ZAR. Because, if a casino says it welcomes SA players, then it should cater for what SA customers want. And that’s to pay in and withdraw in their own currency!
Is the casino licensed?
Next up, before you join any SA casino, you should make sure it’s licensed. We’ve already covered how easy it is to check that a casino carries a licence. And you should always check this information, as well as who issues the licence.
Remember, two of the best-known and most trustworthy authorities are the MGA and Curacao. And each one has thousands of casino operators that they regulate. So, by choosing a site with a licence from one of these bodies, you know you’re playing at a safe and legit casino.
What’s the welcome bonus like?
One of the most exciting parts of signing up to any casino online is getting hold of a fantastic welcome bonus.
Welcome packages are designed to attract your attention. And get you to join a new site. So, they’re always very generous and tantalizing. In fact, most welcome deals combine more than one bonus together. So you could have tons of bonus cash, and free spins to use on slot games, all in the same bonus package.
However, it can be very easy to get carried away. And some players find themselves with bonuses that looked good from the outset, but have been left disappointed. That’s why it’s so important to look at the T&Cs that come attached to these offers. Because, with things like heavy wagering requirements and short expiry dates, some deals aren’t as good as they seem!
Before you sign up for any type of welcome deal, make sure you read through the T&Cs first. So that you know what’s required in order for you to convert your bonus into real-money winnings that can be withdrawn.
Do they offer your favourite games?
Now we get into the fun part of the search; looking at online casinos’ game selection. The top casinos all over the world offer some incredible catalogues. And we expect to see a wide range of classic table games, fun and exciting slots, video poker and live casino experiences.
A casino is only as good as its game selection. But that doesn’t just mean lots of games. The best catalogues contain a good variety of games, from lots of different software providers. Software giants, like NetEnt, Microgaming and Play’N Go are responsible for some of the most popular games on the market. But there are also lots of newer, smaller providers. And these companies bring out some of the most unusual and innovative titles around.
So, we like to see a varied offering that comes to you from lots of different games developers.
Do they offer quick withdrawals?
Finally, one of the most important factors to consider when looking at a new casino is if it offers quick withdrawals.
There’s nothing worse than sitting around, waiting for a big win to land in your bank account. And, while it’s true that withdrawal times depend on the payment method you use, all casinos have their own processing times too. And these can affect the waiting period significantly.
That’s why, when you look at any new sites, you should make sure that they offer you faster processing times and good customer service hours. Because, if a casino has great hours, then it means there are staff on hand to process your withdrawals and offer a quicker turnaround.
Online gambling with real money South Africa
As you can see, gambling online for real money can be a little bit tricky if you’re based in South Africa. And the need to seek out offshore sites puts some players off the whole idea. So, you might be asking if it’s even worth playing for real money, when a lot of casinos offer their games for free.
These free versions are called ‘demos’. And the games themselves are exactly the same as the real-money versions. Except that you can’t win real money. But, of course, you also don’t run the risk of losing any of your own hard-earned cash either!
Real money play or playing in demo mode?
There are lots of reasons why people play real money games. By contrast, there are plenty of people who don’t like to gamble real money. And who would rather play casino games for free.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the pros of playing with real money vs demo games.
Pros of playing real money games
- If you play with real money you can win real money!
- Playing with real money is always more exciting than playing for free
- If you play with real money then you’ll have access to all of the casino’s games selection
- You can get your hands on some fantastic bonuses to compliment your new membership
Pros of playing demo games:
- You can’t lose real money
- Demos are a fantastic way to practise your skills
- Gameplay in demos is exactly the same
Online casino games South Africa
As mentioned, a casino’s catalogue of games is what sets it apart from its competitors. And the best online casino in South Africa operators should offer a fantastic variety of different games that bring you the most cutting-edge experience.
With that in mind, let’s check out some of the most popular games that you can find at a great SA online casino.
Online slots games
Online slot games are one of the most popular ways to win real money and have fun at any gambling site. With thousands of titles to choose from, there’s a slot to suit every taste. And with games makers bringing out fun and fresh slots every month, there are more and more chances to win amazing with these incredible games.
Not only that but online slots with real money in South Africa offer some of the biggest jackpots of any casino game in the world. And some progressive jackpot titles have made millionaires out of players overnight.
Furthermore, because slots are completely rooted in luck, it means that you have just as good a chance as anybody else of scooping a big jackpot prize!
Online Roulette
Roulette is one of the most classic games that you’ll find at any casino. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you can recognise the familiar and opulent roulette wheel in an instant. And, as such, online casinos now offer a huge variety of different roulette games for you to choose from.
Fun variations, like multi-ball roulette, offer a more fast-paced and adventurous style of gameplay. Whereas, live roulette games offer a more authentic land-based casino experience. Either way, roulette remains one of the most popular casino staples in the world.
Online Blackjack
Possibly the most popular card game in the world alongside poker, blackjack is extremely easy to learn. Which has made it one of the most beloved games that you can find at a casino anywhere in the world.
But, just because it’s easy to learn the rules, it doesn’t make it any less exciting to play. And nowadays, internet-based casinos offer a wide variety of blackjack games. Including live titles, where you can sit face-to-face with your dealer and speak to him or her directly. Which is about as close to a brick-and-mortar casino experience as you can get. But without leaving the comfort of your own home!
Online video poker
Along with blackjack, poker is probably the best-known card game in the world. And players love the perfect combination of luck and skill that’s involved.
Not to mention, there are tons of different styles of poker that you can play. Making this an extremely versatile and dynamic card game. But, even though there are lots of dedicated poker sites in the world, a lot of people still lean towards the classic casino version, video poker.
Video poker is very laid back, as you are not competing against other human players. Rather, you can take your time and think about your next move, as you play against a computer program. And now, with the most sophisticated sites offering the most modern and state-of-the-art technology, video poker is about as sleek and innovative as you can get.
Bonus types for online casino in South Africa
We’ve talked a little about how great it can be finding a fantastic bonus to compliment your new online casinos membership. But what exactly are all these bonuses?
Let’s take a look in a little more detail.
Free spins
Free spins, as you can imagine, are used to play fun and exciting online slots real money South Africa.
Slots are one of the most popular offerings at any casino, and they give you fun and exciting gameplay. As well as some genuinely mouth-watering cash prizes. Plus, because they are based on luck rather than skill, it means anyone can potentially scoop the jackpot prize.
Therefore, free spins are an extremely popular giveaway at any online gambling site. And you can find them as part of a no deposit or deposit offer.
No deposit bonus
No deposit bonuses are often regarded as the best type of deal that you can get. And ‘no deposit’ is as simple as it sounds. In that, you get your bonus without having to make a deposit with the site. This means there is absolutely no financial risk to you, the player. And you can win some real money without having to pay out a penny.
Just be aware, no deposit deals tend to be lower in value than deposit offers. But this makes sense when you realise that you’re not risking anything by taking on these deals.
Furthermore, do keep in mind that no deposit deals come with some pretty hefty terms and conditions attached to them. These can include lots of wagering requirements. As well as other conditions that need to be met, before you can take out any winnings as real money.
Therefore, you must make sure to read and understand everything that’s being asked of you before you sign up for an online casino South Africa no deposit bonus.
Deposit bonus
Deposit bonuses, as the name suggests, is when you get your bonus after you’ve made a deposit with the casino.
Because you are now taking on some financial risk, these deals tend to be a lot more generous than their no deposit counterparts.
The most common type of deposit bonus is called a ‘match deposit bonus’. And this is where online casinos will match your deposit amount with a percentage of bonus cash.
For example, if you pick up a 100% match deposit deal and deposit 500 ZAR, then you will receive an additional 500 ZAR to play with. In fact, a lot of match deposit bonuses start at 100%. But it is not uncommon to find some casinos offering up to 500% on top of your deposit amount.
That said, deposit bonuses also come with their own set of T&Cs. And the higher the match deposit percentage, the more likely you are to have some serious wagering and other terms attached.
Important terms you should think about
Every casino bonus comes with a set of terms and conditions that must be adhered to in order to use your bonus correctly. Of these, wagering requirements are usually the most restrictive.
Wagering requirements refer to the amount of times you must play through your bonus cash and/or free spins before you can convert your winnings into real money. So it’s super important to know what these are before you sign up for any type of casino deal.
Another important thing to look at when gambling online South Africa, is to look at is game weighting. And this refers to the percentage of your wagering requirements that a game is worth.
For example, slots usually offer 100% in game weighting. So you should have no problem calculating your wagering requirements. However, if you find a game that has 50% game weighting, then you will need to play that game double the amount of times in order to fulfil your wagering requirements.
Other important terms to be on the lookout for include:
- Expiry dates
- Certain deposit methods being excluded from bonuses
- Maximum cash-out limits
Mobile South African online casino sites
Nowadays, we use our mobile devices for just about everything. And, with the invention of smartphones and tablets, it didn’t take long for mobile casinos to become desirable with players.
It used to be that a mobile casino was just a small version of a desktop site reduced in size to fit on a small device’s screen. And, if you’re old enough to remember those, you’ll also remember the frustration that came with them!
Luckily, with South Africa online casino operators having access to some of the best software on the planet, mobile casinos are some of the most sophisticated and easy-to-use sites around.
Plus, with a great mobile-optimised site, or dedicated app, you can have just as good an experience from your smartphone or tablet as you would expect from your PC or laptop.
South African gambling apps
Without a doubt, the fastest way to get into your casino account and start playing your favourite games is via a dedicated casino app.
Apps are fantastic because they’re easy to use and super fast. And they also come with some additional features, like notifications and extra bonuses.
The only downside that we can really see to mobile apps is that they take up a lot of storage on your device. So, if your phone is already chock-full of other apps and files, then it could be easier to use your mobile phone’s browser instead.
Browser based casinos
If you don’t want to download an app, then you can simply access your favourite online casinos via your phone’s mobile internet browser.
Browser-based casinos are almost as fast as apps. And mobile-friendly sites offer an experience similar to that of an app. But, the added benefit is that they won’t take up any internal memory on your phone.
However, by not downloading an app, you might miss out on some of the special features that we’ve mentioned above.
Betting sites in South Africa
Casino gaming is not the only popular form of gambling for South Africans. Amazing sports betting sites offer an incredible chance to bet and win on your favourite sports events.
Online betting in South Africa is extremely popular. And players love betting on domestic and international sports from all over the world.
So, to find your next great betting sites, simply choose one from our lists of trusted and reviewed bookmakers that accept South African customers.
Betting bonuses for South Africa
It’s not just casinos that offer welcome bonuses. Betting sites South Africa also offer some incredible deals, including welcome packages and other promotions.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of these offers in a little more detail.
Free bets
Free bets are exactly what they sound like. This is when a betting site will give you the chance to place a bet for free on an upcoming match or tournament. Free bets can be found as part of a no deposit or deposit deal.
Furthermore, they are so popular that they are often given out to existing customers as well. As part of a reload bonus or sporadic giveaway. Just be aware that, like casino online bonuses, these deals will come with some T&Cs attached.
Deposit bonuses
Deposit bonuses at an online betting South Africa site work in the same way as they do at a casino. In that, you get your bonus only after you have made a deposit. And this bonus cash can be used to make lots of fun and exciting bets on all your favourite sports in South Africa and abroad.
Also, it’s not uncommon to find match deposit bonuses as well. Where the bookmakers will match your deposit amount with their own percentage. Again, you must read the T&Cs before taking on any type of bookmakers’ bonus. To make sure that you can fulfil any requirements, including wagering.
Online gambling South Africa and safety
The easiest way to pick out a safe and secure casino or bookmaker is to choose one from our lists of trusted and reviewed sites.
That said, regardless where you find your next great gambling experience, you must be vigilant. And make sure that you keep yourself safe online.
So, here are a couple of things that you can do to ensure your online safety the next time you visit a great online casino or sports betting site.
Check for a valid gambling license
As you know, the very first thing we advise you to do before signing up to any real-money site, is to check for a valid licence.
The two major authorities for offshore casino licenses are the MGA and Curacao. But, if you can’t see either of these two logos on the site in question, it’s important that you make sure to find a licence number anyway. And that you do some research on who issued the licence. To make sure that you’re on a safe and legitimate casino online.
SSL encryption to keep sensitive info safe
SSL encryption is the software used to protect you when you make any transaction online. And checking for SSL encryption is super easy. Simply look for the padlock icon next to the casino’s link in your search bar. If the padlock is ‘locked’, then you’re good to go!
In fact, most computers and mobile phones these days will tell you if you’re about to enter an unsafe site. And it’s important that you only play on sites that use this software, to ensure no third parties can access your sensitive information.
Responsible gambling
Finally, staying safe online isn’t all about protecting your identity and your money. When we talk about safety, we also mean your own personal financial security. And that brings us to responsible gaming.
Playing any real money game is fun and exciting. But you must be prepared that you run the risk of losing your own money. That’s why, you should never gamble money that you can’t afford to lose. As this will land you in financial problems sooner rather than later.
Therefore, we recommend the following steps in order to help you manage your time and money when you play at any online casino:
- Set a timer to end your session
- Set a budget and don’t go over it!
- If you feel you’re gambling habits are getting out of control then seek help immediately
Gambling help in SA
The great news is, there’s plenty of help available to players who have developed bad gambling habits. And casino online gambling helplines and websites have been set up specifically. So you can get the help you need quickly and discreetly.
A quick Google search will bring up lots of organisations that you can contact for free. And, if need be, you can self-exclude from gambling sites in and around SA. Until you’re ready to play responsibly again.
FAQ
If you still have queries about gambling in SA, then check out some of our FAQs.
