Gambling Age In South Africa
South Africa has had a long history of betting and gambling related activities that go back to the 15th century. The betting industry retains its widespread popularity to this very day, with much of it focused on soccer, cricket, horseracing and rugby. Betting on the outcome of soccer games is a particularly favored pastime for the under-45 set, mainly due to the introduction of “Soccer 6”, which offers remarkably high returns. Numerous changes and additions to the South African online betting scene are expected in the coming years however, and it would appear that sport betting activities would continue to be a prominent part of the South African social fabric for a long time to come.
- According to a study titled “Raising the Stakes in Africa Gambling Outlook: 2014 – 2018,” which was published by research firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) in November of 2014, South African casinos generated gross gambling revenue of 13 billion South African Rand (USD$1 billion) in 2009.
- However, common gambling ages across the world are 18 and 21. Each state regulates its own minimum age for gambling. Some states have two legal gambling ages, commonly 18 in some casinos, 21 in others. Each state regulates its own minimum age for gambling. Some states have two legal gambling ages, commonly 18 in some casinos, 21 in others.
CONSIDERING that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996), establishes that casinos, racing, gambling and wagering are matters of concurrent national and provincial legislative competence. The Act also permitted the establishment of South Africa’s first lottery and reclassified horseracing as a gambling activity, not a sporting one. The rise of online gambling While the Act did a great deal to transform gambling in the country it was only eight years later in 2004 when another piece of legislation was deemed necessary to.
Legalities of Betting Online In South Africa
While the Gambling Act of 1965 definitively banned all forms of land based betting in the country until 1996, there have been no clear-cut laws with regard to online gambling up until 2008. In May of that year, Parliament passed what was called the National Gambling Amendment Bill, which sought to regulate the online betting industry in South Africa, and effectively legalized online gambling with certain restrictions. With this law, the government aims to clearly define what does and does not fall under the legal coverage of online betting.
There are a number of rules and restrictions that govern players as well as South African online betting sites. South African players will only be allowed to wager at betting sites licensed by the government for example, and they will have to show proof of legal age. An online betting site that wishes to service South African players on the other hand will have to apply for the proper licenses and pay the appropriate taxes.
Current Online Betting Trends In South Africa
The recent move by the government to allow betting online will no doubt affect gambling trends in the country. Not that it needs any help of course; online betting has managed to garner widespread popularity in the country even before it was officially legalized, and many players then simply took advantage of the absence of any clear cut laws. Now that the lines have been clearly defined, South Africa online gambling is expected to attract even more players.
Among the most popular games in the online betting websites are sports betting, online poker, blackjack and slots. A large portion of the South African online gambling market is comprised of players in the 30- to 45-year-old age group, although signs point towards a downward shift in the trend, with younger and younger players opting to do their gambling online.
South African Betting History
Certain forms of betting and/or gambling were actually banned or otherwise restricted in the country as far back as 1673. However, it would be almost 300 years later when the government would take a heavy-handed approach to curtailing the activities of gamblers, with the passing of the Gambling Act of 1965.
In 2000, the local betting scene was rocked by a scandal involving charges of game fixing by certain key players working in conjunction with Indian bookmakers.
Are you tired of trying to sign up at award-winning gambling sites, only to discover that players from South Africa aren't welcome? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of places that offer online gambling? South Africa's internet gambling industry doesn't have to be confusing. We're here to help you quickly discover great South Africa gambling sites and avoid the duds. We make it easy to enjoy casino online gambling in South Africa at fully licensed and regulated sites. Our South African gambling specialists have found that Casino Jackpot City offers the best online poker in 2021.
Yet no matter what kind of real money gambling you prefer, our experts will guide you to untold entertainment. Every recommended casino online on our list features:
- Hundreds of world class casino games
- Instant deposits and quick withdrawals in ZAR
- Substantial sign up bonuses for South Africans
The Best South African Entertainment
Real money casino online gambling in South Africa has no trouble holding its own. Not only does the internet make betting unbelievably convenient, but you can count on a wider assortment of games with better payouts online. South Africa gambling options are impressive any way you look at it. Imagine having access to the best games whenever you feel like it in 2021. Enjoy baccarat, blackjack, poker, slot machines, craps, sic bo, keno, bingo, pai gow, roulette, football betting, or any other type of gaming you love.
When gambling, South Africa's online experience is more than just about the quantity of games at your disposal. The quality is magnificent too. You can count on spectacular gameplay with brilliant graphics and a gripping soundtrack to match. You'll even have the option of playing using real cash or strictly for fun if you want to save Rands in 2021.
South Africa Gambling on the Go
It's definitely great to have access to hundreds of games on your PC and Mac, but who wants to stay at home or lug around a bulky laptop in 2021? You no longer need to when you embrace mobile gambling. South Africa's top gambling sites now support a wide range of smartphone and tablets so that you can play just about anywhere from Cape Town to Musina. As long as there's an internet connection, you'll find the world's greatest online casinos in the palm of your hand. Enjoy slots at the beach, a poker tournament at a game reserve, or place real cash bets on your favorite team from a café.
Mobile casino online gambling in South Africa is available on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry devices. Whether you have an iPad, iPhone, Android mobile phone, tablet, or something else entirely, you'll find great apps and instant play games. The best part is that you no longer need access to a desktop or laptop at all. South African gambling sites let you sign up, deposit Rands, play games, and cash out your ZAR on the go.
In South Africa, gambling on your mobile will transform the way you bet. Since you don't have to waste your time travelling to the casino or local bookmaker, entertainment is far more accessible. Yet that doesn't necessarily translate into playing more. Mobile South African online casinos give you the power to play smarter. You can easily play a few hands of blackjack while waiting around for a friend and then call it a day or enjoy lengthy poker tourneys without being tied to your desk.
Play Safely in South Africa
Whether you play on your tablet, smartphone, PC, or Mac, all our suggested sites are dedicated to trust and safety when gambling. South Africa's best online casino gambling websites use certified random number generators to deliver entertainment that is fair and consistent. Sites also use the same advanced encryption as leading banks to securely process payments and protect your personal information at every stage of the game. The only catch is that you need to stick to licensed gaming websites.
Experience the Best Gambling in South Africa
There's no shortage of places to enjoy real cash casino online gambling in South Africa. Whether you love slot machines, poker, table games, sports betting, or other wagering favorites, there are dozens of fantastic places to play. Our South African gambling experts have taken the time to vet, review, and compare every SA friendly online casino. Read our reviews or surf directly to any of our top rated licensed gaming sites to start playing to win. You'll even earn a huge welcome bonus that will boost your bankroll with plenty of rands.
“Gambling isn't just one of South Africa's most popular pastimes. It's also incredibly convenient thanks to the rise of online and mobile betting sites.”
Frequently Ask Questions About South African Gambling
What is the minimum gambling age in South Africa?
Potential players need to be at least 18 years of age to gamble in South Africa. The legal gambling age applies whether you are playing live or on the internet. Keep in mind that online casino gambling sites may request identification.
How is online gambling regulated in South Africa?
Gambling sites in South Africa are regulated by one of the country's nine provincial gambling and racing boards. Please note that top rated international betting sites that welcome SA players are out of the South African government's jurisdiction. Fortunately, every reputable offshore site is regulated by a gambling commission in the regions where it operates.
Do I need to pay tax on my gambling winnings?
Unlike the United States, South Africa doesn't generally tax recreational gambling winnings. You may be required to report large winnings to the South African Revenue Service, but your windfall won't be subject to capital gains taxes. This is merely a rule of thumb that applies to recreational players. If you are a successful poker pro or make your living by gambling, these rules may not apply to you. Professional bettors will obviously want to consult with an accountant to discuss any additional obligations
What Happens If You Gamble Under 21
Can I play online casino in ZAR?
You can definitely enjoy real money online casino games using the South African rand. Top gambling sites let you deposit, withdraw, and enjoy games denominated in SA Rands. Whether you play at sites located abroad or in South Africa, gambling in your native currency is ideal. Not only can you avoid needless currency conversion fees, but it's easy to keep track of your wins and losses. When you visit SA friendly sites, you'll find lots of familiar banking methods too. Online gambling for South Africa offers everything you love about live betting but with added convenience.
What are the best online casino gambling sites for South Africans?
If you're looking to great places to enjoy gambling, South Africa has so many incredible options. Our experts have compared and reviewed every licensed and regulated casino online that accepts SA players. You can check out in depth reviews or head directly to our list of the best betting sites for South African players.
Gambling Age In South Africa 2020
What forms of gambling are popular in South Africa?
Gambling Age In South Africa
The most popular types of gambling for South Africa players are horseracing, sports betting, slot machines, roulette, poker, blackjack, and baccarat. Yet if you live in South Africa, gambling is available on the internet in every imaginable form.