The last few years shook the markets harder than the 1960 Valdivia Earthquake. Great losses were on display all over the world, the number of employees was reduced in many well-known companies, and even the best operators, and world-known brands like Brooks Brothers, Guitar Center, and more closed their doors permanently. The same trend was in place for casino businesses as well. The stamp ‘filed for bankruptcy’ was written all over the place, and South Africa went through identical downsizes.
Gambling Industry in South Africa
The gambling industry in the country suffered largely. Just remember when a portal https://bedfordviewedenvalenews.co.za/ announced that iconic casinos Naledi and Carousel casino shut their doors permanently after declining revenues and soaring costs that escalated during the Covid-19 lockdowns.
The market has still been recovering from the losses, especially when it comes to land-based businesses. Significant shifts in market share were noticed, largely to online means of playing betting games.
What also changed is the gambling framework, so instead of traditional land-based casinos that were at the time facing many challenges, many online operators showed up offering their services within the country’s borders. Due to long-lasting ambiguity regarding the lawfulness of gambling on the web, many of them weren’t that legal and secure.
The issue finally ended this year when the Democratic Alliance introduced a law that will regulate the state of online gambling in the country, meaning that, as soon as they publish the new law, the players will be able to play games in a safe and legal environment as long as the operator holds a license issued by a provincial authority.
On the other hand, sports betting sites are a good option for players that are looking for betting and gambling games online, as they are fully licensed. Therefore, currently, legal and safe operators can easily be found at https://onlinegamblingsa.co.za/ portal. Sticking up to names like Hollywoodbets, Supabets, or Yesplay will ensure protection for the players.
The Rise in Online Games
Aside from stepping forward to better gambling regulations, an increase in playing casino games is due to a couple more factors:
- The growing number of smartphone users;
- Better internet coverage;
- Ease of use;
- Game selection;
- Convenience.
First, South Africa is currently going through a mobile revolution. Smartphones started to show up on the market, and at more accessible prices. Their greater affordability than desktop computers and laptops makes them a perfect option for the average SA customer.
Another factor that plays a role here is greater internet coverage. In 2020, Vodacom was the first to launch a 5G network in big SA cities. Now, it’s among the operators in the race for the country’s internet dominance, as published by https://techcabal.com/.
The next thing that drives players toward web-based gambling games is their ease of use. Gambling platforms are made with the user in focus. This means that either by visiting a reputable website or downloading an app, players will be easily guided in their chase for big wins.
Also, game selection is much better than in traditional gambling venues. You won’t play only slots or games like poker, baccarat, roulette, or blackjack, but you will find even games like keno, Pai Gow Poker, Mahjong, and similar. So, you can either opt for gambling classics, or you can go on a more exotic tour.
Last but not least, the convenience iGaming sites come with is very attractive to players. In South Africa, to play games of chance you need to be an adult – this means 18+ years old. Next, you need a platform that is available in the country, and you are all set. You won’t need to dress up or leave the house, you only need a good connection, laptop, or mobile, and you are ready to go.
Finishing Lines
Recently, the gambling industry in South Africa faced numerous challenges. Luckily, they are now opening toward digitalization in this domain. This will ensure the market flow, due to greater convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of gambling web portals both for operators and players, which is not always the case with traditional venues.
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