The Best International Online Casinos in South Africa
South Africa’s online casino scene is blowing up right now. Experts say it’s on track to hit R9.5 billion. Because it’s growing so fast, a lot of South African players are checking out international sites to get a better gaming experience.
Local sites are around, but the big international casinos give South African players some solid perks. They’ve got way more games and way better bonuses. You can pay with regular stuff or even crypto. Plus, some of them greet new players with welcome packages that can hit R12,000.
We did the research so you don’t have to stress about finding a solid international casino in South Africa. This guide lists the top sites, checks out their features, payment methods, and bonus deals so you can pick the one that fits what you’re looking for.
List of International Casinos:
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Operator
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Bonus
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Features
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Claim Now
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100% Match
Up to 3000 ZAR |
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100% Match
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100% Match
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100% Match
Up to 500€ + 100FS |
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Welcome package:
+ 150 Free Spins |
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100% Match
Up to 100€ |
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Welcome package:
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100% Match
Up to R1000 |
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Welcome bonus:
Up to 10000 ZAR |
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500% Match
Up to $2800 |
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100% Match
Up to $100 |
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Understanding International Online Casinos for South African Players
South Africa’s rules about online gambling are kind of all over the place, so if you’re trying to check out casinos based in other countries, it can get pretty confusing. The government keeps things tight, but tons of offshore sites still manage to pull in local players who figure out ways to dodge the interactive-gambling blocks. Every now and then something totally random pops up in this scene. If you want to mess around with international online casinos, you’ve got to understand how this whole weird system works.
Legal status of offshore gambling sites in South Africa
So, the National Gambling Act of 2004 basically says online casinos are a no-go in South Africa. If you run one or even just play on a site that doesn’t have a license, you’re technically breaking the law. Thing is, the cops aren’t really cracking down—no one’s actually been taken to court for it since the law started. Because of that, the ban kind of feels like “yeah, maybe don’t do it” instead of a hard rule.
So in 2010 the rules got a bit more complicated. South Africa’s High Court said “nope” to Piggs Peak and made it clear that running online casino games for South Africans—or even playing them—is against the law. The weird part is that licensed bookmakers can still offer online sports betting legally, but casino-style games are still off-limits.
New rules could shake things up pretty soon. Back in July 2008, the National Gambling Amendment Act got the thumbs-up from the national assembly. That act is all about making online games legal, but it still hasn’t kicked in. Fast-forward to now: Parliament just got the Remote Gambling Bill of 2024, which wants to set clear rules for online gambling and keep everything the same across the board.
South African gamers are in a weird spot. Local online casinos aren’t allowed to run inside the country, but players can still hop onto international sites that are based and licensed somewhere else. A lot of South Africans just grab a VPN to get to these global gambling pages, which kind of leaves them in a legal gray zone.
Money transfers are another headache. South Africa’s exchange control rules can stop payments to or from foreign operators. Sometimes the money coming in gets grabbed and sent to the National Gambling Board. Because of this money rule, playing at offshore casinos gets even trickier.
Benefits of choosing international casino platforms
International online casinos offer several advantages that keep attracting South African players, despite legal uncertainties:
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Extensive Game Libraries: International platforms usually have thousands of games from top software providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech. The local spots just don’t have this huge mix—everything from old-school slots to live dealer tables.
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Superior Bonus Structures: Global casinos fight hard for players, offering bigger welcome packages and ongoing promotions. International deals are way better than local ones, usually by like 30 to 50 percent. Most local sites will just match your R1,000 deposit, but the international ones often hand out R2,500 or more with basically the same rules.
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Diverse Payment Methods International casinos let you pay in a bunch of ways, like e-wallets, crypto, and regular bank stuff. A lot of them are cool with South African players and take South African rand (ZAR) for both putting money in and cashing out, so you don’t lose extra cash on currency swaps.
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South Africa-Specific Payment Options International casinos are cool with the local payment methods we actually use, like EasyEFT, SID Instant EFT, UPayCard, and Ezipay. Basically, it shows these big operators really care about the South African market.
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Enhanced Security Measures: Trusted international casinos use advanced security protocols. They use things like Random Number Generators (RNGs) to keep the games fair and SSL encryption to keep your personal and money info safe. These tools usually go beyond what local rules ask for, so players get an extra layer of protection.
Sports betting and casino gaming basically team up without any hassle. Online sports betting is still totally legal in South Africa, so a bunch of international casinos also throw in a sportsbook. That gives players one easy spot where they can hop between different kinds of gambling whenever they feel like it.
Key differences between local and international gambling options
South African players should know these differences between local and international platforms to make smart choices:
Game Selection and Technology: International casinos offer way more games with unlimited catalog space. The quality can be all over the place. A bunch of international games just don’t play nice with South Africa’s situation, especially when load shedding hits. Local platforms usually auto-save your progress when the power dips, but most international sites skip that feature.
Server Location and Performance European servers usually run websites for people all over the world, so the extra distance makes the connection slower. That lag can mess up games that need quick reactions, especially live dealer games where every second counts.
Customer Support Accessibility: Local platforms often help in Zulu, Afrikaans, and Xhosa. Most international sites don’t even have these languages. So when players need help or want to complain, the language barrier gets in the way.
Documentation Requirements South African proof of address papers usually get turned down by big international websites. When that happens, the sites can drag the fight out for weeks, saying it’s because of some rule about where they can operate.
Financial Considerations Using global banking apps can be kind of tricky. A lot of them just say no to South African cards or sneak in extra conversion fees you didn’t know about. Drop in R1,000 and you might only get R920 worth of play money after the currency switch and those random international charges. Most of the time you won’t even spot these fees when you’re making the deposit.
Regulatory Protection: International casinos don't follow South African laws about fair play or responsible gambling. When players go with these sites, they lose some of the safety nets that local places give them. If no one's really watching, gambling issues can just keep getting worse.
Return to Player (RTP) Rates Online casinos based overseas usually give you better payout percentages than the brick-and-mortar spots in South Africa. They can do this because running a website costs way less than running a real casino. So if you’re chasing better odds, those international sites end up looking pretty good for your wallet.
The Western Cape and Mpumalanga are basically the front-runners. They allow their licensed bookies to run casino-style games, so South African players get a local option. Still, these home-grown choices don’t give you everything the big international casinos do.
A lot of South African players just make accounts on both kinds of sites. That way they can grab the cool stuff from each one and skip the annoying parts, so their betting stays pretty chill and balanced.
Top 5 Best International Online Casinos Accepting South African Players
I checked out a bunch of international sites and picked five online casinos that work really well for South African players. Each one has something cool for us, like awesome games and easy ways to move money around.
1. Wazamba: Features, game selection, and ZAR compatibility
Wazamba is only four years old, but it’s already a big hit with South African casino players. It’s licensed in Curacao and run by Rabidi N.V., and it offers way more than the usual casino games.
This platform is stacked with over 4,000 games from more than 50 big-name studios. South African players can jump into titles from Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Evolution Gaming, Spinomenal, Wazdan, Yggdrasil, and NetEnt. The tribal theme and the way you pick your character make the whole thing feel a little more fun.
Wazamba makes finding games easy with these categories:
- Top games: Popular titles from slot games to table games
- New games: Latest releases from industry leaders
- Popular: Games with high player engagement
- Slots: Over 3,000 options for slot enthusiasts
- Live casino: Professional dealers across multiple game types
- Table games: Strategic options including roulette, baccarat, and poker
South African players will be stoked that Wazamba lets you use Rand straight up, no currency swap needed. That means you skip the exchange fees and have more cash to actually play with. The site proved it’s legit pretty fast, landing on AskGamblers’ Best New Casino shortlist in its very first year.
2. 1xbet: Bonuses, promotions, and player experience
1xBet has a license from the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (OGL/2024/1262/0493), and it offers South African players a really solid welcome deal. If you’re new, you can grab a welcome bonus of up to ZAR 3600.11 when you use the promo code STYVIP.
The bonus works like this:
- You gotta put in at least R18 to get started.
- You’ve got 30 days to use the bonus before it disappears.
You have to roll over the bonus five times using accumulator bets before you can cash it out. Each accumulator has to have at least three picks, and every pick needs odds of 1.4 (2/5) or higher. Compared to other casinos, these rules are pretty fair.
1xBet keeps it fun with regular promos like free bets and cashback deals. They’ve got a huge mix of sports to bet on, plus a bunch of casino games, so it’s basically a one-stop shop for all the gambling stuff.
1xBet is up and running in more than 100 countries, so they keep things solid no matter where you are. The site comes in a bunch of languages and currencies, so South African players can just pick whatever works best for them.
3. YesPlay Casino: A Local Favorite
Yep, YesPlay Casino is totally legit—it's got all the right licenses and is set up just for South African players. The site keeps things fun, with sports betting, slots, and live casino games as the main attractions.
Combine Sports and Casino You can bet on soccer, rugby, cricket, and other sports, or try your luck with slots and table games. Local Payment Methods It works with the payment methods most people in South Africa actually use, like Ozow, SID Instant EFT, and regular bank transfers. Mobile Friendly You’ll get nice, lag-free gaming on your phone or tablet. Exciting Bonuses Check out the sweet welcome deals and promos for newbies and regulars alike.
Yeah, so YesPlay is famous because it pays out super fast and the support team is really helpful. That’s why a lot of South African gamblers like using it.
4. Betway Casino: A Global Giant with Local Appeal
Betway is a pretty big name that’s shown up all over the world, especially in South Africa. They’ve got tons of games to pick from, and people trust them, so both chill players and the hardcore betting crowd are into it.
Wide Range of Games They’ve got a solid mix of slots, table games, and live dealer tables, all coming from big-name studios like Microgaming and NetEnt. Smooth Sports Betting Integration Switching between casino games and sports betting is super simple. Attractive Bonuses They hook you up with a full welcome package, toss in some free spins, and if you stick around and level up to VIP, you get extra goodies too. Trusted & Safe We're fully approved by the Western Cape Gambling & Racing Board.
Betway’s mobile app ensures smooth gaming on the go, making it a favorite among SA players.
5. Springbok Casino: The Best for South African Rand (ZAR)
Springbok Casino is known as one of the best online casinos in South Africa, made just for people here. You can deposit in rands, and everything feels set up for local players.
ZAR Compatibility: All transactions are processed in rand, which means no extra costs for currency conversion. Major Jackpots: Experience large payouts on popular slot games like Mega Moolah. Unique South African Promotions: Special offers tailored specifically for players within South Africa. Round-the-Clock Support in Afrikaans and English: Help is available at any time in your chosen language.
Springbok is still a go-to spot for South African casino fans, with more than 200 solid games and quick cash-outs.
Essential Features of Top International Casinos for SA Players
Good international online casinos have clear things that make them way better than sketchy sites. South African players just need to spot these basics so they can pick smart and stay safe when they play on sites outside the country.
Licensing and regulatory compliance
A real license is basically the heartbeat of any solid international online casino. It’s not just some boring paperwork; it keeps the casino in check so they treat players right, keep the games fair, and handle money properly. If you’re in South Africa and playing on sites based overseas, it’s smart to know which licensing groups are actually legit.
The best licensing authorities for international casinos include:
- Malta Gaming Authority (MGA)
- It's one of the top regulators around the globe and it plays by some really tough rules.
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC)
- It sets some of the strictest rules out there.
Getting these licenses is a ton of work and cash. The first casino license application runs about ZAR 1,800,054.33, and once it’s approved you still have to fork over another ZAR 7,200,217.30. Dropping that much money keeps shady operators out and keeps players safe.
Every year, the renewal fee can hit 4.5 million rand. That’s why the legit international casinos run such tight ships—they’ve got way too much cash on the line to mess around and lose their license.
Legal casinos that work in other countries still have to run those Know Your Customer checks and anti-money-laundering stuff. Yeah, it can make signing up take a little longer, but it keeps everything on the up-and-up and protects people who play online.
Game variety and software providers
The top international online casinos are awesome because they’ve got tons of games. They team up with loads of software makers, so you end up with way more choices than what you’d find on local sites.
Good international casinos team up with tons of software companies. The more partners they have, the more kinds of games, themes, and betting options you get. You’ll see thousands of games like:
- Old-school classic slots and the newer video slots
- Old-school table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat
- Specialty games and quick wins
A software provider’s rep is super important. The big companies drop tons of cash on research, so you end up with sharper graphics, gameplay that doesn’t lag, and menus that are easy to figure out. Brands like Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech are famous for making casino games that are fair and actually fun to play.
The tech behind these games is there to keep players safe. The legit software companies have their own licenses and let outside testers check their games. They run certified Random Number Generators that get looked at on the regular so everything stays fair.
South African gamers have to deal with some pretty annoying stuff. When the power keeps cutting out, games that auto-save are total lifesavers. The problem is, most games from other countries don’t bother with that kind of backup because they weren’t built for South Africa’s power situation.
Payment options supporting ZAR currency
The way you pay can totally decide if an international online casino is fun or a pain. When a site lets you use South African Rand (ZAR), you skip those sneaky extra charges that nibble away at your cash.
Lots of online casinos outside South Africa now let us use rands for everything: putting money in, playing the games, and cashing out. That way we skip the extra fees that come from swapping currencies.
Good international casinos for South African players usually offer these payment methods:
- Credit or debit cards like Visa and MasterCard work with no extra fees, and the money shows up right away.
- E-wallets like Neteller and Skrill keep things low-key and let you cash out way quicker.
- Quick banking choices – money goes straight from your South African bank account
- Prepaid options like Paysafecard let you add money without needing a bank account and keep things totally anonymous
- Other Crypto Options – Bitcoin and the rest of the digital coins that keep things private and fast
At solid international casinos, the smallest amount you can put in is usually between R25 and R250, and it depends on the payment method you pick. Deposits hit your account almost instantly, but cashing out can take longer.
- Credit or debit cards: it usually takes about 3 to 5 school days for the money to show up.
- Bank transfers: about 5 to 7 school days
- Cryptocurrencies: about half an hour to a couple hours
Big casinos around the world use 128-bit SSL encryption to protect your cash. This strong security keeps hackers from getting your personal and money info.
Account checks are kind of annoying, but they’re there to keep everyone safe. You’ll just need to show some papers that prove how old you are, who you are, and where you live. It’s all about stopping scammers and making sure the casino follows the law.
So, if you're in South Africa and want to play on an international casino site, you can totally use your credit card. The law basically says, "Hey, nothing's stopping South Africans from using their cards on sites outside the country." That means you can stick with the payment method you already know and not stress about it.
Most sites make you play through your deposit at least once before you can cash out, and that’s pretty standard for legit casinos. Just check the rules before you drop any money in so you don’t get surprised later.
Crypto and e-wallets are perfect for South African players who want to keep things on the down-low. They don’t leave the same paper trail as normal banks, so your gambling stays way more private.
Banking Methods at International Online Casinos for South Africans
South African players want banking that’s safe and fast when they play at overseas online casinos. Picking the right payment option really changes how smooth your gaming feels. It decides how quickly you can move cash and even whether you can grab certain bonuses.
E-wallet options for South African players
E-wallets are basically the favorite way to pay at international online casinos these days. South African players are into them because they’re safe and super fast. These digital wallets work like a middleman, so you can add money to your gaming account without handing your bank info over to the casino.
Skrill and Neteller are the easiest e-wallets to use at most international casinos, and they’re both open to people living in South Africa. When you cash out, these wallets are way quicker than the old bank-transfer way. Instead of waiting the usual 3 to 7 days, you’ll usually see your money in 24 to 48 hours.
E-wallets are also way safer. One expert summed it up like this: "The best part about using an e-wallet is that all your payments happen outside the site, so you never have to hand over your bank or credit card info to the operator."
Other trusted e-wallet options for South African players include:
- EcoPayz lets you add money in a bunch of different ways, and you don’t even need to hand over your credit card info.
- MuchBetter has a loyalty points program that’s just for gambling stuff.
- Jeton Wallet lets you hold a bunch of different currencies and keeps your money extra safe with upgraded security features.
Just a heads-up: some casinos won’t let you use e-wallets if you want the welcome bonus. One big site even says straight up, “Deposits made with Skrill and Neteller do not qualify for this promotion.”
Cryptocurrency gambling opportunities
South African gamers are starting to use crypto more and more when they play at online casinos outside the country. They like that it keeps things private and the money moves fast. A new study says South Africa is one of the places where people use crypto a lot. They pick digital coins so they don’t have to deal with the usual bank rules.
Bitcoin is still the top dog, and right after it you’ve got Ethereum and Litecoin as the main coins that pretty much every big international casino will take. When you stack them up against regular payment options, these digital currencies come out on top in a bunch of ways:
Crypto payments don’t go through regular banks, so money moves way faster. Deposits and withdrawals usually finish in just a few minutes and you don’t get hit with extra fees. The quick withdrawals are the best part, because old-school bank transfers can drag on for days.
Privacy is basically automatic with crypto, which is a big plus for South African players who have to deal with tricky rules. An industry report puts it like this: "Because the KYC stuff is usually pretty chill, most of the time you don’t have to hand over your whole life story to an online casino, so your identity stays safe."
Blockchain gambling sites have these things called "provably fair games." Basically, the tech lets you check that every single bet is legit. Because you can see for yourself that the games aren't rigged, you end up trusting the site way more.
So here’s the deal with crypto and the law: normal online casinos are still a no-go in South Africa, but since people there can treat crypto the same as regular money, using it for those transactions is totally fine.
Bank transfer and EFT solutions
South African casino players are all about using EFT, since it lets them move money straight from their bank to the casino without any fuss. PayFast teamed up with nine big banks in South Africa to build Instant EFT. It lets you see if your electronic transfer went through right away, so you don’t have to wait days for it to clear.
The system hooks up with South Africa’s biggest banks—FNB, Capitec, ABSA, Tymebank, Nedbank, Investec, Bidvest, Standard Bank, and African Bank. If you’re making an international casino deposit, here’s how it goes:
- Pick Instant EFT from the list of ways to pay on the casino site
- Pick the South African bank you want from the list they give you
- Sign in to your bank account on the safe website
- Just type in how much you want to deposit and hit confirm to finish the transaction.
- Grab the one-time PIN code and double-check it
Instant EFT is super simple. You don’t have to send any proof of payment for the deal to go through, so the cash shows up in your casino account right away—no waiting around.
This system is now one of the top ways people pay at South African casinos. Just a heads-up: cashing out can drag on for up to 12 banking days, depending on what your bank decides.
Currency exchange considerations
Handling your money smartly is a big win for South African players who want more bang for their buck at overseas online casinos. When a casino lets you pay and play in South African Rand (ZAR), you skip those annoying currency conversion fees and keep more cash in your pocket.
Lots of online casinos outside South Africa now let you use ZAR. A recent industry report says that when players can use their own money, it’s way simpler to deposit, bet, and cash out without stressing over extra conversion fees or weird exchange rates.
So, if you're gaming from South Africa, you’ve gotta stick to the country’s exchange control rules. The Financial Surveillance Department at the South African Reserve Bank says you can move money abroad, but only up to a point. Basically, you get one “single discretionary allowance” of R1 million per calendar year for any international online stuff, and yeah, there are still a few rules you can’t ignore.
Crypto users get a cool perk: since crypto trades themselves aren’t taxed, you only owe money when you swap them for regular cash. That means you can park your gambling winnings in your own wallet and not stress about taxes until you cash out.
Picking the right way to pay and the right currency can actually make your time at the casino way smoother. If you choose wisely, you hang on to more of your cash and still stay on the right side of South Africa’s money rules.
Bonuses and Promotions at Top International Casino Sites
Bonuses are a big deal when people pick international casino sites. Because the market is super competitive, the companies keep coming up with better perks to grab South African players.
Welcome packages comparison
International casinos hook South African players up with way bigger welcome bonuses than the local sites. Most offshore spots will double your first deposit up to R1,000. The top-tier international ones crank it up even more, going past R2,500 with the same kind of deal.
Welcome offers differ quite a bit between platforms:
| Casino | Welcome Package | Wagering Requirement |
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| Standard International | 100% up to R1000 | 30-40x bonus amount |
| Premium International | 50-200% up to R2500+ | 25-45x bonus amount |
These deals throw in free spins plus a deposit match so new players get the full welcome package. Just a heads-up: a lot of international casinos block bonus play on all roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and live games.
No deposit bonuses for South African players
South African gamers are super into no-deposit bonuses. Most of the time they score around R50 to R200 in free cash, but every now and then a site will drop R350 to R500.
These bonuses come with tighter rules than deposit-matched offers:
- The wagering requirements are pretty high, like 50 to 60 times the bonus amount.
- The most you can cash out is usually only around R1800.
- These codes usually expire pretty fast, like within a week to a month.
These offers let players test the waters before making deposits rather than guaranteeing profits.
Loyalty programs and VIP benefits
Big casinos around the world have these loyalty programs that hook up regular players with better stuff the more they play. If you climb to the top tier, you can score hotel rooms for like 70-80% off, save 10-25% on food, and even get some cool birthday freebies.
You rack up casino points when you play games and leisure points when you use the hotel stuff like the pool or spa. The exact swap rate changes, but if you’re in the top tier you get more bang for your points and you skip the line.
Wagering requirements explained
Wagering requirements are basically the rules that say you have to keep playing before you can take out any bonus money. You have to bet the bonus amount like 30 to 40 times before you can actually cash out those welcome bonuses.
Different games help you clear the bonus at different speeds. Slots give you full credit, but table games only give you like 10% or even less. So if you grab a R100 bonus that has a 30x wagering rule, you’ll need to bet a total of R3000 before you can cash anything out.
Time limits are also part of the deal. Players get anywhere from 7 to 30 days to hit the requirements, depending on the promo. This setup keeps casinos safe from bonus abuse and still gives sharp players a real shot at some extra value.
Our verdict
South African gamers run into some tricky stuff when they’re trying to pick an international online casino. The cool part is, if you make smart moves, you can still have an awesome time. New stats say more players are trusting these offshore sites, and the whole scene could be worth R9.5 billion by 2028.
Yeah, the legal stuff can be a pain, but the big-name international casinos usually hook you up with way more choices than the local ones. You get thousands of games to pick from, tons of payment options (even crypto), and the welcome bonuses for new players can top R12,000.
Security is the top priority when picking an international casino. Safe sites lock everything down with 128-bit SSL encryption and make you go through KYC checks. They also work with well-known game makers like Microgaming and NetEnt. All of this keeps players protected and makes sure the games stay fair thanks to certified RNG systems.
South African gamers want banking that actually works for them, and the top sites let you drop cash in ZAR without any weird conversions. E-wallets usually pay out in about one to two days. Old-school bank transfers drag on for five to seven business days. If you’re into crypto, it’s super private and the money lands in just a few hours.
Smart players should definitely check out the bonus rules before jumping in. Most welcome bonuses make you bet the bonus amount around 30 to 40 times before you can cash anything out. Also, not every game helps you clear the bonus at the same speed: slots count the full 100%, but table games usually only count like 10%.