Is it legal to bet online in South Africa?

The short answer to the question “Is online sports betting legal in South Africa?” is that it is legal and you can do it. Before the mid-1990s, all types of gambling were banned, but around 1994 or 1996 the National Gambling Act brought the industry back from the dead. There are more than fifty horse racing tracks, casinos, and betting facilities you could go to and enjoy gambling. If the legal situation changes anytime in the future, we will make sure to notify you.

For any bookmaker to operate in South Africa they need to have a license and to be legit. You should also keep in mind that if you bet on any illegal platforms, you will most likely be prosecuted and your funds will be taken away from you. The available legal bookmakers are very few, and you will most likely find who they are easy.

If the bookmaker is legal in a country, you should be able to find a symbol representing the specific gambling commission they got their license from somewhere on their website. Basic online research will answer which institutions are allowed to give licenses for operators in specific regions.

When it comes to other forms of entertainment, like online casinos, lotteries, daily fantasy, and poker, the official laws are not as accepting. The official National Lottery in South Africa was licensed for a second time and hasn't stopped functioning since then. As long as you are over 18, you should be able to enjoy offline and online games. Daily Fantasy, Poker, and Online Casinos aren't legal yet, but there are ways you can play via licensed companies and bookies.

Can Customers Trust Online Sports Betting in South Africa?

Besides asking yourselves “Is sports betting legal in South Africa?” you should also ask if online betting is even safe. All licensed operators must go through specific requirements to receive the license allowing them to operate.

If the gambling commission that issued their license is legit, then you shouldn't worry yourself with security concerns about your private information or finances. If the opposite occurs, and you have concerns regarding the safety and licensing of the platform, you shouldn't even register on the platform or even deposit funds.

If any of the logos of the following companies are on the bookmaker's website, then it's a good start:

• eCorga
• Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS)
• National Gambling Board of South Africa
• Malta Gaming Authority
• United Kingdom Gambling Commission

You should also read online reviews of the operator because while they might have a license, they might not be cordial with their customers. This may eventually protect you from a future scam or payout refusal. So, doing your research into the betting site and their license is crucial when it comes to finding the best site to use.

The major and most popular betting sites in South Africa all have a positive online reputation and their licenses are up to date. The platforms we are talking about are Betway, HollywoodBets, and SportingBet. You can find out a little more about them in reviews specific to each operator.

Are Operators in South Africa Available in Other Countries?

Like we already mentioned the most popular platforms in South Africa where you can safely and legally place bets on Sports are HollywoodBets, Betway, and SportingBet. There is one thing that all of these operators have in common and that is the fact that they operate abroad, as well.

HollywoodBets is a company based in South Africa but also operates abroad in the UK, Ireland, and Mozambique, as well. Betway and SportingBet are originally launched in the UK, but over the years they started to offer their services in other countries, and eventually, they came to South Africa.

Can Customer with a South African Account Bet Abroad?

Besides asking yourself “Is sports betting legal in South Africa?” you should ask yourself if you can place a bet abroad using your South Africa bookmaker account. If you are traveling abroad for any reason and you were wondering if you will be able to place a wager on sports there, you should research that before you leave.

Some bookmakers allow customers to use their current accounts to place bets from multiple countries, but some require you to create a new account specific to the country in question. Like we said above, the most popular bookmakers operate in multiple places around the world, but most countries are still banned. The reasons for that may vary from not having a license in the specific country, or just online betting not being legal there.

Another thing you should check out if you are planning on staying longer is if the accepted payment methods you want to go are the same as the ones offered in South Africa. The most common payment methods in South Africa and other countries are bank transfers, e-wallets, and bank cards.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in South Africa? – Frequently Asked Questions

Will online gambling be banned in the future?

There is a high possibility that all gambling forms will be banned soon in South Africa, so you should keep yourself informed with all the current legislation.

Who regulated gambling in South Africa?

All gambling in South Africa is regulated by the National Gambling Board (NGB) of South Africa.

Do I have to pay taxes for gambling in South Africa?

If you are doing it for “fun” then it isn't required, similar to the law in Canada, but if it qualifies as your “job” you will have to pay taxes for your winnings.

What is the legal age of gambling in South Africa?

To be able to gamble in South Africa, including online sports betting, you should be over the age of 18.

Is responsible gambling available in South Africa?

Yes, it is. The National Responsible Gambling Programme provides important protection in the form of self-exclusion and different limiting features.

What are the consequences of breaking the gambling law in South Africa?

If you are found guilty you may be liable for a fine of up to ten million South African rand or ten years in prison. You can also get both punishments depending on which law you broke.