Africa has seen a massive boom in online gaming in recent years, and this is due in part to the popularity of online casinos, ideally suited to mobile devices.
Online casinos have attracted a whole new demographic, with people who may never have set foot in a bricks-and-mortar casino trying their luck. South Africa is the biggest market on the continent, with millions of players enjoying the card tables, roulette wheels, and slot machines on offer.
And there is no shortage of places to play, with new casinos cropping up all the time. But all these choices can be a bit overwhelming, especially to a newcomer. Here are some tips to maximize your online casino experience – and your chances of winning some money.
Choose your games
There is a dizzying selection of games out there to try – every card game has variants, and most casinos you’ll find will have a selection of other options such as themes and bonuses. One of the most popular options in any casino is the slot machines, and these have really gone to the next level.
The basic premise remains the same, but now game developers have added themes, storylines, levels, state-of-the-art graphics, and immersive sound.
And you can find slots with themes from all over contemporary and classic popular culture, so there is a slot machine out there for you!
If you prefer the card tables or the roulette wheel for a more sophisticated casino experience then you’re also spoilt for choice, with some casinos offering live dealer games via video.
Learn the games
Playing some casino games requires a bit of knowledge to get started with, especially card games.
They simply aren’t enjoyable if you don’t learn the rules (and it’s frustrating for others on the table!). As well as that, you don’t have much hope of winning money if you don’t know what you’re doing.
So learn the classics, blackjack, baccarat, and one or two variations of poker – Texas Hold ‘Em is far and away the most popular in South Africa (and worldwide), so start with that.
It’s also important to learn about odds and stakes, as knowing when and how to bet is crucial in these games. Most casinos have mobile apps which offer a bit of instruction and insight into these things, as well as the rules, making it easy and fun for beginners.
Choose a reputable casino
You can’t have a fun and immersive experience if you don’t feel secure about your money and your data.
That’s why it’s important to choose a casino carefully. There are plenty of sites, like playcasino.co.za, that list reputable casinos for South Africans to play in, and these have often been extensively researched to give you peace of mind while you’re playing.
The casino must have a valid license and have solid practices and secure environments (check the SSL certificate) to handle transactions and store data. Plus, you can look for mobile versions of casinos and see what people are saying about them, just to make sure you have everything covered and researched.
Bonuses and promotions
As there are so many online casinos vying for your business, it’s no surprise to see they’re all offering great bonuses to entice customers in South Africa.
Many give a bonus upon creating an account, sometimes non-deposit, which means you can start playing right away.
Choosing a casino is often a question of finding the type of bonuses that are right for you. Online casinos are full of promotions too, so keep an eye out for those.
Some offer prizes beyond money – holidays, sports equipment, tickets for events, even cars. But bonuses and prizes can be as simple as a few free spins on a slot machine. Shop around, find the freebies that suit you.
Bankroll management
It’s easy to lose track of your money when you’re playing in a casino – that’s why bankroll management is incredibly important.
You should set limits before you play so that when you’ve reached the limit you walk away – if you don’t plan in advance the temptation is there to keep playing, which can lead to unsafe gambling (we’ll talk about that in a moment) rather than fun, successful gambling.
What kind of stakes you’re playing for is up to you, but whether it’s a couple of dollars or a couple of thousand, the premise is the same – stay on top of your money and don’t spend more than you planned!
Safety and wellbeing
Gambling, be it online or otherwise, should be fun. It’s a form of entertainment for most people, but problem gambling is a major issue for those who push it too far.
You should always be playing with money you’ve set aside for it, never with your rent, mortgage, food or any other living expenses, you’ve saved for. Reputable South African casinos will have information to help detect problem gambling and advice on how to deal with it.
Millions of players in South Africa are enjoying online casino games every day. If you fancy joining them, make sure to bear these tips in mind to boost your casino experience.