Best Land-Based and Online Casino in South Africa Finally Defined

The hospitality and gaming industries in South Africa have an important thing in common. They share a rising interest in the public and have a huge potential to achieve.

Some brands have recognized a business opportunity that involves connecting the casino and hospitality industries. In other countries, such as the USA or Monaco, you have numerous resorts with premium accommodation options and a gambling floor. Hotel casino facilities are available in South Africa, but it seems like a major expansion of this market is yet to come.

The hospitality industry could benefit from the increasing number of casino players in SA. Even if there’s no gambling area in the hotel, just offering a pleasant facility where visitors can relax and enjoy online casino games can help attract visitors.

Many specialized websites focus on the South African online casino market but also review land-based gaming properties. With the expansion of the gambling industry, it can be beneficial to know more about it. In the comparison below, we review the top providers in the online and land-based South African gambling market.

The first part focuses on web-based gaming operators. It reveals the main factors to assess when choosing a provider and reviews the top five providers while picking the best playing option. In the second part, we use the same approach to assess land-based casinos. Here is what you should know about SA gaming providers!

Best 5 South African Online Casinos and How We Picked Them

An online casino is a website or app offering roulette, slots, and other casino games to its visitors. Although free demos might be available, most providers focus on real money tables and software. Each operator aims to offer the best possible service to visitors. But what are the factors that matter most to a web-based casino player?

Here are the criteria our experts used when picking the best online casino South Africa has to offer:

• Licenses, fair play and other certificates. Curacao eGaming is the authority that most frequently issues licenses to SA casinos. Fair-play certificates issued by eCOGRA and other independent testing labs are also welcome since they confirm each player will have equal odds of winning in that casino.
• Game selection. The best online casino combines live gaming with software-based titles. Live tables with human dealers as hosts replicate the atmosphere of a land-based gambling facility. Software-based titles range from slots to card, roulette, and arcade games.
• Payment methods and conditions. Offering rand among the available currencies is important for SA players. Some local payment methods, such as Easy EFT, are also welcome. Deposits should be instant and with a low requirement, and withdrawals should go smoothly and without taking too long.
• Welcome and other bonuses. It’s huge competition in the South Africa online casino market. Operators offer welcome bonuses, including free spins and deposit matches, to attract customers. Promotions for loyal players, such as VIP programs and cashback, motivate you to stay in a particular casino.
• Playing on the go. Mobile-friendly website versions or specialized apps allow players to enjoy their favorite games from any location. Whether they are on vacation in a hotel resort or in the car, all they need is an internet connection.

An Overview of the Top 5 SA Online Casinos

SA players have a huge selection of internet gaming platforms available. It’s both a blessing and a curse since the secret lies in identifying the best online casino in South Africa. Our experts selected the top five platforms below. Check out their quick overview in the table and continue to detailed operator descriptions!

You’ll find detailed online casino reviews of each platform below. For your convenience, we divided it into different sections, so you can easily skim through the available information!

ZAR Casino

ZAR Casino has a tradition on its side, considering it first launched in 2006. During over 15 years in the business, the operator attracted more players. Today, it has a stable position and a strong reputation in the SA online casino world. The provider obtains a license from the Curacao Gaming Authority, and it has received multiple “Fan Choice” and “Online Slots” awards.

Game selection

The operator has a unique approach to the offered games for the South African market. They choose each title carefully and slowly build their library. ZAR Casino currently has over 200 games, including software-based and live dealer sections.

Popular slots like The Book of Dead and Mermaid’s Treasure are all there. The operator partnered with promising developers like Nucleus Gaming, Saucify, and Genii. The genre and theme range are impressive, and fans of simple and retro slots will also appreciate the selection.

As for live gaming, ZAR isn’t the most impressive in the SA market. But this online casino does have blackjack, poker, roulette, and baccarat. Tables stakes vary to accommodate all player preferences.

ZAR Casino has a mobile app that you can install from the official website. There’s no iOS app, but you don’t need it. The mobile-friendly website version is available from any device. Page loading times are short, and the game selection doesn’t change since the software uses HTML5 technology.

Bonus deals and promotions

Slot fans will find this the best online casino in South Africa. It only takes registering a new account to get 50 free spins. Although you can only use it on a specific slot, it’s a good head start on the platform. Please note that it’s necessary to type the 50CHX bonus code to claim this bonus.

If you plan to deposit, you’ll appreciate the generous 200% match bonus. That match level is more impressive than in other casinos. The maximum sum to invest for this deal is R15,000. That means you can get up to R30,000 in bonus funds. It’s an opportunity you don’t often find in an SA casino online!

Loyal players and daily visitors can expect promotions, too. Daily drops and special incentives on different days are usual at ZAR Casino.

Payment options

Although not many deposit methods are available, this SA online casino once again proved it’s not about quantity. They support all popular options, including Visa, MasterCard, and Bitcoin. Instant EFT and EFT Pay are local payment methods, and the rand is among the available currencies. The platform did everything for SA players to feel comfortable when depositing.

The withdrawal process requires verification, but it’s reasonably fast. Minimum amounts depend on the method, as well as the times to finalize the payment.

Yebo Casino

Yebo Casino entered the market in 2014 and gained the attention of the SA public quickly. It didn’t take long for this online casino in South Africa to attract players and become a favorite destination. Yebo mentions they take security seriously. Apart from acquiring a Curacao gaming license, they also work with an Independent Player Disputes & Mediation Service.

Game selection

The estimation is there are over 180 games in the Yebo Casino library. You can divide them into multiple categories, including:

• Slots. Over 100 titles from different creators and themes ranging from fantasy to sports and TV sound extremely attractive. You can see the active jackpots while scrolling games, which is convenient.
• Video poker. Fans of this classic game will love playing over 15 versions in this SA online casino.
• Table games. The selection isn’t impressive, but you can try Tri Card Poker, Let’ Em Ride, and three blackjack versions.
• Specialty games. Keno, Fish Catch, and Banana Jones are some titles in this unique category.

It’s noticeable there are no live games, which is why it’s hard to consider this the best online casino in SA. But if you enjoy software-powered games, Yebo does a lot of things right to maintain a high reputation among players. That includes listing recent winners while mentioning those who won huge sums in a separate list.

Bonus deals and promotions

Yebo Casino creators believe they made a great website. That’s why they offer a no-deposit bonus. It’s exclusive to players from South Africa and several other countries on this continent. Once you register, you’ll receive 50 free spins for the Caesar Empire slot.

It’s only to get a taste of this South Africa online casino. But if you deposit at least R25, which is a surprisingly low minimum, you activate the welcome deal. It covers match bonuses on the first three deposits and follows this structure:

• First deposit – 150% match up to R2,250
• Second deposit – 150% match up to R3,750
• Third deposit – 50% match up to R6,000

A rebate program, daily slot tournaments, cashback, and other promotions are available if you stick around and play regularly.

Payment options

Yebo is a South African casino, so supporting the local currency doesn’t come as a surprise. Rand is available, as well as Easy EFT and SiD Instant EFT. Debit and credit cards and e-wallets are among the deposit methods, too. Yebo even supports crypto, although Bitcoin is the only available digital currency.

Deposits are instant, and withdrawals are reasonably fast. You can contact helpful customer support via the chat feature if you have any questions regarding the site.

Punt Casino

Punt Casino opened its virtual doors in 2017. It uses Real Time Gaming software, similar to Yebo Casino. Punt has a license from the Curacao Gaming Authority and uses SSL Security certificates to keep players safe. Mobile gaming is supported, but only by visiting the website directly.

Game selection

Punt Casino has multiple gaming sections, including a specialized section where you can play with crypto investments. That area includes Mi Mines and other arcade games. The actual casino library has video poker, tablet game, and slot sections.

More than 25 table games are available, and you can enjoy trying them on any device since the website design is responsive. The selection varies from classic blackjack and pontoon to pai gow, rummy, and top card trumps. Unfortunately, the video poker section is less impressive, with only three titles available.

Punt Casino partnered with six different slot providers. The list includes Reevo, Ka Gaming, Fugaso, Dragon Gaming, Betsoft, and Tom Horn. Themes vary from unique African like safari to classic fruit games. You can enjoy simple games with a few pay lines or try slots with thousands of ways to win. For slot fans, this SA casino online is an excellent choice.

Bonus deals and promotions

Punt Casino has a welcome bonus that can increase to R10,000. The offer covers the first three investments, and here’s how:

• First deposit – 100% match up to R3,500
• Second deposit – 75% match up to R2,500
• Third deposit – 125% match up to R4,000

It’s worth noting this South African online casino also offers a no-deposit bonus. It’s necessary to enter the code PUNT100 to get R100 to play on the website, but this is only valid for new accounts.

Punt Casino has a VIP program, but it’s necessary to contact them to join. Other promotions include anything from free spins and games to other benefits, which is why it’s recommended to visit the site regularly.

Payment options

Punt Casino follows the latest trends and accepts cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash are all available on the platform. The operator even advertises bonuses in BTC sums. There’s no doubt this platform is the best online casino in South Africa for crypto fans.

But that doesn’t mean Punt Casino lacks support for fiat currencies. Furthermore, it accepts the rand, and you can deposit via all popular methods. That includes credit cards, SiD Instant EFT, and e-wallets. All payment processes are smooth and easy to go through, especially thanks to the user-friendly interface.

FatBet Casino

FatBet Casino is a new addition to the SA market. But this platform has made a strong candidacy for the best online casino South Africa has to offer in a short time. The recipe lies in offering everything that an average SA player might want. For starters, that’s a valid license from the Curacao Gaming Authority. And then, there is an impressive game selection from reputable providers and other features!

Game selection

The provider did its homework and secured a huge casino game selection. But there’s another unique feature available at this South African online casino. You can pick lite or enhanced graphic settings. Thanks to that, you can enjoy desired titles on slower devices and internet connections.

Online slots take the most of FatBet’s Casino library. Rival, Qora, Betsoft, Spinomenal, and several other providers made their titles available on this platform. You can play with different layouts, payout structures, themes and gaming features.

FatBet has more table games than an average SA casino online. Apart from classics like video poker and roulette, you can try Teen Patti, Andar Bahar, and other unique titles.

But it’s the live games that make FatBet special. It partnered with Fresh Deck Studios to provide roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. The stakes depend on the table, and anyone from high rollers to casual players will appreciate the available options.

Bonus deals and promotions

South African players will appreciate the unique no-deposit offer available in FatBet. Only locals can claim R100 to try the platform after registering an account.
Those who plan on investing large sums will find this the best online casino with a welcome match bonus. The welcome offer covers the first three deposits. You get a 100% match up to R10,000 on the first and third deposits and a 100% match up to $R5,000 on the second investment. The offer is ideal for high rollers who need that extra initial boost.

Daily promotions are available for FatBet players from South Africa. You can expect match bonuses, free spins, and other incentives. The loyalty program has four tiers with faster withdrawals, dedicated account managers, and special gifts.

Payment options

FatBet Casino has an R100 minimum deposit. It doesn’t have the lowest requirements compared to other online casino South Africa platforms. But you can expect an instant deposit process and fast withdrawals.

Rand is on the list of available currencies, and you can use Instant EFT as the local payment method. It’s interesting to mention you can earn loyalty points as you play and convert them to additional playing money.

Playlive Casino

Playlive has been in business since 2020. It has had the Curacao Gaming License from the very beginning and has DMCA protection to secure a safe environment for its players. The polite customer agents work every day, but they have limited hours, so you can’t contact them after 10 PM. Playlive has a mobile-friendly site, so it’s possible to play from any device.

Game selection

Playlive has more than 1,200 games available, and its live section is particularly impressive. More than 160 tables with different games and stakes are available in this online casino South Africa. Additions like African Roulette, Live Casino War, and Dragon Tiger make the entire library more impressive since you can’t find those titles on all platforms.

The slot section has over 1,000 games from 10+ different developers. Play’n GO, Pragmatic Play, Betsoft, and Game Art are among the most noticeable industry names. As for table games, it’s not the biggest selection in the SA market. However, you can try Mahjong and some other interesting titles.

Bonus deals and promotions

Here’s a neat trick – Playlive Casino has a 100% deposit match bonus for your first investment. It doesn’t seem there’s a maximum payout limit. But the wagering requirements aren’t that tempting, so the offer isn’t as attractive as you might think at first.

You can, however, get 50 free spins if you are a local player. After opening a new account and entering a suitable bonus code, this online casino in South Africa awards you extra spins to use on a specific machine. Cashbacks and other promotions are occasionally available on the platform.

Payment options

Playlive Casino is a South African casino, so the rand is its default currency. You won’t find an impressive range of payment methods, but the major ones are there. Debit and credit cards from popular brands and instant EFT are available. The platform is crypto-friendly and supports BTC as the payment method.

With an R100 minimum deposit, you’ll need a bit more than in other casinos to start playing for real money. The good news is deposit processes are instant. Withdrawals could take longer, depending on the method, so you might need a bit of patience.

What Is the Best SA Online Casino?

The SA market is blessed with many great options for playing casino games on the web. It’s not easy to pronounce a winner, but it seems Punt Casino does enough to come out on top. For starters, it supports fiat and crypto deposits. You can use rand to deposit via debit and credit cards, but also Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Punt Casino is among the best online casino South Africa platforms with welcome bonuses. But it’s when you enter the gaming section that you know this is a top-class platform. You can enjoy special arcade additions and an impressive table game selection. Slot machines feature simple and classic games but also advanced concepts and innovative genres. Overall, Punt Casino is a great platform that combines all aspects important for a player from South Africa.

Best 5 South African Land-Based Casinos and How We Picked Them

While searching for the best South African casino, players might look for some other things compared to online providers. Here are the components most important for the players:

• Location. Most players appreciate having an SA casino available nearby, so they can visit regularly. Others focus on picking a destination for vacation and ensuring the location has a casino. These players often choose a town to stay in for an entire weekend or longer.
• Gambling floor size and game selection. Gambling areas are usually large and might spread across multiple floors. Most casinos offer slots, including progressive jackpot machines. Some properties also have live tables for blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and other games. However, these tables might have limited working hours.
• Hotel accommodation. Depending on the player’s plan, they might appreciate the option to sleep on the premises. Hotel accommodation is convenient since players can take families, which will have areas where they can spend time while they enjoy casino games.
• Other activities. SA land-based casinos offer restaurants on the premises. They could include snacks but also classy dining options. Events like live music and artist performances are great to attend with a partner. Spa, playgrounds, and other activities will ensure the entire family has fun at the casino premises.

An Overview of the Top 5 SA Land-Based Casinos

According to statistics, the hotel industry in South Africa is recovering after COVID-19 hit it hard. The revenues more than halved in 2020 and dropped to $0.5 billion. But the expectations are they’ll reach $0.94 billion in 2022 and return to above $1 billion in 2023. The estimated CAGR growth is about 9.2%, so we can expect the hotel industry to have $1.34 billion in 2026.

There’s no doubt that attracting gambling fans could be a way to boost the profit of the hotel industry. Some resorts offer a gambling floor with different games. Other hotels choose to partner with gaming properties and position their hotels close to casinos.

Here’s an overview of the top five land-based SA casino platforms with hotels on the premises or their vicinity!

Mykonos Casino

If you’ve ever been to Greece, you know how beautiful the country is. It’s the favorite summer destination for millions of tourists worldwide. Mykonos Casino got its name after a famous Greek island. Its aim is to make you feel like you are in Greece without even leaving South Africa.

Langebaan is the property’s location, and Tsogo Sun is the owner of this facility. Tsogo is a famous SA entertainment group that has hotel and gaming facilities throughout the country. While Mikonos Casino doesn’t have a hotel on the premises, top-quality accommodation is available nearby.

The property only has three table games, which is less than any online casino in South Africa. But at least you can try your luck in popular games, including poker, blackjack, and roulette. A huge selection of slot machines is available, and you can always see slot payouts in the last 24 hours, which guarantees transparency.

Mykonos Casino always has running promotions, and there’s a smart card to use to collect loyalty points. The rewards program secures different benefits, such as free movie tickets, more affordable meals, etc.

Overall, Mykonos Casino isn’t that huge, but it’s a comfortable and cozy gambling property. It’s excellent for slot fans, and promotions that include major rewards are particularly attractive. With hotels located nearby, you can spend a few days in town while enjoying your favorite casino games.

Boardwalk Casino

Sun International is the owner of many land-based gaming properties in South Africa. That includes the facility whose full name is the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World. The location is perfect for players and the entire family. Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth is only a couple of minutes away. The beach has a blue flag to maximize the visitor’s pleasant experience.

The spacious gaming floor at Boardwalk Casino offers 700+ games. The majority are slot machines, and you can play for stakes as little as two cents. That attracts casual players, while high rollers will appreciate that they can win huge prizes. And the best part is that smoking and non-smoking areas are separate.

Boardwalk Casino has multiple blackjack variations, but also poker, baccarat, and roulette at live tables. Human dealers are polite professionals that improve the entire experience. There’s an exclusive private area for higher stakes, too, and it has a separate entrance.

Six cafes, bars, and restaurants are available on the premises. You can enjoy grabbing a small bite of it in the Sun Café or eat at the Bayside Pantry. Events aren’t as frequent as before COVID, but there are entertainment options in the Boardwalk Casino and nearby.

Luxury rooms and suites come with basic amenities like soundproof rooms, satellite channels, and a minibar. The convenient location is perfect for exploring Port Elizabeth, making Boardwalk the ideal place for bringing company and staying for multiple days.

The Ridge Casino

The Ridge is another casino owned by Tsogo Sun. It’s been around for 20+ years, considering it first opened its doors in 2002. Not only is a hotel available on the premises, but the entire structure is a part of the Highveld Mall. It’s the largest shopping center in Mpumalanga, ensuring the crowd you bring can enjoy other activities while you play in the casino.

On the gambling floor, The Ridge offers many opportunities to have fun and win money. This SA casino features over 440 slots. Different genres and gaming features are available, and stakes go from two cents to R25. Progressive jackpots with life-changing sums are most tempting if you love spinning the reels.

Those who prefer table games can enjoy 19 tables offering blackjack, poker, and roulette. A separate private area ensures a secluded gaming experience. If you prefer privacy and plan to invest big sums, The Ridge Casino secures a special section to accommodate your needs.

Tsogo Sun Gaming’s smart card is valid on the premises. The dining options include Cuban food, and there’s a lounge bar and a top-quality restaurant, Billy G. Family fun is important, so children can enjoy arcade games at a large hall. Bowling and a special creche ensure there’s a safe environment for your young ones. And you can all go bowling to see who’s the best bowler in the ten-pin version of this game.

The hotel at the Ridge Casino has over 175 rooms for everyone’s preference. That ensures you can stay for an entire weekend or longer, considering that this resort is filled with family-friendly activities while also offering a tempting gambling floor.

Golden Horse Casino

Pietermaritzburg is the home of the best casino in the entire KwaZulu – Natal region. It comes with the additional convenience of the Scottsville Racecourse being nearby, which is what Tsogo Sun used as the inspiration for the facility’s name.

Golden Horse Casino can compete with any South Africa online casino in terms of available games. The total number goes over 470, with 450 slots being available. There’s a smoking area, but you can also enjoy spinning the reels in the non-smoking zone. Apart from the latest video slots with impressive graphics, you can also try software-based poker.

Live tables focus on American roulette, poker, and blackjack. The minimum poker bet is R25, and the variations offered are exciting. The private area for high rollers will maximize the thrill of playing in this facility.

Golden Horse Casino is a part of the Tsogo Sun Gaming network, so you can use their rewards card for different benefits. Six dining and bar facilities are available, ranging from Asian Fusion to Rockafellas and restaurants offering international cuisine.

Although this is not a casino hotel, the Southern Sun Hotel is a part of the complex. It features four-star accommodations and decent comfort. As for family activities, the EduCare Centre for children is a beautiful touch. Kids aged up to 13 years enjoy spending time in a creative indoor playground.

A golfing village is nearby if you want to try this sport. The Magic Company area offers bowling and arcade games for children. Adults will enjoy visiting the Livwell Boutique Spa offering pedicures, manicures, massages, and other treatments. All this makes the Golden Horse Casino a tempting option for gambling fans, but also their families and people of all ages and interests.

Khoroni Hotel Casino

Khoroni isn’t the largest, but it’s one of the most beautiful hotel casinos in South Africa. Thohoyandou and its beautiful garden setting are the ideal environment for this facility type.

You’ll find over 165 gaming options on the gambling floor. Slots are available 24/7, so you can come down and spin the reels whenever you feel like it. There are 16 live tables, but they close at midnight and open again in the morning.

Players will appreciate having the chance to play Raise ‘em Poker and the classic Texas Hold ‘em. American roulette and blackjack are also available, including private areas for high rollers. Don’t forget to try slots with progressive jackpots and monitor casino promotions. Hidden prizes and tasks might be waiting to win cash and other benefits!

Khoroni Hotel Casino features a Peermont Metcourt Hotel. Although it has three stars, it’s a premium accommodation with satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. Reputable performers hold their acts in Khoroni, so you are guaranteed a great time.

The hotel has its own Khoroni Cuisine, while the Malingani Restaurant offers a buffet dinner up to 8 PM. You can grab drinks at the Moo or Vhukimvi bars. A spa is also a part of the Khoroni Hotel Casino, which is the perfect way to reenergize and destress before returning to the gambling floor. Although it’s nice and comfortable, Khoroni is primarily for adults since there aren’t any kid-friendly activities.

What Is the Best Land-Based SA Casino?

The competition is fierce since Tsogo Sun Gaming, Sun International, and other groups know how to offer a tempting environment for players and their friends or family. However, it seems that The Ridge is the best place to visit, especially if you are close to Mpumalanga.

Its secret lies in a top-quality experience for everyone. From a player’s perspective, the gaming selection is equally as generous as in any online casino South Africa. More than 450 games are available, and that includes progressive slots, 19 tables with card games and roulette, and a secluded private area.

If you bring a partner, they’ll love the restaurants and bars at The Ridge. They offer an adult-friendly experience and a memorable time. Kids will love the special creche and arcade games, and the entire family can enjoy bowling sessions. Finally, the large hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms. The Ridge is ideal for staying for multiple days and having a fun and relaxing vacation while enjoying a casino on the premises!

Final Thoughts – Why Hotels with Casinos Operate Successfully

It’s nice to play in a South African online casino. The convenience of playing anywhere without having to dress up and head to a specific location sounds great.
But hotels with casinos offer a unique and memorable time for the entire family. The gambling floor provides everything a player needs to experience casino games to their full potential. The thrill of placing the chips on desired bets, hitting the buttons to spin the reels, and mingling with other players are hard to replace.

Casino hotels offer luxurious gambling floors with maximum security. Players know they can feel safe while playing on these premises. Once they get tired or need a break, they know there are other activities available. A comfortable room awaits if a player requires some sleep. Restaurants with tasty food and entertainment like music and artist performances provide an all-around experience.

And the best part is that players can enjoy these with their partners, friends, and families. Heading to a cocktail party with a partner in the evening and enjoying casino games during the day will ensure you all have a memorable experience. Many hotels offer kid-friendly areas with playgrounds and other activities.

It’s that bundle of activities and facilities that makes casino hotels better than standard hotels. In Las Vegas, you have huge gambling floors but also entertainment halls that accommodate thousands of visitors.

While casino resorts in South Africa are smaller, they have a lot to offer. A beautiful facility where the entire family can relax and enjoy different activities is combined with top-notch gambling opportunities. It can be a unique vacation concept, which will only become more popular in South Africa in years to come.