It’s nearly hard to discuss internet gambling in South Africa without first discussing the country’s history with gambling in general. It’s a history of long constraints, to be specific. In fact, they’ve been around for so long that many individuals are still unsure whether or not internet gambling is legal.
THE HISTORY OF GAMBLING IN SOUTH AFRICA
In 1673, the first gambling regulations were enacted. Except for horse racing, all forms of gambling were outlawed in the 1960s throughout the twentieth century. Someone claimed it was more of a sporting event. Nonetheless, individuals will break the rules as long as there are regulations. As a result, it’s no surprise that there were around 2,000 illicit casinos.
This gradually changed, thanks in large part to the efforts of Sol Kersner and his Sun International company, which struck deals with most of our neighboring nations and states, bringing full-fledged casino resorts within a few hours’ drive of the majority of South Africans.
Finally, the emergence of a democratic administration resulted in the legalization of gambling, which was given by the National Gambling Act of 1996 and overseen by the National Gaming Board since then. This also meant that the number of casinos would be reduced, as there are now roughly 60 casinos operating around the country.
IN SOUTH AFRICA, ONLINE GAMBLING IS ON THE RISE.
South Africa took a bit slower than other areas of the world to get on to online gambling, but it is now a booming sector with a rapidly rising fan base.
Following the big shift in government in 1994, important modifications to our gambling regulations occurred, and clubs were able to get gaming licenses in our cities. However, this was accompanied by the steady introduction of Internet services.
Because internet gambling debuted in 1994, we were a year behind the rest of the globe, owing to a lack of public knowledge – gambling had been illegal for so long – and the fact that it would be years before broadband connections were ubiquitous in this country.
Well, being online is necessary for online gaming. Despite the fact that the internet first existed in South Africa in 1988 (with the establishment of an email link), the internet was not accessible or fast enough until 2002 due to speed and other problems. Telkom launched its first commercial ADSL offering at this time. Wireless services ascended to the throne in 2004. Things have only gotten better since then, especially when it comes to internet casinos.
True, internet gambling had its difficulties, as the government looked to be split between allowing and prohibiting it at times. This perplexed the gamers, but they now spend as much time as possible gaming online. One of the most telling signs is that even overseas casinos have begun to provide rand withdrawal and deposit options. Obviously, South Africans enjoy online gambling; otherwise, they would go to the bank and create a US dollar or British pound account.
WHAT MAKES ONLINE GAMBLING SO COMMON?
Online gambling protects your privacy and allows you to play with whoever you choose at practically any time. Not only does it have a lot of attraction, but it also has a lot of honors.
The presence of networked games and their progressive jackpots, which yield larger wins than any traditional land-based casino, is the main factor that draws South African players to the gaming tables of online casinos. Apart from awards, there is the presence of networked games and their progressive jackpots, which yield larger wins than any traditional land-based casino.
Because of this, the majority of online casinos use software from only a few prominent developers. Most software providers now have affiliate networks to which all online casinos that use their software are members. At these casinos, certain branded games all contribute to a single progressive jackpot, which means that every time someone plays, a little portion of their stake goes towards a collective pot. And because there are literally millions of players playing the same game all across the world, the jackpot may grow to enormous proportions.
Microgaming, for example, is the creator of Mega Moolah, a video slot game. Because Microgaming is one of the most respected and well-known game producers, many online casinos use their software platform, which is stocked with their games. Mega Moolah makes millionaires all around the world every year as a result of all of this publicity. The game’s progressive jackpot had just surpassed £6,000,000 at the time of writing this article, and it was still climbing.
When you convert it to rands, you can see why internet gambling is so popular in South Africa.
It took a long time for internet gambling to become conceivable, let alone legal, but its future now appears to be bright.
WHY PLAY ONLINE GAMBLING?
Since the first online casino opened its virtual doors in 1994, the popularity of online casinos has been steadily increasing year after year. People are signing on and playing at an ever-increasing rate all throughout the world — but why? Traditional land-based casinos are still plentiful. So, what is it about the online gaming experience that attracts so many people?
Well, there are various causes, and there are as many political reasons as there are experience-based ones. But first, let’s start from the beginning.
To begin with, as you are probably aware, different nations and states have drastically diverse attitudes about gambling – some will not allow it in any shape or form, while others will allow it in limited regions. Fans of casino games have difficulties as a result of this.
If you don’t live within easy driving distance of a casino, going there becomes a convoluted event that involves a lot of travel as well as staying in motels that are either expensive or terrible (or both), all for the sake of having a few hours access to a gaming table.
Online gambling eliminates this inconvenience by allowing anybody with an Internet connection to participate in casino games. The exorbitant expense of airfare and lodging that forced many casino aficionados to meticulously organize their outings is no longer an issue – you simply turn on your laptop and go.
The next reason has to do with the actual playing experience. Many individuals enjoy the flash and glamour of a casino, but they often have problems with it. What if you’re not a fan of the music? What if you don’t smoke but are forced to sit next to someone who does?
When you bet online, you’re in the most comfortable and secure setting possible: your own home. You may relax in your favorite corner of the sofa, laptop in hand, and play your favorite casino games to your heart’s desire.
Because there is no cash involved in online gambling, your gains are as safe as they can be. All transactions in online gambling are done by direct transfers, so when you strike the big one, the money will appear in your bank account as if by magic.
You don’t even need to dress up for the occasion (though you certainly could if you wanted to), because no one will see you.
This final guideline is very useful while playing Texas Hold’em Poker. Many individuals like the game, but the casino version may be terrifying, especially when sharks are circling. You can play multi-player poker online without having to deal with the piercing gaze of individuals attempting to creep you out and take your money.
Playing online is unquestionably different from playing at a brick-and-mortar casino, but it is not without its benefits.