What is Ukash?
Ukash is basically a virtual voucher that allows you to transfer money to an online account. If you’re in any doubt as to whether or not it’s actually a voucher then you only need to look to is official trading name, Smart Voucher Limited, to see why that’s the case.
When you want to ante-up at a South African online casino, the basic process involves converting real cash into virtual currency. While there are a number of ways to do this, Ukash is arguably one of the most efficient. Why? Well, in a similar way to prepaid debit cards, Ukash vouchers allow you to deposit a set amount of money at your favourite online casino.
At present, Ukash casinos exist in more than 30 countries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and, of course, Africa. This international reach has given rise to more than 50,000 outlets offering Ukash vouchers. From convenience stores and gas stations to online purchases, you can basically purchase a physical Ukash voucher or top up a virtual one 24/7.
Although you can combine Ukash vouchers to create a larger deposit amount, the main denominations for South African’s are: 10 – 50 ZAR, 75 ZAR and 100 ZAR. As I’ve already mentioned, any of these vouchers can be located at various locations across South Africa or online. At a shop you won’t be any charges, but if you want to pay for currency online then you’ll incur a 5% fee (this fee covers the pin information being sent directly to them over the Internet). Additionally, if you opt to have your pin mailed to you within five business days you’ll be charged a 4% fee.
The Benefits of Playing at a South African Ukash Casino
If you’re worried about the safety of your Ukash deposits then let me put your mind at ease. As I mentioned earlier in my review of Ukash casino sites, the company itself is part of Smart Voucher Limited. This company is listed company in the UK and is, therefore, regulated by United Kingdom’s Financial Services Authority. This means it is bound by a myriad of rules and regulations. Moreover, its accountable to one of the toughest financial agencies in the world, so should you money get lost for some reason, you’ll have an official chain of authority to rectify the situation.
Not that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s take a look at a few of the reasons why Ukash casino sites are a popular choice for serious grinders.
Anonymity: One of the biggest benefits of playing at online poker sites that accept Ukash is that the site doesn’t have access to player’s bank account. This makes transactions exceptionally safe and secure because there is no route for cyber criminals to follow. Additionally, when customers purchase Ukash at outlets, the transaction can be completed with cash which totally eliminates the need for a debit or credit card.
Bankroll Management: Because you have to purchase a Ukash voucher ahead of time, it should give you more control of your spending. In the heat of battle, it can be very easy to lose your cool and make multiple deposits using your credit/ debit card. Before you know it you’ve racked up a huge bill that you can’t afford to pay. Fortunately, this isn’t possible with Ukash vouchers. Well, technically it is, but by the time you’ve purchased another voucher you’ll have probably calmed down and won’t want to risk all your cash.
Simplicity: Another reason why Ukash is a preferred method for South African grinders is that it’s easy to use. After you’ve purchased your voucher and received your pin, it’s simply a case of inputting a few numbers and waiting for your account balance to refresh. Because you’ve already purchased the credit, there’s no sense of trepidation as the payment is processing like there can be if you’re using your debit card and aren’t sure if the funds in your bank can cover the transaction.
Added Value: Aside from safety, peace of mind and efficiency, Ukash casinos often give players a bonus for using this method. Although seasonal and dependent on the amount you deposit, these deals can help you add some extra weight to your bankroll without even trying.
Why South African’s Love Ukash
Aside from the issues listed above, South African casino players are more likely to use Ukash because of the uncertain legal situation in the country with regards to online gambling. To sum up the regulatory landscape in South Africa in one word, I’d use “grey”. Because there is such uncertainty about who can do what and where, some payment processors are wary of operating in the country. This, however, isn’t the case with Ukash which means you can purchase cash and play at our recommended casinos until your heart is content.
Check out our Recommended Ukash Casinos
I’ve been around the online casino industry in South Africa for more years than I care to remember and during that time I’ve seen a number of operators comes and go. Good, bad and the ugly have all received a few Rand from my bankroll.
Since I’ve spent so much time reviewing the South African casino industry, I feel confident in showing you some of the best sites. Each of these recommended Ukash sites is safe, secure and contains a plethora of juicy bonuses. Not only that, but once you’ve deposited your money you’ll have access to some of the top casino games in the world, including online blackjack, roulette, craps and slots such as Iron Man 2 and Fantastic 4.
Casino.com – Known as one of the largest online casinos in the world, this site is a fantastic option for Ukash users in South Africa.
Titan Casino – One of our latest recommendations, but a stalwart in the industry, Titan Casino is known globally as one of the highest quality online casinos in the world.
How to Use Ukash at our Top Online Casino?
To fund your online casino account or withdraw a portion of you bankroll you can use Ukash in the following way:
- Firstly, you need to purchase a Ukash online poker voucher. Once you purchased your voucher you’ll be given a unique code which you input at one of our recommended Ukash casinos.
- After navigating to your Ukash poker room’s cashier page, simply select the appropriate deposit option and input your code.
- Finally, click “deposit” and the transaction is processed instantly.
One point to note is that Ukash can be split and combined. This means you can use them to deposit small amounts of money over time, or combine them to make a larger single deposit.
In terms of withdrawals, Ukash casino sites will allow you to use this option. Once you’ve selected your desired cash out amount, you will receive a 19-digit code which allows you to put money onto a Ukash MasterCard. If you do choose to use this option, take note of the following charges:
Fees Ukash Prepaid MasterCard Ukash Online Prepaid MasterCard
Card fee $13 $6
ID document processing FREE FREE
Purchases FREE FREE
Smartphone app FREE FREE
Upgrade to Physical Card – $7
Monthly fee FREE FREE
Top-up – Ukash $5 $5
Top-up – debit card $1.50 $1.50
ATM withdrawal $2 –
Card to card transfer $0.55 $0.55
Foreign exchange charge 2.75% 2.75%
Finally, making a deposit using Ukash will make the money appear in your account instantly. When it comes to withdrawals, this will differ between casinos but you can usually expect to have your cash within seven days.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Ukash casino sites are one of the most popular choices in the casino industry for one reason: security. When it comes to handling cash, safety is paramount and this method is one of the most secure on the market. Because you don’t have to connect your Ukash voucher to your bank account, it means that even if your online casino account was compromised, you won’t lose your life savings. Moreover, even if something did happen to your money, the company is fully licensed and regulated in the UK and, therefore, liable for and able to protect your bankroll at all times.
Hopefully by now I’ve convinced you that downloading one of our Ukash casinos is a good idea. If you want the safest, most efficient way to move your money from the real world to the virtual world, then take a punt on one of our recommended platforms.
