Gambling is legal in South Africa and is regulated by the National Gambling Board, which oversees all forms of legal gambling in the country. The legal gambling industry in South Africa is substantial and includes various forms of gambling such as casinos, sports betting, lottery, and horse racing.
There are several land-based casinos in South Africa, which are popular tourist attractions and provide employment opportunities to thousands of people. Online gambling is also legal in South Africa, but only if the operator is licensed by the National Gambling Board.
In terms of sports betting, there are many bookmakers that operate in South Africa, both online and offline. Sports betting is a popular form of gambling in the country, with soccer being the most popular sport to bet on.
Lottery is also a popular form of gambling in South Africa, with the National Lottery being the most prominent. The National Lottery is operated by a private company on behalf of the government, and the proceeds from the lottery are used for various charitable causes.
Overall, gambling is a significant industry in South Africa, and while it provides revenue for the government and employment opportunities for many people, it can also lead to addiction and financial problems for some individuals. Therefore, the government has implemented various measures to regulate the industry and to promote responsible gambling.
Types of Gambling in South Africa
There are several types of gambling available in South Africa, including:
- Casinos: There are more than 40 licensed casinos in South Africa, with popular ones located in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban. They offer a variety of games, such as slot machines, table games, and poker.
- Sports betting: Sports betting is a popular form of gambling in South Africa, with horse racing and soccer being the most popular sports to bet on. There are many licensed sports betting operators in the country, both online and offline.
- Lottery: The National Lottery is a popular form of gambling in South Africa, with draws taking place twice a week. The proceeds from the lottery are used for various charitable causes.
- Bingo: Bingo is also a popular form of gambling in South Africa, with many bingo halls located across the country.
- Online gambling: Online gambling is legal in South Africa, and there are many licensed online operators offering a variety of games, such as online casinos, sports betting, and poker.
It is important to note that while gambling can be a fun and entertaining activity, it can also lead to addiction and financial problems for some individuals. Therefore, it is essential to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.
Casinos:
South Africa has a thriving casino industry, with more than 40 licensed casinos operating across the country. Some of the most popular casinos in South Africa are:
- Sun City: Located in the North West Province, Sun City is one of the most famous casinos in South Africa. It offers a variety of games, such as slot machines, table games, and poker, and also has a hotel, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- MonteCasino: Located in Johannesburg, MonteCasino is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. It has a Tuscan-themed design and offers a range of games, including slots, table games, and poker.
- GrandWest Casino: Located in Cape Town, GrandWest Casino is the largest casino in South Africa, with more than 2,500 slot machines and over 80 table games. It also has a hotel, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Emperors Palace: Located in Johannesburg, Emperors Palace is a luxury casino resort that offers a variety of games, including slot machines, table games, and poker. It also has a hotel, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Gold Reef City: Located in Johannesburg, Gold Reef City is a popular family-friendly casino that offers a range of games, including slots, table games, and poker. It also has a theme park, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Casinos in South Africa offer a range of games and entertainment options, and are popular tourist destinations. However, it is important to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.
Sports betting:
Sports betting is a popular form of gambling in South Africa, with a range of licensed sports betting operators offering online and offline services. The most popular sports to bet on in South Africa are soccer, rugby, and horse racing.
Some of the most popular sports betting operators in South Africa include:
- Hollywoodbets: Hollywoodbets is one of the most popular sports betting operators in South Africa, with both online and retail betting available. They offer a range of sports to bet on, including soccer, rugby, cricket, and horse racing.
- Betway: Betway is a global sports betting operator that has a significant presence in South Africa. They offer online betting on a range of sports, including soccer, rugby, cricket, and basketball.
- Supabets: Supabets is a popular sports betting operator in South Africa, with both online and retail betting available. They offer a range of sports to bet on, including soccer, rugby, and horse racing.
- TAB: TAB is the official sports betting operator for horse racing in South Africa. They offer both online and retail betting, with a focus on horse racing but also offering other sports such as soccer and rugby.
- World Sports Betting: World Sports Betting is a popular online sports betting operator in South Africa, offering a range of sports to bet on, including soccer, rugby, cricket, and horse racing.
It is important to note that while sports betting can be a fun and entertaining activity, it can also lead to addiction and financial problems for some individuals. Therefore, it is essential to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.

Lottery:
The South African National Lottery is a popular form of gambling in South Africa, with http://boikhuco.co.za draws taking place twice a week. The lottery is operated by Ithuba, a private company on behalf of the government. The proceeds from the lottery are used for various charitable causes, such as education and social welfare programs.
There are several games available through the National Lottery, including:
- Lotto: The Lotto is the most popular game offered by the National Lottery. Players choose six numbers between 1 and 52, and if they match all six numbers, they win the jackpot.
- PowerBall: PowerBall is a popular game that offers larger jackpots than the Lotto. Players choose five numbers between 1 and 50, and an additional PowerBall number between 1 and 20. If they match all six numbers, they win the jackpot.
- Daily Lotto: The Daily Lotto is a newer game that offers smaller jackpots but with more frequent draws. Players choose five numbers between 1 and 36, and if they match all five numbers, they win the jackpot.
- Sportstake 13: Sportstake 13 is a sports-based game that requires players to predict the outcomes of 13 matches from various sports, such as soccer, rugby, and basketball.
Players can purchase lottery tickets from various retailers, including supermarkets and convenience stores. It is important to note that while the lottery can be a fun and entertaining activity, it can also lead to addiction and financial problems for some individuals. Therefore, it is essential to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.
Bingo:
Bingo is a popular form of gambling in South Africa, particularly among older adults. It is often played in community centers, retirement homes, and bingo halls.
The game of bingo involves players purchasing one or more bingo cards with a grid of numbers. A caller then randomly selects numbers and calls them out, and players mark off the numbers on their card. The first player to mark off all the numbers on their card and shout “Bingo!” wins the game.
Bingo in South Africa is typically played in the 90-ball format, where each card contains 15 numbers across three rows. The first row contains five numbers, the second row contains 10 numbers, and the third row contains 15 numbers.
While bingo is not as popular as other forms of gambling in South Africa, it is still enjoyed by many as a social activity. However, it is important to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.
Online gambling:
Online gambling is legal in South Africa, but there are certain regulations that operators must follow to ensure safe and responsible gambling. The National Gambling Board is responsible for regulating online gambling in South Africa and ensuring that operators comply with the necessary laws and regulations.
Some of the most popular forms of online gambling in South Africa include online sports betting, online casinos, and online poker. Many of the licensed land-based casinos in South Africa also offer online gambling services.
To legally operate an online gambling platform in South Africa, operators must obtain a license from the National Gambling Board. This includes meeting certain requirements related to the security and fairness of the platform, as well as responsible gambling measures to protect players.
South African players who choose to gamble online should only use licensed and regulated platforms to ensure their safety and security. It is also important to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed.
It is worth noting that there have been debates around the legalization of online gambling in South Africa due to concerns over its potential negative effects on vulnerable individuals, particularly those who struggle with gambling addiction. However, for now, online gambling remains a legal and regulated activity in South Africa.
