Country · South Africa Live data · 8 Nov 2026
New online casinos in South Africa
Online casino games are not legal in South Africa. The National Gambling Act prohibits unlicensed interactive gambling, and no licence for online casino games has been issued. Online sports betting with a provincially licensed bookmaker is legal.
The casinos below are licensed offshore and accept South African players under their own terms. If you live in South Africa, including as a Zimbabwean working there, South African law applies to you.
- 18+ only
- Offshore licences only
- Online casino games illegal; betting licensed
By Tendai Moyo | Updated 4 Nov 2026
Legal risk · South Africa
Online casino games are illegal in South Africa
The National Gambling Act prohibits taking part in unlicensed interactive gambling, and winnings can be forfeited. The casinos listed here are offshore. Weigh the legal risk before you play.
1 Nov 2004
Short answer
Can players in South Africa use new online casinos?
Offshore casinos accept South African players, but playing online casino games in South Africa breaks the law for operators and players alike. Online sports betting with a provincial licence is the legal option.
The law
The law in South Africa
No licence for online casino games exists. The 2008 amendment that would have allowed them was never brought into force, and a private member's Remote Gambling Bill introduced in 2024 has not become law.
- Law
- National Gambling Act, 2004
- Citation
- Act No. 7 of 2004
- Legal status
- Banned
- Enacted
- 6 Aug 2004
- In force
- 1 Nov 2004
- Licensing model
- no licences issued (online casinos banned)
- Minimum age
- 18+
- Advertising
- licensed operators only
- Penalties
- operator · fine · up to R 10,000,000 · Any offence under the Act, incl. s. 11 unlicensed interactive gaming; operator · prison · up to 120 months · Any offence under the Act, incl. s. 11 unlicensed interactive gaming; player · fine · up to R 10,000,000 · Any offence under the Act, incl. s. 11 unlicensed interactive gaming; player · prison · up to 120 months · Any offence under the Act, incl. s. 11 unlicensed interactive gaming
Sources: National Gambling Act 7 of 2004, South African Government (gov.za)
In depth
Zimbabweans living in South Africa
The rule follows where you are. A Zimbabwean in South Africa plays under South African law, whatever passport or bank account they hold. Using a Zimbabwean payment method does not change that, and a casino that sees a South African login may apply its South African terms.
Questions
South Africa: questions
Are online casinos legal in South Africa?
No. The National Gambling Act prohibits unlicensed interactive gambling. Licensed online sports betting is legal.
Can players be punished?
Yes. Taking part is an offence for players as well as operators, and winnings can be forfeited.
Will South Africa license online casinos?
The 2008 amendment was never brought into force, and the 2024 Remote Gambling Bill has not passed.
Does South African law apply to Zimbabweans living there?
Yes. The law of the country where you play applies, whatever your nationality.
Where can I get help?
Gambling Therapy offers free, confidential online support. Our responsible gaming page lists the limits you can set.
Responsible gaming
Play only if you are 18+ and it stays fun
These rules apply on every page of this site. A young casino has less history to judge it by, so the limits matter more.
Adults only, everywhere
You must be 18 or older, and older in some countries. A casino can ask for ID before your first withdrawal, and new casinos often do.
Responsible gamingStart small with an unknown casino
Deposit an amount you would accept losing to a failed withdrawal, and request a small cash-out early to see how the casino handles it.
How we review new casinosSet limits before the welcome offer
Bonus wagering keeps you playing longer. Set a deposit limit and a time limit in the account before you claim.
Set your limitsFree, confidential support
If playing stops being fun, talk to someone. Gambling Therapy offers free support in many languages.
Gambling Therapy · Addiction help