How to win online casino games - top 10 tips
Our experts have compiled 10 tips to increase your chances of winning when playing popular real money casino games at SA online casinos.
From choosing the right casino sites and games to managing your bankroll, we tell you everything you need to know about optimising your gambling experience. Keep reading to find out how to leave the casino with extra money in the bank.
1. Choose a legit casino
It’s a good idea to research your chosen casino before signing up for an account and depositing money. First, check that the casino holds a licence from a legitimate licensing body (e.g., Malta Gaming Authority or UK Gambling Commission) to confirm it operates legally. Next, you’ll want to look at the casino’s payout percentage, withdrawal speed and game selection. If in doubt, check out our top 10 list of recommended real money casinos in SA, as these are the sites our experts have validated.
2. Do your homework
With so many casino sites out there, it can seem overwhelming. If you need help figuring out where to start, we recommend browsing through our expert casino reviews to find the operator best suited to your needs and preferences. These reviews will provide insights into the available payment methods, types of games, and exclusive bonuses and promotions, among other things.
3. Practise casino games for free in demo mode
We highly recommend playing casino games for free before placing real money wagers. That way, you can get to grips with the rules and practise different strategies without risking your money. Free casino games work the same way as real money games, the only difference being that you win points, not money.
Many online casinos in South Africa offer free games. You will need to register for an account by submitting personal details to access them. Alternatively, you can play over 20,000 free casino games here at OnlineCasino.co.za with no download or sign-up required.
4. Choose casino games that suit your preferences
You’ll want to look for games that align with your playing style and budget. One of the best casino games to play to increase your chances of winning is blackjack, a card game where skill and strategy play a significant role.
If you’re on a tight budget, slots are a great option, as you can find many low-stake options, including those that allow you to wager for as low as one cent. High rollers will prefer high-stake options like poker, while those who enjoy a more immersive and authentic casino experience should opt for live casino games.
5. Play games with a low house edge
To understand your odds of winning a casino game, you need to look at the house edge, which indicates the statistical advantage the casino has over a player. The house edge for slots typically varies from 2-13%. In comparison, the house edge of single-deck blackjack is 1.5%, resulting in a 98.5% return to player (RTP) percentage.
Indeed, by implementing a successful strategy, players can reduce the house edge of blackjack to one of the lowest in the casino, at 1% or less, meaning the casino only has a 1% higher chance of winning than the player.
Also, be aware that the house edge will vary depending on the variant you’re playing. For instance, European roulette has a lower house edge (2.7%) than American roulette (5.26%) due to not having the extra ‘00’ pocket. Ultimately, choosing a game with a lower house edge will minimise your risk and increase your chances of winning in the long term.
6. Claim casino bonuses and promos
You can increase your winning chances at online casinos by taking advantage of casino bonuses and promotions that boost your bankroll. There is a slew of different bonuses offered at SA online casinos, but some of the most common include:
Welcome bonus: An exclusive promotion for new players (also known as a sign-up offer), usually as a deposit bonus or free spins.
Deposit bonus: The casino matches a percentage of your deposit with bonus funds. For example, a 100% deposit match will double your bankroll.
Free spins: Awards players a certain number of free spins on a specific slot or selection of slot games.
No deposit bonus: A casino will gift you extra credit, free spins, or free play without you having to deposit any of your own funds.
7. Study the casino’s T&Cs
Reviewing the casino’s terms and conditions before registering or claiming any bonuses is crucial to avoid disappointment. Casino bonuses may not be as generous as they first appear, so reading the terms will help you determine their actual value before claiming.
For instance, most casino bonuses, particularly deposit matches, come with wagering requirements. These indicate how often you must wager the bonus funds before withdrawing any winnings. The industry average is 35x, while anything over 50x is considered very steep.
8. Research tried and tested strategies
Certain games, like slots and roulette, are based entirely on luck, so implementing strategies won’t guarantee you any success when it comes to winning.
However, for games like blackjack and poker, a successful strategy can increase your chances of winning. There are plenty of helpful free tools and resources out there, including our in-depth guides.
9. Gamble responsibly
Irresponsible gambling can occur as you aim to recover losses by betting more. This is also known as ‘chasing losses’. We recommend setting a budget and sticking to it to avoid this. It can also be tempting to continue betting when on a winning streak, but this should also be avoided, as your luck will eventually run out. Many top gambling sites in South Africa offer a spending cap feature, as well as the option to limit your playing time.
Another good way of managing your bankroll, especially if you’re on a budget, is to spread your bets out. Placing smaller wagers on lower-volatility games is a great way to lengthen your playing time. If you’re concerned about you or a loved one’s gambling habits, visit our responsible gambling page for advice on how to seek help.
10. Don’t believe casino superstitions
Many people believe that there are little things they can do while gambling to bring them some extra luck. For example, there is a common belief that slots run ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ and that you’ll get more payouts from a hot slot. However, there is no evidence to support this. Games use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure unpredictable outcomes, so there are no pre-determined patterns. Play the games you want to enjoy responsibly, and hope luck is on your side!
FAQs
Yes, it is. Players in South Africa can access offshore online casinos licensed by international regulators like the MGA.
No, online casino games are not rigged. Any casino sites we recommend are regulated and use games with RNG technology to ensure every round is fair and unbiased.
While there are no tricks to winning casino games, you can increase your chances of winning by playing games with lower house edges and practising free games beforehand, so you know how the game works.
Absolutely! You can win real money by placing successful real money wagers on games like slots, poker and other table games at SA online casinos.
You can implement several strategies to boost your chances of winning at online casinos, including practising in demo mode and claiming bonuses. If you play table games like blackjack or roulette, you can even research betting strategies that help reduce the house edge.
There is no guaranteed method to beat the casino. However, playing games with a lower house edge will increase your odds.
Courtney has an extensive background in creative and commercial writing across numerous iGaming verticals. As a self-professed lover of slots, Courtney is passionate about the casino and gambling industries. While her writing covers a wide range of topics, slots and bonuses are arguably her favourite gambling subjects.