Since 2004, South Africa’s gambling laws were clarified, allowing online betting but declaring online gambling illegal. Punters can make bets on any of the top sporting events and national and international horse races, as there are plenty of SA-licensed online bookmakers. “Any form of online/interactive gambling is illegal in South Africa up until the National Gambling Amendment Act of 2008 comes into effect,” the DTI confirmed. Online gambling not illegal.
The illegality of online gambling in South Africa has been reinforced by the South African National Gambling Board.
In a statement to help clarify the subject, the board noted that the status of online gambling remained a source of debate.
“To eliminate any uncertainty in this regard, the NGB wishes to make it emphatically clear that the answer to whether online or interactive gambling is legal in South Africa, is a simple and unequivocal 'no' with the exception of online sports betting.”
The board cites the law that expressly states: “A person must not engage in or make available an interactive game except as authorised in terms of this Act or any other national law.”
Is Online Gambling Illegal In South Africa Right Now
It points out that the National Gambling Amendment Act 2008 never actually came into operation as the president had not fixed a date and published a proclamation to that effect. This was apparently confusing the issue.