South Africa is home to one of the most established gambling markets in Africa. A national framework introduced in 2004 set the ground rules, with nine provincial boards now responsible for licensing and supervision.
Casinos, bingo halls, and Limited Payout Machines (LPMs) have long been part of the country’s gambling landscape. Today, sports and horse race betting dominate the legal online space, supported by high mobile use and a strong sporting culture.
For operators, this means a market with clear rules, moderate provincial taxes, and a large, engaged audience.
| Regulatory Authority | The National Gambling Board (NGB) and provincial gambling boards |
| Key legislation | National Gambling Act No. 7 (2004) and provincial gambling regulations |
| Allowed activities | Online sports betting and horse-race betting (only through licensed South African bookmakers). |
| Prohibited activities | All other online gambling (e.g., online casinos, poker sites). |
| Taxation and fees | Licensed horse racing bets incur a ~6% provincial levy deducted directly from winnings; online sports betting operators pay provincially-set taxes (typically 5–7% of GGR). |
| Licence validity/duration | Determined by respective provincial board; typically issued for defined periods according to provincial legislation. |
| Benefits of the market |
The gambling sector in South Africa is well established. Provincial licensing covers casinos and bookmakers, including online sports betting, and offers licensed operators long-term stability.
Sports are at the heart of South Africa’s gambling scene. Football, rugby and cricket attract the bulk of wagers, and licensed bookmakers benefit from a strong, steady demand. The provincial licensing system adds structure, giving operators a stable environment to work in. |
| SOFTSWISS products compliant |
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| Key legislation | National Gambling Act No. 7 (2004) and provincial gambling regulations |
| Allowed activities | Among others:
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| Prohibited activities | Among others:
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| Taxation | 5% – 15% of GGR (depending on province and type of business). |
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