Without a doubt, finding top-quality entertainment that’s kind to a person’s budget is something many South Africans are after. While there are countless options easily accessible on the internet, many come with a hefty fee for entry. Even seemingly free options for streaming content and shows can become expensive over time due to steep mobile data costs.
Fortunately, there are some options online for those of us craving a good giggle that lasts longer than a few seconds. If a person knows where to look, they can find entertainment that will keep them enthralled for longer periods of time without needing to empty out their bank account. Let’s go over some of the most exciting and affordable options.
Budget friendly gaming thrills
The first entertainment option available for South Africans might seem like an obvious one. It’s very likely that most people already know that free games exist on smartphone app stores. Exploring casual mobile games can be a great option for people looking for some interactive fun.
The fact that free mobile games are littered with annoying ads and microtransactions might be acceptable for some, but for many, these freemium features can suck the joy out of the experience. If a person has already tried this route and found that the free gaming options available are too simple, too frustrating or are simply not exciting enough, perhaps they should expand their horizons and consider exploring today’s online casino spaces.
Casino gaming can be affordable
Hang on, don’t online casinos require an upfront payment in order to pay? This is a valid question, and for the most part, many online gambling platforms can’t really be considered budget friendly. But not all online casinos are created equal. Some will even allow players to enter their space and play for free for a limited time.
Others might offer incredibly low deposits to give players more freedom to play within a tight budget. Finding these platforms can be challenging at first, but a person can discover minimum deposit online casinos if they look carefully. Low deposit casinos are different because they don’t ask players to spend upwards of R300 to play or claim bonuses. This lowers the barrier for entry a great deal.
By exploring low deposit options, individuals looking for affordable thrills can find a world of interactive entertainment without hurting their monthly grocery budget. Casino games like slots and blackjack are incredibly fun to play and can cure feelings of boredom in an instant. Just remember that these games are meant to be played for entertainment purposes only. Playing in the hopes of instant fortune is generally considered to be a bad idea.
Social media distractions
One of the most common ways South Africans enjoy some well-deserved relaxation time is through consuming content on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook. Social media platforms currently dominate the online landscape. Of the 45.34 million internet users in South Africa, around 26 million use social media regularly.
It’s easy to understand why. A quick scroll through stories on Instagram can be incredibly distracting and can make hours feel like minutes. Of course, endlessly scrolling on social media sites like Instagram and TikTok can scratch that entertainment itch, but short-form content has its limits.
Watching endless reels might provide a person with a temporary fix, but let’s be honest. These bite-sized clips can leave a person wanting because most lack meaningful substance. When short-form fun gets tedious, there are a few affordable, long-form options to consider.
Ad-supported Streaming
It’s no secret that data is expensive in South Africa. However, if a person has a large enough data budget to handle video streaming, there are a handful of platforms offering free, ad-supported videos and shows.
SABC+ is a popular mobile site to catch local favourites, international shows and even some select sporting events for free. Just be prepared to endure a few commercial breaks every few minutes. YouTube is another great option to find free long-form content. The site offers an incredibly vast library of free-to-stream videos made by talented local and global creators.
Free music and podcast platforms
Games and videos aren’t the only free entertainment options out there. Sites like Spotify have free versions that allow people to listen to tracks from their favourite artists all day long if they can handle the occasional advertisement. They also have freely-accessible libraries of podcasts.
Podcasts are becoming popular everywhere because they can be treasure troves of free entertainment and knowledge. From comedy shows to insights into the lives of the British royal family, listeners can listen to interviews from their favourite celebrities, keep up with the latest news or even learn a new skill for a low cost or for free.
An open mind is key
With a little creativity and an open mind, finding affordable online entertainment in South Africa isn’t impossible. From looking into the vast libraries of free content on YouTube and Spotify to exploring low cost casino entertainment, there are many options available. With these options in mind, hopefully it’ll be a little easier now to enjoy some affordable internet-based enjoyment within a tight budget.
