Latest news with #SunBet
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
High-riding Michael Owen: Football Legend turned horseracing ambassador
MICHAEL Owen, the legendary former England and Liverpool striker, and now SunBet brand ambassador is in the country and will be experiencing the Durban July for the first time on Saturday. Image: Supplied FAMED footballer and analyst Michael Owen airing his authoritative views on the possible Hollywoodbets Durban July outcome on Saturday will not be something that drops horseracing people and punters out of their saddles. Owen is very familiar with all things horseracing. He's a respected UK-based horsebreeder, owner and his large stable has produced many champion runners that have won some of the biggest races around the world. Owen is a Sunbet ambassador who has been lined-up for a few engagements before and after Saturday's big racing event at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, which will be his maiden experience. Legendary English footballer Michael Owens will experience the pace and setting of the Hollywoodbets Durban July weekend. Image: Instagram Some of Owen's Sunbet appointments include a panel discussion about the big race with leading local personalities on Thursday, media and fan engagements and he's also excited about a planned visit to the Summerveld Training Centre, one of the country's leading horse yards. But the big drawcard for him is the outing on Saturday. 'It's a race renowned all over the world and I can't wait to experience it in person. I have followed South African racing for some time and they have always produced very good horses. 'It's great the restrictions have been lifted and hopefully we will see more of the South African horses on the world stage too.' His affinity for all things horsey kicked in around age 10, by then his football goalscoring ability had already taken its stride. 'It was my dad who caused it. If I scored a couple of goals on a Saturday we would stop outside the bookies (bookmakers), he'd give me a pound and I'd be able to buy some sweets while he went in to place bets. 'We'd go home and put the TV on – horseracing was the only sport on at the time on a Saturday afternoon. 'When I got to around 13 I used to read up in the newspapers about which jockeys were winning the races and who their trainers were and started to pick the horses out for dad and that's where my love for horses began.' Owen remembered returning from a FIFA World Cup Tournament (France 1998), he was 18 then, when his England teammate, David Platt, talked to him about owning a horse. 'I just assumed it was just for the Queen and the sheikhs of the world, not the man on the street like me. 'He (Platt) introduced me to his trainer, John Gosden. I subsequently had all my horses with John, the numbers kept swelling and by the time I got to my early twenties I was thinking, I may be a footballer now, but I won't be one forever.' He responded by building his own yard at age 22, by then he already owned horses. This led to the establishment of Manor House in Cheshire, which grew appreciably over the years and now stands as one of the biggest yards in an area that is well-known for horse rearing and training. Owen said he and his team kept pushing boundaries at Manor House and have been the pacesetters when it came to the use of science and technology at his yard that is home to a string of more than 130 horses. Hugo Palmer is the current trainer at Manor House. Some of his Manor House charges have competed around the globe in prestigious events like the Melbourne Cup and Breeders Cup. 'I'm really pleased with how the stables have grown and improved. 'I am probably most proud of Brown Panther - I bred him and co-owned him and he went on to win the Dubai Gold Cup and the Irish St Ledger.' On how he straddles between football analysis and running a flourishing stable, Owen said: 'Football still takes priority - working on football is my day job and I love it. Alongside my work on the TV, I have a few commercial sponsors that I work with, but whenever I'm not working I'm at Manor House.' DAILY NEWS
Mail & Guardian
19-06-2025
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Play and Win: Free signup bonus no deposit casino South Africa real money explained
No deposit bonuses have become a game-changer for online casino players in South Africa, offering an exciting way to jump into real money gaming without risking a cent upfront. As Jeff Vertes, a seasoned gambling expert, I've witnessed the growing appeal of promotions like the A free signup bonus no deposit casino South Africa real money offer is a type of welcome promotion designed to give new players a chance to try out an online casino's games without risking any of their own funds—yet still offering the possibility of winning real cash. It's a widely used strategy among leading South African-facing casinos, allowing newcomers to explore the platform in a risk-free, rewarding way. For example, SunBet casino, a long-standing favourite among South African players, gives away R300 just for opening an account. Similarly, Springbok Casino offers a R250 no deposit bonus, instantly credited upon signup or after entering a promo code like TEST-SPRINGBOK. These bonuses are typically valid on selected slots such as Tome of Madness (Play'n Go) or Golden Winner Grand Chance (Inspired Gaming), making them ideal for trying out games before committing real money. The process is straightforward: after signing up—without having to enter any banking details—you receive your bonus credit. You can then start playing eligible games, and if you win, your payout becomes withdrawable once you meet the wagering requirements, which generally range from 30x to 50x the bonus amount. Many casinos also include a withdrawal limit; for instance, Spinza Casino sets a R500 max cashout for no deposit winnings. Other platforms follow similar models with generous rewards. For instance, the African Grand Casino no deposit bonus R500 offer allows players to start with a larger amount right away, while PlayLive Casino 35 free spins code promotions let players experience premium slot titles without making a deposit—perfect for mobile gamers or those exploring South Africa's growing live casino market. These no deposit bonuses are particularly appealing to first-time South African players or anyone curious about online casinos but hesitant to deposit funds upfront. They offer a practical way to explore key features of a platform—such as trying out popular slots like Sugar Rush 1000 (Pragmatic Play) or Miss Cherry Fruits (BGAMING), testing game performance on mobile devices, and checking the responsiveness of customer support via live chat or email. Players can also assess whether the site's interface is user-friendly and how quickly winnings are processed, especially under withdrawal caps like the R500 limit. To claim a free signup bonus no deposit casino South Africa real money offer, the first step is to choose a trustworthy online casino that accepts South African players and provides this type of promotion. Well-known licensed platforms like Yebo Casino, Springbok Casino, and Thunderbolt Casino are solid options, as they support ZAR, offer reliable customer service, and have a history of fair play. Once you've picked your casino, the registration process is simple. You'll need to enter personal information such as your name, email address, and mobile number, then create a secure password. Some casinos will ask you to verify your account through email or SMS, and you may need to upload an ID document before any withdrawal is approved. After successful registration and verification, the no deposit bonus is typically added to your account automatically. In some cases, you may need to enter a specific promo code—like 'GRANDWEST'—to activate it. These bonuses are usually valid on selected slots and allow new players to experience the casino without any financial commitment. For instance, some platforms offer a free R100 casino on registration bonus, giving you a small but real-money stake to start playing instantly. It's essential to read the bonus terms before using the offer. Most no deposit bonuses include wagering requirements—usually between 30x and 50x the bonus amount—and limit gameplay to specific games. Withdrawal caps are also common, with many casinos limiting no deposit cashouts to between R500 and R1000. There's usually a time window—often 7 to 30 days—within which the bonus must be used and the wagering completed. With the growing popularity of online gambling in South Africa, more casinos are offering generous no deposit signup bonuses to attract new players. However, not all platforms are created equal—some have strict withdrawal rules or questionable licensing. To help you avoid the hassle and focus on real opportunities, here's a curated selection of trusted free signup bonus no deposit casino South Africa real money sites for 2025. These casinos are fully licensed, support ZAR, and have a strong reputation for fair play and fast payouts. Each of these platforms offers a real-money experience with zero deposit required. Their bonuses are tailored for South African players and come with fair terms, including reasonable wagering requirements and transparent withdrawal rules. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to test a new site risk-free, these options provide a solid starting point. Casino Name Bonus Amount Withdrawal Terms License Info Springbok Casino R250 Max withdrawal R500, 60x wager Licensed by Curacao Yebo Casino R300 Max withdrawal R1000, 40x wager Licensed by Curacao Thunderbolt Casino R200 Max withdrawal R500, 30x wager Licensed by Curacao Silver Sands Casino R250 Max withdrawal R1000, 50x wager Licensed by Kahnawake Punt Casino R200 Max withdrawal R1000, 35x wager Licensed by Curacao These no deposit bonuses allow you to try out real-money slots, test customer support, and even win cash without spending a cent. Just remember to always read the bonus terms carefully and verify your account to avoid payout issues. One of the most common questions players ask when considering a free signup bonus no deposit casino South Africa real money offer is: Can I actually win and withdraw real cash? The answer is yes—but with realistic expectations and a good understanding of the terms involved. These bonuses are designed to give you a shot at real winnings without requiring a deposit, but they are not a guarantee of easy profit. Most casinos place certain limitations on no deposit offers, primarily through wagering requirements and withdrawal caps. For instance, if you receive a R200 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you'll need to place bets totaling R6,000 before you're eligible to withdraw any winnings. It's possible—but not easy. That said, many players in South Africa have reported genuine payouts. For example, a user at Silver Sands Online Casino used a R250 no deposit bonus to play Lord of the Ocean Slot, completed the 60x wagering requirement, and successfully withdrew R500—the maximum cashout allowed for that promotion. Another player at Jackpot City Casino hit a lucky spin on Duck Hunters using their R300 free bonus, completed the playthrough, and withdrew R1000, the full allowed cashout. To turn your bonus into real money, it's crucial to follow a few best practices. First, always read the bonus terms and conditions before playing. Make sure you understand the wagering requirement, eligible games, expiration date, and withdrawal limits. Second, focus on games with high Finally, steer clear of unlicensed or shady casinos that promise unrealistic bonuses or refuse to process withdrawals. Stick with trusted South African-friendly platforms that are fully licensed and transparent about their rules. This is the key to converting a no deposit bonus into real, withdrawable cash—and enjoying the thrill of winning without risking your own money. A free signup bonus no deposit casino South Africa real money offer can be an excellent way to start your online gaming journey, especially if you're new to the scene or cautious about spending money. These promotions come with both clear benefits and some notable limitations. Among the key advantages are: Risk-free gameplay – you can try real-money games without making a deposit. The chance to win actual cash – even if you start with a small bonus. Try-before-you-deposit approach – explore the casino, test the games, and assess the overall experience without financial pressure. At the same time, there are some important drawbacks to be aware of: High wagering requirements – often 30x to 60x the bonus amount, making it challenging to cash out. Game restrictions – usually only selected slots count toward wagering, with table games excluded. Small bonus amounts and cashout caps – even if you win big, maximum withdrawal limits (often R500–R1000) may apply. In summary, while these offers are a fantastic way to explore South African online casinos and potentially win without risk, they are not 'free money' in the purest sense. If you understand the rules and choose reputable platforms, these bonuses can absolutely be worth your time. From my experience as Jeff Vertes, trying a free signup bonus no deposit casino South Africa real money offer is one of the smartest ways for new and cautious players to dive into online gambling without risking their own funds. These bonuses give you a risk-free chance to explore games, test how a casino works, and even win real cash. I've found that they help players get comfortable with the platform, check the quality of the software, and see how responsive customer support is—all before making a deposit. That said, it's essential to stick to trusted, licensed casinos like Yebo Casino, Springbok Casino, or Thunderbolt Casino to make sure your gaming experience is safe and fair. Always remember to carefully read the bonus terms and play responsibly. Following this approach, South African players can enjoy the excitement of online casinos while protecting their interests and boosting their chances of winning.
