How to play at a crypto casino in South Africa: A comprehensive guide

Cryptocurrency casinos are similar to the traditional best online casinos; however, they allow you to transact using crypto coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. These casinos provide a fast, secure, anonymous, way to gamble online due to the innovation of blockchain technology, which does not need third-party approval. 

Fiat currency, also known as traditional or everyday currency, such as the South African Rand, is used in everyday life for daily transactions. Fiat currencies are also regulated by government authorities.

On the other hand, cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is not overseen by any government and therefore eliminates the need for banks and payment service providers in transactions.

Crypto casinos are online gambling destinations that allow you to make deposits and withdrawals using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, among others.

The benefits of crypto gambling sites are that your transactions are 100% transparent, thanks to blockchain technology, which is a digital ledger that keeps track of and verifies your payments.

Additionally, via the use of smart contracts, which are independent programs, games are regularly audited for fairness, and cashouts are instant. 

Cryptocurrency transfers are also much faster than fiat payments, and the best part is that you won’t need to disclose your personal or financial data, thereby making crypto payments 100% anonymous or private.

South African crypto gambling sites have become a popular choice for online gamblers due to their multiple perks, such as secure, anonymous, and speedy deposits and withdrawals. What's more, the best online crypto casinos provide exclusive bonuses, exciting games, and various unique offerings.

Let's take a look at the top online casinos in SA accepting crypto payments, and what you can expect when you sign up:

Springbok Casino

Highlights: When you sign up to Springbok Casino, you'll have access to approximately 200 online games that pay real money in South Africa, including slots, table games, and video poker, as well as specialty games and progressive jackpots. All games are powered by RealTime Gaming (RTG), which is a leading and world-renowned software developer.

We were quite impressed by the clean, clutter-free site layout, not to mention the vibrant green and black background complemented by striking yellow fonts.

The best part about joining Springbok Casino is that you'll enjoy a number of bonuses and promotions on the house. This includes no-deposit sign-up offers, deposit match bonuses, cashback offers, comp points, access to slot tournaments, and more.

Welcome bonus: R250 No deposit bonus

Accepted cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin

A hits/misses widget for:

What we Liked: 

• Clean and clutter-free website design
• Nice no deposit bonus
• High-quality casino games powered by RTG

What we didn’t: 

• Would be nice to see more than one software provider
• A dedicated app would be nice

Top Games: Megasaur (progressive jackpot slot), Aztecs Treasure (slot), Banana Jones (Keno)

Average RTP: Between 93% - 97%

Mobile Availability: Accessible on Android and iOS mobile browsers

Established date: March 2012

Jackpot City Casino

You'll find hundreds of popular casino games available at Jackpot City when you sign up. This includes a range of slots, crash games like Aviator, and live dealer selections like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. All games are powered by reputable software providers like Playtech, Evolution, and Habanero Gaming.

The interface is sleek and user-friendly, set against a black backdrop with fonts in purple and white, enhanced with a neon blue hue. Multiple tabs are conveniently located at the top of the website, ensuring quick and easy access.

Jackpot City offers a number of bonuses and promotions for both new and existing players, and it all starts with their welcome offer for new players. Existing players can look forward to spinning the Daily Deal wheel and engaging in Pragmatic Play’s Drops & Wins promotions.

Welcome bonus: Big City Wheel 100% deposit match bonus up to R4,000

Accepted cryptocurrencies: Crypto payments are not accepted

A hits/misses widget for:

What we Liked: 

• Loads of slots
• Crash games like Aviator
• User-friendly desktop interface

What we didn’t: 

• No downloadable mobile app
• No crypto payments at the time of this review
• Demo play is not available

Top Games: Sweet Bonanza CandyLand (live games show), Aviator, Cash Riches (Megaways)

Average RTP: 96% - 97%

Mobile Availability: Downloadable app for iOS and Android devices

Established date: April 2023

One of the key attractions of the best crypto casinos is the wealth of bonuses and rewards on offer. This section will take a closer look at what you can expect when you sign up to these top-rated cryptocurrency sites:

Welcome bonuses

Welcome bonuses are offered to new players upon signing up. They are often in the form of a deposit match bonus, like a 100% match on your first deposit, or free spins for first-time Bitcoin deposits. These bonuses are meant to boost your bankroll so that you can explore the platform without investing too much money.

No deposit bonuses

As the name implies, when claiming this type of bonus, you won’t need to deposit any of your own money. So it is 100% on the house. In most cases, you’ll receive free spins or bonus bets after completing the sign-up process.

Reload bonuses

Reload bonuses are given to you when you continue to deposit at the online crypto casino. They might be in the form of a 25% reload bonus or a 50% reload bonus on each of your deposits. So essentially, it’s an ongoing incentive designed to give you more value when funding your casino account.

Cashback bonuses

Cashback bonuses give you a return on a percentage of losses when you wager online. For example, if you lose 0.2 BTC in a bet, a 10% cashback bonus will give you 0.02 BTC back. In other words, a cashback bonus works like a safety net, reducing the amount of losses and allowing you to get something back even after a losing wager.

VIP programs

Most online Bitcoin casinos and crypto gaming sites run VIP programs and loyalty schemes. These casino initiatives come with exclusive perks and benefits for loyal players or high rollers. These rewards could include access to personal account managers, exclusive bonuses and promotions, higher withdrawal limits, as well as free tickets to exclusive events.

Tournaments and giveaways for crypto users

You'll notice that players who deposit using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum and others gain access to exclusive bonuses that those making fiat transfers do not. These come in the form of exclusive slot tournaments, where you can compete for prizes, or lucky draws offering rewards such as cash prizes, free spins, and even gadgets.

Some crypto casinos also reward players with seasonal promotions for making deposits and withdrawals using crypto. For example, a 100% deposit match bonus of up to 1 BTC may be available only during the Christmas season.

In this section, we'll outline the step-by-step process needed to sign up and start playing at a crypto casino when using Bitcoin:

Step 1: Create a Bitcoin wallet
The first step is creating a Bitcoin wallet to store your money. You can choose between a hardware wallet, a software wallet, or an online wallet. The Coinbase app is one option.

Step 2: Write down your private key
During the setup process, you'll be given a random 12-word phrase. Ensure that you write it down or save it in a secure location. This is important because if you lose your private key, you won’t be able to access your crypto wallet.

Step 3: Buy Bitcoin
Once you've set up your Bitcoin wallet, you need to buy Bitcoin from a crypto exchange using traditional payment methods. The Coinbase app allows you to buy and sell crypto all from one convenient app, and the best part is that it’s free of charge.

Step 4: Sign up to a trusted cryptocurrency casino
Select a reputable and recommended cryptocurrency casino by clicking the banners on the site and completing the sign-up process.

Step 5: Make your first crypto deposit
Lastly, if you're claiming a deposit match bonus, feel free to make a cryptocurrency deposit using Bitcoin, then head over to the gaming lobby where you can start playing your chosen games.

How to buy cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin at crypto casinos

Many modern crypto casinos now allow you to buy cryptocurrencies directly on their platforms, which eliminates the need to visit external exchanges or wallets before playing. 

Step-by-step guide to buying cryptocurrencies

1. Sign up or log in to the crypto casino.
2. Navigate to the purchase section or banking page.
3. Select a payment method like Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency like Ethereum or Litecoin.
4. Click "Confirm" on the banking page.
5. Funds will be credited to your casino wallet.
    

Once your transaction is complete, the purchased cryptocurrency is typically credited directly to your casino wallet. It’s as simple as that!

Popular cryptocurrencies used in online casinos 

Here is a list of the most popular cryptocurrencies you can use for deposits and withdrawals at the best crypto casinos.

Bitcoin
Bitcoin is by far the oldest and most widely accepted cryptocurrency. It is secure and handles large transaction amounts.

Ethereum
Ethereum is next in line and also a very popular choice for smart contracts. Transactions are speedy, and fees are low or non-existent.

Litecoin
Litecoin is a popular digital currency, especially when it comes to payouts. This is due to its instant processing times as well as lower transaction fees compared to other crypto like Bitcoin.

Dogecoin
Dogecoin is a popular choice, especially for multiple and smaller transactions. Its processing speeds are fast.

Comparison of popular cryptocurrencies in online casinos:

Both fiat and crypto casinos function as online gambling operators; however, there are some differences between the two. So, let’s take a closer look below:

Speed and payments

• Cryptocurrency casinos offer speedy withdrawals, which can take anywhere between a few minutes to an hour.
• Fiat casinos, on the other hand, offer slower withdrawals, usually taking between three to five days, depending on the traditional withdrawal method you’ve chosen.
• The reason why crypto casinos are much faster is that they do not need approval from banks, while fiat casinos must comply with banks and other payment providers.

Fees

• Crypto casinos offer much lower transaction fees, sometimes none at all, since there are no middlemen involved.
• Fiat casinos make use of middlemen, such as banks and financial institutions, so transaction fees and service charges will apply.

Security

• Cryptocurrency casinos use blockchain technology, which makes transactions safe, secure, and much harder to track compared to fiat casinos.
• Fiat casinos also use various security protocols, such as SSL encryption, which protects both your personal and financial data. However, all transactions, whether deposits or withdrawals, are tracked by banks.

Privacy

• Crypto transactions, whether deposits or withdrawals, are 100% anonymous since you won’t need to provide financial or personal data. This means you only need to use your crypto wallet address to transact.
• Fiat casinos require you to enter your full personal details, including your name, address, and payment information when transacting with credit or debit cards or online bank transfers. This is usually in the form of Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.

Regulation and laws

• Cryptocurrency casinos operate in a more unregulated space or, let’s say, a grey area, which may raise concerns about online security. That said, the majority of crypto casinos are licensed by cryptocurrency regulators.
• Fiat casinos are usually licensed and regulated by well-established authorities, providing much clearer consumer protections.

Currency volatility

• If you’ve ever heard the saying “cryptocurrency is volatile”, this is what it means—crypto values fluctuate and can impact the amount you deposit or withdraw.
• Fiat casinos, on the other hand, offer stability since fiat currencies are not subject to the same volatility as crypto.

Global accessibility

• Cryptocurrency casinos can be accessed worldwide as they often bypass restrictions imposed by traditional banking systems.
• Fiat casinos, on the other hand, are subject to geographical restrictions based on local regulations and the availability of payment providers.

Bonuses and promotions

• It’s not unusual for crypto casinos to offer bigger bonuses with lower wagering requirements, making it easier to meet playthrough requirements and cash out.
• Fiat casinos, on the other hand, offer bonuses that come with higher wagering requirements, making it harder to meet playthrough requirements and cash out winnings.

Pros and cons
While crypto casinos have loads of benefits, like all payment methods, there are some drawbacks too.

Pros of crypto casinos

• Privacy and anonymity – You won’t need to enter personal or financial information during sign-up.
• Faster transactions – Deposits are almost instant, and withdrawals take between a few minutes to a few hours.
• Lower transaction fees – Crypto payments come with minimal or no transaction fees compared to traditional payment methods.
• Worldwide access – Crypto casinos are available to players globally since there are no currency exchange issues.
• Provably fair games – Blockchain technology verifies fair play and ensures random outcomes.
• Secure payments – Blockchain integration ensures 100% secure transactions.

Cons of crypto casinos

• Cryptocurrency is volatile – Prices fluctuate, which can impact deposit and withdrawal amounts.
• Fewer regulations – Some crypto casinos may offer less consumer protection than regulated fiat casinos.
• Crypto can be overwhelming – If you’re new to cryptocurrency, setting up e-wallets and understanding blockchain technology can be confusing.
• Not all casinos accept crypto – Some online casinos only accept fiat payments.
• Irreversible transactions – Crypto payments cannot be reversed. If you make a mistake with a wallet address, there’s no way to get your funds back.

Pros and cons of fiat casinos
Fiat casinos have been the long-standing choice for online gamblers in South Africa. While there are many advantages to using traditional online casinos, there are some downsides as well.

Pros of fiat casinos

• Stable currency – Your deposit and withdrawal amounts do not change.
• Familiar payment methods – Credit and debit cards, online bank transfers, and e-wallets are widely accepted.
• Stronger regulations – Fiat casinos are licensed and monitored by gambling boards and regulators, ensuring fair play.
• Easier payments – Depositing and withdrawing is straightforward; there’s no need to download crypto wallets.
• Widely accepted – Traditional payment methods are accepted at almost all online casinos.

Cons of fiat casinos

• Slower withdrawals – Deposits are fast, but withdrawals take between 3 to 5 days due to delays caused by banks and payment providers.
• Higher transaction fees – Some fiat payment methods, such as bank transfers, can have high transaction fees.
• Restricted availability – Not all fiat payment methods are available in every region, meaning some online casinos may not accept your preferred payment method.

Cryptocurrency casinos offer loads of benefits, including exclusive crypto bonuses and promotions, access to slot tournaments and giveaways, as well as almost instantaneous deposits and withdrawals. That said, it's always in your best interest to sign up with trustworthy online casinos so that you can have the best possible online gambling experience.

If you're ready to sign up to the best crypto casinos available in South Africa right now, head over to the list of top cryptocurrency casinos on this page, sign up, claim your welcome bonus, and start engaging in all the perks available to crypto gamblers.