Online gambling is a global phenomenon that touches every corner of the planet and is increasingly viewed as a booming business. Of course, the regulations that govern its administration to local players and the main trends differs from one country to the next. South Africa has a complicated relationship with this form of entertainment, which is just an extension of its longstanding restrictions of gambling in general. The situation changed to an extent over the past couple of decades so that now it is possible to play on the internet, but many people are unaware of what the current rules are.
To clarify this issue and provide some guidance to interested players, we will present how the legal landscape in this African nation changed over time. We will complement the historical overview with a detailed explanation of the current status of online gambling and the prevailing attitudes towards it in this populous nation.
Long-standing Prohibition of Gambling
Historically, South Africa hasn’t been too friendly towards gambling. Since the colonial times, this activity was heavily restricted and considered to be a social problem as well as an economic liability. For a very long time, the only legal form of gambling was betting on horse races, which was traditionally accepted as harmless pastime rather than vice. After allowing some casinos to open in the 1970s, the nation started amending its laws around the end of the 20th century to account for the evolving attitudes among the population. Land-based casinos were fully legalised in 1996, and in the early 2000s, new acts were adopted that made it possible for South Africans to engage in some forms of online games without getting in trouble with the authorities. However, the rules don’t apply to all forms of gambling equally and there are some important distinctions that shaped the public debate on this issue to a considerable degree.
Status of Online Gambling in South Africa
The first time in South African history that the nation seriously attempted to regulate online gaming was in 2004, when it passed the National Gambling Act. This act legalised sports betting on the national level, but it explicitly stated that ‘interactive games’ such as poker or slot machines are not permitted on the internet. In 2008 an amendment to this act was voted in to allow these games to be offered to SA citizens, yet its enforcement was delayed indefinitely after complaints from land based casinos and other groups. This created an ambiguous situation that is made more complicated by the fact that gambling licenses are issued on the provincial level. Each of the nine provinces can set its own rules and stipulations, so instead of a consistent policy South Africa has a range of attitudes towards iGaming depending on which part of the country is concerned. As of 2025, interactive gambling remains outside of the scope of the law and there is no telling when this might change.
Which iGaming Providers Are Allowed to Serve South Africans?
Both foreign and local iGaming operators can provide services within South Africa if they meet certain requirements. Most importantly, they must have a license from the relevant authorities in order to provide services in each of the provinces. This process is complicated and is slowing down the growth of this sector in the country. More than 30 sportsbooks are in possession of valid licenses, including some international brands that have local subsidiaries in South Africa. However, even the best rated online casinos are currently unable to procure the licenses and set up their business in the country. In practice, SA players are forced to look to foreign websites for this type of action, which is not an ideal situation but it persists until a permanent solution to the delayed law can be found. Some websites registered outside of South Africa accept players residing there, but they would risk serious penalties if they tried to establish a visible presence inside its borders.
How Does iGaming in South Africa Compare to Other Nations?
It’s fair to say that iGaming in South Africa is not too well developed, despite considerable demand. Confusing legal situation is the main factor that constrains the industry and prevents South African companies from growing at the same rate as their counterparts based in other regions. Local websites are facing limitations in terms of offered games, while international brands are being very careful about advertising their services in the country. The interest from the players is at a high level, but so far this hasn’t translated into the kind of financial results that would significantly contribute to the national economy. South Africa isn’t a major player in manufacturing of online games either, so it is losing out on some job opportunities as well. At a time when iGaming is gaining steam and the profits are skyrocketing, South Africa is still stuck in the early stages of development and grappling with some pretty basic issues. To change this stagnant situation, the country would need a concerted effort coordinated from the top but too many voices are still opposed to such an initiative.