Online Casino Beginners Guide South Africa

If you’re new to the world of online gambling, we can’t blame you for feeling a little bit lost. Nobody was born knowing how to navigate their way around all the superb casino offers, marketing hype and special offers that you are bound to come across on your online gambling journey, and you can’t be expected to know how to choose the best South African online casino the minute you start playing.

This is where we step in. We will take you by the hand and teach you everything you need to know about online casinos in South Africa. We’ll clear the fog and teach you what to look out for and what to avoid. We’ll offer you a step by step plan so that you can be sure that the online casino you choose to play at in the end is the very best one for you and your gambling entertainment.

Let’s first look at the basic facts. If you are familiar with land based casinos, then you’ll know that an online casino is pretty much the same thing – only the games are played over the internet. You’ll need to be over 18 years of age, and you are then free to deposit money into your online casino account using a range of easy to use deposit methods, safely and securely.

Now that you know how online casinos work, let’s take a look at what you should know before choosing one to open an account at.

1. Familiarize yourself with Gambling Legislation

You don’t want to get into trouble with the law, and it’s a good idea before doing anything else to check to see whether the casino you are considering is a legal option in your country or not. It should be quite clear from the homepage, but if in doubt, ask your local gambling authorities. Take some time to learn your country’s online gambling laws.

2. Clarify Facts About the Online Casino

Find out important facts about the online casino and how it fits into your gambling needs. Can you play the games for fun? Does the software need to be downloaded or can you easily play online and on on mobile? Is the online casino well established in the industry and what is its reputation like? What software platform does the online casino use? Is it one of the ‘big guys’ such as Games Global, Real Time Gaming and Playtech? Who runs the online casino? Is the site licensed by a reputable gambling jurisdiction such as Gibraltar or the Isle of Man? What types of casino bonuses are offered to new players? What are the wagering requirements to receive the free money? How easy is it to contact the casino’s customer support?

3. Before Signing the Dotted Line

Making a deposit into your casino account is a financial transaction in every sense of the word. Don’t get carried away by the marketing hype without first reading the small print. Make sure that you understand everything that is written, and if you’re not sure, ask. Find out if South Africans are allowed to open an account at the casino. Read the wagering requirement of the bonus you are considering before signing up for it. Go by the motto: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

4. Play Casino Games for Free

One of the best things about online casinos is that most casinos will actually encourage you to play their games for free first. Playing for fun allows you test drive the online casino in question, without risking your bankroll initially. Simply open an account with your personal details and you’ll be awarded with free credits to try out the different games. As soon as you have determined that you like the software and understand the rules of the casino games, you’ll be ready to switch to real money gambling and start winning big. Check out our free casino game guide.

5. Discover Promotions and Bonuses

Casino bonuses and promotions offered by the online casino industry are among the most generous around, and you could easily enjoy free money worth thousands of rands when you first sign up to a casino. Online casinos can afford to go that extra mile to reward you for your custom and loyalty because they don’t have the overheads that a land based casino has. Familiarise yourself with the bonuses and promotions running at a casino, and if you’re not sure about their terms and conditions, don’t hesitate to ask support.

6. Withdrawing your Winnings

Online gambling isn’t only about enjoying the game. It’s about winning as well. When you’re ready to withdraw your winnings, ask the relevant questions. Is the withdrawal process quick and hassle free? Are there any hidden withdrawal fees that you weren’t aware of? How does the online casino pay out bigger wins, such as Progressive Jackpots? What types of banking methods are supported by the casino to see your funds transferred safely and conveniently?

7. Customer Support

They say that nothing is more important in an online casino than its customer support. Even if the casino offers the best games and software, the most generous payouts and the widest range of banking methods, it won’t be worth anything if you cannot get hold of customer support at those crucial moments. Make sure that the website offers a help desk that is manned by competent and friendly staff 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Test drive the customer support at a potential online casino by sending a random request and checking their answer for speed, professionalism and helpfulness.

8. Use a Reputable Gambling Portal

Take advantage of the information presented to you about top South African casinos through sites such as Online Casinos Online, where we have compiled thorough, objective reviews to help you make the best decisions for your gambling sessions. We’re here to help with tips, reviews, basic information and game rules. Simply bookmark the website and you’re ready to go!