The mobile gaming industry in South Africa experienced large growth over the past decade. This is partly due to the increased use of mobile phones, aided by a predominantly young population. High rates of smartphone use opened up opportunities for online casinos looking to expand in South Africa. Many SA online casinos now offer mobile apps for instant access to games and offers. Selecting the right mobile casino app can be tricky, so we’ve compiled this guide to help you choose one that suits your needs.
History of Gambling in South Africa
South Africa is a country with a lot to offer. From modern cities to fantastic wildlife both on land and in the sea. It is a top destination for many adventure-seeking tourists who want to experience the incredible culture while soaking up some African sun. They might also want to kick back at one of the top land-based casino resorts. But South Africa wasn’t always so liberal regarding gambling, considering that in 1673 gambling was largely restricted by Dutch settlers. This state of affairs continued past the middle of the 20th Century.
Under the terms of the Gambling Act 1965, all gambling activities were restricted in South Africa for decades. Over the years, several laws have been passed to regulate the gambling industry entirely. Under the 1995 Act, the National Gambling Board was set up to oversee all gambling activity in South Africa. The latest of these was the Gambling Act 2004, which was amended in 2008. Today, there are over 40 land-based entertainment facilities, including casinos. While these attract many tourists, gambling is a preferred leisure activity for many South Africans. It is estimated that one in ten South Africans favors the casino experience.
The National Gambling Amendment Act was passed to regulate online gambling. While online gaming has been heavily restricted, a new amendment to the Gambling Act is set to herald major changes in the industry. Casino games and slots are the most popular choices among players.
The popularity of Mobile Gaming in South Africa
During the last decade, there has been a 400% increase in mobile internet subscriptions across sub-Saharan Africa. In 2019, more than 300 million people in Africa were smartphone users, with 5G use on the rise across the continent. With a young population expected to grow in the coming years, South Africa has a wide consumer base for mobile products. Online gaming is just one of the growth areas boosted by the rise in smartphone use.
Using smartphones to place bets on sporting events or casino games is convenient for many South Africans. Casino apps experienced a huge boost during the Covid 19 pandemic. People were restricted to their homes, so it was the ideal time to perfect their gaming strategies and practice the games. It is estimated that 71% of adults in South Africa play mobile casino games. Many use their phones while watching television, and they can spend more than 4 hours a day using their Android or Apple smartphone or tablet.
Top Casino Apps for South African Players
South Africa is an eligible iGaming market, offering many choices and varieties. To ensure a safe online casino experience, Dan from Top10casinos.com suggests many options for a suitable online casino in SA for all players that are in the search. With that in mind, we’ll look at finding a mobile casino app that suits your needs. When you download a mobile casino app, you’ll have instant access to hundreds of games, so the trick is to find an app that is compatible with your gaming tastes.
When it comes to mobile gaming, safety has to be a number one priority. Next, you’ll need to find a casino accepting South African players. Some of the best casinos will allow you to make deposits and withdrawals in ZAR. Check out the casino’s payment options to ensure they offer your preferred method. It’s also good to look at the game selection to ensure your favorite games are featured. Once you’ve checked out the basics, there are a couple of mobile casino apps that we recommend.
- Yebo Casino: Yebo offers a mobile app that can be downloaded from the casino website. This gives instant access to the best games and jackpots. The page will load quickly and adjust to fit your screen. New players will be treated to a welcome package worth up to ZAR12,000. There are also regular free spins bonuses, cashback offers, and reload bonuses once you’re an existing player.
- Springbok Casino: If you’re an Android user, Springbok has a downloadable casino app. This makes it easy to play a wide variety of games and deposit or withdraw funds on the go. New players can claim a welcome bonus of up to ZAR11,000. There’s also a no-deposit ZAR250 bonus redeemable with a code. Springbok offers ongoing promotions and cashback offers.
Even if your preferred casino does not offer a mobile app, most online casinos in SA are fully optimized for mobile play. Simply access them through the browser on your mobile phone and enjoy a game from anywhere.
There’s no doubt that casinos have been around in South Africa for a long time. Much of South Africa’s tourism is based around land-based casinos, with destinations like Sun City known worldwide. As with many other countries, increased use of mobile phones and the Covid 19 pandemic have meant that people turned to online casinos for entertainment. Even though most services have now fully returned, the trend of using mobile casinos has not reversed. People have gotten used to the convenience of mobile gaming. Casino apps are a popular choice for many players as they feel it gives them an added layer of security. Choosing a reputable casino means that you can play in a safe, secure environment.
