The Legal Status of Online Gambling in South Africa (2025 Update)

Online gambling in South Africa is a bit like navigating a casino floor blindfolded. There are clear signs for where you can go, but plenty of places you're technically not allowed. As of 2025, we’re still dealing with a patchy legal framework, mixed enforcement, and big changes potentially on the way.

If you're wondering what’s legal, what’s not, and what might be changing soon, here’s the latest.

Can You Legally Gamble Online in South Africa?

Online sports betting and horse racing are 100% legal. As long as the operator is licensed by a provincial gambling board.

Big names like Hollywoodbets, Betway, and Supabets all run with proper licences, which means you’re fully covered when betting on everything from Premier League football to Durban July favourites.

But here’s the catch...

Online casino games, poker, and slots are still technically illegal under the National Gambling Act of 2004. That law hasn’t changed, and the Piggs Peak court ruling from 2011 made sure of it, at least on a national level.

Are Online Casino Sites Legal?

Here’s where things get murky. Even though online casino gaming is banned nationally, some provinces like Western Cape and Mpumalanga have issued licences for certain fixed-odds and casino-style games.

That’s why you’ll see SA-focused casinos offering slots, blackjack, roulette, and more, many claiming to be “provincially regulated.” In practice, these platforms operate in a grey zone, with the government turning a semi-blind eye while raking in tax revenue.

So yes, players can access them, but it’s not officially sanctioned on a national level.

What About Offshore Casino Sites?

South African law says it’s illegal to use unlicensed interactive gambling sites, and penalties can go up to R10 million or 10 years in prison. But in reality, this isn’t enforced.

Offshore casinos like Stake and BetWinner continue to accept South African players and even offer local payment options like OTT Voucher and Capitec Pay. According to the Mail & Guardian, no player has ever been prosecuted for using these platforms, making the ban feel more like a suggestion than a law.

These platforms even offer localised customer service and advertise in South Africa, giving the impression that they’re legal.

According to data from World Casino News, SA punters wagered R1.14 trillion in 2024, and over 60% of that came from online betting. But while licensed sportsbooks pay taxes, offshore casinos do not. That means millions in revenue is leaving the country untaxed.

What To Expect For Online Gambling in SA

There’s a strong push for reform. A Private Members Bill is on the table that would legalise and regulate online casinos and poker nationwide. Public consultations wrapped up in early 2025, and Parliament is expected to review feedback later this year.

The bill is widely supported by stakeholders, but there’s no guarantee it will pass quickly. The South African government tends to move slowly, and political instability could delay progress.

Still, international pressure around anti-money laundering is pushing the issue forward. The government knows it can’t afford to do nothing much longer.

So, where does that leave South African players?

If you’re betting on sports, you’re golden. If you’re spinning slots, it’s still a legal gamble. But for now, South Africans are playing anyway. Whether that changes in 2025 depends on Parliament’s next move.

Sources used in this update:

https://iclg.com/practice-areas/gambling-laws-and-regulations/south-africa 

https://mg.co.za/thought-leader/2025-03-13-sas-online-gambling-crisis-weak-enforcement-undermines-government-authority/ 

https://www.news24.com/southafrica/news/legislative-limbo-online-gambling-legislation-gathers-dust-17-years-on-20250630-1131 

https://www.enca.com/business/what-factors-are-behind-south-africas-rise-online-casino-users 

https://gaming-awards.com/NEWS/the-evolution-of-igaming-regulations-in-africa-a-2025-perspective/ 

https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/south-africas-explosive-online-gambling-growth-tests-regulatory-limits-119001