Royal Ace Casino Review

Royal Ace Casino has been around since 2008 and accepts players from South Africa, but the casino does little to cater to local preferences. It operates on Realtime Gaming (RTG) software and offers around 200 games, primarily video slots. However, it lacks basic features that I expect from a South African casino, such as ZAR support and a licensed, regulated environment. Without a valid gambling license and minimal transparency about ownership, there are several reasons to approach this casino cautiously. After testing the casino thoroughly, I’ve gathered insights on why it may not be the best fit, and I’ll also introduce some alternative casinos that are much better suited for South African players.

Royal Ace Casino does offer a variety of bonuses, though accessing full details often requires logging in. Below is an overview of their key promotions.

Royal Ace Welcome Bonus

• Bonus Code: ROYAL250

• Offer: 250% match + 35 free spins on the Thai Emerald slot.

• Bonus Limit: Not clearly defined, but stated to be up to $2,000 (~R36,000).

• Wagering Requirement: 15x on slots and keno.

• Note: The bonus is non-cashable, meaning you can't withdraw the bonus amount—only the winnings from it.

No-Deposit Bonus

• Bonus Code: FREE333

• Offer: $30 (~R545) free chip.

• Wagering Requirement: 30x on slots and keno, 60x on table games.

• Cash-out Limit: $100 (~R1,800).

Recurring Deposit Bonuses

• HOTBONUS: Up to 300% deposit match.

• MASKEDWINS: Up to 250% deposit match, no playthrough requirement.

While the bonuses seem generous, most of them are non-cashable, meaning you won't actually be able to withdraw the bonus funds, only any winnings—if you can meet the often steep playthrough requirements.

Casino Games and Software

The game library at Royal Ace Casino is limited, offering just around 200 games, all provided by Realtime Gaming (RTG). While RTG is a reliable and mobile-friendly software provider, relying solely on one game provider limits variety.

Slot Machines

• Number of Slots: 193 video slots.

• Variety: Limited themes ranging from comedy (The Three Stooges) to wildlife (Buffalo Mania).

• Missing Titles: Lacks popular progressive jackpot slots like Jackpot Cleopatra’s Gold Deluxe and Megasaur.

Table Games

• The casino offers only 10 table games, which is quite limited. Popular games like Andar Bahar and Tri Card Poker are available, but options are minimal compared to competitors.

Video Poker and Live Casino

• The video poker selection includes 15 variants, such as Deuces Wild and Jacks or Better, but Royal Ace Casino has no live dealer games, a big drawback for players who enjoy the immersive experience of playing with a live dealer.

Payment Methods

One of the biggest disadvantages of Royal Ace Casino for South African players is its limited payment options. The casino does not accept ZAR, forcing players to deal with conversion fees. Additionally, it only supports USD and a few cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin, but no local payment methods like EFT or prepaid vouchers.

Note: For cryptocurrency users, Litecoin is favored by the casino with extra bonuses on deposits. However, this isn't enough to make up for the lack of ZAR support.

Mobile Gaming Experience

While Royal Ace Casino is mobile-friendly, it doesn’t offer a dedicated mobile app for either Android or iOS. Players can access the casino via a mobile browser, and the experience is generally smooth. All games are available on mobile, but the lack of a native app might deter players who prefer more seamless, app-based gameplay.

Customer Support and User Experience

Customer support is only available via live chat and email, with no phone support offered. The casino's use of Inclave for logging in simplifies the process somewhat, but the overall user experience feels subpar due to the limited game selection, slow withdrawals, and confusing bonus terms.

Alternative Online Casinos

For South African players looking for more localized experiences and better game selection, here are some alternative casinos that are worth considering.

1. Springbok Casino

Springbok Casino has become a favorite among South African players since its launch. It offers full ZAR support, allowing players to deposit and withdraw in their local currency without worrying about conversion fees.

• Game Variety: Offers over 500 games, including slots, table games, and video poker. This is significantly more than Royal Ace’s 200 games.

• Mobile App: Springbok Casino offers a dedicated mobile app for seamless gameplay.

• Licensing: Springbok Casino is licensed by Curacao eGaming, providing more peace of mind than Royal Ace’s unlicensed operations.

2. Yebo Casino

Yebo Casino is a well-known, South African-focused online casino offering a tailored experience for local players.

• ZAR Support: Like Springbok Casino, Yebo Casino supports ZAR deposits and withdrawals, which is crucial for South African players.

• Game Selection: Offers a more diverse library with over 300 games from multiple providers, including live dealer games, which are completely absent at Royal Ace.

• Customer Support: Yebo Casino provides 24/7 support via live chat, email, and even a South African phone number, making it easier to resolve issues.

• Bonuses: Yebo Casino's bonus terms are clearer, and many of its bonuses are cashable, unlike Royal Ace’s non-cashable bonuses.

3. Europa Casino

Europa Casino is a globally recognized brand with a strong reputation, regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority, one of the most reputable regulators in the industry.

• Game Selection: With over 400 games, including slots from major providers like Playtech and NetEnt, and live dealer games, Europa offers significantly more variety than Royal Ace.

• Payment Options: Europa Casino offers multiple payment methods, including support for ZAR, making it much more convenient for South African players.