Children’s exposure to gambling ads has declined in the UK: Advertising Standards Report confirms

The top online casinos take extreme care not to target any children or minors in their advertising. This is usually considered a priority in terms of responsible gambling, however, it’s not to say that mistakes weren’t made in the past with advertising being inadvertently seen by children or teens. 

The UK Gambling Commission, which is the gambling regulator for online casinos operating in the UK, takes a particularly strict approach to this. In October 2022, a particularly controversial law was enacted in the UK, stating that gambling adverts “must not be of strong appeal to children or young persons”.  

The change was intended to safeguard children and young persons, but it created strong controversy for appearing to catch top sports personalities and other influencers with a strong under-18 following who had previously had no legal problems accepting advertising contracts with some of the top-rated online casinos and sportsbooks. 

The law also resulted in the removal of gambling advertising from many major UK sporting events, such as the Premier League, which also has a large following among children and teens. Now, this law appears to be bearing fruit despite the controversy, as a new report published by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) revealed information about children’s exposure to restricted TV advertising. 

Children’s exposure to gambling advertising on TV has decreased from an average of 3.0 adverts per week in 2010 to 1.8 adverts per week in 2023. Moreover, the exposure of under-16s to gambling ads decreased by two-fifths since 2010, rendering the world of online casinos generally safer. The report reveals that children’s exposure to gambling TV ads is on a definition “downward trend”.  

This reflects a wider trend where children are actually being exposed to less advertising on TV in general. In fact, children’s exposure to all forms of TV advertising decreased from an average of 226.7 adverts per week in 2010 to 58.2 adverts per week in 2023. Broken down further, this means that children saw around two adverts on TV on average, for every nine seen by adults in 2023. These included all gambling adverts related to land and online casinos. 

 Out of all four countries in the UK –  England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – the best performer in this regard was England, with children only being exposed to a total average of 56.6 adverts per week, including gambling-related ones. 

British media adamant that UK children are “bombarded’ by gambling ads

Still, not everyone views the situation from such rose-tinted spectacles. The majority of British media remains of the opinion that children across the UK are exposed to an excess of gambling adverts. A few weeks ago The Guardian ran an in-depth story about the issue, referring to a claim that was made by responsible gambling agency GambleAware that children are being “bombarded” with gambling ads. 

The Guardian reported that, despite legal restrictions on advertising campaigns targeting young people, the internet remains “saturated” with gambling content and promotions, with young people feeling their internet activity is “overwhelmed” by such content. 

“Research shows that gambling content is now part of many children’s lives. This is worrying, as early exposure to gambling can normalise gambling for children at a young age, and lead to problems. We need to see more restrictions put on gambling advertising and content to ensure it is not appearing in places where children can see it. Urgent action is needed to protect children.” 

GambleAware CEO Zoe Osmond

Osmond explained that the report was based on a number of interviews with children and young people aged between seven and 25 about the way gambling affected their lives. The report found that children had difficulties distinguishing between gambling products and gambling-like content, like mobile phone games played with in-app purchases. 

The interviews were carried out by Sherbert Research, with managing director Nicki Karet elaborating that there’s a “confusing” gray area between online gambling and gambling-like gaming. This was especially true for younger children. 

“This grey area is further confusing because gambling advertising, particularly online, often uses visuals and tonal expressions that can be seen to directly target children, such as cartoon graphics, bright colours and sounds,”

Karet told The Guardian. 

This is not the first time that GambleAware has highlighted the issue. An earlier study held in March 2020 had already established that exposure to gambling advertising, including on social media, can have an impact on the likelihood that a child or young person will gamble in the future.  

The study had revealed that almost all (96%) of the 11-24-year-old participants had been exposed to gambling marketing messages in the previous weeks. This was in part thanks to the rise of new forms of gambling marketing through social media, which increased the ways in which children and young people could engage with gambling brands and online casinos. 

The above situation has led to GambleAware calling for “fresh regulation to curb the amount of advertising seen by young people”, with the CEO stating that “a wider definition of gambling may be required to include excessive or compulsive engagement with online games that have elements of betting, such as loot boxes – which can be bought with virtual currencies or real money – and free fruit-machine slot games on Google Play and other platforms.” 

Enforcement of age verification on all gambling products

However, the Betting and Gaming Council in the UK insist that all its members actually do take a very strict approach to age verification on all their gambling products, with online casinos even going so far as to introduce new ‘age gating’ rules when it comes to advertising on social media platforms. 

The Council in fact released a press statement only a few days ago, stating that its members boast record compliance on age verification checks. This statement is backed by research recently concluded by Serve Legal, which is a leading provider of ID and compliance testing services in the UK & Ireland. The company provides extensive, independent audit services to gambling operators to help clients protect and improve operational and compliance standards. 

Its research into this specific topic yielded highly encouraging results: sportsbooks boast a 91.4% age verification pass rate, while land-based and online casinos have an almost perfect pass rate of 98%. 

The figures represent a whopping 30% increase since the last audit took place in 2009. The Council insists that all its members take a “zero tolerance approach” to gambling activities by children and young people, and have raised their standards to implement this approach.   

For instance, age gating is being employed to successfully stop children from encountering gambling-related advertising on social media, with UK online casinos targeting ads to those aged 25 and over unless a platform can verifiably prove that its age gating systems can prevent under 18s from accessing regulated betting and gaming advertising content. 

The study also revealed that remote gambling at online casinos and sportsbooks was not the main source of underage gambling. Rather, the most popular forms of betting by children turned out to be legal arcade games like penny pusher and claw grab machines, bets between friends or family, and playing cards for money. 

The Council has also petitioned the Government, requesting that social media companies be asked to cooperate more closely with the betting and gaming industry in limiting marketing seen by young people. 

Ultimately, this is an area where it’s always good to encourage improvement, and top online casinos are always willing to implement any reasonable measures to help improve the figures. And as the latest statistics show, the strategy appears to be working.

Celebrity Gambler: Swift-Kelce and Record-Breaking Betting at the Super Bowl

By Shadrack Kairu

Super Bowl LVIII smashed sports betting records this year, again. While some might say it’s because it was the first Super Bowl to be held in Las Vegas – the World’s gambling capital – or because two of the most iconic franchises in the history of American Football – the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers- were locking horns. But to be honest the Swift-Kelce factor had a huge hand in it.

The fledging front-page romance between Travis Kelce, the Chief’s star tight end, and Taylor Swift, the pop sensation, was one of the major talking points leading up to Super Bowl LVIII.

Prior to the big game, Kelce was aiming to win his third Super Bowl in five years with the Chiefs, and fans were expecting Swift to be there to cheer him on. This would mark her 13th NFL game appearance since she and Kelce declared their romantic relationship in September.

While Swift didn’t confirm if she would make it in time to the Super Bowl event in Las Vegas on Feb.11, given that she had a concert in Tokyo, Japan, on the evening of Feb. 10, that didn’t stop bookmakers from capitalizing on the buzz about her probable presence at the game.

Sportsbooks and online casinos started offering a series of prop bets revolving around the Swift-Kelce craze after the Chiefs punched their Super Bowl ticket. Prop bets are nothing new in the sports betting scene. They are types of side wagers on parts of a game or event that may not be related to the game itself.

Some of the Swift-Kelce-related Super Bowl prop bets offered by the sportsbooks included: “Will Swift make it to the Super Bowl in time for kickoff after her Tokyo concert?” “Will Travis Kelce propose?”, “Will Swift be wearing a Travis Kelce Jersey?”, “Will Swift be shown on the stands over six times?” and so on.

Unprecedented Increase in Super Bowl Online Betting

Online betting on the Super Bowl reached new heights as gamblers ponied up across different states. Super Bowl LVIII was the first one to be held in Nevada, a state where sports betting is legal, and early data reveals that there was significant enthusiasm for betting on the big game.

Before the big game this year, the American Gambling Association (AGA) published a report, estimating that Super Bowl wagers could reach $23.1bn, up from last year’s $16bn.

AGA estimates also found that 67.8 million American adults – or about 1 in 4 – intended to wager on this year’s Super Bowl. This figure represents 26% of American adults and is a significant increase of 35% compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, there were 8.5 million active accounts during the Super Bowl weekend, marking a 15% increase when compared to the year prior, according to GeoComply, a Canadian company that tracks the locations where gamblers are betting.

During the two weeks leading up to this year’s game, the company saw 1.77 million new users sign up for legal online betting accounts. Over the course of the 2023-24 NFL season, GeoComply customers created over 13.7 million new accounts, signalling a 28% increase from last season.

Moreover, figures released Monday by GeoComply show that it performed over 122 million verification checks across 28 of the 29 US states where sports betting is legal, excluding Florida. This represents an increase of more than 22% from last year.

GeoComply’s data further suggests that more than 100,000 geological checks were conducted in and around State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, from over 8,000 legal sportsbook accounts. Of all states, New York saw the most geological checks, with over 13.9 checks over Super Bowl Weekend.

Currently, sports betting is legal in 38 states (including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico), up from 37 in 2023, while mobile sports betting is legal in 30 states, compared to 28 in 2023.

“The continued transition to the legal market set the stage for a historic first Super Bowl in Las Vegas, and the record-breaking results we saw did not disappoint”.

Commenting on the continued transition of online betting into the legal market, GeoComply CEO and Co-Founder Anna Sainsbury

The Kansas City Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 to lift their second consecutive NFL title.

How Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Fueled Super Bowl Betting Interest

A key driving force behind the record-breaking Super Bowl betting this year was the romance between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Since they started dating in the fall, the NFL has cashed in on their relationship, boosting NFL TV ratings, driving bets, and fueling conspiracy theories. The Swift-Kelce relationship has marked a tectonic collision of two entertainment powerhouses – the juggernaut Swift in the middle of an expansive “Eras Tour” concert tour, and the NHL.

The “Swift effect” was in full swing on Sunday when Swift travelled from Tokyo to Las Vegas in time to watch the Chiefs beat the San Francisco 49yers 25-22. Of course, the connection between the wildly popular NFL tight end Travis Kelce and the world’s biggest pop star Taylor Swift sent fans into frenzy. Sportsbooks had their bite of them at the publicity pie, too.

“When bookmakers decide to create prop bets, identifying storylines is always their first step”, said Dave Mason, brand manager at the online sportsbook BetOnline. “Of course, this year, the crème de la crème fell into our laps”, he added.

There were Super Bowl prop bets galore. Bettors even had the chance to bet on the number of times the cameras would capture Swift and whether Kelce would pop the question after the game. Super Bowl prop bets have always been popular. But this year, they became a sideshow and a spectacle in their own right. Call it the Taylor Swift effect.

Trends in Last-Minute Super Bowl Bets

As with previous Super Bowls, many punters waited until the last minutes to place bets. GeoComply said it saw a massive spike in traffic minutes before kick-off, with nearly 15,000 transactions per second (TPS).

This, the company said, was the highest ever recorded on their systems, almost doubling last year’s peak. This last-minute betting spike shows the spontaneity and excitement surrounding major sporting events. However, it also poses operational challenges for online betting sites to handle the sudden surge in user activity.

Effects of Super Bowl Outcomes on Sportsbook Earnings

The 2024 Super Bowl was only the second competition in history to require overtime to determine the winner. This unforeseen additional period proved extremely costly for many sportsbooks and online casinos that take bets on the game.

Most gambling outlets had offered very attractive odds against the game going into overtime, odds that were quickly made obsolete when the score was tied at the end of regulation play. Another major upset was that the San Francisco 49ers, entering as slight favourites, did not manage to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs, despite most of the money wagered being on the Chiefs to claim the win.

According to Craig Mucklow, Vice President of trading at Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars took a major financial hit to the tune of seven figures based solely on the overtime bets they had offered, with the average bet on whether the game would go into overtime being just $16. Caesars, however, managed to fare somewhat better on player prop bets, which involve betting on whether or not specific players will reach certain statistical benchmarks. Bets on standout players Travis Kelce, Deebo Samuel, and Isaiah Pacheco scoring touchdowns did not pay off, as none of those predicted outcomes occurred during the game.

A similar story ensued at BetMGM. “It was a bad Super Bowl for the sportsbook,” said Tristan Davis, BetMGM’s senior trader. He said many bettors bet on the Chiefs to win and overs on popular player props.

FanDuel said in a press release that it took $14 million in bets on the Super Bowl totalling $307 million, both of which broke records. Those figures came from the firm’s 2.5 million customers and also mark a staggering 40% increase from the previous year’s Super Bowl, when FanDuel took nearly $10 million in bets with a total handle of $215 million.

Key Takeaways from Super Bowl Betting Trends and Celebrity Influence

When that whole Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce storyline exploded leading up to the Super Bowl, it really put the spotlight on how big of a role celebrity culture plays in sports gambling now. This relationship between Swift and Kelce wasn’t just fueling gossip columns – it was driving record bets on prop bets about whether she’d show up, what she’d wear, and if he’d pop the question after winning. And that shows how entertainment and sports betting are getting all twisted up together these days.

So, what’s the future look like? Sportsbooks and top online casinos will find ways to cash in on celebrity megastars by letting superfans bet on the drama surrounding them. Coming soon to a phone near you –gambling as reality TV spectacle, with the Kardashians, pro athletes, and the hottest pop stars in the middle of the action. Get those credit cards ready!

Celebrity Gambler – Chess prodigy Alexandra Botez is GGPoker’s brand ambassador

By Thadeus Geodfrey

In March, GGPoker and Alexandra Botez, chess prodigy turned content creator, announced a new partnership. This partnership will see the American become the seventh celebrity to become the brand ambassador of the leading online poker room operator.  

Over the recent past, GGPoker has increased its engagement with poker fans worldwide. The Road to Vegas series is one such program, offering players the chance to earn seats at the main event of WSOP, the World Series of Poker. 

GGPoker is currently the top choice for online poker players, even when we set strict benchmarks. It is a reliable poker room brand known for its ability to host large tournaments and high traffic volume. Its association with WSOP champions, including Canada’s very own Daniel Negreanu, also adds to its credibility since no champion would tag their name to a non-reputable site. Although many online casinos are available to players, only some new Canadian online casino offers can match the fame of this platform. 

That aside, the elephant in the room is, of course, why her? Why pick Botez, a chess player and chess-related content creator but not a seasoned poker player? What unique qualities does Botez bring to the table that the best online casinos Canada offers would dim fit to partner with her? 

Who is Alexandra Botez, and why GGPoker picked her?

Yes, Botez is widely known for chess, but not poker. However, she presents more than her personality. As a chess player, she won several championship titles and still holds the title of Woman FIDE Master.  

Botez’s titles aside, most people, especially the younger demographic, know for her content creation, with her YouTube and Twitch channels, BotezLive, being a reliable source of chess-related content. Both channels have over 1 million subscribers. We live in a world where such an engaging social media following is golden. It’s what has caught the attention of GGPoker, who are undoubtedly interested in leveraging her expanding chess community to attract a new demographic to their platform. 

Additionally, Botez is familiar with poker. She has previously participated in tournaments and shows, such as the Hustler Casino Live Streams and the Mystery Cash Challenge. Her impressive talents and success in both chess and poker have contributed to her recognition as a Brand Ambassador for GGPoker. 

Alexandra Botez is already on her feet as the brand ambassador. She has initiated the Spin & Gold ELO Challenge, for which she will host and commentate on the chess-content creators’ poker tournament on GGPoker. All chess content creators worldwide will compete for a $50,000 prize in a month-long competition beginning May on GGPoker’s platform, known to be the best among the Canadian minimum deposit casinos provide.

The Spin & Gold ELO Challenge

The participants will play GGPoker’s Spin & Gold poker games, and each player will be assigned an ELO rating to rank their relative skill levels. The individual with the highest ELO rank by May 30 will be declared the winner and awarded the $50,000 prize.  

The tournament is an experiment by GGPoker to find out if there are any crossover skills between chess and poker as Alexandra Botez believes. On her part, Botez expressed her excitement for joining GGPoker and her eagerness to introduce chess enthusiasts worldwide to the thrill of poker. She holds that skills and traits that make good chess players could translate well into poker, and she anticipates a dynamic and competitive environment. Botez is confident that many chess players will soon make their way up the poker ranks in the coming years. 

The tournament has already attracted chess players, among them Raffael Chess from Brazil, Dina Belenk from the USA, Jan Gustafsson from Germany, Eric Hansen, Aman Hambleton from Canada (Chessbrahs), Jose Pepitoperu from Mexico, and Nemo Zhou from Canada. 

According to GGPoker, among the best Canadian low-deposit casinos, the players will play Spin & Gold to ensure a maximum timeframe, resulting in short, sharp games. Spin & Gold is a quick format poker that automatically increases blinds.  

Alexandra Botez Statistics

Alexandra Botez is a highly accomplished chess player, having won the Canadian National Girls Championship five times and competed in the Chess Olympiad three times. She is also one of the top 10 female players in Canada. Additionally, Botez is a celebrated creator of chess-related content, with her platform, BotezLive, a leading source for all things chess. Here are personal and professional details: 

Alexandra Botez’s Checkmate Achievements

Alexandra Botez is different from your average chess player. Her life and all she has are thanks to this game. At the age of 15, she won a life-changing national chess tournament. This tournament dubbed the 2011 Kasparov Chess Foundation All-Girls Championships, was held in Chicago and ran for three days in a hotel banquet hall. The grand prize was a full-ride chess scholarship for four years at the University of Texas at Dallas. Botez dominated the tournament throughout, easing through to the final ahead of 234 participants, and only needed a draw in the last game to land the championship undefeated. 

But the 2011 championship wasn’t her first nor her only US title. Botez won the US Girls Nationals at 15 years old and represented Oregon State in the SPF Girls’ Invitational. She was hardly nine when she first won her first national title. Botez introduced herself nationally when she became the Canadian children’s national champion in 2004. Afterwards, she went on to join the National Canadian Team in 2010 and added four more Canadian youth national titles to her accolades. 

She’s not just all play; she also prioritized her studies. Though she had a full-ride chess scholarship to the University of Texas at Dallas, she forego the free scholarship and chose Stanford University to study International Relations with a focus. At Stanford, she was the president of the Stanford University Chess Club, the second female to hold that seat after Cindy Tsai in 2005. 

In 2016, while still at Stanford, Alexandra Botez began streaming chess-related content on Twitch through her channel BotezLive. Her love for the game and because she was already a household name in the Chess community, she was a guest commentator in the most popular team chess championship, the 2018 and 2019 PRO Chess League Finals. She worked with IM Daniel Rensch, IM Anna Rudolf, and GM Robert Hess, setting the stage for her commentator career. 

At only hardly 18 years old, Botez had already achieved the Woman FIDE Master title norm. Alexandra Botez’s stats stand out. She’s ranked in the top 10 Canadian female chess players with a peak FIDE rating of 2,092 for standard chess and 2059 blitz in April 2021.  

The culture of streaming and Influencing

Alexandra never wanted to become a professional chess player. However, she loved playing chess as it was a tradition in her Romanian family. She says she’s an all-or-nothing personality and doesn’t want to compete unless it’s her only goal. What scared her was that only the top 20 chess players in the world could make a living out of it. She believed she had to do more than play, giving up her opportunity to pursue competitive chess at the University of Texas to go to her dream university, Stanford, in her determined pursuit to excel at something. But life meant she and chess were to be; a decade later, chess found her again, this time as a live streamer and commentator, through the channel she created in 2016. 

Joined by her younger sister, Andrea, during the COVID-19 pandemic 2020, BotezLive’s channel gained popularity on Twitch and YouTube. It had over 2,700,000 combined followers. The sisters often collaborate with other chess streamers, such as GM Hikaru Nakamura and WGM Qiyu Zhou. Although they mainly stream chess content on their Twitch channel, they avoid using the “Chess” category of the platform. 

With a massive following, she needed content – and more than just content; she needed creative, engaging content to keep her fans riled and keep them viewing. That year, Botez spent an average of 8 hours on camera every day of the week, accumulating 250 hours per month. Sometimes, she would play chess against strangers in New York City’s Union Square Park and covered chess tournaments worldwide. It was at this time that her sister’s collaboration came in handy.  

With over 1 million followers, her channel set new records for streaming viewership of the game and secured valuable brand partnerships. Other players with higher rankings have attempted to replicate her success, but in chess streaming, gaining followers isn’t possible through impressive ratings or strategic moves alone. Botez chose to forgo a professional career, which provided her with the time and experience needed to become a top streamer. By turning down a chess scholarship, she has more than made up for it with an income that rivals many top-ranked players. 

Andrea co-hosted BotezLive streams. One of her videos, inviting fans to build a chessboard in Minecraft, broke a viewership record on Twitch.  

In December 2021, their hard work paid off as both sisters joined the e-sports team, Team Envy, becoming the first female chess streamers to do so. 

The streaming has made Botez a popular figure, and BotezLive is now among the top authentic voices in the chess community. Many have compared her to Beth Harmon, the fictional character and protagonist of The Queen’s Gambit. We can’t wait to see what she can do for the online casino Canada real money gaming and the online casino industry as a whole. 

Closing Thoughts: Beyond the Brand Ambassador

Alexandra Botez is a prominent figure in the world of chess, and now her entry into online gaming through poker is a big thing. She has raised the chess profile and has earned recognition from enthusiasts and content creators for her efforts. She has leveraged her large following on Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram to keep her audience growing and educate people about the game. This exposure and education have led to significant changes, particularly with more girls showing interest in chess.  

So, her recent partnership with GGPoker is a positive step in the right direction for the poker community. Her unique background as a chess prodigy turned content creator brings fresh perspectives to the poker community. Botez’s first assignment, bridging the gap between the worlds of chess and poker, sounds exciting and will spark a lot of interest among both communities, leading to increased collaboration between players from these distinct disciplines. She’s already influencing poker, only a few days into this partnership, and the industry will remember her many for years to come. 

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Media Adverts On Gambling Games Has Been Banned In Bulgaria

By Daniela Rose 

The Bulgarian parliament has enacted a ban on all advertisements related to gambling games throughout the different media systems – online, print and broadcast media. This ban also extends to the use of celebrities or personalities in such ads, in addition to sponsorship deals with sports athletes and superstars. 

The initiative, put forth by way of GERB (EPP) and DPS (Renew Europe), garnered an outstanding 198 votes in choose inside Bulgaria’s 240-seat parliament, without any opposition or abstentions. The ban restricts the promotion of gambling services on television, radio, print media, and the websites of online casinos and minimum bet sportsbooks. 

The new regulations also restrict gambling in select regions, most notably prohibiting the creation of casinos in municipalities with populations under 10,000. Besides, lawmakers have ordered that the Ministry of Health receives around 50% of the revenue generated by top-rated online casinos and low deposit casinos. Operators who plan to promote social responsibility programmes will have to cover costs for addiction treatment. 

According to the Bulgarian authorities, the prohibition is meant to reduce the country’s gambling dependency percentage, which has emerged as an increasing difficulty in latest years. Statistics display that the range of trouble gamblers is growing, and the authorities are targeted at confronting the difficulty.  

The restriction has elicited conflicting reactions from the gambling sector, such as new Top-Rated online casinos, as well as the general public. While some claim that it violates individual rights and hinders businesses’ capacity to advertise their services, others see it as an essential move to safeguard those most vulnerable from the negative impacts of gambling.   

What Types Of Advertising Is Banned And What Is Not

The new law marks the biggest change in Bulgaria’s gambling industry in almost ten years. In recent years, gambling companies have been able to advertise freely, even during primetime TV shows. With the new legislation now fully incorporated into Bulgaria’s legislative framework, the capacity to promote gambling offers will be substantially limited.  

The new regulations prohibit a wide range of advertising styles. This covers all promotional content on traditional media platforms such as radio and television and print and electronic publications. Gambling advertisements are also prohibited in public locations, including buildings. 

However, some types of advertising are still permitted under certain conditions. Billboards are authorised if located away from schools. Advertising is also allowed on sports equipment and in sports halls, stadiums, and swimming pools as long as it does not directly target vulnerable populations. 

Additionally, the legislation contains measures to prevent access to websites that facilitate illegal gambling and financial operations. This comprehensive approach intends to limit the reach and influence of gambling advertising, thereby lowering public exposure to gambling-related content, particularly among young people. 

The Council for Electronic Media, which monitors Bulgaria’s media, will ensure that this law is followed. If they find a violation, they will notify the National Revenue Agency (NRA) and issue suitable penalties. 

In response to the ban, certain best online casinos have expressed concern about its possible impact on their businesses. Many businesses rely significantly on advertising to attract consumers and create income, so the prohibition might greatly impact their bottom line.  

Others have praised the ban as a positive step towards promoting responsible gambling and protecting customers. They believe that the prohibition will contribute to a safer gambling environment in Bulgaria and reduce the harmful consequences of problem gambling.  

The prohibition on gambling advertising is just one of several measures the Bulgarian government has implemented to combat the country’s gambling problem. In recent years, the government has imposed more vital rules on online gambling, such as age verification and betting limitations. 

The Impact On Media Houses

The ban on gambling advertising is expected to impact Bulgarian media houses significantly. Official data from 2023 show that gambling businesses spent around €85 million on media advertising. This enormous money inflow has been a vital revenue source for many media companies, especially those focused on sports and entertainment.  

Media outlets have expressed concern about the ban’s financial implications. Stilyan Shishkov, the creator of Sportal.bg, Bulgaria’s most prominent sports news website and executive director of the Bulgarian Gambling Association, emphasised the gravity of the problem.  

Stilyan Shishkov believes that prohibiting gambling advertising will contribute to the rise of the grey sector. He suggests that if gambling advertising is prohibited, it could potentially fuel the growth of the unregulated sector.  

According to Shishkov “restricting advertising leads to an increase in the activity of unlicensed sites” explaining thereafter that this, in turn, hampers the government’s ability to generate revenue through from gambling activities “which reduces the state’s ability to collect taxes and fees” from gambling.  

The ban on gambling advertising is expected to compel media organisations to seek alternate revenue streams. This transition may raise competition for other forms of advertising, potentially raising prices for advertisers. Media companies may also need to investigate new revenue models or broaden their content offerings to attract new advertisers. 

In addition, the restriction can affect the partnerships formed in the sports industry. Gambling businesses commonly sponsor major sporting events and teams. As a result of the increased constraints, sporting organisations may have a more difficult time obtaining sponsorship arrangements, which will negatively impact their financial stability and the sports industry. 

Nonetheless, the Bulgarian government emphasises the importance of the ban for public health and safety. By limiting the exposure of gambling ads, particularly to young people and other vulnerable groups, the aim is to decrease the incidence of gambling addiction. 

With all this taken into account, the government’s allocated funds to the Ministry of Health to combat gambling addiction demonstrates its commitment to addressing the negative impacts of gambling. 

Strict Regulations in Bulgaria and Romania

When the regulation is finally implemented, casinos will be restricted from promoting their products and services on billboards located outside, at a distance of at least 300 metres from educational institutions, kindergartens, colleges and universities, gambling halls, and sports facilities.  

The only lottery that will be allowed to advertise gambling in the media is the state lottery known as the “Bulgarian Sports Totalisator,” and the money made from this lottery must be used to fund sports in Bulgaria.  

At the same time, similar hampers were imposed on the Romanian gambling industry, in which certain Bulgarian enterprises have expressed a strong interest. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu informed companies that their licences would be revoked if they did not comply with a law outlawing slots in smaller towns in an effort to address the country’s developing gambling addiction. 

Bulgaria’s ban on gambling advertising marks an important shift in the legal framework. While the legislation poses obstacles for media companies and sports organisations, it is motivated by a public health goal aimed at reducing gambling addiction and its accompanying effects.  

As the media industry adjusts to this new reality, the ban’s long-term consequences for best online casinos and minimum bet sportsbooks will become apparent, influencing the future of advertising and media in Bulgaria. Only time will reveal the full implications of this contentious new law. 

In search of a better ZA casino bonus than Hollywood Bets

Promotions, welcome bonuses, daily offers, tournaments, and loyalty rewards all serve as incentives, which play a significant role with attracting new players and increasing member engagement. Combined these create a win-win scenario, boosting ZA Casino’s revenue and increasing chances of winning.

Incentives has gained huge popularity with players, so much so that it is one of the main deciding factors for many South Africans. Hollywoodbets is one of the foremost bookmaking brands in the country and is favoured for finding new ways to ensure the best betting experience since 2006.

The Hollywoodbets mobile site added even more betting convenience and expanded reach in 2009. Currently, the brand has more than 80 branches across six provinces in South Africa. New players get a R25 sign-up bonus and 50 free spins on Habanero games. The Hollywoodbets Casino South Africa no deposit bonus is the perfect opportunity for players who wish to test and try a real money online experience without spending.

What counts in favour of Hollywoodbets, one of the leading ZA online casinos, is that players can deposit, play, and wager in South African Rands. Online entertainment options include sports betting, casino, and live dealer games. Most players expect a generous welcome bonus to follow the no deposit bonus, instead, the promotions offer numerous interesting ways to qualify for big prizes.

In search of a bigger or better casino bonus, we explore other options available to the rainbow nation, since the competition in the South African market continues to change and players enjoy access to numerous licensed alternatives. Stay tuned as we dig deeper into the online casino bonuses and promotions, to provide players in South Africa with more options.

Lulabet casino is getting better and better

Lulabet offers the sunshine and braai country access to casino games, slots by Red Tiger Gaming and NetEnt, plus sportsbetting include all major sports. Apart from mega boosts, free bests and multi bets, Lulabet offers a variety of welcome bonuses to suit all budgetary needs.

The new player welcome bonus choices include several options with first deposit options ranging from a R50 minimum deposit to R250. Withdrawal options at one of the finest online casinos South Africa include EFT, FNB e-wallet, Standard Bank Instant Money, with which payout times can take up to 48 hours, e-wallets pay within a few hours. With such favourable withdrawal conditions, we list the current bonuses available to new players.

Lulabet Casino Welcome Bonuses

• Deposit R50, bet on slot and live casino games at Lulabet and claim 25 free spins on Starburst with Promo Code CASINOR50.
• Deposit R250, bet on any games and enjoy 100 Starburst free spins with Promo Code CASINOR250.

Welcome Bonus

Lulabet

Deposit R50 Get 25 free spins

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Lulabet Sports Welcome Bonus

• Bet R50 and get another R50 free on your first deposit using Promo Code SPORTSR50.
• Bet R250 and claim R250 on the first deposit with Promo Code SPORTSR250.

As one of the top rated South African online casinos, the terms and conditions section link offers instant access to all bonus requirements, wagering, maximum bets, and game contributions.

Betway South Africa doubles your money before you start playing

Betway offers players from South Africa sports betting and casino games such as slots, table games, and live dealer games via a single account. As one of the top online casinos ZA registered and licensed by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, players can also download the Betway app to ensure access to all the benefits from any destination.

Excellent slot choices on the South African online casinos list include Hell’s Kitchen, Jumanji, Jack Hammer, JokerPro, Halloween Jack, and Mighty Medusa. BetGames includes Dice Duel, Andar Bahar, Lucky 6, Bet on Poker, and Wheel of Fortune with new draws taking place every minute. Sports betting includes horse racing, soccer, golf, rugby, basketball, football, boxing, darts, boxing, and snooker.

Betway Welcome Bonus

South Africans registering a Betway account and depositing for the first time can claim either the sports or casino 100% deposit match welcome bonus to enjoy a great start.

• Sports Welcome Offer – Enjoy a free bet worth up to R1,000 activated by first deposit.
• Casino Games Welcome Offer – Get up to R2,000 as a bonus with your first deposit.

Welcome Bonus

Betway South Africa

Deposit R150 Get 100% up to R2,000

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To claim either the casino games or sports welcome bonus, players need to be 18 years of age or older and complete the registration process. The terms and conditions section offers all information regarding the requirements including wagering on both options, game contributions, and bonus validity periods.

G Bets casino and sportsbook is a winner

G Bets is a must when it comes to finding one of the best online casinos South Africa to match or better the bonus offered at Hollywood Bets. Combining sports and casino entertainment, G Bets is one of the hotspots for South Africans who enjoy an array of weekly draws, endless bonus opportunities, incredible promotions, and non-stop sports boosting options.

Focused on presenting players with fun and incredibly convenient entertainment on desktop and mobile devices, banking methods include South African banks such as Absa, Nedbank, Standard Bank, and FNB. Quick and easy deposit options ensure fast access to the best games by Red Tiger and NetEnt, with slots including Twin Spin, Blood Suckers, Jack and the Beanstalk and Finn and the Swirly Spin.

Sports enthusiasts have an absolute blast with instant access to place their bets on tennis, cricket, golf, volleyball, ice hockey and more. While this also includes wagering on Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Go, while having access to statistics and results.

G Bet Sign Up and Welcome Bonus

• R25 Free bet sign up bonus with G Bet – valid for 48 hours and the free bet can be placed on live or pre-match with minimum odds of 1.50. No deposit required.
• 100% first deposit match bonus worth up to R1,000 with maximum winnings capped at R10,000.

Welcome Bonus

GBets

Deposit R25 Get 100% up to R1,000

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Both the no-deposit free sign-up bonus and the 100% first deposit match bonus are subject to wagering and other bonus requirements. Reading the terms and conditions are vital to maximizing the amount South Africans can withdraw from the bonuses in real money.

Find more ZA casino reviews right here

Online casinos for South African players offer a great variety of attractive offers, which at most casino sites include a free bonus on registration no deposit option, or high-percentage match bonuses activated by the first deposit. Online casino and sportsbook bonuses grant free play to players and present the perfect opportunity to enjoy real money withdraws.

Maximising the opportunity to claim the highest amount in rands start by identifying the best online casino for the unique requirements of South African players. Minimum Deposit Casinos review all regulated and licensed casinos in South Africa and only promotes online sites meeting our strict criteria. We focus on game variety, betting odds, payment options, fast withdrawals, and rank casinos according to customer support, bonus requirements, and the layout of the site.

In identifying the best online casinos for South African players, compare all the casino sites to consider both similarities and dissimilarities highlighted by our South African casino reviews and only promote the best sites. Read our highly detailed South African casino reviews based on real facts to discover the best bonuses rated on value, to enjoy a long and enjoyable stay at one of the top sites.

New VS Old – Which $5 bonuses are better

By Charlon Muscat

Low-deposit casinos have long been a staple across the Canadian online casino scene. Their promotions and free spins bonuses attract both new and returning players and are particularly appealing because they lower the financial barrier for entry, allowing users to engage with the platform’s offerings without committing a substantial amount of money upfront. 

Our team at Minimum Deposit Casinos leverages vast industry experience – both as professionals and avid players – to systematically compare old and new $5 deposit casinos. We are dedicated to providing detailed, objective comparisons to ensure that the bonuses we recommend stay competitive and meet the high standards our readers expect. This includes: 

• Tracking and documenting changes over time to highlight trends and improvements.
• Evaluating how new bonuses stack up against established ones when it comes to value, such as higher bonus amounts or more favourable terms.
• Comparing the wagering requirements, time limits, and other associated conditions.
• Assessing the range and quality of games eligible under new bonuses compared to previous options.
• Testing both old and new promotions by signing up, depositing $5, and experiencing the bonuses to gauge improvements or setbacks.
• Analyzing the ease of access, including the clarity of instructions and quality of customer support.
• Reviewing the transparency and fairness of the terms and conditions for both and how they measure up against current industry standards.
• Going over player feedback and online reviews to determine shifts in player satisfaction and reputation over time.
• Ranking the bonuses based on overall value and appeal, and noting whether newer promotions offer significant improvements over older ones.

Let’s start with the $5 Bonus from Mr Fortune Casino

Mr Fortune is a fresh face in the online gambling scene, brought to life by Green Feather Online Limited and operating under the license and regulation of the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). The platform presents itself with a luxurious and opulent theme, as showcased in the grandeur of a prominent gentleman against the backdrop of a sleek sports car and an old-world brick-and-mortar casino. 

Adding to the excitement, Mr Fortune invites new members with an exclusive 200% bonus up to $700 and 50 free spins, all for a minimum deposit of just $5.

Welcome Bonus

Mr Fortune

Deposit $5 Get 50 Free Spins

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The quality of the bonus

The 50 free spins at Mr Fortune can be played on BetSoft’s ‘Fruit Zen.’ Once you make the $5 deposit, you can get started. The slot has been a hit since its 2015 release, thanks to its impressive 3D graphics, animated waters, and exceptional win effects. It’s a straightforward, five-reel, 10-payline title with medium volatility and a 19.28% hit rate, perfect if you appreciate a moderate level of risk with regular winning opportunities. 

The remaining bonus amount can rise to $700 based on your initial deposit, providing the flexibility to choose from a wide range of games rather than just a single title. Beyond this, Mr Fortune extends additional bonuses on the second and third deposits, totalling up to $800 and 130 free spins. 

Here are the most essential terms and conditions to consider before claiming this bonus. 

Now let’s look at the Latest $5 Bonus- Casino Rocket

Casino Rocket is a space-themed online casino owned by Hollycorn N.V. It’s licensed under the regulations of Curacao and known among Canadians for its vast selection of games – over 3,000 slots, table games, and live dealers – and user-friendly interface.  

New players signing up at Casino Rocket can claim 50 free spins to win a six-figure jackpot with a minimum deposit of just $5.

Welcome Bonus

Casino Rocket

Deposit $5 Get 50 Free Spins

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The quality of the bonus

Casino Rocket’s grants players 50 free spins on NetGame’s Cash Vault Hold n Link for a deposit of 5 dollars. This could be appealing if you’re attracted to slots with medium volatility – balancing the frequency and size of wins nicely.  

Cash Vault Hold n Link’s RTP is just above the industry average at 96.24%. The slot features a luxurious theme with symbols like planes, ships, and cars, set on a 5×3 reel structure with 243 ways to win. One of its most engaging mechanics is the Hold’ n’ Link feature, where players can secure additional spins and have the chance to win one of four fixed jackpots (Mini, Minor, Major, and Grand), with the largest offering up to 1,000x the bet size.  

In addition, Casino Rocket applies a 100% boost on the second deposit invested ($30 or more), up to a maximum of $1000, which is great for trying out different titles and play styles. 

The following table highlights the most important terms and conditions to consider before claiming Casino Rocket’s bonus. 

How do they compare

Now, let’s pit Mr Fortune’s and Casino Rocket’s low deposit bonuses against each other to see which one comes out on top. 

Mr Fortune offers a 200% bonus up to $ 700 and 50 free spins. The substantial percentage increase provides a significant boost from a small initial deposit (if you go for the minimal $5, you get $10 in bonus money).  

In contrast, Casino Rocket provides 50 free spins with an initial deposit of $5 and a 100% bonus on a second deposit of at least $30, up to $1000.  

Although Casino Rocket’s second deposit match is higher, it requires a higher deposit, which might not be as appealing for those looking to invest minimally. 

Both casinos offer free spins on specific slots. Mr. Fortune’s spins can be used on BetSoft’s ‘Fruit Zen,’ a medium volatility title. Casino Rocket allows use on NetGame’s ‘Cash Vault Hold n Link,’ which is also a medium volatility game but with the additional lure of four fixed jackpots.  

Mr Fortune has a wagering requirement of 30x for the bonus and 25x for free spins winnings, all within 7 days. This is relatively moderate compared to Casino Rocket, which demands a hefty 200x wagering requirement for free spins winnings, yet in a more manageable 14-day period for the match-up bonus. 

The maximum win limit at Mr Fortune is set at $5000, whereas Casino Rocket offers a higher potential win of up to $100,000.  

Both platforms have restrictions on specific payment methods like Skrill and Neteller. However, Mr. Fortune adds ecoPayz to the list of excluded payment options.  

Our Verdict

Mr. Fortune’s $5 deposit bonus emerges as the more attractive offer. It wins primarily due to its more generous initial percentage bonus and more straightforward wagering requirements. These features make it more accessible and potentially rewarding, especially if you’re looking for immediate value with a low initial deposit. 

Roll for free with MDC Canada’s great $5 MegaMoolah casinos

By Shadrack Kairu

If you’ve been dreaming about winning big money playing at Canadian online casinos, this could be your best chance yet. Several of Canada’s premier $5 deposit Canadian casinos are running insane promotional offers that allow you to play the legendary MegaMoolah progressive jackpot slots for mere pocket change. We’re talking about spinning the reels on a millionaire-making machine for just $5. 

Why is MegaMoolah so great?

While classic slots typically feature a single fixed jackpot prize as the ultimate payout, the MegaMoolah series operates on an innovative quadruple progressive jackpot system that’s become its signature calling card. With not one, but four distinct jackpot prize pools constantly accumulating funds cast in by MegaMoolah’s global player base, the potential payouts extend far beyond any static grand prize.  

At the lowest echelon is the “Mini” jackpot tier, which still offers solid five-figure windfalls despite being the smallest of MegaMoolah’s progressives. Ranking higher on the hierarchy we find the “Minor” jackpot, supplying six-figure prizes that most would consider life-altering windfalls.  

The “Major” jackpot ascends into the multiple six-figure range. But it’s the apex “Mega” jackpot where MegaMoolah truly separates itself as one of online gambling’s premier jackpot slots. This top-tier progressive prize seeds at an incredible $1,000,000 and just continues climbing with every spin placed across the MegaMoolah network. 

Few slots can compete with that level of prize seeding and potential, as evidenced by MegaMoolah’s record for the largest online slot payout in history – a staggering €19,430,723 scored by one incredibly fortunate player in 2018. While hitting the eight-figure Mega jackpot requires astronomical odds being overcome, MegaMoolah consistently churns out six and seven-figure scores across all four of its progressive tiers. 

215 MegaMoolah Free Spins for $5 at Jackpot City Casino

We’ll start our evaluation by examining one of the online gambling industry’s true pioneers, Jackpot City Casino. Having first opened its doors way back in 1998, this operator has over two decades of experience catering to players’ needs through first-rate customer service, reliable payouts, diverse gaming libraries, and above all else, lucrative promotional opportunities.  

For new Canadian sign-ups, Jackpot City is currently serving up one of the internet’s most insane offers – a total of 215 free spins on the Atlantean Treasures Mega Moolah slot for just $15 in minimum deposits. This unfathomably generous freeroll opportunity breaks down as follows:  

• First $5 Deposit: 50 free Atlantean Treasures spins
• Second $5 Deposit: 75 more free spins
• Third $5 Deposit: 90 more free spins 

Welcome Bonus

Jackpot City

Deposit $5 Get 215 MegaMoolah Free Spins

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But Jackpot City doesn’t stop there and further sweetens the deal by throwing in additional stackable bonuses to complement the Atlantean Treasures free spins freeroll. For just a $1 initial deposit, new players receive a batch of 80 free bonus spins on the popular Wacky Panda slot.  

Finally, the fifth deposit of $5 or more receives a 100% match bonus worth up to $400 extra in playable cashable funds. In total, Jackpot City is essentially gift-wrapping up to $400 in withdrawable bonus cash on top of 295 free spins spanning three high-quality slots – simply for signing up and making a few $5 deposits.  

Get 50, 60 and then 70 Free Spins for 3 $5 deposits at Gaming Club

Our next stop brings us to Gaming Club Casino. Despite being slightly lesser-known than iconic counterparts like Jackpot City, this casino has earned a stellar reputation among Canadian gamblers through over 25 years of consistent, professional operations.  

Licensed and regulated by the respected Malta Gaming Authority and Kahnawake Gaming Commission, Gaming Club instils confidence by clearing the highest protocol bars for legitimacy, security, and ethical business practices. Their game library spanning 500+ premium slots, tables, live dealer experiences, and specialities simply reinforces that trustworthiness.  

For new Canadian customers, Gaming Club is presently advertising an outstanding triple-threat bonus centred around the thrilling Fortunium Gold edition of Mega Moolah. By making three simple $5 deposits totalling just $15, players can claim a huge haul of 180 free spins directly on Fortunium Gold: 

• 2nd $5 Deposit: 50 Fortunium Gold free spins
• 3rd $5 Deposit: 60 more Fortunium Gold free spins
• 4th $5 Deposit: 70 more Fortunium Gold free spins

Welcome Bonus

Gaming Club

Deposit $5 Get 180 free spins directly on Fortunium Gold

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Oh, and we forgot something; on your first-ever deposit of at least $1 on the platform, you qualify for 30 bonus spins on the popular Book of Oz. There’s also a 100% match bonus up to $200 and $150 on your fifth and sixth deposits respectively. 

Rounding out Gaming Club’s appeal is its modern banking infrastructure and customer-focused support provision. All mainstream Canadian payment methods are readily accepted for instant, secure depositing – including Interac, iDebit, ecoPayz, MuchBetter, and various cryptocurrencies. Payouts are handled quickly as well, with withdrawal requests typically processed within 1-5 days after standard verification checks. E-wallet cashouts to services like MuchBetter are almost always cleared for immediate transfers too.  

100 MegaMoolah Spins at Royal Vegas for $5

Our final stop on this tour examining the top Canadian $5 minimum deposit MegaMoolah promotions is at Royal Vegas – another heritage brand that’s maintained elite stature for over two decades. Launched in 1996 and helmed by the extremely reputable Digimedia gaming network, Royal Vegas Casino melds a classic Las Vegas revue show-inspired ambience with a gargantuan library of over 700 premium casino games.  

For new players hailing from Canada, Royal Vegas is currently offering a welcome package providing 130 total free spins in addition to potentially $1,200 in bonus cash overlaying the first four deposits. Here’s the complete breakdown: 

• With a $1 first deposit, players receive 30 free spins on the Unusual Suspect slot
• On your second payment, deposit $5 and get 100 free spins on the Fortunium Gold MegaMoolah slot

Welcome Bonus

Royal Vegas

Deposit $5 Get 100 MegaMoolah Spins

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Worth noting also is that each of the first four deposits is rewarded with a 100% match bonus worth up to $300 apiece. So by depositing just $6 across your first two deposits, you can receive up to 130 free spins spanning two exciting slots, including the coveted MegaMoolah-linked Fortunium Gold.  

Beyond their robust game libraries and generous bonusing, Royal Vegas shines through customer-centric qualities like rapid payouts and diverse payment processing support. All major credit cards, debit, web wallets, and even Bitcoin cryptocurrencies are accepted for secure, fee-free depositing, providing flexibility to suit Canadian players’ financial needs.  

The withdrawal methods aren’t quite as wide-ranging but still include convenient local banking transfers via Interac and other options.  

Regarding security and regulatory standards, Royal Vegas clears all bars by maintaining licensing from the industry-leading Malta Gaming Authority. All games, policies, and financial practices are overseen by this regulator to ensure fairness, transparency, and lawful procedures across Royal Vegas’ entire platform.  

Find out all there is to know about any casino with our casino reviews

The $5 deposit bonuses and MegaMoolah free spins at Jackpot City, Gaming Club and Royal Vegas are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to awesome online casino deals available to Canadian players. 

At MDC, we have a team of professional reviewers who rigorously test and evaluate every site to determine the best online casinos for Canucks. Our in-depth, unbiased reviews break down all the key factors like: 

• Game selection and software providers
• Bonuses and promotions
• Banking methods and payout speeds
• Mobile compatibility
• Customer support
• Safety and trustworthiness

We also uncover any hidden terms, unfair policies or red flags that could make a casino unworthy of your time and money. Whether you’re a slots fanatic, table game shark or just a casual player, our casino reviews will steer you towards the absolute best real money gaming sites for your needs and preferences. 

Taking a look at Playabets and why you should give them a try

When you think of an ideal betting operator, what comes to mind? Bonus and promotions? Safe and secure banking platform? Casino games and sports betting? Long-standing history in the industry? Licensing? We have found the ideal betting operator with all these benefits, so get ready to start your betting journey at one of the top-rated South African online casinos and sportsbooks, Playabets.

Having been around for decades, Playabets initially opened as a sports betting shop in 1990, and to this day, there are still many of their shops spread across Mzansi. In 2014, Playabets made the smart decision to venture into the online betting world and it’s been nothing but uphill from there. Today, Playabets is renowned as one of the best online casinos for South African players, with an excellent sportsbook. It is a proudly South African operator, licensed and regulated by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. All players are familiar with this operator, as their iconic green and black lion head logo makes easy for players to recognize.

Powered by BetTech software, their website is easy to use and navigate. Players can access Playabets through PC, laptop or mobile. It is also available on all devices including IOS and Android. Additionally, Playabets have its own free mobile betting app that can be downloaded directly from its website.

Now that we have provided a background of Playabets, let’s get down to the fun and exciting part, the casino games and sportsbook benefits.

The versatile games in store for players

Our South African online casino list has many worthy contenders, but high up on the list is Playabets. So, let’s begin with the star of the show – the casino games. These are called Vegas Games, and players can click the banner to access the product. Casino games have been categorized, making it easier for users to find their all-time favourite games. There is also a search tool which can be used to locate games faster. There are 600+ adventurous games, ranging from slots to tables and live casino. The gaming library uses leading software developers, and players will find anything they want here, from Evolution Gaming to Pragmatic Play and even Aardvark.

The slot product is the main contributor to the gaming library, and there are more than 400 titles for players. The games include megaways, bonus buys, and instant and mobile-friendly games. Popular slot titles include Gates of Olympus, Sweet Bonanza, Diamond Blitz, Great Rhino, Wolf Gold and the Amazing Money Machine.

If table and card games are your thing, Playabets has you covered with various Blackjack, Poker and Roulette variants. Whether it’s low buy games or high-stakes games, all table games at the casino provide hours of entertainment. Popular table and card games include VIP Blackjack, Texas Hold’Em, Side Bet City and Speed Roulette.

A live casino is the closest a player can get to a traditional casino experience, and Playabets has one of the best live casino products. The live casino includes first-person games, live dealer events, as well as game shows with presenters. First-person games are fantastic and ensure a faster game experience without the inconvenience of waiting for other players to place their bets. The best live dealer games include Dragon Tiger, Super Sic Bo, Fan Tan and Baccarat Squeeze. The game shows allow players to interact with presenters and witness the spectacle of the various eye-catching game show digital sets and animations. Popular live game shows cover Mega Ball, Crazy Time, Deal or No Deal, Dream Catcher and Football Studio.

How does playing casino games and placing sports bets with one account sound to you? Amazing right? Well, you guessed it, at Playabets, there is a sportsbook with thousands of competitive sports betting markets on many sporting leagues. Players can bet on their lucky teams and players, as well as some of the top sports including Soccer, Rugby, Cricket, Tennis, Golf and Horse Racing. Sportsbook features include live betting, bet boosts, book my bet and checking a betting shop bet slip.

Diversity is the name of the game here and besides the main online casino and sportsbook, players are also treated to other niche betting opportunities. Players can play scratch cards, place bets on virtual sports and even try their luck with various lucky number lotteries.

Get the 100% Match Bonus from Playabets Casino

Playabets has an exciting R10 casino deposit bonus for all new players, and with a minimum deposit of R10, players can claim a 100% first deposit match bonus of up to R2000. The match bonus offer is one of South Africa’s best, and standard terms are attached.

Sign Up Bonus

Playabets

Deposit R10 Get 100% first deposit match bonus of up to R2000

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New players can deposit from R10 to R2000, and once their deposit and bonus is in their account, they must roll over it 3x at minimum odds of 2.0 (1/1) on pre-match and in-running sport markets. Players have 90 days to meet all wagering requirements. As you can see by the low wagering requirements, the long timeframe to use the bonus and the high bonus funds, Playabets welcome bonus represents value for money.

Besides the 100% match bonus, new players are further spoilt at the casino and sportsbook with a no-deposit registration bonus. Just for registering at Playabets, new players can claim an R50 signup bonus + 50 free spins. The R50 bonus is a sports-free bet and must be used at minimum odds of 4.0 (3/1). Players can get their casino fix with the 50 free spins, which must be used on Pragmatic Play games. The bonus free bet offer is valid for seven days, while free spins expire after 48 hours. There are 4x wagering requirements on the no-deposit bonus offer.

Sign Up Bonus

Playabets

Deposit 0 Get R50 signup bonus + 50 free spins

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Deposit Safely at Playabets

Making deposits at Playabets is safe and secure, as the banking platform is encrypted, so players should have no concerns about sharing their banking information. Playabets is an R10 minimum deposit casino, and players have access to all leading payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, Instant EFTs like Zapper, Ozow and SnapScan, and Prepaid Vouchers like 1Voucher, Blu Voucher and OTT Voucher. Players are not charged to deposit, and all deposits should reflect instantly in players’ accounts.

Now that you know all about Playabets

We have explored this operator and have touched on many features, but if you want a detailed review, you can access our Playabets Casino Review. This is one of the top-rated online casinos South Africa has to offer, and players are well looked after. With hundreds of casino games, thousands of sports betting markets, and plenty of bonuses and promotions, what more can you ask for? We encourage readers to head to Playabets, create an account, and experience a fantastic online betting journey.

If you want to find information and news on online casinos in South Africa, or you want to find detailed South African casino reviews, you can visit our online casinos ZA page.

Brazil’s Latest Tax Change On Players’ Winnings And What You Need To Know

Brazil’s Federal Revenue Service has introduced new guidelines for taxing net prizes from fixed-odds lottery bets, imposing a Personal Income Tax (IRPF) rate. This development advances the country’s efforts to finalise its updated gambling legislation, creating a safe and sustainable market benefiting all stakeholders. 

This regulation, part of the preparations for the launch of Brazil’s regulated gambling market, defines net prizes as the difference between the amount won and the amount bet, calculated for each bet or session, and subjects them to a 15% levy. 

The tax will apply only to winnings of more than $/€500, and online casinos will be responsible for calculating and collecting it. Recent regulatory updates also address technological requirements for operators to ensure the safety of customer data. 

As the specifics of the legislation become clear, parties are working to figure out its full scope and effects. What we do know is that this move will significantly impact players’ bankrolls and Brazil’s top online casinos. 

Breaking Down The New Tax Law

The most recent regulatory update aims to ensure transparency and efficiency in applying tax legislation. It states that net prizes from fixed-odds lottery bets will be subject to a levy. Net prizes are defined as the difference between the prize value and the amount wagered, calculated for each bet or session. 

Low-deposit casinos will calculate and collect the new tax, reducing the regulatory burden on state institutions. This method fits with the goal of the Brazilian government to make the industry as a whole more open and accountable. 

This legislation aims to increase government revenue and ensure that a fair share of winnings contributes to public finances. It is part of a broader effort to regulate the gambling industry more stringently and align it with other sectors where winnings are taxed. 

Brazil’s Law No. 14,790 introduces legally permissible gambling and betting activities guidelines. This clarity is crucial for top-rated online casinos to align their offerings with legal standards and for bettors to understand their legal options. This includes: 

• Online Gambling: The law specifies that casinos with a minimum deposit must only be offered online, reflecting a cautious approach by Brazilian lawmakers to limit the potential social harms associated with more addictive forms of gambling.
• Fantasy Sports: The law also includes fantasy sports betting, which has gained global popularity at minimum bet sportsbooks. Players create virtual teams based on real footballers and score points based on these players’ actual performance. This type of betting combines skill and knowledge, offering an alternative to traditional sports betting.
• Fixed-Odds Betting: The law legalises fixed-odds sports betting, where odds are agreed upon at the time of the wager and do not change. This form of betting is now formally recognised and regulated, allowing bettors to place bets on the outcomes of various sporting events with predetermined odds. 

These updates are part of Brazil’s ongoing efforts to finalise its gambling legislation and officially launch its new gaming market. Recent updates clarified several vital technology and security requirements, ensuring the protection of customer data and preventing operators from evading inspections. The government plans to roll out additional updates targeting other emerging concerns. 

The legislation now targets bets on sporting events. The market is still in its early stages, but there is room for growth in the future. To maintain consistency with Brazil’s dedication to responsible gambling and consumer protection, any such developments would have to undergo extra legislative processes and regulatory scrutiny. 

What The Implications Are Of This New 15% Tax

The imposition of taxes on player prizes has been a contentious issue leading up to the sports betting market launch. This legislation was introduced after President Lula da Silva’s backing of Bill No. 3,626/2023, which set the legislative framework for Brazil’s entry into federal sports betting and online gambling. As a federal law, the tax provisions required review by the Brazilian Federal Revenue (RFB) for integration into the broader tax regime. 

The National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) urged the government to reduce the ‘tax burden on players’ before launching Bets. ANJL called for congressional intervention, citing previous reductions in gambling tax rates for businesses from 18% to 12% as crucial for maintaining market competition and integrity among licensed operators. 

On May 6, 2024, as part of the regulatory framework for betting, the RFB published Normative Instruction No. 2,191 to regulate the withholding of income tax on winnings from fixed-odds betting. The new regulations establish that: 

• Winnings up to $/€500 (the lowest range of the IRPF monthly incidence table) are exempt from IRPF.
• Income tax on net prizes will be withheld at 15% when winnings are paid out or credited.
• The betting operator is responsible for calculating and collecting the IRRF related to player transactions.
• The net prize is the difference between the winnings and the player’s bet (calculated for each bet) after a real-world sporting event or virtual online gambling session.

Reimbursement for losses sustained in other bets or sessions to determine the net prize is not authorised. The government plans to launch the sports betting market with a 12% tax rate on gambling income and an approximately $/€5.5 million fee for federal licenses valid for five years.  

The Secretariat of Betting and Prizes (SPA) finalises technical ordinances related to payments, IT security, crime prevention, and responsible gambling protocols. The SPA’s regulations include a ban on credit card payments and a requirement for Banco Central do Brazil (BACEN) authorisation for all customer deposits and withdrawals. 

Individual operators will be responsible for calculating and collecting the tax, reducing the administrative burden on state institutions and streamlining the process. However, despite the government’s intentions, the 15% tax on player winnings has raised concerns within the industry about its potential impact on player participation and market growth.  

The ANJL has voiced apprehensions about the tax burden on players, urging the government to consider alternative approaches that promote sustainability and foster public trust. ANJL’s primary concern is the potential for players to be taxed on net losses, which could deter participation in the formal gambling market and undermine the new regulations.  

To address these concerns, ANJL has called for a thorough review of the tax framework and more excellent consultation with industry stakeholders to ensure a fair, transparent, and conducive tax regime for market growth. 

Notably, the new regulations clarify that the prize will be determined per sporting event or gaming session, despite the betting industry’s request for annual calculations as stated in the original wording of Law No. 14,790/2023, which the Brazilian president vetoed. 

As Brazil embarks on this new chapter in sports betting, the potential for growth and innovation is immense. However, success will depend on balancing economic opportunities with the need to protect consumers and uphold sports integrity.  

Companies that would like to enter the Brazilian sports betting market have to deal with many different legal, financial, and practical rules. There are strict checks and balances along the way to authorization that ensure the industry’s integrity and sustainability.  

The journey ahead of the best online casinos will require collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to responsible gambling principles. With strategic oversight and continuous regulatory refinement, Brazil’s sports betting industry can achieve a sustainable and prosperous future.

By Daniela Rose