Best Real Money Online Casinos in Namibia 2022

Many African nations have a long history of legalized gambling dating back to the 1960s or ‘70s. Namibia is not one of them, due to several reasons. For one, the sparsely populated nation only gained its independence from South Africa a mere 30 years ago in 1990.

The young country did legalize gambling as early as 1994. But that honeymoon period proved to be short-lived. The Namibian government revoked all gambling licensed and enforced a ten-year moratorium on gambling in Namibia in 1996.

Though the suspension was revoked in the 2000s, the Namibian gambling industry has not recovered from its effects. Despite efforts from the government, illegal gambling establishments continued to flourish in Namibia, and they still do.

Namibia is the perfect example of what happens when the government creates a supply vacuum in a market where there is a healthy demand for a product/service. Gambling is incredibly popular in Namibia, and Namibians have always had access to slots and table games, regardless of the vagaries of the law. 

But with only a handful of legit land-based casinos in Windhoek and Swakopmund, getting access to quality betting options is not very easy. This is especially true if you live far off from these cities. And with COVID 19 causing frequent lockdowns and quarantines, you might be considering online gambling as an alternative.

This begs the question – are there online casinos in Namibia? While the answer is yes, that only throws up even more questions, which we will answer in our complete guide to the top Namibian online casinos here at PlayCasino.co.za. Our guide reveals everything you need to know about online casino gambling in Namibia.

If you are a veteran looking for the top new online casinos and bonuses available in Namibia in 2021, we got you covered. Just scroll down to check out our constantly updated list! For beginners, we have a more in-depth guide below that list answering questions related to safety, casino bonuses, games, and more!

While gambling is as old as human civilization, online gambling is a relatively new phenomenon. It arose sometime in the mid-1990s. But the industry has matured in the last two decades. There is a huge demand for online casinos with the rise of internet connectivity across the world.

This also means that many online websites are claiming to be legit casinos. While most are safe to play at, there are quite a few illegal casinos and scam sites. Here at Playcasino.co.za, we use several quality checks to ensure that all casinos you find here are 100% safe and legit.

Here are the main features we look for in an online casino. You can use these to figure out if a casino is worth your valuable time and money:

Licensed & Regulated by A Gaming Authority

 This is always the first thing to look for when visiting a new casino website. An active gambling license means that the casino is maintaining certain mandatory standards. It is like a seal of guarantee or proof of quality in the online gambling circles.

There are many licensing authorities across the world. But the top options (in terms of player safety) are the European licenses like the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA). Other options include Alderney, Gibraltar, Curacao (Dutch Caribbean), and Kahnawake (Canada).

Since there are no explicit licensing provisions for online casinos in Namibian law, you have to rely on these overseas licenses to ensure that a casino is maintaining standards. The top licenses can cost above a million dollars to acquire, and more investment to keep them. This is a sure sign that the site is not a scam.

This does not mean that a casino carrying a non-EU license or no license is automatically bad. A few exceptional casinos are operating in unregulated online markets (like Namibia). But a lack of a license means that you have to do extra research to ensure that the casino is safe to play at.

Player Safety & Security

This is one of the features covered by casino licenses. MGA and UKGC both require online casino operators to run a safe and secure platform for players. The website should be secured using 128-bit SSL encryption – the same technology used by most online banking and financial sites.

Always check the website to ensure that your data is safely encrypted. The presence of information related to the privacy policy and data protection are important indicators. Another mandatory feature at top Namibian online casinos is “responsible gambling.”

It refers to efforts taken by the casino to protect players from the effects of gambling addiction and the prohibition of underage gambling. A legit casino always wants to take care of its players – the longer they play, the better it is for the casino. A scam site would have no scruples in this regard.

Responsible gambling measures are tools that you can use to quickly and easily control your gambling activity at the casino. These include ways to restrict access to the games at the casino (self-exclusion), reduce your spending (deposit limits), and more.

Variety of Games and Quality of Game Software

Casino gaming in the distant past was all about some card and dice games. Then came slot machines, which revolutionized the industry and made gambling accessible to everyone. Online casinos continue the tradition set by big Vegas-style casinos, offering dozens of table games and hundreds (or even thousands) of online video slots.

When you visit a casino in Windhoek, you play table games hosted by the casino or at slot machines located inside. Online casinos provide you with virtual games which are created and hosted by software providers.

There are many reputed software providers in the online gaming industry. The best Namibian online casinos will offer you games from many different providers. For the best gaming experience look for brands such as Netent, Microgaming, Playtech, Betsoft, and Quickspin.

Branded casino games have a huge advantage. They are licensed and tested by independent labs to ensure that the software is tamper-proof and provably fair. This means that every bet outcome is 100% random and cannot be rigged by the casino. For this reason, always be wary of games that do not carry the name of any known software provider.

When it comes to game quantity, more is always better at online casinos. The best online casinos available in Namibia may have anywhere from 300 to 3000 online games, depending on the number of software providers. Variety is also important – we look for sites that give you a balanced mix of slots, video poker, blackjack, roulette, bingo, live casino, and jackpot games.

Frequency and Quality of Bonuses & Promotions

Both land-based and online casinos offer bonuses. But the main difference is that it is much easier to claim and enjoy a bonus at an online casino. You don’t necessarily have to be a high roller or regular player to get a bonus at an online website.

The online business is quite competitive. There are hundreds of these casinos competing for the attention of the same players. So they have to provide attractive promo offers to new players as well. Land-based casinos are far fewer and they do not face this kind of pressure.

When you join a top Namibian online casino in 2021, you can expect offers ranging from free no deposit bonuses to big welcome packages worth hundreds of dollars or more. And the casinos don’t stop there either. The longer you stick with a casino, the more you can claim as freebies and bonuses.

Regular player bonuses come in many varieties. They include free spins, match deposit offers, cashback, VIP perks, and more. For a quick guide to the different casino bonuses, check out the next section of this guide.

Here at Playcasino.co.za, we recommend that you look at the quantity and diversity of bonus offers, as well as the fine print behind it all. All casino offers come with terms and conditions that reduce your chances of making a withdrawal. Here is a quick look at the bonus terms that work in your favour:

•       A wagering requirement that is at least below 30x
•       A high cashout limit ($100 and above), or none at all
•       Bonus available on multiple slots/games
•       Longer validity period – more than 48 hours if possible

Popular and Safe Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

Online casinos accept a wide range of currencies and payment methods. The currencies include the major ones like Euros, US Dollars, British Pounds, and other national currencies like Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollar, and South African Rands.

The availability of each currency will depend on which territories the casino operator is focusing on. If the casino has an Africa focus, you will find SA Rands. Since Namibia Dollar is not accepted at most online casinos, SA Rands is the best option if you live in Namibia since it is still legal tender in Namibia.

You may even play at casinos that do not offer SA Rands. The payment system will convert your Namibian dollars to one of the major currencies accepted at the casino. The main disadvantage is that you will lose some money as currency conversion charges.

 As for payment methods, the best options for Namibian players include VISA/MasterCard credit and debit cards, online wallets like Skrill, Neteller, and other online and prepaid payment methods. Bitcoin support is a bonus – it is not available at many online casinos since all game providers do not support it.

Mobile Casino Gaming Experience

As of 2021, mobile gaming is an integral part of the online casino experience. Given the popularity of smartphones and the increasing availability of 4G networks, online casinos are no longer restricted to computers.

If a casino does not offer mobile gaming using instant online technology, it does not deserve a look in 2021. We only recommend casinos that you can play on your iPhone or Android phone/tablet here at Playcasino.co.za.

The mobile gaming experience should be smooth and hassle-free with no downloads and quick loading websites. The website should be optimized for smaller hand-held devices. You should face no difficulties in using touch controls on the menus or game icons.

Reliable & Responsive Customer Support

A hallmark of a reliable business is good customer support. If the casino does not offer you a prompt and efficient response to any queries or complaints, it is not a good online casino. All the casinos we recommend offer multiple contact channels, including email, live chat, and even toll-free numbers in some instances.

The speed of response is always important. We prefer casinos that have a dedicated team of specialists online 24×7, 365 days a year. Or at the very least, they should offer 12-hour support 7 days a week. Live chat is essential for quick resolution of your problems. And even in the case of email, we expect a reply within 24 hours as the bare minimum.

If you want to start your online gaming experience with a flourish, check out our recommended list of the top Namibia online casinos. Our African countries guide will also help get a full picture of the reality of online gambling on the African continent. They offer a ton of different bonuses. Here is a quick guide to all the different types of bonuses available at online casinos accepting Namibian players:

No Deposit Bonuses

A no deposit bonus is the perfect way to start your session at an online casino. These are only available to new players who have registered an account at the casino. The bonus is incredibly popular among players as they are 100% free. To get other casino bonuses, you need to deposit some cash.

Despite being free, a no deposit bonus gives you real betting money – either in the form of a small amount of cash – $5 or R100, or as 5-25 cash spins on slots. And if you are lucky enough to win some money using these bonuses, you will be allowed to withdraw at least some of it as well!

You can use a no deposit bonus cash chip on different slots, card games, roulette, and even some bingo or lotto titles, depending on the casino rules. With free spins, you are restricted to a single video slot game.

Welcome Bonuses

Not every casino offers free no-deposit bonuses to new players. But most casinos do offer a welcome package if you join them. They are always tied to your first cash deposit at the casino. Some larger bonus packages are spread across multiple deposits.

A match deposit bonus is the main component in a welcome package. They are usually described in percentages such as a “200% bonus” or “150% deposit bonus.” What it means is simple – if you add $10, a casino will add $20 more to your account (on a 200% bonus), or $15 if it is a 150% bonus. You effectively double or even triple your betting money with these welcome bonuses.

The biggest welcome bonuses promise hundreds of dollars as bonus money if you make a high enough deposit. But if you are on a budget, don’t worry – they usually have low minimum deposit requirements like $20 or R100. Some welcome packages also come with an additional component – between 25 to 100 or more free spins on popular slots!

Regular Match Bonuses

A regular match bonus is the same as the match deposit you find in a welcome package. The difference is that these are available on a daily or weekly basis at the casino. You can claim them once you have finished your welcome bonus. They are recurring offers, unlike the welcome package which is a one-time-only deal.

Free Spins (with Cash Deposit)

 Instead of bonus cash, sometimes a casino will offer you a lot of free spins on your deposits. This offer is more common at online casinos that exclusively focus on online slots. Most often, free spins are available as an add-on to a special deposit bonus, or as part of VIP perks.

 When they are tied to a cash deposit, free spins can give you incredible value. These bonuses are worth hundreds of spins at some casinos. They also have lower wagering requirements than other types of casino bonuses (on average).

Free spins are usable only on video slots and three-reel slots. The eligible games are decided by the casino. They also set a maximum bet value for each spin – which is usually set around $5 at maximum.

Cashback

Cashback offers are tied not to your deposits, but your losses at the casino. The most common combination is a weekly 10% cashback, though other variations are also available. If you make a $100 deposit in a week and lose it all by Sunday, the casino will give you 10% of that money as cashback.

The $10 is deposited as cash in your account each Monday (for a weekly offer). Higher cashback percentages are also available – but they are usually given to players with high VIP ranking. Loyalty cashback is often considered exempt from wagering requirements at many online casinos.

VIP BONUSES

Barring a few exceptions, many top Namibian online casinos run a VIP club for regular players. In most cases, you automatically become a member when you join the casino and make your first deposit. At others, you are inducted only once you have proven yourself as a loyal and valuable player.

At VIP clubs where you automatically join as a new player, they have these different levels. You can improve your VIP Level by collecting comp points, which you get for each bet at any of the games at the casino. At higher levels, your rewards include bonus cash/free spins, exclusive access to VIP tournaments, customized offers, higher withdrawal limits and cashback, and your VIP account manager.

Slots

They are the main attraction at online casinos. The best Namibian online casinos in 2021 feature 500 to 2000 or more online slots. They are popular as you don’t need to learn any rules or tactics – very beginner-friendly.

Slots are divided into two based on the number of reels. Three reel slots are called classic slots – they have a simple, old-school design. Modern video slots have more than 5 reels and come filled with advanced bonus features like free spins, special symbols, unique winning combos, and more.

While card games do not have much scope for design variation, slots are incredibly versatile. You can find them adorned with different themes and storylines – Animals, Jungle Safari, Vikings, Pirates, Cartoons, famous Movies, Dragons, Egypt, Irish – these are just a few of the many themed slots you can find at online casinos.

 Check out some of the latest slots you can play for free or real money at top Namibian online casinos:

• Western Gold Megaways
• Book of Dead
• Rage of the Seas
• Big Buffalo
• Star Bounty
• Wild Safari

Table Games

If you enjoy card and roulette games, the table games lobby is what you need. The common options here include blackjack and other 21-type games, two-player casino poker, baccarat, roulette variants, and other card and dice games. Though knowledge of the rules and tricks are mandatory if you want to enjoy, table games have one big advantage. They have much better win percentages than slots (up to 99%).  These are some of the popular table games you will find at online casinos:

•       American Roulette
•       European Blackjack
•       Pai Gow Poker
•       American Blackjack
•       Dragon Tiger

Live Casino Game

While table games are fun, they simply cannot match the feel of playing at a land-based casino table. But now, online casinos give you a chance to experience just that, using live casino games. Big brands like Netent, Evolution, and Ezugi recreate a casino gaming table at their studios, with real cards, equipment and a real human host.

Then they shoot the games in real-time and use online streaming to bring the action to your PC or mobile screen. The dealer can see the bets you make and even respond to your friendly chat messages in between rounds. The most common games offered by online casinos in the live game format include:

•       VIP Blackjack
•       VIP Roulette
•       French Roulette
•       American Blackjack
•       Dreamcatcher

Video Poker

 Video poker was designed to attract poker players to land-based casino slot machines. This is a classic casino game that mixes poker card hands with slots. Unlike real poker which involves a lot of bluffing and skills, video poker is a more relaxed game based on random luck. You can play many different variants at online casinos, including:

•       Aces and Faces Poker
•       Joker Poker
•       Jacks or Better
•       Deuces Wild

Bingo, Lotto, Scratchcards

You will find these games often in a separate category called “Other Games.” They are an assorted mix of many different types of bingo, lotto, keno, arcade, and simulation games. Often, there is only a handful of these at most casinos. Here is a sample of what you can find in this section:

•       Rainforest Magic Bingo
•       Keno
•       Candy Prize
•       Hot Safari

Namibia has 3G and 4G LTE services offered by networks like Paratus and MTC. Even remote areas of the country have decent mobile internet coverage in 2021. Playing your favourite slots and casino games on mobile is possible in Namibia!

The most popular mobile phone brands in Namibia are Samsung, Huawei, Apple, and Nokia, along with the likes of Hisense, Xiaomi, ZTE and Itel also available. The good news is that modern online casinos are platform-agnostic – they don’t care if you have an iPhone or an Android device, they all work the same.

Mobile gaming is based on browsers like Chrome and Safari – you open the casino website, log in, and play. Apps are not currently popular among online casinos – only the biggest brands offer them, that too only in major regulated markets like the UK.

And this also means that hardware is not an issue. Web browsers use HTML5, which is extremely light and versatile. Modern casino games designed in HTML5 run on just about any handset with a modern mobile browser. In 2021, you can expect even older phones from 2015 to run these games:

Ios

Along with the newer iPhone 11, and iPhone X Series, older models are also fully compatible with online casinos. These include the iPhone 6, 7, SE, and 8. And if you have an iPad, both the base version and Pro variants can be used to gamble online.

Android

On the Google side of the smartphone spectrum, you can run casino games on all Samsung smartphones like the Galaxy, J Series, the Huawei Honor and Y series, Nokia 5 and 6, and many more. As long as your android device has a fully updated Chrome browser, you are good to go.

Football and rugby are the two most popular sports in Namibia. While there are a few land-based bookmakers, betting on sports is not very popular in Namibia. The gambling enthusiasts in the country have a preference for casino gambling and lotteries.

While offline sports betting is regulated and legal, the same cannot be said about online sportsbooks. The industry is unregulated, though not illegal. You can bet safely at online sportsbooks. Many offshore websites accept bets from Namibian players on many international sports like football leagues, Rugby world cups and tests, athletics, racing, and more.

Check out our guide to online sportsbooks in Nambia to learn more

Online Sportsbook Guide

Here are some compelling reasons to start online betting in Namibia:

• Accessibility: Unless you live in or close to Windhoek or Swakopmund, land-based casinos are not easily accessible in Namibia. With online casinos, all you need is a mobile or PC and an internet connection. You can play at any time of the day or night!
• Choice of games: Namibian offline casinos have only a few hundred slot machines at best. At online casinos, you can pick from thousands of slots and hundreds of table games, jackpots and more.
• Health safety: With COVID-19 an ever-present threat, land-based casinos are no longer safe. To avoid the virus, try to stay indoors as much as possible with your favourite slots and games at your fingertips at an online casino!
• Bonuses and jackpots: You cannot claim a free bonus as a new player at an offline casino. But the same is possible online, along with a chance to win millions of dollars playing progressive jackpot slots!

These are the most popular payment methods for online casinos in Namibia:

•     VISA/Mastercard
•     Paysafecard Prepaid Cards
•     Neteller e-Wallet
•     Skrill e-Wallet
•     Paypal Namibia
•     Webmoney Namibia
•     Bitcoin
•     Online Wire Transfer

Namibia’s relationship with legal gambling has had several ups and downs over the years. As of 2021, all forms of off-line gambling are largely legal. The story began in 1994 when the young nation legalized gambling with the Casino and Gambling House Act. It created a licensing system for casinos and slot machines, with a Casino Board to regulate everything.

The gambling industry in Namibia experienced rapid growth following the 1994 law, which alarmed the government. The rise of many small gambling houses seemed like a threat to public welfare. So the authorities hastily backtracked in 1996, revoking all licenses and suspending all gambling activity for 10 years.

But this did not stop the illegal betting houses, which continued to thrive in the country. But the 1996 amendment to the Gambling House Act did have a lasting impact on the legit gambling industry in the country. Though the suspension was removed after ten years in 2006, not many casinos have applied for a license.

Land-Based Gambling

As of 2021, several different types of gambling activities are legal in Namibia. Casinos and small betting houses are legal, subject to strict licensing requirements. The government passed a new law in 2018 to regulate and promote the licensed gambling industry in Namibia, overseen by a Gambling Board. A Gambling Trust Fund was also set up.

Sports betting is also legal in Namibia. But as we already mentioned, it is not very popular when compared to casinos and gambling houses. But another quite popular activity is lotteries. Namibia legalized lotteries in 2002, but only national/state lotteries are permitted. The law was updated in 2017.

Online Gambling

Online gambling operates in a grey area in Namibia. Though gambling laws have been updated in recent years (2017-18), they do not adequately address online gambling. But this also means that there are no laws against betting online. Namibians are therefore free to bet at offshore online casinos and sportsbooks. There are no online casinos or sportsbooks based in Namibia due to the lack of regulations.

Namibia Gambling Laws

The following are the main laws related to gambling and betting in Namibia:

•       Casino and Gambling House Act 32, 1994
•       Casino and Gambling House Act 28, 1996 (amendment)
•       Lotteries Act 15, 2002
•       Lotteries Act 17, 2017 (amendment)
•       Gaming and Entertainment Control Act 13, 2018

As of 2021, there are five land-based casinos in Namibia. These are fully licensed and legal operations. One of the first land casinos to open way back in 1995 was the Desert Jewel Casino in Windhoek. Apart from the capital city, the towns of Swakopmund and Ondangwa also have casinos. Together, Namibian casinos offer upwards of 400 slot machines and dozens of table games like roulette, blackjack, and Texas Hold Em Poker.

Some of the top land casinos/resorts in Namibia are:

•       Mermaid Casino, Swakopmund
•       Desert Jewel Casino, Windhoek
•       AVANI Hotel & Casino, Windhoek
•       Plaza Casino, Windhoek
•       Plaza Casino, Ondangwa

Online gambling can seem quite intimidating if you’re new to it. There are some rules, features, and technical terms that you need to learn. We can help you with all that, with our beginner’s guide to online gambling at Playcasino.co.za. This guide will teach you the following things:

•       How to pick safe and reliable casinos?
•       All about casino bonus types
•       Important bonus terms and rules
•       Best payment methods for Namibia casinos
•       Casino game terms like RTP, volatility etc