Gambling Laws in South Africa

The country's history of apartheid played a part in the gambling laws of South Africa, with almost all activities deemed illegal until very recently. While sports betting and land-based casinos are very much part of the culture, online casino gaming is still excluded - though the law is expected to change.

Which Gambling Activities Are Legal in South Africa?

Gambling was banned across the board until 1994, with a licensing system set up in 1996 under the National Gambling Act. This is only half the story though, as only a few activities were approved - most of which involved offline betting. The law was somewhat relaxed and clarified in 2004 but offshore and South African online casinos remain illegal.

Overseeing the industry but not quite extending to regulating it, the National Gaming Board was tasked with managing advertising and preventing problem gambling. While there have been plans to open legislation to online casinos with the 2008 National Gambling Amendment Act, the new regulations have yet to be enacted.

Playing Land-Based and Online Casino Games

Land-based casinos were illegal in South Africa, with the 1965 Gambling Act solidifying the country's stance. Despite this, many native lands (Bantustans) were home to illegally operated venues as part of apartheid policy. Things changed when Nelson Mandela came to power and this era ended. The 1996 National Gambling Act enabled the licensing of regulated casinos to be headed up by each of the country's nine provinces. Limited Payout Machines (LPMs) were then legalised in 2003.

The 2004 National Gambling Act addressed online activities and ruled online casinos as illegal in South Africa. The 2008 Amendment Act sought to resolve this, and while it has passed it has yet to be enacted due to pressure from land-based casinos concerned over potential revenue loss. Offshore online gambling sites in the meantime operate and accept players from SA, even though this is illegal.

Real Money Poker Games

Residents can legally play poker at any of the 40 land-based casinos operating in the country, which vary in size.

Regarding online activities, a distinction is made between 'online betting' which covers sports and horse racing and 'online gambling' which includes everything else. With the latter being illegal. Since online poker comes under the 'everything else' definition, it too is illegal. Residents can freely join one of the many popular online casinos based outside the country. However, they do run the risk of stiff punishments from the government in the event of being caught.

Betting on Bingo

Offline bingo was legalised under the 1996 National Gambling Act, with the game featured at many casino-style bingo clubs. Notably, the Galaxy Bingo chain of venues operates in all but 3 of the 9 South African provinces. Online bingo gambling falls under the definition of online gambling and, as such, is deemed illegal in the country.

Purchasing Lottery Tickets

The 1996 National Gambling Act also legalised land-based lotteries and in 1997 the law approved South Africa's first National Lottery. This was launched in 2000 with 800,000 tickets sold on the first day. Just over a third of lottery revenue is donated to national charities Residents can play online lottery games for real money via the national lotto website along with instant wins such as scratchcards and keno.

Social Gambling and Online Crypto Casinos

It's legal to gamble on card games in private residences with friends, as long as no commercial profits are made. Social casinos which offer free slot games with play chips and coins are permitted - but no money must be exchanged.

Cryptos are considered legal tender and the country's financial conduct regulator is now issuing licenses to businesses that wish to accept virtual currencies. When online casinos in South Africa are legalised it's expected that some may accept accept cryptos as a payment method.

South Africa Sports Betting Laws - What's the Deal?

The only legal type of sports betting was on-course horse racing until the law changed in 1996, making both offline and online sports betting legal. A flurry of activity after this point resulted in around 400 betting shops opening. An additional 300 licensed bookmakers now operate within the country, most of which are part of the Association of South African Bookmakers.

What's the Minimum Age to Gamble in South Africa?

The legal age for gambling is 18 or over. However, many casinos operate as family-friendly allowing under-18s to enter the premises as long as they do not linger in gaming areas.

SA Gambling Tax Regulations - Are Players Liable To Pay on Winnings?

Regulations are surprisingly lenient, with residents enjoying tax-free winnings on almost all legal betting activities. The only exception is horse race betting, with winners liable for a 6% VAT charge on payouts.

History of Gambling Laws in South Africa

Gambling was illegal in the country for a long time, with the 1965 Gambling Act putting it into writing and making all but on-course horse racing betting illegal. During this time it's estimated that around 2,000 casinos operated under the radar.

After apartheid ended the law changed dramatically, with the 1996 National Gambling Act legalising and introducing regulations. Charged with ensuring compliance with advertising rules and prevention of gambling problems, the National Gambling Board was launched.

The 1997 Lotteries Act paved the way for the country's first National Lottery which was launched in 2000.

Limited Payout Machines were made legal in 2003. While the following year's National Gambling Act in 2004 clarified the law and allowed for the licensing and regulation of online sportsbooks. However, it maintained that online casinos were illegal.

The 2008 National Gambling Amendment Act promises to approve platforms which offer online casino slots and live dealer games. While the amendment was passed, it hasn't yet been enacted due to pressure from land-based casinos.

Key Facts

The gambling situation in South Africa is quite clear, with most of the emphasis on the distinction between online betting and online gambling. Offline sports betting, casinos, lotteries and bingo are all legally permitted.

The only online gambling activity legally permitted in the country is sports betting. Residents can also buy National Lottery tickets via the official website. All other online gambling activities are illegal in South Africa.