Everywhere around the world, sports are popular, which makes betting on sports one of the fastest forms of entertainment. It allows fans to feel part of the team; for them, it feels like they support the team by placing their money where their support lies. The betting takes place on several different types of sport, and there are no exceptions when it comes to South Africa. The most popular sports South Africans wager on is cricket, rugby and soccer.

Numerous top sportswomen and men have made it big in the country and got rich from their talent in different sports. The list of the richest amongst the South African athletes includes Chris Morris, AB de Villiers, Retief Goosen, Jacques Kalis, Ernie Els and Steven Pienaar, which is only a few of the greats.

The Richest Rugby Player in South Africa

Born on the 12th of June 1983 in Johannesburg, Bryan Gary Habana’s parent could have had no idea just how famous their son would be. Habana was part of the team that won the Rugby World Cup in 2007, and he was honoured as one of the stars of the entire tournament. Jonah Lomu set the record high with his eight tries in a single sport, which Habana finally matched a few years later. In 2007, Bryan Habana was named the Player of the Year by IRB, and in 2015 he equalled the record of 15 tries held by Jonah Lomu in a World Cup. Habana is second when it comes to the highest number of try scorers, the Player in the first place leads by 67 tries, his name Daisuke Ohata.

Habana played scrumhalf and outside centre while he was in school and from 2003 to 2004 he was part of the South African Sevens. He finally got to make his debut in 2004 when he played for the Golden Lions. By November of the same year, he moves to Twickenham. In 2005, Habana first steps to the Blue Bulls and 2005 he is part of the Springboks. He scores two tries against Uruguay and another two in the match against France. He is part of the team who plays two tests, one in Ellis Park and one in Telstra Stadium against Australia.

Bryan Habana’s Net Worth

Bryan Habana marries his long-time girlfriend, Janine Viljoen in 2009 and in March 2019 his net worth was estimated at 2 million. His current salary is around £474,600 plus earning from TV deals and other endorsements. Habana played for the Blue Bulls from 2007 to 2009 who won the 2009 Curry Cup. In 2012 he played for the Western province who won the 2012 Curry Cup. In 2014 he played for Toulon who won the European Cup, the French League and the Heineken Cup in the same year.

The Springbok squid enjoys a lot of praise as they are heading towards the clash with the All Blacks. It the South African rugby teams now referred to as the Springbok squad of Rassie Erasmus that got sports betting fans excited. Veterans stand behind the team that they believe is one of the best the country ever had. It’s the championship match, it is also the one match every player prepared for, it’s the match of the year, and everyone is ready to face New Zealand. That includes the team as well as the massive number of sports fans in the country.

The Rugby Clash of the Year

The Springboks are the favourites to win the clash, Louw believes the team has the victory bagged. The team is focussed on the same objective, and the same goal and every sports fan want this team to win. The time ahead for the South African boks is bright as it could be since the group kicked off this year with a victory. It is this win that sets the tone for the remainder of the season. The World Cup that took place in Japan is the start the team needed. The head coach is confident that the team is ready to claim every available trophy.

South Africa’s Springbok Team is Better Than Ever

The Springboks right is the best team since 2014, it is the team to watch this season, and there is no doubt that they’re the forerunners in rugby in 2019. On the other side, the All Blacks team started, less impressive this year when you look at the Argentina match. The World Cup begins on the 20th of September; the South African team is exactly where they want to be and should be. The first match takes place in Yokohama; it’s a dress rehearsal this week as the Springboks are ready and eager to face the All Blacks.

The Clash, The Tackles, The Victory

The clash between New Zealand and South Africa remains the main event of the year for both countries. Each team wants to walk away as the winner; it is what great rugby is all about. The fierce competition between the two countries goes way back, and not one of them underestimate the other. The teams know that it a match that can make or break them as players on both sides give their all, and sometimes even a bit more.

South Africa versus New Zealand is always a match in which the tackles are brutal; each of the teams shows ambition and make it as difficult for the other as humanly possible. Everyone and everything in the country comes to a standstill when the Springboks take on the All Blacks. Sportsbetting reaches new levels, and the sports pubs require you to book your place well in advance, it’s a day like no other, whether you’re a sports fanatic or not.

Yes, most believe Friday the 13th is the unluckiest day of the year including gamblers and sports bettors in South Africa. Several athletes won’t wear the infamous number during matches, and they are so serious about it that they won’t play if they’re number is 13. 13 has been considered unlucky since the middle ages and even in biblical times. It all started from the last supper when 13 people were present, and his Jesus’ death was on a Friday = Friday the 13th.
 
That is not all there is a list of events that all adds to the number and the day being the unluckiest. Geoffrey Chaucer in his Canterbury also talks about the unlucky day; he says that starting a project or a journey on Friday the 13th is bad luck. Thomas Fensler, a professor at the University of Delaware, says that 12 is a lucky number and the fear of the number 13 is that it follows 12 the safest amount. The reason why 12 is safe and enjoyable, well there are 12 months in a year, 12 zodiac signs and there were 12 apostles. The number 13 is one of fear, so much so that London’s Carlton completely skipped the idea of having a 13th floor. It is a number associated with witchcraft since you need 13 witches to form a coven.

Every Decade Has Twenty Friday the 13th’s

King Philip IV from France tortured his victims on one specific day, and that was Friday the 13th. Every decade has around 20 x Friday the 13th’s, the next one this year is in September and December.

Friday the 13th Happenings Keeping the Believe Alive

• Tupac Shakur, the legendary rapper did in 1996 on Friday the 13th of September, it was six-day since he was shot in Las Vegas
• Daz Pearson woke up with a bad feeling that something is about to happen; he decided to stay home on Friday the 13th in 1976. It was a wrong decision as his flat’s roof caved in and he died.
• The Phobia and Stress Management Centre in North Carolina reported a 700 million lost every year due to Friday the 13th superstitions
• Kitty Genovese was stabbed, raped and brutally murdered on Friday the 13th of March 1964
• On Friday the 13th of November 1970, 500 people were killed in India and Bangladesh because of the Bhola cyclone
• The Costa Concordia sank in 2012 on Friday the 13th of January
• On the 13th of September 1940 during World War II the Buckingham Palace was bombed by the Nazis
• An obvious crush on the 13th of October 1972, in the Andes, killed 12 people – 16 survived an had to go to extremes to remain alive until they were rescued.

South Africa is a sports-loving nation that is allowed to place bets at land-based bookmakers and online bookies registered in the country. Things are done a bit different in Africa; when you feel ill, you seek the help of a sangoma instead of a medical doctor. Sangomas are known as traditional healers, and they not only heal but also make predictions. The Christian recently criticised Gogo Ntoleng when this traditional healer predicted that the ANC would enjoy the largest share of the voter’s support.

Can Sangomas Make Correct Predictions?

What angered most was that the sangoma’s predictions were broadcasted on a live TV show. She was filmed as she threw the bones to make her predictions. She predicted that the ANC would have 60.7% of the vote, and at the end, the ANC got 57.50% of the vote.

Was Ntoleng Right about the Voting Percentage?

She was not far off with her prediction, which might explain why some believe the traditional healers could also help them win via sports-betting projections. Some believe the healers have the power to influence the outcomes of upcoming events. When it comes to strange beliefs, some are slaves to superstition.

Cats, Charms, Crossed Fingers and other Superstitions

The list of superstitions grows by the day, some you might know. So here are the questions: Have you ever used a candle to light your cigarette, do you chew chewing-gum at night, or did you clip your nails after sunset? If your answer to some of the above questions is yes, postpone your online sports betting session or you live blackjack game, it’s time to learn a bit more about superstition.

Stevie Wonder – It’s Ok to Believe in the Things You Don’t Always Understand

When lady luck claims centre stage, superstition waits in the wings to make an appearance. When the outcome of the game comes down to the turn of the card or the roll of the dice, then the slaves of fate might need all the assistance they can get. Assistance? Yes, we are talking horseshoes, a rabbit’s foot, a dollop of poo from a Russian bird or maybe just the touch of a Redhead.

Superstition is the Star of the Casino Floor

Superstition on the casino floor includes players touching the screen, blowing on their hand before spinning, or kissing the screen. You probably wonder why; they all try to seduce lady luck. Will she favour the clothes you wear; would she anger when you don’t say bless you when someone sneezes, it is all-important when it comes to an evening of hard 16s when you take a seat at the blackjack table. If you find this as exciting as we do, read our next article to learn more about the amazingly exciting world of superstition. Get all the information you need about lucky charms, black cats and Friday the 13th as well as the luck of the Irish.

South Africa is a sport-loving country, and sports betting is one of the fastest-growing industries. What angers most citizens are the agony of owning a South Africa passport, it’s impossible to follow your favourite sports team. More than half of the travellers from South Africa know they need to choose destinations overseas that require no visas consciously. Travelstart did a study between April and July 2019 to provide insight into the problem’s travellers face.

South African Passport Application 48% Finds it Costly and Drawn Out.

48% of South African passport owners that applied for visas in the past twelve months agree that it is time and financially costly. It requires tricky documentation, and the visa applications are drawn-put that adds to the headache of being a South Africa citizen. 4% of the 48% faced visa refusal, and at least 10% gave up on travelling after a lengthy and costly process. The country’s that refuses visas are not obligated to provide any reason for not approving permits. At the moment, most South Africans are turned down by the US and the United Kingdom.

10% of all South African’s Cancel Entire Trip

Due to the lengthy process or refusal, the South African passport holders meant that 22% had to postpone their travel plans. The visa process led to 17% losing their money, 10% cancel their entire trip, and 6% miss their flights.

17% of South African’s Lose Their Money

The cost of visas is a significant negative, and the lengthy process often leads to excessive documentation requirements. There is a massive lack of payment options available to South African’s, which means taking off work and travelling to the offices. It is even worse for those who do not live in major cities.

The United States Demand Facebook Usernames & All Email Addresses New or Old

Even when a family member overseas is sick, emergency passports available to South African’s are risky, and many countries won’t accept them. It means you pay the travel cost and high prices for the emergency passport. Only to be sent home on the next available flight.

Emergency Passports are Risky and Not Accepted by most Countries.

South African visa applicants now need to provide the United States with their social media usernames, their current and previous telephone numbers and all email addresses. Facebook post counts against South African travellers as the decision-makers use every entry on social media when they scrutinise the applications. When you finally get a visa for your destination, Travelstar warns that several South Africans that selected cheaper flights with several stopovers faced challenges with the visa requirements. Even when the holiday destination is visa-free if you’re a South African, you have to check stops as the ruling government might not agree. You could face severe delays, miss your flight or be sent back to home – no holiday.  

The president dared all opponents, Cyril Ramaphosa to try and remove him next year from the National General Council. Ramaphosa is known as Lucky Morajane, is the current president of South Africa and he warned those what tries to remove him that they had a date with him at the upcoming meeting.

R500,000 towards Presidential Campaign of Cyril Ramaphosa

On the 28th of June, New24 reported on the expected fireworks as the battles are about to reach boiling point at the NEC. Just one week before the NEC meetings, Ramaphosa announced that he plans to take a public protector report on review. The statement he is referring to is that focussed on a donation of R500,000 to the Ramaphosa presidential campaign. The gift was received from the head of services, Gavin Watson.

Executive Code of Ethics Violated by Cyril Ramaphosa

Busisiwe Mkhwebane, the public protector, found that Cyril Ramaphosa had violated the code of ethics. Ramaphosa immediately addressed the nation to announce that the reports were inaccurate. According to Ramaphosa, it had numerous inaccuracies. The report by Mkhwebane includes her studies into the account of the presidential campaign as well as the donation moved around and received. It shows that the president did violate the public protector act as well as the principles of the common law.

Derek Hanekom A Cyril Ramaphosa Loyalist Got Zuma Out

The NEC is now also focussing on Derek Hanekom who was previously accused by Jaco Zuma of being a known agent. This week Zuma also reacted when Julius Malama, the EFF leader accused Hanekom of conspiring to get Zuma out from the national assembly.

It all goes back to the motion that played an essential part in Zuma’s downfall two years ago. Some of the MPs in the ANC voted with the opposition. MKMVA the Umkhonto Size Veterans asked that Hanekom should be suspended especially since he admitted that he did meet with the EFF.

Mkhwebane is pleased that the president decided to seek recourse through the court, she has proof that he deliberately misled the South African parliament. Claims include money laundering is also under the PACCA considerations, and lots of evidence was found regarding the application. New24 told readers that is wishes to assert that the whole list of events of the past week is to divert attention from all the corruption in the country.

South Africa Confiscates Online Gambler’s Winnings

Reports from Cape Town, South Africa indicated that the online winnings of players added up to over a million. The winnings never reached the winners as online gambling is illegal in the country and was confiscated by the trade and industry department.

In South Africa, the national regulator of the gambling industry is the National Gambling Board. In the National Gambling Act, section 16 of 2004, online gambling is illegal.

Many Are Against Legalising Online Gambling

The gain form the revenue made avail by online gambling is massive; what it could mean to the country in terms of income is unknown when it comes to figures. The legalised gambling amount will rise in 2019 to over R30 million or in pounds this amount is equal to around £18.1 billion. It slightly differs with conversion, all depending on the strength of the rand versus the pound.

What Would Online Legalisation Mean to South Africans?

What is quite easy to see is that the country could gain massively by legalising online gambling. It is a country where millions live in poverty and gambling funds could pay for medical, schooling, housing, and so many other things needed by underprivileged citizens.

How Big is the Illegal Gambling in South Africa?

The problem of illegal gambling in the country includes not only the thousands that play at online casinos daily. There are also loads of unlicensed land-based parlours that offer gambling opportunities. The government is not focussed on closing down such establishments; it decided to make it the players problem. Well, problem or task, see it as it may, if you play at an unlicensed parlour, you won’t get your winnings. Or so the Government threat.

Do Citizens Get Punished?

It is all good and well to warn the South African citizens of what could happen when they gamble illegally. The question is, do the government enforces the law. In 2017 in Cape Town, several individuals were caught in gaming at online casinos. These were ordered by the court to pay a massive fine worth R1 million; it is an estimated £55,000. The individuals achieved winnings worth R1.25 million or £70,000 at online sportsbooks and online casinos.

The minister of industry and trade in South Africa is Rob Davies, and he again warned the public that playing online will result in fines and even jail time. Unlawful winnings will be forfeited to the state, that is the law.

What Would Legalised Online Gambling Mean to South African Players

Should the Government in South Africa legalise online gambling, it would mean that South Africans would be allowed to join online casinos. It would allow them to gamble from the safety of their home or mobile devices. The online casino games offer a much higher return to player percentages, and the variety is almost endless. Online casinos offer slots, table games, sportsbetting and live casino gaming. The bonuses are much higher than that offered by land-based casinos, and it all benefits the player. While the government would have access to more funds, which could bring an end to poverty and reduce the crime rate.

When it comes to online gambling customs and laws around the world, it differs hugely from one country to the next. For instance, in Las Vegas, it is up to you, you can gamble when you wish and as much as you want at any of the hundreds of casinos.

In the UK you can enjoy land-based or online gambling it is legal, and you can enjoy betting via your phone. South Africans are free to enter a casino at any time of the day or night to enjoy gambling. But, they are forbidden from logging into an online gambling site from their laptops, desktops or even mobile devices.

Significant Fines and Even Imprisonment When You Play at Online Casinos in South Africa

Many South Africans are members of online casinos and enjoy thousands of online games. Many sites are happy to welcome players from South Africa and allowing them to enjoy full membership benefits. These include substantial welcome bonuses, a whole range of promotions and even loyalty benefits.

What is the Risk You Take by Joining an Online Casino?

If you’re a South African, the risk you take is enormous, you could end up paying a significant fine for joining and playing at online casinos. Apart from the fine, you could even end up in prison!

What is the Benefit of Prohibiting? Do people form Enjoying Online Casino Gaming?

The reason why the South African Government and gambling regulatory body want to prevent online gambling is that it holds a threat to the community. Gambling addiction is what increases poverty, and it is an immoral threat.

Is Land-Based Gambling Not a Threat to Society?

If online gambling is such a threat to the South African society, how can land-based casino gaming then be ok? There is no limit in the country to how much you can gamble; you have access to land-based casinos all day and night.

Useful in One Way, Illegal in the Other?

Answers on such questions are not available; over the past years, many politicians have tried to legalize online gambling. They’ve failed time after time, and there is no indication that online casino gaming would be authorized shortly. Most of the banks won’t allow you to deposit at a casino.

No Legalization Could Mean Losing Out on Thousands if Not Millions

The only recent threat from the Government was that people gambling online would not receive their winnings. But how do the Government know what people win when they already forced to use alternative banking methods. No one funds their online casino account by using banking services.

Legalization Could Boost The Government’s Funds

South African’s use ewallets or even cryptocurrencies to play online, and by legalizing online play, the country could fund housing. It would be controlled, and as things stand now, they are losing money that could make a significant difference in the country.

Even though online casino gambling is illegal in South Africa, there seem to be no restrictions on sports betting. After all, it is a country that loves all kinds of sports, from rugby to cricket and soccer. The country is home to some of the greatest sports stadiums, and the 2010 World Cup hosting was superb in every way. It showed that the country has what it takes to host major sports events.

But South Africa n’s who enjoy slots, poker, blackjack and other forms of casino gaming entertainment have one option only. Visit your local casino or don’t play, as online casino activities are illegal.

Hotels in South Africa

In most countries, large hotels ads casinos to attract more visitors and with no online casino gaming available, you’d imagine that the state does the same. What you need to know before making this assumption is that South Africa is home to no less than seven of the worlds most haunted hotels. So, when you on a venture to find the good, the bad, the scary and the unusual in the country, your first stop would be the Lord Milner Hotel. This hotel in Matjiesfontein, the locals believe belongs to the ghost called Lucy.

Ghost Lucy Scares Guests at the Lord Milner Hotel

Lucy seems not to like noise or the up and down of guests and to prevent this; it is reported that she makes noises. It scares guests away who comes to enjoy the beautiful building completed in 1899. The Lord Milner Hotel is named after the governor of the Cape; his full name was Lord Alfred Milner. The hotel was the headquarters of the Western Command in the Cape during the Anglo-Boer war.

Experts Came to Meet Ghost Lucy

The hotel is the most haunted of all hotels, and even experts have been called upon to investigate why the ghost guests won’t leave. The ghosts rattle the doors; you can hear them play cards, not sure if it is poker or blackjack they like, and you could even see them floating down the corridors.

Going alone into your room and closing the door behind, you only happens on a dare. If you’re inside and the lights go off, it means game on. You can hear yourself breathing, and if you try to get out, you can’t the doorknob stops working. But maybe that is what a different experience is all about; you be the judge.

Play A Round of Ghostly Poker or Pray You’d Fall Asleep Quickly

The visitor’s book is ancient, and it holds the name of thousands who have stayed for a bit at the hotel. Almost all those who have visited have heard the shuffling sound of cards, but when they hear the hiss of a cat, they pray that they’d fall asleep quickly. Luckily the ghostly events only take place during the dark of the night, and by morning you can enjoy a stay in one of the best hotels in Matjiesfontein.

Polokwane in South Africa was once a flourishing wine market, but the decline of the South African platinum industry and marginalized administration transformed this boom town into a neglected place. It is now more known as the place where the mediocre urban meets, they do gather in crowds here and quite rightfully, so they called the new mafia. One that lives of the flesh of what once was an obese beast.

Lifeless Meropa to Gambling Hub in a Day

In July Polokwane’s Meropa Casino is dead, but it all depends on the date, if you visit on the 24th you’ll be all by yourself. One day later, it changes entirely as the 25th is payday in this part of Africa. The Meropa Casino is now pumping with the mindless indigents that bring life to the property of Sun International every month. They spend all the money they planned to set aside for groceries.

Ranch Motel is a Bit of Light in this Dark Underworld

It seems that nothing works but the Ranch Motel, needless to say, that the motel is in private hands. Everyone knows it, yet no one is concerned about the permanent failure sense that hangs like a thick cloud over the place. The staff is untrained, abused and shouted at, but the contractors don’t care, they want to be paid for their lack of interest.

Once Successful Now Without Hope

It’s a sad situation as Polokwane once was successful, although all is not lost as you’d find it hard to GM of the casino, its either no money or easy money now. There is no point in trying to correct the erosion of the infrastructure or morality.

Losing money Don’t Matter That Much Anymore

What is happening here is that the second anyone gets their hands on some money; they go to the casino. In this dusty place, can you judge those that want a glimpse, no matter how long it lasts? Of the promised land. You might lose it, but does it matter as being out of money is a permanent or even regular decision.

Home to the Unhappy and Sufferers

There is also the argument around alcohol abuse; it’s the road of suffering and unhappiness in which the family of the alcoholic suffers the most. Sometimes all that is needed is someone to blame. It could turn violent; it could involve your nearest and dearest, there is no incentive in it for those who try.

The ANC is responsible some say for the unholy muddle, while the GM of Meropa continues to entertain his quest at his nightclub with a few bottles of Johnnie Walker Black. One thing is clear; his budget is designed to allow a way to make his problems go away. The employer pays the big bucks for this license, and he shows little care that the taxpayers contribute to what can only be described as a mess, one that is bottomless.