The Best Crypto Casinos in South Africa

Gambling with cryptocurrencies is a relatively new phenomenon, although cryptocurrencies have been around for a while. The rise of crypto in all types of transactions and digital processes has naturally spread onto iGaming as a technologically advanced industry.

What users and crypto casinos get from cryptocurrencies are faster transaction times, increased security, and increased anonymity, among other things. When run properly, crypto casinos can provide their players with hours of fun and an unmatched user experience.

The History of Cryptocurrencies

The first instance of digital currency predates the internet revolution by almost two decades. In 1983, the American David Chaum conceived of cryptographic electronic money, called e-cash, which conferred a degree of anonymity. In 1995, he initiated the transfer of e-cash through Digicash, one of the earliest cryptographic payment systems that required software to withdraw cash from a bank with encrypted keys to enable transfer to a recipient.

Three years later, Wei Dai introduced the concept of ‘b-money’. It was described as a system of distributing electronic cash anonymously. Thereafter, other early cryptocurrencies followed, like bit gold, which required users to complete a work function of cryptographic work solutions and publish them.

The first decentralized cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was created by the evasive Satoshi Nakamoto. Bitcoin used a cryptographic hash function called SHA-256 in its proof-of-work process.

Governments around the world, while appreciating the benefits of cryptocurrencies, are still hesitant to adopt them, since they cannot be controlled, unlike fiat currencies. The IMF advocated a ‘consistent and comprehensive approach’ to supervise the use of digital currencies.

However, in June 2021, El Salvador became the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. In August of the same year, Cuba followed suit.

Using Cryptos to Gamble

Whether it is legal to gamble with crypto or not will depend on a few different factors. Most importantly, it all depends on the laws in your particular jurisdiction. The questions you need to look into are – is online gambling legal where you are? And is cryptocurrency legal where you are?

Some jurisdictions simply do not regulate gambling and crypto, but as long as they don’t explicitly outlaw it, you will be fine gambling with cryptocurrencies.

Crypto Casino Bonuses

Many online casinos that accept crypto-currencies actively encourage players to adopt them by offering various bonuses for depositing in digital currencies. Online casinos are more generous with bonuses than brick-and-mortar casinos for obvious reasons. Crypto-currencies are more suited for use in online casinos than land-based ones, since digital cash lends itself automatically to online banking through any channel. Some of the most popular crypto-bonuses are given below.

Crypto Casino Free Spins

Slot games are the most popular casino category, and free spins are the most popular. Online casinos devise various pretexts to offer free spins, often on designated games, in order to promote them. Players stand to win real money by playing for free though, of course, there are various riders concerning withdrawals. Free spins bonuses work the same whether you make the qualifying deposit in fiat currency or in any digital currency of your choice.

No-Deposit Crypto Casino Bonus

No-deposit bonuses are usually offered as a number of free spins simply for opening an account at an online casino. There may or may not be specific games attached. No-deposit free spins are growing in popularity, because it provides an impetus for players to try out a new casino, and propel their gaming journeys.

Wins from no-deposit free spins can only be withdrawn after making your first deposit either in fiat or crypto-currency. If it is the latter, the promotion is called a no-deposit crypto-bonus.

Deposit Crypto Casino Bonus

Crypto deposit bonuses are probably the most common crypto-bonuses offered by online casinos. These are mostly reload crypto bonuses, but some virtual casinos also have crypto deposit welcome bonuses. There can also be a separate welcome bonus, especially for crypto deposits.

Crypto deposit bonuses are usually targeted at high rollers and have a higher qualifying deposit for a relatively higher bonus percentage. Crypto deposit bonuses are generally governed by the general bonus rules.

No-Wagering Bonus

Online casinos require players to wager their bonus, or bonus plus deposit amounts a number of times before withdrawing, to compensate the operator. Wins from free spins are also required to go through the play-through requirement. A no-wagering clause in the bonus makes it more attractive for players. You do not have to wager the bonus and can directly withdraw your funds. Crypto deposit no-wager bonuses can provide an added incentive for adopting cryptocurrencies but are rare.

Reload Bonuses

A reload bonus is an incentive to make a deposit after you’ve made your first one. ‘Reload’ refers to recharging your casino account balance. Online casinos that offer digital currency usually provide crypto reload packages, frequently with a number of free spins. Again, the crypto bonuses are governed by the general bonus rules of the operator.

Crypto Casino Experience

At first bite, there might seem to be nothing different in playing with fiat or digital currencies, but there is a significant difference. The online crypto casino which a punter has joined is primarily responsible for the user’s experience. The majority of online crypto casinos offer digital currency as an option, though they encourage their use with bonuses and other incentives. However, there are some casinos that are exclusively crypto. They do not accept or pay in fiat currencies or use conventional e-payment methods.

Some players have even devised certain strategies that may help them win bigger and more frequently. These are absolutely legal and are even encouraged by some crypto operators.

However, the biggest convenience is:

• transfer speeds
• confidentiality
• security

All you need is an active crypto wallet to make and receive payments seamlessly. It may take a small learning curve, but the more you use cryptocurrencies, your playing experience will get enhanced.

Security, Licensing, and Provably Fair

Online gaming involves frequent real money online transfers and the use of personal and banking information. Privacy, security and integrity of games results are prime concerns. These can be mitigated to a large extent if your online casino is licensed by a respected regulator. Operators are answerable to the licensing authority and are mandated to follow certain protocols related to the security concerns mentioned above. The guidelines are the same for crypto and non-crypto casinos.

Responsible gaming is another challenge. Operators are also mandated to provide tools for limiting the betting of punters with excessive gaming symptoms.

All casinos have a privacy policy that governs the usage of personal data. It is an industry standard that online casinos must encrypt their data and bank transfers with state-of-the-art firewalls. The games are regularly tested for the Random Number Generator (RNG), the software that triggers ‘chance’ or ‘random’ results.

Staying Safe While Crypto Gambling

Though cryptocurrencies offer more security, the safety level depends on two factors: the cryptocurrency and crypto wallet you select. But first make sure the casino itself is licensed, reliable and follows all security protocols. Know the popularity of your crypto-currency and the security features of your crypto-wallet. It is also incumbent upon players to keep their casino account and crypto-wallet log in credentials safe, and not share them with anyone else.

Pros of Crypto Gambling

🔑 Security: Crypto-currency transfers do not require you to submit any personal information. This protects you from identity theft and fraudulent transactions. Crypto-currency transfers cannot be reversed once they are processed, so there are no chargebacks to endure.

🔐 Privacy: Again, since none of your personal information is required by digital wallets, privacy and confidentiality are inherent in crypto-currency transfers. Paradoxically, there is a good degree of verifiability and transparency, since there will be people who can look up details regarding addresses and balances in digital ledgers in the public domain.

💻 Decentralization: No authority like national central and reserve banks have jurisdiction over your crypto-currency and their transfers, only you have authority over your digital cash, crypto-wallets, and your accounts. No institution can freeze crypto accounts or decline transactions unless you have insufficient funds.

🚀 Speed: Crypto transfers travel at the speed of light in terms of processing time windows, especially when compared to conventional channels like cards, e-wallets, pre-paid vouchers and online banking. Both deposits and withdrawals at crypto casinos are near-instantaneous. Comparatively, conventional methods take anywhere between 2 to 7 days.

💰 Fees: Since crypto transactions are peer to peer, and there is no central authority to process your transaction, processing fees are generally non-existence. However, your crypto wallet will have a nominal charge. Your casino may charge you too, but it would be the same with fiat currencies. Indeed, in some jurisdictions, crypto winnings may be tax-free.

Cons of Crypto Gambling

📗 Learning curve: Crypto-currency is a new concept for many, and it can be complex and difficult to understand at first. It does not help that governments are hesitant to adopt them. This is the main disincentive for punters and others, who may be sitting on the fence. Not only is there a learning curve, but apprehension as well.

📈 Volatility: Crypto-currency is highly volatile in comparison to fiat currencies. While investors and speculators may live with it, it may discourage ordinary people. Bitcoin is generally considered the most stable crypto-currency, but even a little fluctuation can have a huge effect on users, considering the value of Bitcoin in fiat currencies.

How to Choose a Crypto Casino

Before you select a crypto casino, see if it ticks the boxes mentioned below:

Licensing: The casino under your consideration must be licensed by a recognized and respected online gambling regulator. You must never even think of joining an unlicensed casino, no matter how recommended it comes. Licensed regulators may also have unscrupulous operators, but for the most part, licensed casinos can be trusted to put players’ safety first.

Crypto coin and wallet support: Just because an online casino supports digital currencies, it does not mean you should join. You must find out whether it supports the crypto-currency and crypto-wallet you are using. However, if you can switch to another e-coin or crypto-wallet, it’s fine. Most importantly, your crypto-currency and wallet must support deposits as well as withdrawals.

Game collection: The games library can make or break online casinos. Ensure that the casino in question has a voluminous and versatile games library. Check out the gaming studios, from which the games come. Most online casinos partner with a volley of frontline gaming brands. Some crypto casinos also have a separate lobby of games, which can only be played with crypto-currencies.

Bonuses: If you are a punter who likes playing with bonuses, look for a casino that offers crypto promotions. However, also look at the bonus terms and conditions. Bonus rules are designed to create a fair playing ground. However, the bonus rules in some casinos are patently unfair; you can actually lose big in the long run, even after playing with crypto bonuses.

Customer support: Look for a crypto casino that provides round-the-clock support. Most casinos have a comprehensive FAQ section, which can be the starting point for customer service. Check out the various ways in which support executives can be contacted. Try contacting them for a minor issue and see how responsive they are. Live chat and e-mail are standard options, but phone support is better.

Crypto Wallets

Crypto wallets are where your crypto assets are stored. Crypto users can indulge in crypto trading and make and receive crypto payments through your crypto-wallet. The crypto wallet could be located on a physical drive or on a cloud server. The basic function of crypto wallets is to store the keys of crypto transactions in the private and public domains.

Crypto Wallets Available to South African Users

There are several reliable crypto-wallets South African punters can use. Optimal crypto-wallets may differ from person to person; some are better in terms of security features, while some may have more competitive fees and other charges. A few Crypto-wallets, which can serve South Africans well are:

• Binance
• Coinbase
• CoinCorner
• Exodus
• Coinjar
• Electrum
• MyCelium
• Gemini
• Wasabi
• Luno
• GreenAddress
• Edge

How to Deposit and Withdraw Funds

Making a crypto deposit involves the following steps:

• Log in to your crypto casino account
• Head to the ‘cashier’ section
• Click on ‘Deposit’
• Make sure the deposit limits and crypto fees are affordable
• Select your crypto-currency and wallet
• Copy the crypto address
• Go to your crypto wallet and transfer your crypto amount to the wallet address copied
• Your crypto deposit will be added to your balance immediately

How to withdraw with crypto:

• Login to your crypto casino account
• Make sure you don’t have an active bonus
• Ensure your existing balance is over the maximum withdrawal limit
• Head to the ‘cashier’ section
• Hit ‘Withdraw’
• Select your Cryptocurrency
• Copy the crypto wallet address and paste it in the space provided
• Enter the crypto amount you want to withdraw
• Confirm the information entered
• Submit the withdrawal request

Mobile Crypto Casinos

This is the age of gaming on the go, and mobile crypto casinos are at the forefront of iGaming technology. While it was standard practice for all casinos including crypto casinos to offer downloadable mobile apps for offline play till a couple of years back, most online casinos are 100% instant play platforms. However, you still come across casinos, crypto or otherwise, that offer apps. However mobile or not, online casinos worth their salt cannot ignore mobile gaming.

Mobile casinos are compatible with cellular operating systems like Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Blackberry, etc. You will play on your mobile browser. Smartphones can use all modern browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox, while tablet users must have Safari. Most mobile versions are miniature copies of PC platforms, with minor variations. Since it is the same account, you can log in to your mobile casino account with the same credentials as you do on your PC.

Mobile games are coded in HTML5, the mobile interface that restructures to the small screen so you can enjoy playing in original audio-visual quality. This is also the age of mobile-first games. You can expect to play the majority of games on the go, though some older titles may not be coded in HTML5. The majority of mobile games have a lateral layout, for which the landscape mode is tailor-made. Slot game freaks can spin faster with their right thumbs.

Customer Support for Cryptos

Customer support is an integral feature of an online casino. The department plays a crucial role in delivering a satisfactory user experience. This is true for all digital casinos, but it becomes more important for crypto casinos, since the number of concerns may be higher. Customer support executives will also have to be technically proficient in addressing queries related to crypto-gaming.

Premium crypto casinos are more likely to have a comprehensive FAQ section that can address common queries in detail. It might be a good idea to glance through the FAQs first, to see whether you can find your answer and save time.

However, if your issue is not covered, this is where support comes in. Customer support executives are available 24/7 in most casinos and are generally available via live chat and e-mail. Some online casinos also offer toll-free phone or commercial phone support.

Crypto Casino Login

Logging in to your online crypto casino account is a simple affair. When you sign up, you are automatically redirected to your account. Subsequently, you will always have to log in to your account to play for real money and claim promotions. The login tab is usually located at the top right of your screen. Click on it and enter the e-mail ID and password you selected at the time of registration. Some casinos would have you enter your user name and password; you need to store the data in a safe place.

In case you do not visit the casino for a prolonged and forget your password or user name, the system allows you to select another password or user name. When your click on ‘Forgot Password’, you will be prompted to enter your e-mail ID. You will get an e-mail with a link to reset your password or user name. You can click on the link, go to the landing page, and choose and enter a new, secure password or user name; sometimes you may be asked to enter it again, as confirmation.

Cryptocurrency Address Explained

When we talk about a cryptocurrency address, we’re actually referring to the address of a crypto wallet associated with a user. The address itself is a set of random characters and numbers. It’s completely unique and impossible to be misused or be exploited.

Physical Address of Crypto-currencies

On the other hand, digital currencies have to be registered somewhere. For example, Bitcoin is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Ethereum’s corporate headquarters are in Madrid, Spain. Here are the registered addresses of some popular digital currencies:

• Litecoin HQ: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
• Ripple HQ: San Francisco, California, USA
• Tether HQ: Hong Kong;
• Dash HQ: Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
• Dogecoin HQ: Frostviken, JämtlandeIän, Sweden
• Monero HQ: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Neo HQ: Shanghai, China

Crypto casinos have revolutionized iGaming. Online casinos are defining the concept of crypto-gaming, which provides unique user experiences. The perks of crypto-gaming outweigh the cons, and more and more punters are playing with cryptocurrencies.

Crypto transactions remove third parties like banks and conventional e-payment channels since digital currencies also work as their own payment channel. Crypto transactions are fast, secure, economic, and confidential.

Many crypto casinos offer digital currencies as options but primarily support fiat currencies. However, the number of online casinos that support only cryptocurrencies are on the rise. Change is the only constant in the techno-commercial sphere, but change can be a euphemism for the online casino industry; online casinos rapidly evolving, and operators are scrambling to stay relevant.

We do not see cryptocurrencies replacing fiat currencies at any time soon, but the times, they are a-changing.