What laws apply, how it has changed over the years, specific legislation, etc.
Is it safe to gamble online in South Africa? What does the law say? Will it be changing soon? Why are there online casinos offering jackpots in Rands if it's not legal? I really want to win those jackpots, so what should I do?
If you've ever wondered about the answer to one of these questions, or any other questions related to playing at online casinos in South Africa, you need to read this Legal Guide to Gambling in South Africa. Hopefully we'll answer all your questions by covering the following topics:
2004 (online gambling was completely forbidden, so there no legal online casinos by now). Looking at the current situation with online gambling in South Africa, the ban’s likely to be canceled. However, by now, it isn’t legal to play gamble games on the Internet. There are several online casino games with very good payback odds. For example, 'full pay' Video Poker games will have you playing at Legal Online Casino In South Africa almost even Legal Online Casino In South Africa with the house with perfect play. Online reviews also show that the staff is very responsive which is impressive considering the casino is 125,000 sq/ft with slots open 24/7. Address: Cnr Northern Parkway and, Data Cres, Ormonde, Johannesburg South, 2159. Phone: +27 11 248-5000.
And if that seems like way too much reading, here are the crib notes: Yes, it's safe for you to gamble online in South Africa. The law says that online gambling is not allowed, but as a player you don't have too much to worry about.
Presently, the law on online gambling in South Africa states that it is illegal for any online casino to offer gambling services within the RSA borders. While this seems pretty cut and dried, Internet gaming providers have found loopholes like setting up their operations in countries where online gaming is legal.
And while the Gambling Act also states that it's unlawful for SA players to sign up for an account to gamble online, it places the bulk of the responsibility on the operators to ensure that they don't accept SA players, rather than holding the players themselves accountable. And since we have yet to hear about any individual players that have been singled out and had legal action taken against them, we're pretty confident that if you play at a fully licensed and regulated casino in a reliable jurisdiction, you'll be just fine.
South Africa's first Gambling Act came into force in 1965. Since then, there have been many changes, most of which applied to land-based casinos. With the invention of the Internet, online gambling also had to be included. This was done in the National Gambling Act of 2004, where online gambling was banned in SA. Fast-forward to September 2011, where the Act went a step further by making it clear that operators were banned from offering online gambling services to South African residents. Although there have since been suggested amendments tabled in Parliament, that was the last amendment to date.
Industry experts predict that government will eventually grasp the obvious economic, social and practical benefits of regulating the online gambling industry. However, there is no telling when that will happen.
In the meantime, South African players should take care to play only at fully licensed casinos that are based in a reputable jurisdiction. It's also very important to make sure that your preferred South African online casino makes use of up-to-date and comprehensive security systems to protect your sensitive information. Another thing to look out for is whether the online casino undergoes third party audits. This will ensure that they comply with the minimum standards for the industry, which will further protect your rights and ensure fair play practices.
In order to make sure that you play only at the best gaming providers, we've been keeping a list of carefully selected South African online casinos for you to choose from. Each one of these Internet casinos offer fantastic welcome bonuses, as well as lucrative ongoing offers and promotions to get you on your way toward winning the jackpot of your dreams.