Poker’s history in South Africa can be traced back to the early 1900s when it was introduced in the country by European settlers. Over time, the game began to evolve and become a part of the people’s culture, and by the early 40s, informal poker tournaments and home games were being held in different parts of the country.
Today, South Africa is fast becoming one of Africa’s most lively poker scenes. The country boasts over 40 legal live poker tables, placing it among the highest in Africa and shoulder to shoulder with the best countries in the world. But this booming land-based poker market heavily differs from the online poker scene, where the government has stricter regulations in place. Nevertheless, despite the harsh regulations, South Africa still leads the online poker market in Africa and is fast becoming a massive force in the global landscape.
One challenge players in such fast-paced environments face is the ability to navigate the broad market in search of the best poker site. Here, we’ll explore the thriving South African poker scene with tips on selecting the best sites. You can also check out the top-rated South African poker sites here for insights.
Status of Online Poker in South Africa
The only law governing online poker in South Africa is the National Gambling Act 2004. Under this Act, all forms of online gambling, including online poker, are considered illegal. A court ruling in 2010 further confirmed that even gambling sites hosted outside the country’s borders were illegal and guilty parties could face severe fines and jail time.
Nevertheless, this ruling did not explicitly mention online poker, so players have been operating in this gray area for over a decade now with no recorded legal issue. There are dozens of online poker sites that specially cater to South African players. These sites offer real money games, so it’s important that players play only at the best platforms to avoid losing their money and personal information to scammers. Luckily, we got you covered in that aspect.
How to Choose The Perfect South African Online Poker Site
The quality of a poker site will affect how much a player enjoys a game session, and that’s why it’s important to consider all possible factors when choosing a platform. Here are the major factors you must consider when choosing a top South African poker site.
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Games Selection
Poker is a comprehensive game with different variations. When choosing a site to play, you must check and confirm if they offer the particular variant of poker you enjoy playing. Some common variants included Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud, Draw, and mixed game. These variants have different rules and gameplay, so go for the option that you’re good at.
Furthermore, the availability of tables and tournaments are also essential factors. Some tables are specifically tailored for high rollers with higher rakes and bet limits; others may offer smaller rakes and bet limits for low stakes….
