Overview of the casino laws of South Africa. In 1965 South Africa introduced the Gambling Act with horse racing wagering the only legal form of gambling. In 2004 The National Gambling Act was introduced, which prohibited online forms of gambling. But it has led to some ambiguous legal issues, as the legality of online gambling is constantly being challenged. There are differences in the legality of making bets, taking bets, facilitating payments to casinos, and advertising on websites. And there are constantly new legal challenges. So here is a breakdown of the law on online gambling.
Online Gambling in South Africa – 2018 Introduction Online Gaming SA is a proudly South African site concentrated on providing you the best online home entertainment offered! Sports betting is the only form of online gambling legal in South Africa, and all online sportsbooks must be licensed by one of the nine provinces. In 2008, an amendment was announced that online gambling would be legalised. However, while passed, it was never enacted, which left those who enjoyed online gambling in an unusual position.
Online gambling is developing all over the world and South Africa is not an exception. Although there are some issues with legislation South African online casinos are still being the most popular in Africa and offer outstanding gambling experience to clients.
For now on there are many things that have to be clarified for the online gambling services and the industry in general.
The List of The Best Online Gambling Websites in South Africa
In the table below you can see the most rated online casinos in South Africa. These gambling services are all licensed, legal and reputable and those offer standardized service for gamblers from South Africa (some of those also deal with players all over the world).
Rating 5/5
300
Free Spins99.3%
Payout PercentageDeposit Option
Rating 5/5
200
Free Spins99.1%
Payout PercentageDeposit Option
Rating 5/5
200
Free Spins98.5%
Payout PercentageDeposit Option
Rating 4.9/5
100% Up ToIs Online Gambling Legal In South Africa 2018 Results
R11,500 bonus
Rating 4.9/5
100% Up ToR12,000 bonus
Rating 5/5
100% Up To$200+$10 bonus
Rating 4.85/5
100% Up ToR10,000 bonus
Rating 4.8/5
100% Up ToR8,888 bonus
Rating 4.55/5
100% Up ToR24,000 bonus
Rating 4.45/5
100% Up ToR10,000 bonus
Rating 4.4/5 Island casino upper michigan.
100% Up To$3,000 bonus
If you want to try to play in of these casinos just follow the corresponding link and complete registration form to begin.
Is Online Gambling Legal in South Africa?
Online gambling could become fully legal in South Africa in 2008. However, due to different reasons the corresponding law wasn't accepted and since that time online gambling South African law is still pending. There was another attempt to allow online gambling operators to act and get licensed in South Africa in 2016 – it was called Remote Gambling Bill.
However, this attempt has failed as well. However, that doesn't mean that you violate the law when you sign up and play in the South African online casinos. The thing is you have full right to gamble online just because the online casinos you play in are licensed in other countries.
There is no way South African jurisdiction can reach online casinos that operate on the country territory so there is no risk that your deposit will be lost due to the block of casino accounts.
Why Online Gambling Is Still Not Fully Legal in South Africa?
Online gambling has already become fully legal in many countries all over the world. However, in south Africa which is stated to have the most progressive gambling laws online gambling is still partially restricted. Why is that?
The thing is South Africa is worldwide known capital of land casinos. Here you can find the famous casinos that operate here for more than a century. And there is a limited number of licenses hold in the country, which means there is a limited number of land gambling facilities allowed on the territory of South Africa.
And online gambling takes the considerable share of income from these land casinos, there is no way to limit the number of online casinos and it is hard to compete with those as playing in online casinos is much more comfortable and cheap. Moreover, online casinos can offer much more activities.
So making online casinos fully legal is against the interests of the currently existing land casinos, that's why the corresponding laws cannot pass. Though, people in South Africa still legally play in online casinos.
Online Gambling vs Land Casinos in South Africa
There are rich gambling traditions in South Africa and a number of powerful and luxurious land casinos in the country. Due to the recent researches the capitalization of gambling market (for land casinos) will reach 30 billion ZARs in 2019. And the overall number of people that work in casinos makes 60000. The yearly growth of the of the industry makes 4,5% – this figure was much higher until the online casinos came up to the scene.
When it comes to online gambling there are no figures you can point out accurately. However, due to the fact the number of online casinos in South Africa grows exponentially as well as the traffic on these websites it can be said that industry is evolving.
If compare the games for online and land casinos it can be said that when it comes to slots online casinos are much more attractive as there hundreds of types of different slots – the parameter which will never be reached by land casinos. However, when it comes to card games where you play against other players, usually land casinos have poker rooms, while online casinos provide video poker, baccarat, blackjack and other card games where you play against casino.
Will Online Gambling Become Fully Legal in South Africa in 2018/2019/2020?
As already stated gambling in South African online casinos is fully risk free for players. However, the question when will online gambling be legal in South Africa is still on the scene. Well, it can happen soon as authorities understand that despite of barriers existing gamblers are still capable of gambling in online casinos.
Thus, it is not critical for players – all you will get after online gambling is fully legalized in South Africa is dramatic increase of online casinos licensed by local authorities which can lead to improvement of service. Track the updates on our website to be aware of the latest news on online gambling in South Africa.
The Most Popular Online Gambling Websites in South Africa
There are many online casinos in South Africa – some of those are called to be industry leaders due to the number of players and variety of games available. Most of the casinos may look the same, however, there are still differences that make players to choose the one that fits the most.
Springbok
Springbok casino was founded in 2012 and for now it is one of the most popular online gambling services in South Africa. There are many slots in the casino and attractive special offers. You can download the casino client on your computer, play in your browser or download an app for your Android device.
Thunderbolt
This online casino is concentrated on slot games and offers many rapid games to play in. The casino website is mobile optimized, so you can use your smartphone or tablet to game games in it.
Silversands
This casino mainly offers gamblers table and card games. It was established in 2003 and has rapidly conquered top positions among other online gambling services. It is mobile optimized and provides numerous ways of withdrawal and deposit options.
Yebo
Yebo casino was founded in 2014 and since then it remains to hold stable high share of players on the South African market due to well-optimized slots and concentration on progressive slots.
Is There Free Gambling Online in South Africa?
Yes, there is. You can play free online casino games with real money making no deposit. Most of the top South African online casinos offer you up to 300 ZAR on your account after registration, so you can try out playing there on real money without wasting a cent.
What Are the The Most Popular Games On Online Gambling Websites in South Africa?
There are all kinds of gambling activities presented in South Africa, however, below you can browse the most popular ones.
Slot Games
There are traditionally many slots you can find in South African online casinos. There are both classic and progressive slots you can play. There are many combinations and types of slots available by the number of lines, theme, presence or absence of symbols etc. You also can play free online casino slots games in South Africa.
Poker
When it comes to card games poker is surely the most popular one. You can play both against other players or against casino (video poker). Though when it comes to classic gambling services you usually can only play free online casino poker games in South Africa.
Roulette
Roulette is a classic casino game and in South African online gambling services it is presented in many ways. You can also play free roulette casino games if you use the bonuses casino offers.
Blackjack
It is one more popular card game in South Africa. There are many players that play only blackjack due to the fact there are simple rules. Almost all of the casinos offer free online casino blackjack.
Who Is Engaged in Online Gambling in South Africa?
These are usually men over 18 years old that want to have a good time and do not ought to leave to the land casinos. Due to the fact there are many simple games, online casinos are quite popular in the country and each year the number of online gamblers grows.
Why South African Online Gambling Websites Are the Best to Deal With in Africa?
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If compare developing countries of Africa with the European countries, US or Australia you will notice that the development of the online gambling industry is in the initial stage there. There is a simple explanation to that fact – weak infrastructure and poverty.
However, when it comes to the South Africa the situation is a bit different – the legislation of the country is the most progressive among African countries if you consider gambling. There are gambling zones where you can play legally and more than 70 huge casinos you can choose from. This is the best place in South Africa to gamble and it is obvious that for the online gambling services development should start from South Africa as the country with the biggest demand in online gambling.
For some people gambling can change from being an entertaining and pleasurable activity and become a problem. When that happens, gambling becomes too important in a person's life and hurt their social and financial well-being, excluding him/herself from their family and their friends to focus on gambling. Spending too much think about gambling and how to beat the odds. We offer a Self Check Quiz that will allow you to determine whether you have a gambling problem.
Click HereA big thank you to the NRGP, for their unremitting support since 2014. When compulsive gambling brought me to my knees, the NRGP was there to assist with treatment expenses, which I otherwise would not have been able to afford. Their continued support, since, has included unlimited counsel by way of psychiatric and psychology care, both of which have included professional, yet nurturing guidance. I experience peace-of-mind knowing that the NRGP commits itself to making available these critical resources precisely because they avail themselves to an investment into my well-being. All this has afforded me a supportive recovery from an otherwise deadly compulsion.
Hi. I am a single mom of two kids . About 10 yrs ago i began gambling with friends and over the years my addiction progressed to an out of control stage. I gambled my rent money,my fuel for work and only saw to the basic needs of my kids. I started to make loans and my life became one big lie. At the end of July 2017, i couldn't carry on any longer, it felt like my life came to a crossroads I was physically,mentally and emotionally drained. I saw Dr Heidi Sinclair and was booked into Ixande clinic for 30 days. With the help of counselors and following the 12 step programme, i admitted that i was powerless against my addiction and my recovery started with intensive therapy. I believe that i would not have been 7 months clean now,without the help that i received through the Gambling support programme. I still attend group sessions every alternate Saturdays which also help me with my day to day adjustments. I will always be grateful to the programme for all their support. Thank you
The assistance and support I have received from the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) has been invaluable . The programme has given me insight and clear understanding of my gambling addiction. It has provided essential professional guidance , counselling and rehabilitation opportunity for which I am most grateful. I encourage those in need of help to approach the SARGF . My thanks to the SARGF and all staff for this very vital service they provide.
I had my gambling under control, or so I thought. It started off as entertainment, for months it was fun until I slowly started sinking in debt's. It was no longer fun, it became an obsession. I would go to the casino with borrowed money, hoping that it would be my lucky day. Things became worse, then one morning I hit a R20 000 jackpot. I became an aggressive gambler, didn't even care when I would lose my salary. Three months in a row I lost my salary, lived on money from loan sharks. I ended with a lot of enemies because I couldn't pay them back. One morning I sat at a machine with the hope of winning but instead lost R5 000 in 2 hours. That's when I decided enough is enough. I had no one to turn to, my family had found out about my gambling and they didn't want anything to do with me. I had to decide to turn my life around to get back the trust and dignity from all those I've hurt. I got the numbers for the SA gambling programme at the exit of the casino. I called them, and the person I spoke to was such a good listener. He spoke to me in a way that I just saw hope again. I was booked for sessions with a very professional social worker. It wasn't easy but I am grateful that I took that decision. I have not set my foot in any casino in 25months. I'm very grateful to Dr Heidi and the gambling programme team.
Industry Support and Mentorship ProgrammeThe mentorship service includes: Direct telephone support by the NRGP's Mentorship Programme Manager during a crisis and debriefing after traumatic events. An email and telephone
Read more Prevention ProgrammesThe South African Responsible Gambling Foundation offers the following free prevention programmes to gambling industry Operators and regulators Prevention Programmes – Level 1 Course Course
Read more Treatment ProgrammeOur Counselling line operates 24 hours and 7 seven days a week. We provide free support, information, assessment and referral for face- to- face
Read moreWho We Are
The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) provides Free and Confidential Treatment and Counselling to those affected by Problem Gambling and their immediate family members. For the past 18 Years The SARGF has treated more than 18, 500 people. We also educate South Africans about the potential harmful effect of problem gambling and responsible gambling.
Find out more about questions that you might have or you could contact us on or toll FREE counselling line, 0800 006 008 Or WhatsApp/SMS HELP To 076 675 0710 or email to helpline@responsiblegambling.org.za or call our International Number: +27 21 674 5830
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Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the SARGF Counselors offer professional counselling services over the phone, as well as referrals for face-to-face treatment throughout the SARGF country-wide treatment professional network – absolutely FREE of charge.
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