Greetings to all our South African casino enthusiasts out there! Today, we're diving into a tool that's been causing a buzz in the online casino world in South Africa: Zapper. This handy app has been gaining popularity amongst South African casino players for its easy-to-use payment features and convenience.
With the rise of online casinos in South Africa, Zapper has become a go-to tool for many players looking for a seamless and secure way to pay and play. Founded in 2014 by local entrepreneur David De Villiers, Zapper is one of the few proudly South African casino payment methods.
In this PlayCasino review, we'll explore why Zapper has become so popular in South Africa, how it works, and whether it lives up to the hype.
What Is Zapper?
Zapper is a mobile payment method that allows users to make payments using their smartphones. Zapper started life as a free QR scanner that enabled you to pay bills or fines. Now, it has evolved into a way for South Africans to pay their bills, transfer money, and make secure money transfers from their smartphones. Though Zapper still has QR code support, many people use the app linked to their bank accounts to make payments online using secure URLs.
Zapper can integrate with Visa or Mastercard credit and debit cards. If you bank with any of the main South African banks, such as Absa, Capitec, FNB, Nedbank, or Standard Bank, you can connect your bank account easily and make Zapper payments directly to online casinos.
How Does Zapper Work?
Available on both Android and iOS, the app works by displaying a QR code, which you scan with your camera to initiate the payment. Once the QR code is scanned, the user is prompted to enter the payment amount and confirm the transaction. The payment is processed instantly and securely, with the funds transferred directly from the user's account to the merchant's account.
To start using Zapper, download the app from the App Store and add a card. Add a Visa or Mastercard and start using Zapper at online casinos in minutes.
How To Get Set Up With Zapper (Step By Step)
To start using Zapper, follow these steps:
Download the Zapper app
The Zapper app is available on both Google Play for Android devices and iOS devices on the App Store. Or visit zapper.com for a link to the official app. Zapper has a Help section to help you tackle any problems you might have when downloading or using the app.
Sign up for an account
Once you've downloaded the app, you'll need to set up an account. Enter your name, email address, and create a password. You'll also need to link a debit or credit card to your Zapper account.
Verify your account
Zapper may ask you to verify your account before you can start using it. You can do this by providing additional information or documentation, like a copy of your ID or a bank statement.
As an extra layer of security, you’ll be sent a one-time password to verify that it’s you.
Set up a PIN
Once your account is verified, you'll be prompted to set up a PIN. This PIN will be used to secure your account and authorise transactions.
Connect your bank account
To add a card as a payment method, select the menu option and choose "Payment Methods" before clicking 'add card'. You’ll the option to scan the card or enter it manually. Zapper also lets you choose a default card and store multiple cards on the account.
Start using Zapper
With your Zapper account set up and linked to your debit or credit card, you can start using the app to make payments at online casinos. Simply scan the QR code displayed on the casino website with your smartphone camera, confirm the payment amount, and enter your PIN to complete the transaction.
We love that there are no Zapper fees for consumers, although normal bank card fees may still apply. The Zapper merchant fees in South Africa are a different story; there’s a 2.9% fee for merchants taking Zapper payments.
How to Use Zapper at Online Casinos
Zapper isn’t just for paying your bills or filling up your car. It's super easy to use at online casinos and can save you a ton of time and hassle. Follow these steps:
Ensure that you have the Zapper app installed on your device and have a functioning card or bank account linked to the app.
Next, create an account or log into your existing account at a casino that accepts Zapper as a payment method.
Go to the Deposit page on your chosen casino, and select "Zapper" as the payment method. Deposit the desired amount. You may find that there is a minimum deposit.
Clicking "Deposit" will take you to your Zapper app to verify the payment and add a balance to your account.
It's important to note that not all online casinos accept Zapper as a payment method, so be sure to check with the casino before attempting to use this payment method. Additionally, some casinos may require additional verification or documentation before allowing you to make deposits or withdrawals using Zapper.
Is Zapper Safe for South Africans?
Yup! Zapper is a super safe way to make payments. Depending on your bank, the app may even be safer than using your credit or debit card. Thanks to its multi-factor authentication process, your Zapper login is secure. Financial information is never shared with the merchant, so you don't have to worry about their safety and security practices.
Zapper has a team of people working to resolve issues, and if your card is stolen or your phone is lost, they can help you to cancel the payment method. Thousands of South Africans are using Zapper regularly, so it’s a widely-trusted consumer choice with millions of downloads on App Stores.
Zapper vs Snapscan: What's the Difference?
Snapscan vs Zapper – a classic debate! Both use a clever, secure QR code system. In many places where you find Zapper accepted as a payment method, you’ll also find Snapscan.
Both let you pay bills, send money to friends, and split bills. Snapscan also has a focus on pre-payment, such as electricity top-ups. Zapper's Tap on Phone functionality makes it very popular among merchants. Making and receiving payments securely using your device is easier and quicker.
So what’s the difference between Zapper and Snapscan? And which one is better for South Africans to use at online casinos?
Well, nothing really. Both QR code-based apps make making and receiving payments using your phone easier and faster. Deciding on which payment method to use will depend on whether the online casino offers both as a payment method. However, our team has seen that Zapper is offered by more online casinos than SnapScan.
Zapper vs Other Online Casino Payment Methods
You'll be spoilt for choice when it’s time to make a deposit at an online casino. If you already make Zapper payments in South Africa, then chances are this is already your favourite method! However, there are many other popular payment methods you can consider.
So how does Zapper compare to other forms of payment on online casinos in South Africa?
Payment Method | Transaction Fees | Payment speed | Safety & Security | Customer Support | Usability | Payment Limits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Zapper | Free | Usually instant for deposits | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | Variable |
Snapscan | Free | Usually instant for deposits | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | R2 000 daily transfer limit |
EasyEFT | Free | Usually instant for deposits | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Variable |
Skrill | Up to 1% | Instant deposits | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Variable |
Our Rating for Zapper: 4/5
We believe Zapper deserves a rating of four out of five. So many South Africans already have the app on their phone and have connected a card to pay for things like parking. Using it to pay money into your online gambling account is equally convenient.
When we tested casinos accepting payments on Zapper, we found that many allowed you to deposit using your Zapper app but not withdraw using the same method. This means you have to set up a different method, such as connecting a bank account, to access your winnings.
Fraud prevention is a big plus point. Zapper's website claims that their team "detects fraud with pinpoint accuracy and is proven to reduce the cost of fraud to your business whilst ensuring genuine customers are not rejected or left frustrated."
The Zapper app is designed with ease of use in mind, meaning most South Africans should find the app easy to understand. The UI is very clean, and you can quickly and easily add a card that can allow you to make payments. It also means you don't have to take your card with you if you know that where you are going accepts Zapper. Of course, this isn't such a problem for online casinos, but the Zapper app still adds convenience and makes the process quicker.
The extra security added by Zapper is the clincher for us. The encryption means that your details are kept private, and you don't have to share as many banking details with the casino itself.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Zapper for Online Casinos
- Adds a further layer of security, as the payment details are never shared with the casinos directly.
- Allows you to connect directly to many different banks and account types and add any Visa or Mastercard.
- Offers support to help you cancel your card or payments if your phone or card is stolen.
- Offers loyalty programmes with some of their vendors, meaning that a lot of merchants add bonuses and extra benefits for their users, especially those who go back repeatedly. In the future, online casinos may embrace this.
- Zapper's app, like many different apps, can run into problems. You may occasionally find it hard to find support through the app.
- Not all South African online casinos accept payments through Zapper, so using the app isn't always an option. More casinos accept other payment methods like Skrill.
- Some sites, like 10bet, allow you to deposit into your account using Zapper but don’t allow you to make withdrawals.
Why Trust Our Zapper Review?
Our Zapper review and all other reviews at PlayCasino are subject to a strict reviewing process. We regularly test and review payment methods at the best online casinos in South Africa, so you can be sure that our information is up-to-date and unbiased.
We're also committed to responsible gambling. We review and test a wide range of international casinos with a licence to operate and accept South African players, and thoroughly check each of our listed casinos.
To understand how we rate casinos, check our rating guidelines for a full set of criteria. We're committed to giving you reliable information and helping you find the best casino payment options that protect you as a player.
Which South African Online Casinos Offer Zapper?
Bet.co.za
Hollywoodbets
Betway
Playa Bets
10bet
Sporting Bet
Supabets
Casino Name | Zapper Accepted? |
Bet.co.za | Yes |
Hollywood Betz | Yes |
10bet | Yes |
Win Rate:
98%Payout
0-5 DaysWin Rate:
98%Payout
1-3 Days- Betway4.8/5
Win Rate:
97%Payout
1-5 Win Rate:
97%Payout
1-7 DaysWin Rate:
97%Payout
1-3 Days- ACCEPTS VOUCHER
Win Rate:
97%Payout
0-2 Days
Zapper FAQs
Who owns Zapper?
David De Villiers founded the company in 2014 with great success. Since then, it has been sold and is now owned by various companies and shareholders, including angel investors, and further opened the door to investors in 2022.
Which bank is Zapper?
Zapper is not a bank, nor is it affiliated with one specific bank. It’s a payment service that started as a way to take payments via QR codes. It uses secure URLs so that websites and online casinos in South Africa can receive secure payments.
In which countries does Zapper work?
Zapper was founded in South Africa and is still the most popular in SA, but the payment method exists in plenty of other locations. These include Europe, the UK, and the USA, where you can use Zapper for making payments and transferring money. Vendors can sign up to use the Zapper service to take payments.
What are the Zapper fees in South Africa?
For the consumer, there are no fees associated with downloading and using Zapper. The company makes its money by charging fees to the vendor who has installed Zapper and accepts it as a payment method. There are different packages available for vendors, and they’ll be charged either 2.2% or 2.9% of the total value of the transaction.
Should I use Zapper for online gambling in South Africa?
We say yes — South African-born-and-bred Zapper is a good option for online gambling. The app has plenty of security and allows you to make encrypted purchases. Plus, many of the best online casinos in South Africa accept Zapper. But keep in mind that not all casinos will allow you to withdraw to your Zapper app.
References
Melissa Kruger is your go-to gal if you're trying to navigate the complex landscape of online casino payments and withdrawals. She's tried and tested all possible payment methods at South Africa's online casinos, giving her expert knowledge on which to use and which to avoid. From EFTs and credit cards to e-wallets and vouchers, Melissa has dedicated her career to ensuring that players can play their favourite online casino games confidently and securely.
Expert on:
Payment MethodsBetting VouchersE-WalletsPayment GatewaysDeposits & WithdrawalsFast PayoutsSafe Online Payments