Uganda Golf club, The Lady Captain’s prize tournament has sealed Shs 20 million sponsorship deal from Standard Chartered Bank.
The golf tournament is expected to attract over 200 participants from across the country and will provide an opportunity for golf enthusiasts to compete in a friendly and competitive environment. The event is set to take place on March 18, 2023, and is expected to be one of the most exciting golfing events of the year.
Remarking about the sponsorship Sanjay Rughani, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Uganda said Golf is a great way for our clients and all players to unwind as they pursue their well-being. It enables them to take the load off, unwind and reenergize to break the monotony of work and hectic lifestyles.
He said by partnering with the Uganda Golf club ladies’ section for this tournament, our clients and players are guaranteed a sporty fun day filled with various activities like networking with fellow strong female & male professionals in the country.
“As a bank, we always look for solutions that add value to various segments of our clients with the understanding that they desire different experiences and enjoy varied lifestyles during various stages of their lifecycles. Our sponsorship of golf is a recognition that our clients have robust lives beyond banking and our aim is to continuously enhance their day-to-day lifestyle as we reward them for banking with us,” he said.
Grace Kabonero, The Lady Captain as the host of the Tournament said we are very pleased and excited about the partnership between Standard Chartered Bank Uganda and the Uganda Golf club, ladies’ section.
“This tournament is an annual event that brings together women golfers from across the country and this year we have different categories of players, ladies, men, seniors and some Junior golfers. We are ready to host all participants, especially the women as we celebrate this women’s month,” she said.
TotalEnergies Uganda has unveiled 200 young Ugandans who are joining the Tilenga Academy, which is aimed at skilling Ugandans to work in the oil and gas sector.
The group was identified from a competition conducted in 2022 and over the next four years, they will be trained to become production operators, maintenance, and inspection technicians.
Speaking at the function in Kampala, TotalEnergies EP Uganda General Manager Philippe Groueix said the opening of the academy is part of the company’s strategy on local content development.
“National content development is at the heart of our operations and underpins our commitment to achieving shared prosperity for Uganda and Ugandans because of the Tilenga Project,” he said.
Ms. Mariam Nampeera Mbowa, the Deputy General Manager of TotalEnergies Uganda, said the academy shows the company’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with 4 dimensions including sustainable energy and climate, people’s well-being, care for the environment and creating shared value.
“TotalEnergies is an integrated value chain where we produce, process, transform, transport and distribute. Working on the Uganda project alone is integration into the value chain given that Uganda operates the mid-stream, upstream, refinery and distribution service stations,” she said.
She also has implored the Tilenga Academy participants to take pride in what they do, be passionate about work, think about the future and be mindful of character and reputation.
The selected candidates will receive training for 2.5 years at various locations starting with the Uganda Petroleum Institute in Kigumba followed by international oil and gas training centres and hands-on experience during the Tilenga project installation and commissioning.
The courses to be undertaken include theoretical training in oil and gas, production, maintenance, as well as health, safety and environment.
25% participants are from the Albertine Region while 23% are females.
With presence in Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Mozambique, Nigeria, Angola, Namibia, the Congos, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal, Africa represents 30 percent of TotalEnergies oil and gas production, and 30 percent of its investments.
National Social Security Fund (NSSF) in partnership with Mastercard Foundation have awarded Shs 4.8bn seed funding to 66 women entrepreneurs through their Hi-innovator Women Accelerator program.
The businesses funded anticipate to create 15,000 job opportunities for women and youths countrywide.
In addition to the seed funding, the entrepreneurs were trained in business management skills through the program’s self-directed online Business Academy, with support from renowned entrepreneurial support organizations countrywide. Specifically, the women entrepreneurs were skilled in financial literacy, compliance, marketing, and bookkeeping among others between November 2022 and January 2023.
The NSSF Hi-Innovator Women Accelerator is a women-only cohort aimed at giving women entrepreneurs across all sectors an even opportunity to improve their business skills and grow their businesses into resilient enterprises that are more competitive and better placed to receive financial services.
It is the third cohort of the NSSF Hi-innovator Programme, an Innovation initiative by the National Social Security Fund in partnership with Mastercard Foundation. It aims to create an ecosystem where Small and Growing Businesses by Ugandan entrepreneurs can be supported to mature into viable businesses.
Patrick Ayota, the NSSF Ag. Managing Director said, “Whereas 66 businesses have received funding today, I am pleased to note that the program has enabled over 500 women entrepreneurs formalize their businesses, giving them a steppingstone to access funding easily.”
“We believe this will help bridge the funding gap for women-owned enterprises,” he said.
The successful businesses were assessed using a criterion that included the potential for scalability, sustainability, good governance, and impact on the community. A panel of experts ranging from investment experts to renowned manufacturers helped select the winning businesses.
Each of the winning businesses was awarded USD20,000 (Shs75m) and will receive tailored technical support in the next few months.
The majority of the winning entrepreneurs intimated that they would want to use the funding to expand their product base, scale up the reach of their products and obtain quality certification for their products and services.
Adrian Bukenya, the Mastercard Foundation Country Director said, “The businesses selected for funding today affirm our commitment to creating more jobs for women and youth in Uganda. At Mastercard Foundation we believe that supporting businesses to scale will expand employment opportunities and that’s why we partnered with NSSF in this initiative.”
The beneficiary businesses were from the agriculture, energy, health, nutrition, real estate, ICT, fashion, and education sectors.
Richard Zulu, Founding Partner, and Team Lead at Outbox Uganda which is the implementing partner for the Hi-innovator programme, said that the women accelerator has shown that women entrepreneurs are willing to participate in initiatives if they see the impact they will have on their livelihoods.
“We, therefore, intend to continue training entrepreneurs through the online Business academy. Entrepreneurship training is a prerequisite to receiving seed funding from the program. We encourage entrepreneurs to log in to the NSSF Hi-innovator Business Academy to kickstart their journey of growth.”
To date, 220 businesses have received seed funding worth Shs 18bn and skilled 12,000 youths of which 30% are female, since the programme began in 2021.
The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa has asked the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) member states to remove all non-tariff barriers saying that they are a hindrance to the entry of goods especially from developing countries.
Addressing the 146th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Manama, Bahrain, Tayebwa listed bottlenecks that are hampering the growth of some member states “Sometimes your supermarket shelves are empty when we have fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products rotting in our countries,” Tayebwa said. Currently, the IPU comprises 178 member parliaments and 13 associate members. Non-tariff barriers are restrictions that result from prohibitions, conditions, or specific market requirements that make the importation or exportation of products difficult and/or costly.
Tayebwa challenged the developed world to work with developing countries to add value to their products. In the coffee industry with revenues of US$460 billion, he said coffee producing countries earn only U$25 billion with Africa earning US$2.5 billion while Uganda which is Africa’s largest coffee exporter earns only US$820 million annually.
“This hemorrhage of our resources has kept us in poverty and at the mercy of the western world giving us aid and loans. We need more partnerships and fair trade than loans and aid. As parliaments, we can and should ensure this stops,” he added. Meanwhile, Tayebwa also held talks with IPU President Duarte Pacheco and stressed the need to put an end to all non-tariff barriers. He said most of the conflicts especially in Africa are due to poverty surging levels. “We are concerned as the developing world on unfair trade practices especially from the developed world. Our products are kept moving as raw materials because when you try to process, you do not meet the stringent conditions set by the Europeans and the other western powers,” he said, requesting the IPU President to join Africa in calling for fair trade practices.
Tayebwa added that Uganda plays a key role in the Great Lakes Region especially in overseeing peace and security. “Uganda is among the countries which are working hard to pacify Somalia and Somalia is now standing on the soldiers of Uganda. We have done the same in South Sudan,” he said adding that, ‘Uganda wants to reassure its commitment to playing its role as far as promoting peace in the Great Lakes Region and Africa is concerned’. Duarte Pacheco commended Tayebwa for the active participation of Uganda in the global parliament. Pacheco asked Uganda to do all it can to calm the tensions in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The IPU President also said fair trade is on top of his agenda and said he will do all he can to achieve this before his term ends in October 2023.
The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially handed over its former headquarters on Jinja Road to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) to pave the way for the ongoing development of the Kampala Flyover Construction and Road Upgrade Project (KFCRUP). Justice Byabakama handed over the files containing particulars of the land measured at 1.093 hectares to the Contracts Manager, Kampala Flyover, Eng. Lawrence Pario who represented the UNRA Executive Director, Allen Kagina. While handing over the land documents to UNRA, Justice Byabakama revealed that Plot 55 Jinja Road was formerly the main office of the Government Central Purchasing Corporation (GCPC) until 1996, when it became the home of the Interim Electoral Commission (IEC). This was after the successful conduct of the 1996 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
The IEC was formerly located at Ruth Towers on Plot 15A, Clement Hill Road, Nakasero. “It was clear to the IEC from the beginning that the then-new home required extensive remodelling and construction works to make it suitable for a national election management body. Accordingly, the IEC and the successor (permanent) Electoral Commission, commenced with plans to convert the structures into modern offices and plans were made to build a permanent structure,” said Byabakama. He, however, added that these plans were not achieved because the Ministry of Works and Transport advised that the land would be affected by the development of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Kampala Flyover Construction and Road Upgrading Project (KFCRUP).
Byabakama applauded the leadership and staff of the Commission whom he said, have shown resilience over the past 27 years and managed to serve and successfully deliver five general elections (2001; 2006; 2011; 2016; 2021) and two referenda (2000 and 2005) as well as several Parliamentary and Local Government Councils by-elections during this period, using these improvised premises as the head office.
Following the handover of EC’s former offices to UNRA, Shimizu-Konoike Joint Venture, a Japanese company implementing the project has issued a joint-public notice explaining the temporary traffic flow changes on Mukwano Road and New Kibuli Junction which will start tomorrow and is expected to end on June 12 when the construction works are completed.
New Traffic Diversion ahead of Kampala Flyover Construction ProjectAccording to the notice, traffic from Kibuli to the city centre will use the New Kibuli junction towards Nsambya Junction and Clock Tower, while traffic from Kibuli to Mukwano Road will make a right turn at the new section of Mukwano Road towards the Mukwano Factory and Mukwano Roundabout.
“Motorists from Mukwano Road to and from Arena Mall will use the new slip road access. Traffic from Ggaba Road to Mukwano Road will use the overpass section of the new road along the Villa Park area normally,” the notice read in part. The statement added that traffic from the city centre through the Clock Tower junction towards the Nsambya Junction and Kibuli Hill will proceed through the area normally, while those travelling on Mukwano Road to the city centre will not be affected by the changes.
The Government of Uganda is looking up to the Lohana International Business Forum to sign more investment deals in agribusiness, manufacturing and value addition. According to Investment Minister Evelyn Anite, Lohana International Business Forum, to be held at Speke Resort and Conference Centre, Munyonyo, from March 20-22, aims to attract more Lohanas across the world to come and invest in Uganda.
“The major areas of focus for this year’s Lohana International Business Forum will be Agribusiness, manufacturing and value addition. We envisage this to attract many more Lohanas and the international community to invest in Uganda,” she told journalists at the media centre in Kampala on Tuesday, 14 March 2023. She explained that the Lohana International Business Forum will showcase the opportunities for business and investment in Uganda as well as provide a platform for Lohana delegates to have a stand to promote their companies to the Ugandan business community.
“We thank the Lohana Community for investing in Uganda, like Sudhir, Mehta, Madhvani, Dawda and many others, we want more Lohanas from across the world to come and invest in Uganda,” she added. The minister added that following the Afro-Indian Investment Summit 2022, the government of Uganda offered Indian investors the 500-acre industrial park in Hoima, for agro value-addition, manufacturing, ICT and services. “We want products, services and jobs,” she said. Mohan Rao, the Chairman of Indian Association Uganda, said the summit will attract 700 Lohana investors from all over the world.
“To commemorate 100 years of Indian Association Uganda, we had Afro-Indian Investment Summit that raked in $169.5M in investments. Lohana International Business Forum follows it. Will bring 700 Lohana investors from all over the world,” Rao said. He said Uganda is a peaceful country with a conducive investment climate. “We’re 27,000 Indians in Uganda, which has welcomed us.
Some have lived here for over 100 years. We’ve learnt to eat matooke, groundnuts and enjoy wonderful peace,” he said. “As Chair of Indian Association Uganda, I welcome the Lohana International Business Forum in Uganda. Come as visitors, stay as investors. Our stay in Uganda is peaceful, pleasant and profitable. We who came ahead will support you. Come invest in Uganda,” he added. House of Dawda’s Binay Dawda said: “We chose Uganda because it’s centrally located giving access to EAC, Great Lakes Region and continental Africa. We shall have 750 serious investors who’ll sign serious MoUs and deals
ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of information and communication technology solutions, has expanded the global frame agreement with Ooredoo Group for Ooredoo Algeria network modernization and related implementation and maintenance services as well as supply and delivery of Lithium Battery Products.
ZTE and Ooredoo will expand cooperation in the transport network, which includes the large-scale commercial deployment of SRv6. The new solution will transform the traditional transport network architecture into a 5G-oriented programmable one.
ZTE will partner with Ooredoo in the energy field. With ZTE’s latest highly efficient power system and Smart-Li batteries, Ooredoo will improve energy utilization efficiency, increase battery life while protecting current battery investment, and realize its social commitment to building greener networks.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer, Ooredoo, said: “Our close collaboration with ZTE has been significant in taking the next step for technological innovation in many Ooredoo Business Units. In choosing to continue working with ZTE’s leading solutions, we’re able to address new and developing markets and transform business in different Ooredoo Business Units. Together, we’re creating a new digital area for our customers.”
Christian Linhart, Group Chief Procurement Officer, Ooredoo, said: “The extension of the frame agreement with ZTE solidifies our partnership with them. With this mutually beneficial partnership, we are sure that it will add further value to our business and our customers.”
TIMOS Tsokanis, Group Chief Technology Information Officer, Ooredoo, said: “Ooredoo Group and ZTE have established a partnership during the past several years, and we are delighted to extend our cooperation in more fields. This will make it possible for our businesses to continue working together on cutting-edge networks provided by one of the world’s leading providers of telecommunications and information technology to improve the digital lives of our customers. ZTE has proven its capabilities by providing end-to-end solutions, and now we would like to leverage it in more areas of cooperation. “
Xie Junshi, Chief Operating Officer, ZTE, stated: “ZTE has a long-standing and collaborative partnership with Ooredoo. To accelerate Ooredoo’s digital transformation, ZTE will continue offering state-of-the-art solutions to the Opcos of the Ooredoo Group. These innovative solutions will deliver high-performance networks and superior user experiences thanks to ZTE’s cutting-edge, cost-effective technologies and solutions.”
Zhang Jianpeng, MTO & International Marketing President, ZTE, emphasized: “Ooredoo Group, one of ZTE’s key MTO (Multinational Telecom Operator) customers, has shown tremendous growth in many markets in MENA (Middle Eastern & Northern Africa) and Asia Pacific regions despite many challenges. ZTE cherishes its strong partnership with Ooredoo Group, and we look forward to working closely with Ooredoo to fulfil their ambition of delivering new and exciting solutions to its consumers through more collaboration soon.”
A logo sits on display outside the offices of Absa Bank Ltd., a subsidiary of Barclays Africa Group Ltd., in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. The South African Reserve Bank said it will collaborate with Barclays Plc to manage the flow of money and minimize risk of causing fluctuations in the rand as the British bank prepares to reduce its stake in Barclays Africa Group Ltd. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg
Absa Group reported strong normalised headline earnings of R21 billion for the 2022 financial year, an increase of 13% from the prior year and well above pre-Covid levels. The result was driven by significantly higher pre-provision profit which, in turn, was driven by very strong revenue growth of 15% to just under R100 billion.
Strong pre-provision profit growth was tempered by a 61% increase in impairments. This reflects the impact of higher interest rates and inflationary pressures in South Africa and significant Ghana sovereign debt-related impairments.
“Our consistent strategy execution produced strong results in 2022,” said Arrie Rautenbach, Absa Group Chief Executive Officer. “We believe in our strategy and we have momentum behind us. Along with a stable and experienced leadership team, I am confident that we will be able to sustainably achieve our targets,” he said.
Absa’s customer base grew through improved product offerings and enhanced digital platforms. In South Africa, Absa’s largest market, the number of customers increased to 9.7 million from 9.6 million, with digitally active customers increasing 10% as stability improved and functionality was enriched. Absa was among the first to go to market with Google Wallet and the rollout of the Abby chatbot; Absa ID was also effective, with over two million enrollments in the first year. Absa won more than 15 awards in the digital space, including Best Digital Bank in South Africa, Mauritius and Tanzania.
Key metrics including return on equity and cost-to-income ratio continued to improve as the Group continues to deliver against its growth strategy adopted in 2018 and which was refreshed last year.
“We are building a strong and consistent track record of delivery against our strategy and we are well positioned for growth, notwithstanding the more difficult operating environment,” said Jason Quinn, Absa Group Financial Director.
The Group capital position remains above the Board approved target range and the Common Equity Tier 1 ratio was strong at 12.8%. The Group loan coverage ratio of 3.9% remains robust and well above the pre-Covid position.
Business unit performance
The Group refined its operating model, with effect 1 July 2022, as part of its journey to enhance market competitiveness, while also improving its transformation position. In essence, the Group has moved from two commercial businesses – Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) Pan-Africa and Retail and Business Banking (RBB) Pan-Africa – to five business units.
Product Solutions Cluster (mortgages, vehicle financing, both life and non-life insurance products as well as an investment products and advisory services in SA).
Headline earnings increased by 26% to R3.5 billion, driven by the recovery in the insurance business, while the lending businesses maintained balance sheet growth momentum, notwithstanding the impact of the weaker macro environment and supply chain challenges. Rising interest rates and higher inflation, plus the non-recurrence of 2021 model enhancements benefits saw the impairment charge increase year-on-year.
Everyday Banking (day-to-day banking products and services in SA)
Headline earnings were unchanged at R4.1 billion as higher credit impairments offset strong pre-provision profit growth. The unit registered growth in personal loans, credit card sales and sales of transactional accounts.
Relationship Banking (business banking, wealth, commercial asset financing in SA)
Headline earnings increased by 8% to R4 billion as the unit registered strong growth in the commercial segment, notably in specialised lending, commercial payments and agri products.
Absa Regional Operations (ARO) RBB (retail, business banking and insurance products and services aimed at individuals, small to medium enterprises and commercial customers)
Headline earnings rebounded to R1.1 billion from R106 million, due to a combination of strong revenue-led pre-provision profit growth and lower impairments. The active customer base increased to 1.7 million from 1.6 million a year earlier.
CIB Pan-Africa (specialist investment banking, corporate and transactional banking, financing, risk management, advisory products and services)
Headline earnings increased by 9% to R9 billion as revenue rose across all business areas and as solid growth was achieved in the client franchise, particularly as the number of primary banked clients increased. The benefit of good revenue gains was partially offset by a substantial increase in impairments, particularly as a result of challenging market conditions in West Africa.
An Active Force for Good
During the year, Absa made progress in further elevating the importance of sustainability as an integral part of Group strategy as part of its commitment to being an active force for good in everything we do. Within this, Absa identified climate change, financial inclusion and promoting diversity and inclusion as key focus areas.
Absa registered milestone developments in sustainable lending and funding and continued to build on its leadership in renewable energy financing. Absa acted as joint mandated lead arranger and lender for South Africa’s first utility-scale renewable energy captive power project, comprising 200 MW of solar power, in one of several transactions that added to the bank’s growing renewable energy portfolio.
Absa also made progress in inclusive finance. For instance, Absa Home Loans housed close to 7,000 households through a R2 billion social loan secured from the International Finance Corporation and the total affordable-housing book in South Africa increased to R17 billion.
As part of its revised leadership structures, Absa ensured that changes reflected its commitment to advancing transformation, diversity and inclusion and the Group made significant progress in this regard in 2022.
During the year, Absa Group invested more than R267 million (a 37% increase) in support of communities, through education and youth employability, and strategic engagement initiatives to enable inclusive sustainable economic growth in Africa. This included R25 million towards corporate community support, comprising disaster and humanitarian relief efforts, food relief and health support, as well as employee volunteering activities.
“These efforts demonstrate our commitment to being an active force for good in everything we do by contributing meaningfully to the societies in which we operate,” said Rautenbach.
Outlook
The outlook for the global, regional and domestic environment remains unusually uncertain. For South Africa, Absa expects the economy to grow by less than 1% in 2023. Electricity supply is expected to remain a significant risk for the economy for the foreseeable future. Absa forecasts 4.4% GDP-weighted economic growth for the ARO presence countries in 2023.
Based on the current assumptions, Absa expects solid revenue growth and credit losses at the top end of its target range, given higher rates and inflationary pressures. Absa expects return on equity of around 17%.
“We are conscious that the macro environment is tough and is expected to get tougher but we have a well-positioned and resilient balance sheet to withstand it,” said Rautenbach.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to expeditiously investigate the Ministers implicated in the mismanagement of iron sheets that were meant to benefit the impoverished people in Karamoja.
The revelation was made by Fred Enanga, the Spokesperson of the Uganda Police Force.
“The DPP asked the director CID and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to expand on the preliminary inquiries that have so far been done. They will work with sister agencies like the inspectorate of government and the parliamentary team investigating the matter,” Enanga said.
Yesterday, the Inspector General of Government-IGG Betty Kamya said they have embarked on investigating the case against several ministers.
“I wrote to all of them especially those who have been written about in the newspapers and those whose names have appeared on the distributions list in the Office of the Prime Minister. From the Vice president to the prime minister, ministers and other individuals,” she said.
She said the ministers will be required to explain whether they asked for them or not, and whether they followed the right procedures to get them.
Earlier this month, Kitutu confessed to diverting 3000 iron sheets that were meant for the unprivileged people in Karamoja.
Appearing before the Presidential Affairs Committee of Parliament Kitutu accepted responsibility for the mismanagement of iron sheets procured for the vulnerable in the sub-region.
“Some of the iron sheets were used to roof a boys’ dormitory in Situmi Primary School, Namisindwa district. The school lacked a store, hence storing them at a relative’s house,” she said.
She apologized to the committee and parliament noting that she was never guided about the project. Kitutu requested for 12,200 iron sheets to aid her in community mobilization and peace-building missions in Karamoja.
Her January 12, 2023, internal memo to the stores’ department at the OPM read in part, “During community mobilization and peace-building missions, I usually meet vulnerable groups and karuchunas (reformed warriors) who are willing to dissociate themselves from rustling. As part of my intervention, I will be distributing iron sheets to such special vulnerable groups.”
Last month, security operatives nabbed Cotilda Kitutu, Michael Nabwaya, and Julius Wabule. The accused are the mother, brother, and nephew of Minister Kitutu. The three were allegedly selling OPM-branded iron sheets to residents of Namisindwa district, in eastern Uganda.
Kitutu is among the top ministers who benefited from the iron sheets which were allegedly meant for people in Karamoja. The ministers involved in the scandal include; Rebecca Kadaga, Jacob Oboth Oboth, Hamson Obua, Amos Lugolobi, Matia Kasaija and others.
iGaming is enjoyed by people all across the world. As internet accessibility has increased, technology improved and more people look for ways to stay entertained at home, online casinos and gaming sites have become increasingly popular.
One of the most played casino titles is poker, new players can learn the poker ranking hands online to get started. Other popular options include slots, blackjack and roulette online.
If you are searching for new iGaming sites to try out, there are a number of things to consider before signing up for an account and playing games. While the industry is regulated and there are many great gaming sites with a variety of games, some are far better than others.
The vast array of iGaming sites online can make it difficult to know where to play. However, using these factors in your search criteria will help to to find the safest and most enjoyable sites on the web:
Promotions and offers
The iGaming industry is now highly competitive with a huge number of sites all working to attract customers and encourage them to return to the site. One way in which they achieve this is through promotions and special offers.
Many sites will have a welcome bonus that a player can use when they sign up for an account and deposit cash to play games. For slot games, free spins is a popular offer. This can be used to entice you to play a new game or as a reward for being a loyal customer.
When selecting a site and making use of its promotions, be sure to take the time to read the offer’s terms and conditions. There are usually wagering requirements that you need to meet in order to make full use of the promotion.
Credibility and security
Of course, when gaming online or making any kind of online translation, you want to protect yourself from fraudulent activity. There are a number of ways you can access the security and credibility of an online gaming site.
A good place to start is to look for a valid SSL certificate. This certificate shows that the site encrypts your data and helps your personal information stay secure. Look for a padlock symbol in the search bar in your browser.
If the site is an online casino, you can look in the site’s footer for the correct licensing and certifications. These will differ depending on what region the website is operating in as there are different regulations in different countries and states.
Lastly, reading player reviews on independent third party sites and following recommendations from trusted friends and family will help you to pick credible iGaming options.
Variety of games
Another factor to consider is the amount of good game options on offer. Does the site have a wide selection of the types of games you are most interested in?
You should also take notice of how often they update games and add new game options to their library. If they fail to do this then you are likely to get bored of the same old games after a short while.
Usability
iGaming sites are not all compatible in terms of usability and some are more successful in creating a good customer journey than others. Consider the load speeds, layout and functionality.
Is there a logical flow to the site and an easy-to-navigate menu? Can you easily find what you are looking for or is the experience plagued with irrelevant content and pop up ads?
Payment options
When playing on online gaming sites it is likely that you will need to deposit and withdraw cash. Different sites allow different payment methods and so you may want to check this out before signing up for an amount.
A commonly accepted payment method is debit or credit card, many online gaming sites will also allow third party payment providers such as Skrill or PayPal. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming increasingly popular.
Bank transfers may also be allowed, however these are not always the fastest method to utilise.
Customer support
Lastly, checking out what customer support is available before you start playing any games is a good idea, just in case you run into any problems or have any questions. Phone Lines, email addresses and live chats are the most common methods for seeking support and good sites will give you multiple options to choose from.
