If you’ve spent some time in the online casino sphere, you will most certainly have come across the concept of Bitcoin casinos. Essentially, these are online casinos that offer their players the opportunity to pay for their gaming entertainment using the crypto-currency known as Bitcoin (or BTC for short). Before we go any further, let’s clarify exactly what Bitcoin is:

Bitcoin is a type of digital currency that's created and held electronically online. Unlike physical currencies such as Rands and Dollars, Bitcoins are not tangible, printed money, but exist exclusively in the digital space. Currently, Bitcoin is the most well-known form of 'cryptocurrency': the name given to digital currencies in which encryption techniques are used to verify transactions and regulate the generation of units.

Bitcoin was created by tech-minded people in 2009 that use a process called mining. These ‘miners’ open source software that use encryption techniques to generate and regulate Bitcoin. There is no specific entity that controls the Bitcoin system. Instead, it is a 100% independent, decentralized peer-to-peer network which has its data stored in blockchain.

Users of this currency have followed its ups and downs with interest over the years. Bitcoin has been known to fluctuate quite wildly in the past, but for now it has stabilized and is considered a relatively safe form of online banking currency, employed by literally millions of people around the world.

Bitcoin-Only Online Casinos and Online Casinos That Accept Bitcoin

Bitcoin is a cryptocurrency that players can use to transact at online casinos. Cryptocurrency is another word for ‘digital currency’. It was first mentioned in 2008 and was created to function as a medium of exchange which does not rely on tangible or central authorities. That practically means that there is no middle man or bank within which transfers are made between you and online casino accounts. Using Bitcoin can instantly link you to some exclusive casino bonuses and deals just because you use cryptocurrency.

As you expand your search for Bitcoin online casinos, you will come across two types and you should learn to differentiate between them.

• Bitcoin-only online casinos – Gaming sites that only allow you to pay with Bitcoin and not any other type of currency.
• Online casinos that accept Bitcoin as a currency of payment- Bitcoin is accepted along with other regular currencies such as Rand, Dollars, Euros, etc.

 

Each type of casino has its pros and cons, but the bottom line is that, whatever you choose, the casino should be safe and regulated.

ONLINE CASINOS ACCEPTING BITCOINS

Online Casino	Welcome Bonus Package			Play Now	Win Rate	Payout Speed	Software
Springbok	R500 Free Coupon : NDC500	+	R11,500 Free	Play	98%	1 - 3 Days	RTG 300+ Games
Europa Casino	R375 Free On Registration	+	R24,000 Free	Play	97.8%	1 - 3 Days	Playtech 320+ Games
Thunderbolt	R350 Free Coupon : NDC350	+	R12,000 Free	Play	98.2%	1 - 3 Days	RTG 380+ Games
Punt Casino	R350 Free Coupon : SAC350	+	R10,000 Free	Play	97.7%	1 - 3 Days	RTG 350+ Games
Yebo Casino	R350 Free Coupon : SAC350	+	R12,000 Free	Play	98.1%	1 - 3 Days	RTG 350+ Games
BitStarz Casino	20 Free Spins Credited Automatically	+	100% up to 1BTC	Play	98%	1 - 7 Days	Multi-Software 3100+ Games
Yeti Casino	50 Free Spins On Registration	+	R3,333 Free	Play	98%	1 - 3 Days	Multi-Software 400+ Games
BituBet Casino	N/A	+	200% up to 1BTC	Play	98%	1 - 7 Days	Multi-Software 200+ Games

Bitcoin Casinos in South Africa

South Africa hasn’t been left out of this global trend which has seen more and more players paying for their gambling entertainment with Bitcoin. In fact, if anything, the number of SA players using Bitcoin has increased significantly in recent years.

You may be questioning the legality of Bitcoin use in South Africa. If truth be told, the entire question of online gambling in our country is located somewhere in No Man’s Land. In many countries around the world, online gambling industries have existed in this grey area for decades, and South Africa is no different.

• It is legal to buy and sell Bitcoins in South Africa. The Reserve Bank has issued warnings about the risks associated with trading in Bitcoin but there is no actual ban on any form of cryptocurrency trading. In other words, as long as you are aware that Bitcoin is a volatile currency and has its risks, you should be fine playing and paying with Bitcoin.
• Bitcoin has also been accepted as a legitimate form of currency in major countries such as the United States and China.
• In South Africa, you can buy and sell Bitcoins at legal Bitcoin Exchanges. You can pay for your cryptocurrency with different payment methods, including credit and debit cards and cash.

Recommended Bitcoin Casinos

Because Bitcoin is not something tangible like, for example, a credit card is, you may have some reservations about paying for your online gambling entertainment with this currency. We understand your hesitation, but we also want you to benefit from this excellent method of payment at South African casinos. For that reason, our team has worked hard in putting together a list of recommended Bitcoin online casinos.

All the online casinos that feature below are either Bitcoin-only sites or sites that accept Bitcoin as a currency, along with other currencies. More importantly, however, they meet our very strict criteria on which we base our choices for the best South African online casinos. These sites are fair, safe, secure, licensed and regulated. They are powered only by the very best and most-reputable software groups so that the games portfolio is top-notch. The variety of games is excellent and the bonuses are fair and generous. South Africans will feel right at home at these sites, thanks to the availability of SA-friendly banking methods and local customer support.

Take some time to look at our recommended Bitcoin casinos for South Africans. We’re proud of our list and we hope that you’ll find it useful.

Bitcoin Wallets: Your Options

In the paragraphs above, you learned that you can buy and sell Bitcoins from legal exchanges in South Africa. But because Bitcoin is a virtual currency, you need to rethink the concept of storing your money. Most importantly, you will need to choose a Bitcoin wallet: A place to safely store your purchased Bitcoins and which is easily accessible for you to transfer these purchased Bitcoins to play at online casinos.

Here are some options from which to choose the ideal Bitcoin wallet, based on your gambling habits and preferences:

Online Wallets

This is probably the most common choice among Bitcoin online gamblers, and definitely the easiest to use. They are essentially third-party online wallets that can be accessed by players as long as they have an internet connection. While these online wallets are generally safe, they are still open to security breaches.

Software Wallets

If you have a good amount of memory on your mobile device or PC, you could find that Software Wallets are the way to go. You install the software on your device and store your Bitcoins there. Of course, you are responsible for the security of your own device, and your Bitcoins will be as safe as you make them. This type of option is best used by players who aren’t technologically-challenged.

Hardware Wallets

As the name suggests, a Hardware Wallet is a device (eg: external drive or USB) that is plugged into your computer whenever you make a Bitcoin transaction. The advantage of this option is that is portable and that it is kept safe from viruses or malware that could generate from your computer when it’s unplugged.

Slots

Paper Wallet

If you want to ensure complete anonymity, have your Bitcoin public and private keys printed (or even handwritten) onto paper. Nobody can access the information unless the paper is lost or stolen, and the data cannot be hacked.

How to Choose a Bitcoin Wallet?

The type of wallet you choose to store your Bitcoins really depends on how often you pay with Bitcoins at online casinos and the amount of Bitcoins you trade.

For the amateur player, who simply wants to dabble in his or her favorite game at South African Bitcoin casinos every so often, the online wallet or the software wallet should suffice.

If you have a larger number of Bitcoins that need storing and you are concerned about their safety, you should choose a hardware wallet, although a software wallet should be completely secure as well.

If you want to remain completely off the grid, without any danger of being hacked, stick to the paper wallet.

How to Use Bitcoin at Online Casinos

Here, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide for you on how to use Bitcoin at online casinos. You will find a more detailed description of depositing and withdrawing with Bitcoin in a section below.

• Naturally, the first step to gamble with Bitcoin is to buy some of this cryptocurrency.
• To do so, you will need to open a Bitcoin wallet.
• Find a reputable online service and register your account.
• With a wallet, you can now buy Bitcoins (BTC).
• You can use a credit or debit card or a bank account to buy Bitcoins.
• Find an online casino that accepts Bitcoin. You can choose between gambling sites that work exclusively with Bitcoin or you can pick a traditional online casino where Bitcoin is accepted among other currencies.
• Make sure that the online casino is safe and regulated. Use our list of recommended Bitcoin online casinos for South African players to find the best Bitcoin sites.

Playing at Bitcoin Casinos with Your Mobile Device

Mobile gambling has become one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and Bitcoin casinos for mobile devices fall under this category. Bitcoin casinos can work on both Android and iOS devices so that your choices are endless. Mobile gambling is all about convenience, instant accessibility and the chance to win large rewards wherever you happen to be. It’s no wonder that Bitcoin casinos for mobile are becoming so popular.

Bitcoin Casinos for iOS Devices

The Apple-created mobile device operating system, iOS was introduced in 2007 and is now available on a huge range of mobile devices using Apple hardware, such as laptops, smartphones and iPads. The advantage of using iOS mobile devices to play at Bitcoin casinos is that they focus highly on security. For example, Apple devices enhance their security through passwords, face recognition technology and touch ID. If you take the security of your Bitcoin gambling seriously, you are almost guaranteed an extra safety net if you use Apple devices.

Bitcoin Casinos for Android Devices

Bitcoin Android casinos are hugely popular and can be accessed with any Android-powered mobile device with HTML-5 compatibility. These devices are also well-known for their safety features, making them ideal for South African Bitcoin casino players.

Depositing & Withdrawing

• Once you’ve found a Bitcoin casino that you’d like to play at, the next move is to make a deposit into your account. To do so, you should head to the Cashier or Banking page at the online casino and chose ‘Bitcoin’ from the list of payment methods supported by the site.
• While the process may differ from site to site, the general idea remains the same. You will have a second screen opened and you will be prompted to complete two fields. You will be asked to enter your Bitcoin wallet address which is found on your wallet dashboard. The second piece of information you need to provide is the amount you wish to deposit.
• Check the minimum amount needed to make a deposit. The industry standard is R100 but this may change from site to site.
• The next step is to press ‘Submit’. Once this is done, you will find the amount of money that you chose appear in your online casino account. The amount will appear as a compatible ZAR sum.
• The final part of this process is to use the money to play fun real money online casino games at your chosen online casino and hopefully win some cool cash! Withdrawing Funds from a Bitcoin Casino
• The withdrawal process is extremely simple and only requires a few steps.
• Visit the Banking or Cashier page at the online casino and pick ‘Bitcoin’ from the list of withdrawal methods supported by the site.
• You’ll be prompted to enter your Bitcoin wallet address and how much you wish to withdraw.
• Click ‘Submit’ and the funds will be transferred to your Bitcoin wallet.
• Make sure that you know the minimum and maximum amounts that you can withdraw using this method. Amounts will differ from site to site.

Withdrawing Funds from a Bitcoin Casino

• 1. The withdrawal process is extremely simple and only requires a few steps.
• 2. Visit the Banking or Cashier page at the online casino and pick ‘Bitcoin’ from the list of withdrawal methods supported by the site.
• 3. You’ll be prompted to enter your Bitcoin wallet address and how much you wish to withdraw.
• 4. Click ‘Submit’ and the funds will be transferred to your Bitcoin wallet.
• Make sure that you know the minimum and maximum amounts that you can withdraw using this method. Amounts will differ from site to site.

Pros & Cons of Using Bitcoin

As with all online casino payment methods, there are advantages and disadvantages when choosing to play at Bitcoin casinos. It is your responsibility, as a wise and responsible gambling consumer, to be aware of all these factors before you pick Bitcoin as your chosen method of payment.

The Pros of Playing at a Bitcoin Casino

Safety: Bitcoin is one of the safest, most secure and highly encrypted banking methods when it comes to playing casino games online.

Low Transaction Fees: With our fluctuating currency, South Africans gamblers are always looking for ways to cut fees when playing online and Bitcoin transactions provide just that. Because Bitcoin isn’t owned by an organization, its fees are considered much lower than other options available out there.<p/p>

In fact, in most cases, there are no transaction fees. It is refreshing to find a banking method that isn’t out to make a killing on its users and instead offers a fair and very affordable way of transferring funds for pure online casino fun.

Extremely Fast Banking: Processing a Bitcoin fund transfer is literally instant. That means that you don’t need to wait for your deposits to appear into your casino account or for your withdrawn funds to clear. Having instant access to your funds is a huge plus for players seeking quick and accessible gambling entertainment.

Most online casinos insist on a lengthier process when it comes to withdrawing your funds as they want to make sure that all identity checks have taken place. At times, you will be requested to provide extra verification documents before your money can be withdrawn.

However, this all changes if you play at a Bitcoin casino. The process is quick and once the casino completes the process, your funds are instantly available. You don’t have to wait days (as you may have to with other deposit methods) to see your funds clear.

Anonymity: Not all of us like to go about bragging about our online gambling habits. If you count yourself amongst those players who prefer to keep your playing sessions discreet, you will want to choose a payment method that leaves the least ‘paper trail’. If you pay with a credit card, for example, it is only obvious that the transaction is recorded – including how much you spent and where you spent your money.

By playing at a Bitcoin casino, however, your transactions (buying and selling Bitcoins) are recorded but there is no record of your beneficiaries. In other words, it will never show up that you spent X amount of money at a South African Bitcoin casino. There is no way to track your personal identity because each Bitcoin address is changed on each new transaction.

For players who value their anonymity, this is one of the major advantages to using Bitcoin when gambling online.

Large Range of Casino Games: Bitcoin casinos carry some of the best games for South African players. You’ll find something for everybody at Bitcoin casinos, from the last word in branded slot games to exciting table games such as blackjack and roulette. Bitcoin casinos partner with the best online casino software groups who constantly update their portfolios, so that new games are available all the time. The games are available to try out for free or for real money and they target all levels of players, from amateur gamblers to seasoned VIP players.

Bitcoin Casino Bonuses: Bitcoin casinos do well in the cut-throat industry called online gambling but they are always on the lookout to get new players to try out their platforms. For that reason, you will find some of the most generous bonuses available at South African Bitcoin casinos.

If you’re a new player, you can redeem the welcome package at the Bitcoin Casino, which is usually in the form of a match bonus. This means that the casino will match your first (and possibly consecutive) deposit with a certain percentage. If, for example, your first deposit consists of R100 and the offer is for a 100% bonus, you will get another R100 to play with at the online casino; giving you R200 in total to gamble with.

Bitcoin casinos also do a lot to retain their existing players with reload bonuses, cashback bonuses, VIP bonuses, loyalty points and more.

Bitcoin to Rand: Say, for example, that you play at your favorite Bitcoin online casino and you’ve had a good run of luck. You then decide to withdraw your winnings and have the money transferred to your Bitcoin wallet. You can decide to head to a Bitcoin Exchange and ask to sell the Bitcoins and withdraw the cash in ZAR. The Rands will be paid out to you at the current Bitcoin/ZAR currency conversion rate. There will also be no record that the cash that you withdraw came from online gambling winnings.

The Cons of Playing at a Bitcoin Casino

Not So Straightforward: To pay and play with Bitcoin requires a certain understanding about how this crypto-currency works. It is not highly complex and once you have gone through the motions of opening a Bitcoin wallet and purchasing Bitcoins once, you will see that it is not as complicated as it initially sounds. Nevertheless, we suggest that you read about the process and figure out if it will work for you before you choose to play at a Bitcoin casino.

Volatile Currency: Because Bitcoin is not regulated by an international bank, it can be very volatile at times. The exchange rate can change quite dramatically in both directions – sometimes in your favor and sometimes against you.