A Gambler’s Full Guide to The Best Online Casinos in Africa
Have you found yourself wondering about the different laws regarding gambling in Africa? Curious about the history, taxes that’ll need to be paid on winnings and which casinos are the best? If so, then you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll go through important points about gambling in Africa, thrilling bonuses you can benefit from and how to decide which payment methods are the best at these casinos. So, keep reading to learn more about Africa casinos and how to make the most out of your gambling experience!
Interesting Facts About the Legality of Gambling in Africa
Because most of Northern Africa are Muslim, you’d think that Islamic Law, also known as maisir, would deter people living there from gambling altogether. However, this isn’t entirely true. When archaeologists began exploring the northeastern parts of Africa they discovered dice that dated back as far as 3,000 BC. This suggests that early forms of gambling may have been enjoyed by players way before the invention of exciting casino games we’re familiar with at online African casinos today.
To improve local stock in sub-Saharan Africa in the 17th century, horses were being imported from China to South Africa and just a century later the demand for thoroughbred horses increased drastically when horse racing started becoming more and more popular.
Before colonialism, Western parts of Africa also had an Islamic influence, however, this did nothing to stop the popularity of gambling from increasing exponentially as time went by. Because Africa is the second-largest continent in the world and covers an impressive one-fifth of Earth’s total land surface, it would take more than a while to cover the history of gambling in each of the 54 countries. But to give you an idea we’ve provided a brief breakdown of the current laws relating to gambling in a couple of the many African countries.
How Gambling Became Popular in South Africa
For decades gambling was restricted in South Africa until the 1970s when areas like the Transkei, Ciskei and Bophuthatswana began operating the very first gambling establishments. The only catch was that you had to be a resident in these parts of South Africa to take part in the gambling activities allowed there.
Before the democratic government was elected in 1994, there were around 2,000 illegal gambling establishments within South Africa and just one year after the new government was elected and declared all forms of gambling legal, the National Gambling Act was introduced which marked the beginning of licensed casinos in this part of Africa.
Egyptian Casinos Reserved Only For Tourists
Apart from the 4-sided and 6-sided dice discovered by archaeologists, ancient tombstones decorated with paintings of people gambling spoke of how popular gambling had become in Ancient Egypt. Even then, there were attempts at regulating these activities which is clear to see by the hieroglyphs from 3,000 to 4,000 BC.
Today, gambling is regulated by the Gambling Commission which answers to the government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport which controls all activity taking place within the Egyptian gambling industry. According to the law from bill nr 1/1973, only 5 and 4-star hotels situated in touristic regions qualify for casino licences. What’s strange is that although there are land-based casinos, Egyptians are not permitted to enjoy all that the casinos have to offer. Egyptian currency is not accepted at any of these casinos and players must wager using American dollars, and in some cases Euros will also be accepted.
This is to ensure that only tourists take part in gambling activities at these upper-class hotels and even then a document check is required before players are allowed to walk out onto the casino floor. Although there are no online casinos in Egypt because there are no laws to regulate them, many casinos in Africa and all over the world invite Egyptian players to take part in online gambling. Many accommodate these players by allowing deposits and withdrawals in Egyptian pounds and give them the chance to switch over to whichever language they’re most comfortable using.
Gambling Licences and Tax in Africa
Laws Regarding Licensing and Gambling Taxation in Africa
The process of getting a casino licence in Africa will depend on the country as each has its own regulatory bodies. If you wish to apply in South Africa, this will need to be done by sending an application to the National Gambling Board, in Nigeria, it will have to be the National Lottery Regulatory Commission and in Egypt the Gambling Commission.
When it comes to paying taxes in Africa you’ll find that the percentage you’ll need to pay, if any, also depends on the country you get your win in. To show you what we mean, we’ve provided a brief explanation about the different taxation laws on gambling in two African countries.
Taxes on Winnings in Egypt
The great news for tourists visiting Egypt is that when you get an exciting win, you won’t need to pay tax to the government of Egypt.
So, how does Egypt benefit from offering players the chance to enjoy thrilling games? All 20+ casinos in Egypt must pay 50% tax on gross gaming revenue, 20% income tax, import duties and 42% corporate tax on their end of year profits.
Taxes on Winnings in South Africa
When it comes to getting a big win in South Africa, you may wonder whether or not you’ll need to pay tax. The answer to this is both yes and no, because if you have a day job and only gamble once in a while then you’ll still need to declare the amount as non-taxable income. However, if you don’t have a job and your main source of income comes from gambling, when you get a massive win, it’s considered a profit-making scheme and will be subject to the usual tax.
Famous Casino Games in Africa
The Most Famous Games to be Found at Online Casinos in Africa
All those who join online casinos in Africa have one goal in mind: to play exciting games that offer the opportunity to get a massive win. Although every player is different and, as a result, not everyone loves the same casino games, there are a few that the majority of players in Africa love more than others and below you’ll find two examples of these games.
Blackjack Dominates the African Gambling Scene
It probably comes as no surprise that Blackjack is one of the most loved games enjoyed at African casinos, not only because of how fast-paced and exciting it is, but because the average RTP is one of the highest to be found amongst online casino games and reaches as high as 99.60%.
To get your win you’ll need to beat the dealer and make sure that your hand gets as close to 21 as possible with the dealer’s value either reaching over 21 or being lower than yours.
Players in Africa Take Part in Keno Draw Excitement
The reason this game is popular within the gambling community in Africa is because it’s perfect for both new and seasoned players. The simplicity of the game does nothing to put a damper on the experience and the wins are just as exciting as other online casino games. All you need to do is place your bets and start choosing 10 lucky numbers from 1-80 on a board that’s visible on your screen. Once you’re happy with your predictions, you’ll click the Play option. 20 numbers will then be drawn and should your lucky numbers match what was drawn, you win!
With online casinos picking up in popularity over the years, it’s becoming more and more difficult for casinos to attract new players and keep existing players interested which is why you’ll find that many compete against each other by offering more rewarding and exciting bonuses than what can be found on their competitors’ sites.
This is great for players looking to enjoy the thrill of playing at an online casino in Africa because if you take the time to visit a few sites, you’ll have the opportunity to compare wagering requirements, bonus rewards and general Terms and Conditions to decide which bonuses are perfect for you. To give you an idea about a few of the excellent bonuses you should be looking out for, we’ve provided a breakdown below.
Free Spins Bonuses
If you’re relatively new to the online gambling scene at African casinos then you’ll find that free spins bonus offers are perfect for you! Although you may have to play a certain slot game or games from a specific developer, it’s still an excellent way to try new and exciting games for free. Keep in mind that although free spins can be part of a no deposit bonus, usually they’re part of a deposit bonus be it a reload offer or welcome package. This means that you’ll probably need to ensure that you make the minimum deposit required to qualify for the offer.
Deposit Bonuses
Because these are quite common bonuses that are offered to both new and existing members at online casinos in Africa, in order to find the perfect deposit bonus you should visit more than just one site. As soon as you make the minimum deposit required to claim the bonus, you’ll be rewarded with a certain percentage of your deposit back in the form of bonus funds.
No Deposit Bonuses
Although not many online casinos in Africa will offer players the chance to claim a bonus without spending a cent there are a few out there and, should you come across one, you’re in for a real treat! When offered as a welcome bonus at casinos, all you need to do is create an account and there you have it! No deposit bonuses give you the opportunity to enjoy real money gambling with zero risk and zero real money deposits.
Pros & Cons of African Casino Bonuses
The Advantages & Disadvantages That Come With African Casino Bonuses
Bonus Type
The Hits
The Misses
Who it’s Available For
Wagering Requirements
Free Spins Bonus
Compare Different Slots at Various Casino Sites for Free
· Extend Your Playing Time on Exciting Slots
· Win Real Money Without Spending Real Money Right Away
You Will Need to Keep to Specific Betting Limits
· Often There are Certain Slots That Contribute to Wagering Requirements
New and Returning Players
Might Come With Wagering Requirements
Deposit Bonus
Double or Even Triple Your Deposit Amount
· Play Your Favourite Games Without Restrictions
· You Choose How Much You Want to Receive in Bonus Funds up to a Certain Amount
Not All Games Contribute 100% Towards Wagering Requirements
· Often Not Much Time to Meet Playthrough Requirements
New and Returning Players
Might Come With Wagering Requirements
No Deposit Bonus
Play Without Risking Your Own Real Money
· Win Real Money Without Spending Real Money
· Try Out a Range of Different Games Without Restrictions
Wagering Requirements are Often Tough to Meet
· There are Usually Caps on Withdrawal and Winning Amounts
New and Returning Players
Might Come With Wagering Requirements
Popular Online Payment Methods in Africa
Most Popular Payment Methods Used at Online Casinos in Africa
Making your first deposit into your casino account is the first step to trying out all of the real money games to be enjoyed online. Although it’s easier to just go ahead and use whatever method you have available, you should always consider a few points before rushing ahead and funding your casino account with a specific method.
This is because different methods may take longer to process when it comes to withdrawals, and although almost every method you use to make a deposit at casinos in Africa will be instant, methods like Bank Transfers may take a little longer than others. You may also find that where one method charges a certain fee for withdrawing from your account another may not charge any at all.
The good news is that when you register at these casinos, there are various methods that will be accepted for both deposits and withdrawals, most of which are widely available. This means that you’ll have the chance to look at the pros and cons of each before deciding which method is best for you. Here we’ve provided a few of the common payment methods to be found at online casinos in Africa.
Credit Card
This payment method is one that’s accepted at almost every online casino in Africa. Because so many players already have access to a credit card of some type it’s one of the main ways to pay for online purchases and when making deposits and withdrawals at online casinos the process will be just as quick and easy. The only thing players need to be careful of is overspending. Because a credit card allows you to enjoy casino games without paying for it right away, it’s easy to overspend and find yourself under financial stress when the time comes to replace the money you spent at the casino.
Bitcoin
Many people all over Africa have been using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to make anonymous purchases online. Because the transactions are quick, easy and extremely safe, it’s no wonder it’s one of the more common methods accepted at online casinos in Africa. Bitcoin wallet can be accessed from both desktop and mobile, making it easier than ever to enjoy mobile casino apps in Africa wherever you are, whenever you want. The only issue is that if you’re new to Bitcoin, it could be quite difficult to understand how it works when it comes to making casino transactions.
Skrill
If you’ve been shying away from online casinos purely because you don’t feel comfortable providing your banking details then Skrill is a great way for you to make casino deposits and withdrawals at online casinos in Africa. Because many casinos make a point of ensuring that their players can use a variety of convenient methods, you’ll find that Skrill can be used at many online casinos that accept African players. The only downfall that comes with this method is that although it allows you to keep your banking information secret from the casino, you may need to pay additional fees charged by Skrill when withdrawing from your Skrill account.
Credit Card
Deposit Time: Instant
WithdrawalTime: 1-3 Days
Fees: 2%-5%
Bitcoin
Deposit Time: Instant
Withdrawal Time: Instant
Fees: Low to None
Skrill
Deposit Time: Instant
Withdrawal Time: 2-48
Fees: 0%-5%
Help Centres in South Africa
Responsible Gambling and Help Centres in Africa
When someone becomes addicted to gambling, it’s seen as an impulse-control disorder. And because gambling is extremely popular in Africa as a whole, it’s not uncommon for people to find themselves in stressful financial situations because they’ve been participating in a socially acceptable activity way too much.
Unlike those who are addicted to drugs and alcohol, it may be a little more difficult to notice when someone has a gambling addiction before it’s too late which is why it’s referred to as one of the “Hidden Illnesses”. If you’re struggling with a gambling addiction, it’s important to know that there are hundreds of help centres all over Africa that offer quality treatment at affordable prices.
Houghton House Addiction & Mental Health Treatment Centres (South Africa)
Twin Rivers Rehab (South Africa)
Crossroads Recovery Centre (South Africa)
Recovery Trails Treatment Centre (Kenya)
Gamhelp Kenya (Kenya)
Nairobi Place Addiction Treatment Centre (Kenya)
FAQ
FAQ
Is gambling at a casino legal everywhere in Africa?
You’ll find that certain places like Egypt forbid their residents from taking part in gambling activities on Egyptian soil. However, there are still online casinos in Africa where players in similar situations to those in Egypt will be invited to take part in thrilling online games.
Do all online casinos in Africa offer casino bonuses?
Most of the online casinos in Africa will offer thrilling bonuses for both new and returning players. Whether it’s a welcome offer, reload bonuses or tournaments with exciting prizes, if you play at the right casino you’ll enjoy numerous rewards.
Which payment method is the best for casino transactions in Africa?
This depends on several things, such as the payment method you have access to, the fees you’ll need to pay and how long it will take for transactions to be processed. This is why you should always go through the various payment options accepted for both deposits and withdrawals at online casinos in Africa before deciding.
How old do you have to be to gamble at a casino in Africa?
Although many casinos state that you need to be 18 years old to enjoy gambling online at an African casino, some insist that players be at least 21 years old.
Can anyone join an online casino in Africa?
Although casinos in Africa will sometimes restrict residents in certain countries from creating casino accounts, many accept people from a long list of countries, even if gambling may be prohibited there.
How do I know which African casino bonus is the best?
This depends on exactly what you plan on using the bonus for, the wagering requirements that will need to be met and how long you have to meet them. So, before rushing off and claiming an exciting offer, be sure to read through the bonus Terms and Conditions first.
How can I find the best online casinos in Africa?
By choosing any of the casinos on our list of recommended casinos in Africa, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable gambling experience at a fully-licensed casino you can trust.
Which games are the most rewarding at casinos in Africa?
Although these games are all based on pure luck, you can increase your chances of receiving a great payout by looking at the different RTP rates of different games. However, blackjack is known for having one of the highest RTP percentages compared to other online casino games.
Experienced online casino writer and reviewer who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others. She enjoys analyzing the latest trends in the industry and offering valuable tips to help others by having the most from betting at online casinos. She is constantly looking for new and interesting topics to write about and stays up-to-date on the latest changes in the online gambling industry.
