Gambling is worth billions as a global industry, and South Africa does not fall behind when it comes to the popularity of online and land-based casinos.
South Africans are passionate about this kind of gaming, and it is estimated that one in ten citizens enjoys it as a form of entertainment.
The annual revenue of the country’s wagering industry is estimated to be around 35 billion SA Rands, and it is expected to grow by 6% each year. Let’s take a look at some of the key reasons why online casinos are so popular in South Africa.
Availability & Convenience
Although it is illegal to open and run an online casino in South Africa, it is not illegal to play on foreign websites that are available to users.
Gamblers in the country can actually choose from a wide variety of options where they can enjoy different forms of entertainment. Online gamblers can access games like blackjack, poker, baccarat, slots, roulette, bingo, sports betting, and many more, whenever they feel like it.
Besides being extremely convenient, online casinos often offer better payouts, too.
Since the selection of available online venues is large and not all of them are licensed and reliable, South African players should be careful when choosing the right operator. For example, casino.com is considered one of the most risk-free online casinos out there. The operator holds two valid licenses – one from the Gibraltar Gambling Commission, and another from the UK Gambling Commission, Kelvin Jones from Playcasino stated about the casino.com. This sort of information ensures players the website is not a scam.
Safety
The top providers available for South African players use random number generators that are certified and promise to deliver fair and consistent entertainment.
When it comes to secure payment processing and data protection, reputable operators use the same type of advanced encryption as the leading banks.
As long as players stick to licensed online casinos, there should be no safety issues. Players should always choose operators that hold an official license which guarantees that the business is regulated and recognized by authorized bodies.
Accessibility on Mobile Devices
Top websites available in South Africa now support mobile gambling as well. The users can take their smartphones and tablets and play anywhere they like, as long as there is a stable internet connection.
Gambling on mobile devices is available on Android, iOS, BlackBerry, and Windows Phone devices. Whichever device they choose, the players can access amazing apps and responsive casino websites.
All the top casinos rely on HTML5 technology to provide the players with the best possible gaming quality and conditions.
Ease of Use
Joining online casinos and finding your way around the interface is pretty simple. There is no need for users to have any betting experience in order to start playing.
Even when there are some minor difficulties or simple questions, it is very easy to find instructions online. This is another reason why South African players appreciate online providers and keep coming back to their websites.
Also, since South Africa has quite strict laws in place regarding traditional gaming establishments, it can get complicated for players to access them. The situation is much simpler with online casinos – as long as the players are 18 or older, they just need to find an operator that accepts South African players. There are no requirements or restrictions further than that.
Service Bonuses and Special Offers
One of the most popular aspects of online gambling is the exciting bonus structure. Welcome bonuses for new players, free spins, loyalty rewards, no-deposits, contests, and many other special offers continuously attract new users and encourage seasoned players to keep playing.
The more bonuses and free deals the online betting website has, the more popular it will be among players. When new users start researching online casinos, they shortly realize that the leading operators keep treating their clients with interesting rewards.
Great Customer Service
Since online gambling usually involves real money, and players are sharing their personal information, having access to good quality support is crucial. Luckily, all trustworthy operators that accept players from South Africa offer multiple customer support options.
Users can choose to communicate with customer service agents using live chat, email, and sometimes even telephone. Most players appreciate the option to communicate with a live agent in case of urgency.
Conclusion
Online gambling is taking off well in South Africa, and it is clear that the industry has a huge potential for growth.
The players are constantly attracted to different online venues and their exciting new games, and with the latest availability on mobile devices, they are encouraged to play even more.
Since South African authorities such as the National Gambling Board are unlikely to ban foreign online gambling websites, there is no real obstacle for the industry to continue growing in South Africa.
