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There is a colourful history of gambling in South Africa. Once strictly illegal, with only an exception for horse betting, things started changing in the 1990s. The National Gambling Act of 1996 laid the groundwork to help regulate the industry and establish legal gambling activities.
This article was updated on April 15, 2026, and is based on information available on that date. Because regulations by nature are subject to change, one should consult with local experts for the most current information available pertaining to gambling laws in South Africa
A brief history
It was mainly barred in South Africa prior to 1996, except for horse racing bets. During the 1990s, illegal casinos mushroomed all around the country. Seeing this increasing trend of gambling, the South African government in 1995 set up a commission named the Wiehahn Commission. It suggested that “gambling should be regulated, and a portion of the gross profit be required to go towards the stimulation of the economy and the preservation of the public against overstimulation from such activities in addition to job creation.”
In 1996, the National Gambling Act made provisions allowing for legal casinos and a national lottery. Horse racing officially became a gambling activity as well. This law brought order to the growing industry by distributing casino licenses among provinces and creating regulatory bodies.
The National Gambling Act
One of the foundational building blocks in terms of legally shaping gambling within South Africa was the 1996 National Gambling Act. It set regulations on licensed casinos, the national lottery, and horse racing. Much later, the 2004 Act, and then the National Gambling Amendment Act in 2008, further developed it. Despite the 2008 Amendment Act’s intention to regulate interactive gambling, it was never fully implemented, leaving online casino games in a legal grey area that the National Gambling Board (NGB) has recently moved to clarify.
Who regulates gambling in South Africa?
Various bodies are in place to ensure that gambling activities remain within legal and fair frameworks, such as those described below:
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC): Draws up national policy and regulates gambling standards.
The National Gambling Board (NGB): Monitors national policies and provides oversight. In April 2026, the NGB launched a new Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal to help the public identify legal, licensed platforms and avoid illegal sites.
Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs): These nine bodies (e.g., the Gauteng Gambling Board) issue licenses and supervise activities within their specific provinces.
Legal forms of gambling
Not every form of gambling in the country is legalized. A gambling game must be legally exempt from the National Gambling Act of 2004 or provided for under provincial legislation. Here is a breakdown of what is legal:
Casinos: There are 40 permanent casino licenses issued across the country. They offer a full range of entertainment from slots to table games.
Horse Racing: A long-established and fully legal feature of the South African market.
National Lottery: Operating since 2000, it remains a major pillar of the industry
Online Betting: This is legal only when conducted through bookmakers holding a valid provincial license for sports and horse racing.
Is online betting legal?
Yes, online betting is legal, but only with licensed South African bookmakers. Interactive gaming, such as online casinos and poker, remains prohibited under Section 11 of the National Gambling Act.
In February 2026, the NGB issued a formal notice to all Provincial Licensing Authorities clarifying that Remote Gambling Servers (RGS)—the systems that power online casino games—are currently unlawful. This has led to a major crackdown on bookmakers who were previously offering “casino-style” games (like online roulette) under their sports betting licenses. According to recent Supreme Court rulings, bookmakers may not offer these games unless they hold a specific casino license.
Recent developments
The Remote Gambling Bill (B11-2024) remains the primary legislative effort to bridge the gap in regulating online casinos and poker. While it seeks to create a system for licensing “remote” (online) operators and protecting players from harm, it has faced significant delays in parliament. As of early 2026, the NGB continues to emphasize that until such legislation is formally passed and implemented by the President, all forms of online gambling except for sports and horse racing betting are illegal.
The future of gambling in South Africa
The industry is experiencing a massive shift toward digital platforms. According to the South African Reserve Bank’s March 2026 report, while total gambling turnover reached a staggering R1.5 trillion in 2024, the actual Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR)—the amount kept by operators after paying winnings—grew to R74.5 billion.
The online segment is the fastest-growing part of the market, expected to reach a revenue share of over US$2.6 billion by 2030. However, the government remains focused on balancing this growth with social protection. In 2025 and 2026, the NGB initiated new partnerships, such as with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), to raise awareness about gambling-related harm among young people.
South Africa’s regulation ensures the industry is entertaining yet safe. Whether you’re hitting the casino or placing a sports bet, ensure you are using a platform listed on the NGB’s new verified portal to stay within the law!
