poker online

People from SA like to play different games, but poker is incredibly popular in this country. The game gets more fans every year because it is fun and offers very good odds of winning.

Would you like to play online poker in South Africa? If the answer is yes, you will need to find the best legit gambling websites. That is not an easy job because South Africa online poker focuses on international sites. Due to laws and regulations, there are no operators based in SA – all of them are based offshore.

Players need to invest a bit of time and effort to find trusted platforms, especially if they plan on investing real money. Fortunately, we want to make your job easier! Our team selected the top online poker real money South Africa operators. We used years of experience when analyzing the platforms, and also read expert reviews and user feedback.

The primary priority was to identify safe gambling operators. That means they will protect your data and funds and offer fair play conditions to all players. Here is more about our criteria and other details about online poker South Africa!

The Best Online Poker Sites in South Africa 2024

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CasinoHEX.co.za is an independent review website that helps South African players to make their gambling experience fun and secure. We share useful guides, gambling tips and evaluate games, casino operators, and software providers at the website. When our site visitors choose to play at one of the listed and recommended platforms, we receive a commission. However, our team of gambling experts lists only trusted and reliable brands that meet strict criteria and provide high-quality service.

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The History of South Africa Online Poker

Poker Game Poker Table Gambling Casino Poker Set

The history of online poker for real money in South Africa is different from that of any other country. The appearance of the internet made casino games more popular than ever. Poker is at the very top of the list when it comes to popularity. If you check out the Hendon Mob Poker Database, you will find numerous events occurring throughout the world.

As for poker, it has been extremely popular in SA for decades. Instead of finding the best online poker rooms South Africa offers, they played in land-based facilities. Furthermore, playing card games in offline casinos are still widely popular in this country. However, many players migrated online since it is a more comfortable (and fun) way of enjoying this game.

What to Do to Take Part in Online Poker in South Africa

Before you check out the list of best online poker sites for South Africa, it is crucial to understand it.

Basic Online Poker Rules to Play a Fair Game

  1. We will focus on Texas Hold’em since it is the most common live online poker South Africa websites offer. Each participant gets a set of cards (two). Don’t show them to anyone, but check them out!
  2. The initial betting round starts. Everyone has the right to raise the stakes, call (follow the bet), or fold their cards. If someone raises, you must follow to stay in the game. Wait for your turn before revealing your decision. Once everyone gets their betting turn, the game proceeds.
  3. The dealer reveals three cards. It could be a live dealer or software at South African poker sites, but the rules are the same. Combine the three cards with the ones in your hand to get the best possible combination. The next betting round starts whether you play online poker South Africa free or paid variation.
  4. The dealer reveals the fourth card, and another betting turn begins. After it finishes, the dealer reveals the fifth card, and the final betting round starts.
  5. All active players now compare their combinations. The best combination wins that round.

Online Poker Hands from Lowest to Highest Value

How We Check and Rate the Poker Websites in South Africa

Are you wondering how we picked the best South African online poker sites? These are the criteria we considered:

The Most Popular Online Poker Games in SA

Top-rated SA poker sites offer different game types and events. When it comes to poker variations, you can find:

As for event types, you might encounter:

Is Online Poker Legal in South Africa?

Are there any legal online poker sites in South Africa? The laws are complex, but the 2004 National Gambling Act indicates that internet gambling is outlawed. This regulation is outdated, and the government tried to change it on numerous occasions.

However, the bills for Amendment Acts haven’t been passed until this point. It is because land-based facilities do not want to give on the revenue. That means playing that online poker South Africa illegal status remains active. However, many offshore-based sites offer their services to SA players, and they are joining their platforms. Online poker South Africa legal status should change soon. It seems like a matter of time when the government will relax its regulations and allow all internet gambling activities.

Benefits of Playing Online Poker

If you play poker online South Africa, you can choose between free and real money variations. Here is why players love both!

Online Poker Real Money Advantages

Free Online Poker Advantages

Online Poker: Winning Tips and Odds

It ultimately depends on luck, but if you play real money online poker South Africa the right way, you can increase your winning odds. Here are some tips to consider!

Online Poker Winning Odds Calculation

If you are inexperienced in playing online poker sites real money games, how about consulting an odds calculator? 888 offers an excellent poker odds calculator that players use to simulate the current situation in hand and discover the odds of winning at that moment.

5 Best Tips to Win at Online Poker

  1. Pick the best online poker sites South Africa has to offer. That way, you can rest assured the platform offers a safe environment for playing your favorite game. It will ensure you can focus on enjoying the game, which will ensure that you play at the top level.
  2. Start with low stakes. Don’t invest big money right from the start. Instead, get comfortable with the game and the platform. You will feel more confident in online poker real money South Africa with big sums once you know how everything works.
  3. Use welcome bonuses. Top South African online poker sites in 2024 all offer tempting bonuses for new customers. Take advantage of that to get a jumpstart when playing.
  4. Always play when relaxed and focused. If you like online poker South Africa real money tables, always focus on the game. Those who are nervous or distracted by other people or items shouldn’t play. You increase the winning odds by focusing on your game.
  5. Apply responsible gambling rules. The National Gambling Board has an entire program focused on responsible gaming. Make sure to invest only the money you can afford to lose, avoid borrowing funds for gambling, and never let poker stop being fun!

Online Poker Sites Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

Various payments methods allow players to play poker online for money South Africa:

Some deposits are instant and can secure funds to play online poker in South Africa immediately. Withdrawals take a bit more time – it varies on the method, but you might need to wait several business days before the process is finalized.

Online Poker South Africa Glossary

Online Poker Game FAQs

Is Playing Online Poker in South Africa Safe?

As a player from South Africa, you will be playing on international websites. These platforms welcome players from all around the world and have all the required online gaming licenses. Picking a trusted site, such as the ones mentioned in our list, it is perfectly safe to play online SA.

How to Play Online Poker in South Africa?

Everything starts by opening an account on the selected website. After registering for an account, play for free or add funds to it is required for playing online. Either way, your next move is picking the desired event or table. Make sure that the stakes fit your preference. After you are seated, or the event begins, you will be dealt into the game.

Can You Earn Money from Online Poker in South Africa?

Yes, it is possible to win at online poker in South Africa. However, please note that playing for real money should be taken seriously. For starters, you will need a bit of luck and skill to win. Additionally, casino gaming should always be about having fun, so applying responsible gambling rules is imperative.

Do Smartphones Support Playing Poker for Real Money?

Yes, most major online poker websites like Intertops and Partypoker are compatible with portable devices. That means you can play on the go, whether you choose to visit the website or download a dedicated app. You should have a valid and stable internet connection for an optimal gaming experience.

Is Online Poker Illegal in South Africa?

If you consult the regulations, you will discover that online poker is outlawed in South Africa. The government has been working on a solution to relax the regulations. However, the land-based establishments seem to be blocking online gambling to keep all the profit to themselves. Despite that, you can find many international sites where you can enjoy playing poker over the internet.

What Is the Best Website to Play Online Poker?

Since you might also be wondering, is it legal to play online poker in South Africa, let us tell you that there are no SA-based sites that offer this game. Instead, players focus on international platforms, and they are the best choice. Intertops is an excellent pick for all poker fans – the platform offers a tempting welcome bonus, which is compatible with mobile devices.

Can I Play Online Poker Today?

It only takes several minutes to get everything up and running for playing online poker. In case you want to play for free, don’t hesitate to start immediately after registering. Alternatively, add real money to your account and start playing. Either way, nothing is stopping you from starting your poker adventure today!

How Can I Deposit to Play Online Poker in South Africa?

It is possible to use a wide range of payment methods at online casinos available in SA. Players find Visa and MasterCard to be the fastest way of adding funds to their accounts. Neteller, Skrill, and other e-wallets are another option that offers instant deposits. Although they are not as popular and take a bit of time, most platforms support bank transfers.

Can You Play Online Poker in South Africa for Free?

Yes, most websites have the option to play poker for free on their platforms. It is an excellent way to test the site and see if it fits your preference. You can continue playing for free as long as you want and mix and match with real money events.

How Much Can You Win by Playing Online Poker?

There is no limit on how much you can win by playing online poker. It depends on the tournaments and websites you select. While you are welcome to play at tables with high stakes, work on your skills first, and always remember that playing poker is primarily about having fun.
Author
Leah Shepherd
Chief Editor at casinohex.co.za
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Experience:7 years

I’m Leah and I joined the team in July 2020 as a second editor of CasinoHEX.co.za.

Now I review licensed online casinos and slots on the South African market to provide the readers with juicy and rich bonuses, the newest promotions, and other useful information to help them make the right choice and enjoy safe and joyful gambling.

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Banele Nkuna
Editor at casinohex.co.za
Experience:3 years

My name is Banele Nkuna, and I am thrilled to be a part of the CasinoHEX.co.za team as the second editor.

With a passion for online gambling and a deep understanding of the South African market, I have been entrusted with the task of reviewing licensed online casinos and slots and preparing blog posts for our site.

Since joining in May 2023, my primary goal has been to provide our readers with valuable insights into the world of online gambling.