Top-rated Live gambling sites in South Africa

The Gambling Act of 1965 forbids almost all types of gambling in South Africa. Live casinos are not regulated very well, which is why it is formally considered illegal. But, so far, there have been no recorded cases where South African players are convicted and fined or imprisoned. There was a proposal to regulate live casinos, with many gamblers wanting to gamble. Nevertheless, players from this country sometimes find their ways to access live casinos and play their top live games at the best live casinos.

Top-rated Live gambling sites in South Africa
Nathan Williams
Written byNathan WilliamsWriter
Researched byRajesh NairResearcher
Localised byTendai MoyoLocaliser
About South Africa

About South Africa

Located on the most southerly tip of Africa, South Africa is a country with a population of over 55 million people. The state is well-known not only for its natural beauty but also its turbulent history, with apartheid dominating the country for decades. The capital city is Pretoria, and the currency is the South African rand.

South Africa is a multi-ethnic society as it is home to numerous cultures, religions, and languages. When it comes to its borders, South Africa borders with Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It also encircles Lesotho and it partially encircles Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). About 80% of its residents are of Black African ancestry, while the rest consist of European and Asian ancestry.

While most of the countries in Africa are struggling with poverty and a poor economy, that is not quite the case with South Africa. This country has the second-best economy on the continent and maintains a significant regional influence. However, the crime rate and corruption, together with climate changes remain a massive problem for South Africa.

About South Africa
Live Casinos in South Africa

Live Casinos in South Africa

At the moment, the Gambling Act of 1965 forbids almost all types of gambling in South Africa. Several land-based casinos in metropolitan areas are allowed to operate and the National Lottery is also being conducted.

But, when it comes to live casinos, this market is not regulated very well, which is why it is formally considered illegal. Although land-based and online gambling have been distinguished by law, the government is yet to act on online gambling, which includes live casinos.

It is worth noting that in 2008, an amendment that would regulate live casinos and online casinos, in general, was proposed, but the government is yet to pull the trigger on it. That is why gambling is a very controversial topic in South Africa. Even though the most recent law, which labels online gambling as legal, was passed, it hasn’t been put into effect.

Even though live casinos are technically illegal and the law states that people who are caught gambling online illegally may face up to 10 years of imprisonment, so far, there aren’t any recorded cases of someone being prosecuted or convicted.

Live Casinos in South Africa
History of Gambling in South Africa

History of Gambling in South Africa

The history of gambling in South Africa is quite complicated and it takes everyone back all the way to 1965. In this year, the first Gambling Act was placed into effect and it practically forbids all types of gambling activities except for betting on horse races.

However, all of that changed shortly later. The new Nelson Mandela-run government saw all the economic benefits of the gambling industry, which is why in 1996, they legalized casinos, lotteries, bingo, and online sportsbooks. In the same year, the NGB was established and the government gave licenses to 40 casinos.

Following the 1996 amendment, the Lotteries Act, which legalized lotteries was brought in 1997 and put into effect in 2000. Statistics showed that on the first lottery day, over 800,000 tickets were sold. After the laws were loosened, 2003 was the year when the so-called limited payout machines were legalized.

In 2004, the NGA, which had a focus on online gambling was also brought. While it regulated online sportsbooks, it stated that online casinos are explicitly illegal. Then, in 2008, the Gambling Amendment Act, which approved live casinos and online casinos was passed but never enacted.

History of Gambling in South Africa
Gambling Nowadays in South Africa

Gambling Nowadays in South Africa

These days, the online gambling industry in South Africa is at a still. Live casinos are still deemed illegal, which is why the number of available options for South African players is limited. They can bet on sports and horse races online, but they do not have access to any other casino games. The good news is that the gambling climate may change in the near future.

Gambling Nowadays in South Africa
Future of Online Casino in South Africa

Future of Online Casino in South Africa

In the recent period, the government of South Africa has been showing some interest in finally passing the Gambling Amendment Act of 2008 and finally regulating the online gambling industry. After all, there are tons of great benefits that come with it.

First off, live casinos and online casinos, in general, will be able to pay millions of dollars in taxes. Not only that, but these platforms will employ thousands of people and these two factors can be of great benefit to the economy.

And if that is not enough, by legalizing and regulating live casinos, the government will be able to block all unlicensed sites, which ultimately leads to greater player protection. Many unlicensed operators, which are often scam sites, may operate in the region and players can fall victim to these sites.

Apart from the recent positive interest by the government, the people have also pressured the authorities into making these activities, which is also a good sign.

Future of Online Casino in South Africa
Mobile Gaming in South Africa

Mobile Gaming in South Africa

Mobile gaming is set to be the future of the online casino industry in South Africa as well. The active number of mobile users in the country has drastically increased over the past couple of years. In 2021, the number of active mobile users in South Africa is 33.6 million. By 2025, that number will likely increase to 39.06 million and a big majority of the population will own a smartphone device.

That is the reason why all licensed and legal online operators in the country have already started utilizing the latest HTML5 technology and made their platforms fully optimized for mobile and desktop use. In the future, it is very likely for them to develop apps. That way, the access will be extremely easy and the mobile gaming experience will be much better.

Mobile Gaming in South Africa
Regulation Laws and Authorities

Regulation Laws and Authorities

The main law that regulates gambling in South Africa is the 1965 Gambling Act. In 1996, this law was amended to the Gambling Act. The last amendment came in 2004 when online and land-based gambling were distinguished and most forms of online gambling were made illegal.

It is worth mentioning that the Lotteries Act of 1997, which was launched in 2000, states that a national lottery can take place in South Africa. As for the authorities that are in charge of overseeing gambling-related activities in this country, the main regulatory body is the National Gambling Board, or also known as NGB.

Additionally, nine provincial gambling boards which regulate the industry on the regional level are also present and their role is to keep tight control over the industry.

These gambling boards are the following:

  • Eastern Cape Gambling Board
  • KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board
  • Gauteng Gambling Board
  • Free State Gambling and Liquor Authority
  • Limpopo Gambling Board
  • Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board
  • Northern Cape Gambling Board
  • North West Gambling Board
  • Mpumalanga Economic Regulator

It is worth noting that the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board is the largest bookmaker license provider in South Africa. As for the legal gambling age in this country, the National Gambling Act states that players need to be at least 18 years old to gamble.

Regulation Laws and Authorities
South African Players Favourite Live Games

South African Players Favourite Live Games

As stated several times, South African players have a hard time accessing live casinos. They are heavily restricted in the country and even though the 2008 amendment of the Gambling Act stated that online gambling is legal was passed, it is still to be put into effect.

Nevertheless, players from this country can sometimes access live casinos, and their top live game is poker, specifically Texas Hold’em. This is a casino game that requires a lot of skill rather than luck. Moreover, the prize pools can be extremely rewarding. Caribbean Stud poker also deserves a mention as this live game variant is popular.

Next up, live roulette, which is a classic casino game, is very popular here. Unlike live poker, this game is very simple to play. All players have to do is wager on the number on which they think that ball will stop in the wheel. The available wagering options are red or black numbers, low or high numbers, or certain columns and rows.

Finally, the last type of live game that is popular in South Africa is not a casino game. It is live betting. Since online sportsbooks are the only form of legal online gambling in South Africa, it is logical that live betting would be at the top of the list of favourite live games by players from this country.

South African Players Favourite Live Games
Top Software Providers

Top Software Providers

When players from South Africa access live and online casinos, they are always ensuring that the chosen site is supplied by some of the world’s best game providers. The reason for that is because reputable game providers always supply live casinos with the best games on the market, hence a quality gaming experience is inevitable.

With that being said, some of the brands that players from South Africa are on the lookout for are Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, Quickspin, Yggdrasil, Play’n GO, etc. All of these brands are known for supplying live casinos and online casinos with the best online casino games on the market.

Other Casino Games in South Africa

Apart from live games, it is worth noting that players in South Africa love regular casino games such as The National Lottery, slot machines, scratchcards, and betting on horse races. In fact, one study in 2008 even showed that over 96% of the population in South Africa had played The National Lottery.

Additionally, the participation percentage for slot machines was 27.7%, 22.7% for scratchcards, and 11.5% for betting on horse races. Bitcoin games have also taken a small swing in the past few years due to the fact that they have very unique gameplay.

Top Software Providers
Top Casino Bonuses in South Africa

Top Casino Bonuses in South Africa

Since the first bonus that South African players come across at live casinos is the welcome bonus. In most cases, the welcome offer rewards players with a match deposit bonus. Next up, cashback bonuses are extremely popular as they allow players from South Africa to redeem some of the lost amounts on live games over a certain period.

The percentage depends on the live casino and their status in the loyalty program, that is if the live casino has one. The higher the player is on the casino’s loyalty program, the better the cashback percentage will be.

Finally, literally every bonus that is connected to betting on horse and other sports is very appreciated by South African players. That is due to the fact that online betting is among the few forms of legal online gambling activities. Sportsbook welcome bonuses, cashbacks, Free Bets, reload bonuses, and daily bonuses are just a few of the promotions that deserve a mention.

How To Claim These Bonuses

To claim all of the aforementioned bonuses, players must be registered at the live casino. Welcome offers often come with numerous terms and conditions – they are only available to newly registered players, can be claimed just once, players need to make a certain minimum deposit to claim it, have wagering requirements, market restrictions, etc.

The case is similar with sportsbook bonuses, as well. Out of all the sportsbook bonuses, Free Bets are those that are the most complicated as they are restricted on the category, timeframe, and have maximum bonus winnings. But, cashback bonuses are rather simple to claim. All players have to do is play live games over a specific period then log in on a certain day and redeem some of the lost amounts.

Some live casinos may require players to contact the Support team or enter a bonus code to claim the offer. In some cases, both of these steps might have to be taken. The best way to check what are the policies of the live casino is to visit the Promotions tab and read the T&Cs of all featured bonuses.

Top Casino Bonuses in South Africa
Payment Methods in South Africa

Payment Methods in South Africa

Considering the fact that live casinos are mostly forbidden in South Africa and players can only use land-based gambling facilities, cash is the most popular payment method in the country. Players use it when they visit brick-and-mortar facilities to play the featured casino games.

However, online sportsbooks are considered legal in South Africa and players can deposit and withdraw money with credit and debit cards at these sites. They are extremely reliable and safe. Not only that, but they provide players from South Africa with relatively fast transactions.

Other methods that deserve a mention are e-wallets and bank transfers.

Other Payment Methods in South Africa

Since Bitcoin games have had a small surge in popularity in South Africa, this cryptocurrency can sometimes be used as a payment method. Due to the fact that it provides players with a certain level of online anonymity, has instant deposits and withdrawals, and does not come with any fees, it is superior when compared to other methods.

E-wallets are the only efficient method for fast transactions, but they often come with fees and many operators do not consider them eligible to claim the featured bonuses.

Payment Methods in South Africa
Live Casinos Accepting South African Rand (ZAR)

Live Casinos Accepting South African Rand (ZAR)

Do you want to enhance your online gaming experience in South Africa? Consider using the South African rand (ZAR) at top-tier live casino sites.

By using ZAR, you will enjoy a direct and familiar understanding of your stakes, wins, and losses, without any complex conversions. This means you can focus on playing your favorite games without any confusion.

Moreover, ZAR-supported live casino sites often feature games and promotions that celebrate and reflect South African culture. This will give you a tailored and engaging experience that feels like home.

In addition, using ZAR in live casinos means you can avoid conversion fees, making your gaming journey more transparent and economical.

To find the best ZAR-friendly live casinos, check out CasinoRank's list of recommended sites. Each live casino has been carefully vetted for quality, security, and authenticity.

So, why not embark on an exciting gaming adventure that feels like home? Use ZAR at the best live casinos in South Africa, and you'll enjoy a seamless, transparent, and tailored experience.

Live Casinos Accepting South African Rand (ZAR)
About the author
Nathan Williams
Nathan Williams

Nathan "KiwiKing" Williams brings a touch of Kiwi flair to the global live casino arena. Blending his analytical mind with an infectious passion for the game, he crafts content that guides, informs, and entertains.

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FAQ

Everything you need to know about casinos

Is gambling legal in South Africa?

The Gambling Act of South Africa makes a clear difference between land-based and online gambling. So, according to this law, around 40 land-based casinos can operate legally, but online gambling is mostly forbidden. The only legal online forms of gambling are the lottery, sports betting, and betting on horse races.

Which law regulates gambling in South Africa?

The law that regulates gambling in South Africa is the Gambling Act. It was brought in 1965 and amended in 1996, 2004, and 2008. The last amendment of the law was passed but never got into full effect.

What does the 2008 amendment to the National Gambling Act state?

The 2008 amendment to the Gambling Act of South Africa states that pretty much all forms of online gambling will be made legal in the country. The big problem with it is that it hasn’t been put into effect. Recently, the government has sparked interest in taking a look at it.

What is the future of online casinos in South Africa?

The future of online casinos in South Africa is hard to determine, but it looks positive. The government of this country has shown some signs of interest in the 2008 amendment of the National Gambling Act.

More so, the people have pressured authorities quite a lot recently, which is why the chances of legalizing this industry are good. After all, gambling is quite popular in South Africa and there would be several benefits that the people and the government would experience by legalizing this industry.

Can players from South Africa access live casinos safely?

The answer to that is not exactly. That is because live casinos in South Africa are still considered illegal. While some operators may offer their services to players, people from South Africa could face imprisonment if they are caught. It is worth noting that no cases of that character have occurred.

Additionally, some unlicensed operators which are often scam sites can operate in this region.

What is the legal gambling age in South Africa?

The legal gambling age in South Africa is 18.

Can credit cards be used as a payment method?

Credit cards can only be used as a payment method at licensed and regulated online sportsbooks in South Africa. They are reliable and provide players with rather fast and secure transactions. However, cash remains the most popular payment method.

What are the most popular live games in South Africa?

The most popular live games in South Africa are live Texas Hold’em poker, live roulette and live betting. Texas Hold’em is the number 1 pick out of these three as it is very dynamic and relies on skill far more than the rest of the live games.

Other regular casino games that are popular in this region are slots, scratchcards, and the lottery.

Can Bitcoin be used as a deposit and withdrawal method in South Africa?

Yes, Bitcoin can be used as a deposit and withdrawal method and it boasts several advantages. For starters, both deposits and withdrawals are instant. Moreover, it provides players with a certain level of online anonymity, thus increasing their security. Finally, players that use Bitcoin as a payment method void all fees.

Who regulates gambling in South Africa?

The main regulatory body that oversees all gambling-related activities in South Africa is the NGB. More so, there are nine provincial gambling boards that ensure control over this industry.

They are the Eastern Cape Gambling Board, KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board, Gauteng Gambling Board, Free State Gambling and Liquor Authority, Limpopo Gambling Board, Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, Northern Cape Gambling Board, North West Gambling Board, and Mpumalanga Economic Regulator.