The popularity of online gambling has been on the rise all over the world, including in Africa where a total of 40 out of 54 countries regulated at least some form of online wagering.
Thanks to the increased availability of mobile devices and stable internet connections, online casinos and sports betting sites are thriving, especially in the continent’s leading markets like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana.
If you are interested in finding the best way to start wagering online in Africa, here are all the tips you should know about.
How to Choose the Best Provider
Whether you’re looking to join an online casino or to try your luck with sports betting, the following tips will help you choose the right provider:
Focus on Reputable Websites
Before you open an account and start depositing money, make sure you’re dealing with a trustworthy platform. One way to do that is to check whether they hold proper licensing. A licensed online casino or a bookmaker will keep your money and your personal information safe.
Next, check whether they use payment gateways that are secured and verified by a reputable source like Visa or MasterCard. The easiest way to quickly find reliable operators is to visit a review website where you can find all the key information about each provider. Most African players get their information from the continent’s industry leader bet365.
Explore the Game Selection
The range of casino games and different sports you can bet on is another important criterion you should consider since it affects the overall gaming experience. Your focus should be on the bookmakers that include all the major leagues and events, and casino operators that offer the games you’re interested in.
Also, check out the additional features you may be willing to try such as live betting, live gambling, or video poker. Today’s operators are constantly looking for ways to transform the user experience with innovative features, and if you are a fan of technology, you can even find providers that offer exciting new options like AR and VR gaming.
Check Out the Bonuses
Attractive bonus offers are one of the main reasons why bettors choose to play online. A great online gambling site will offer a wide range of amazing rewards, and the players can even claim some of them without making their first deposit. Some rewards are reserved for new members who can claim the freebies as soon as they sign up, while others are given to seasoned players.
For example, some operators have formed fun loyalty programs where the users can collect points and exchange them for valuable prizes. Before you join any kind of reward program, make sure you’ve read its terms and conditions.
Some promotions are time-limited, or they simply have other restrictions that may not work for you, so it’s better to get to know all the rules before trying to claim the bonus.
Payment Options and Currencies
The top gambling sites offer a great variety of payment options that make it easier to deposit money in a fast and convenient way. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the operator accepts the methods of payment that are available in your country.
Major wagering sites support several different ways to make transactions, including credit cards, e-wallets like Skrill and Netteler, wire transfers, and even cryptocurrencies. Next, you should find an operator that accepts your local currency which will also improve your gaming experience.
Having the option to use your local currency will help you easily figure out the winnings, and avoid the process of converting money that can lead to unnecessary fees.
The Quality of Customer Support
The quality of customer support is another factor that can make or break your online gambling experience. Before you open an account on a particular platform, make sure you’re dealing with an operator that will be able to provide support through different channels of communication such as phone, email, and live chat.
Being able to reach someone from the platform’s customer support team at any time of the day is very important. If you get stuck and need someone to help you access the website or withdraw a payout, you will be very disappointed if no one is there to assist you. Moreover, if the team is focused on customer satisfaction, that is also a great sign of a trustworthy gambling site.
As the demand for online gambling and sports betting is skyrocketing globally, African players are also looking for great platforms where they can have fun and try their luck with some of their favorite games. Now that you’re familiar with all the top factors you should consider, you are ready to pick an operator and start playing yourself.
