Online gambling is becoming increasingly popular in South Africa. We are far from shocked – who doesn’t like to have a shot at winning a jackpot by making a measly wager? With new online casinos popping up every day, and with South Africans enjoying offshore casinos as well, there’s an increase in the number of online scams and fraudulent activities people need to be wary of.
So, no matter if you choose to play at the latest South African online casinos, or stick to tried and true household names, it’s never been more important to know how to check whether a casino is safe before spinning some online reels. In this article, we will take a look at some tips to help you make a wise choice, so make sure to stick with us!
Ensure the Casino is Licensed
Let’s get it started! Of course, if you’ve ever researched anything about online casinos, you’re probably familiar with the fact that one of the most important factors to consider is whether the casino you’re checking out is licensed and regulated.
As South Africa doesn’t have a regulatory body for online casinos specifically, South African citizens are kind of indirectly made to play at the casinos that are registered and licensed off-shore.
The most common online licenses you’ll find are coming from the gaming bodies of Curacao, Malta, or Gibraltar. A licensed casino is required to comply with certain standards and regulations to ensure that players are protected.
What the Players Say: Read Reviews
Moving on to the user experience. Never settle for an online casino before reading at least one (but we recommend reading upwards of five, just to be safe) online reviews.
They can come from the pens of online casino reviewers who have a standing and a reputation in the industry, or from other players who were looking for a fun time, just like you.
Play it Safe: Check Payment Options for Secure Transactions
It is important to check the payment options offered by online casinos. When you’re at it, take a look at the currency too. If a casino offers you the possibility to pay in Rands, take advantage of that! There’s nothing more annoying than having to exchange currency before playing online.
Plus, a safe and secure online casino should offer a range of payment options, including credit cards, e-wallets, crypto, and bank transfers. You should be able to find a payment option you’re comfortable with and that you’ve had a positive experience with in the past. We always recommend using tried and true methods like PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller. It’s also key to check whether the casino has appropriate SSL encryption which protects your payment information from prying eyes.
Luck Be a Lady: Find Online Casinos with Fair Gaming Policies
When it comes to choosing an online casino, fair gaming policies are a must-have. After all, who wants to play in a casino where the odds are stacked against them?
To ensure that you have a fair shot at winning and that your wager isn’t going to waste, look for online casinos that use certified random number generators and have their games regularly audited by independent third-party auditors such as eCOGRA, iTech Labs, or GLI.
Customer is King: Check the Customer Support for a Royal Treatment
Customer support is a crucial aspect of any online casino. Imagine being left in the dark with a bunch of questions and issues when trying to use the platform. It sounds like a nightmare, right?
Look for online casinos that offer 24/7 customer support, and make sure that there’s more than one communication channel between you and the casino. This can be either email, phone, live chat, or even a contact form found on the casino’s website. This way, you can rest assured that if anything goes wrong, you have access to reliable and efficient customer support.
The Fine Print: Read the Terms and Conditions to Avoid Traps
When you’re signing up for an online casino, it’s easy to skip over the fine print and just hit “agree” on the terms and conditions. We’ve all done it when signing up for some kind of service!
It’s actually really important to take the time to read through them carefully to make sure you understand the casino’s policies on issues such as withdrawals, bonuses, and account closure. This isn’t all – you should also make sure you’re comfortable with the casino’s privacy policy and that your personal information is protected.
