Overview of Gambling Laws in Gauteng and South Africa

Gambling laws in South Africa are among the most developed in Africa. They offer clear rules for how gambling should be conducted, both online and offline. Within this national framework, Gauteng plays a key role. The province generates a large share of the country’s gambling revenue and is home to several casinos, betting shops, and bingo halls.

This article breaks down how gambling is regulated across South Africa, with a focus on how gambling laws in Gauteng are applied.

ALSO READ: How the National Gambling Board Regulates Casinos and Betting Shops

National Gambling Laws in South Africa

The main law that governs gambling in South Africa is the National Gambling Act of 2004. It replaced the earlier 1996 Act and provides a single framework for all provinces to follow. The law aims to protect the public, prevent illegal gambling, and promote fair play.

The National Gambling Board (NGB) is responsible for overseeing gambling activities across the country. Its job is to:

Monitor gambling operators
Ensure compliance with the law
Support responsible gambling
Prevent illegal gambling

You can find more information on the NGB’s official site.

What Is Legal?

The following types of gambling are legal in South Africa:

Casino gambling (such as slot machines and table games)
Betting on horse racing and sports
Bingo (both paper-based and electronic)
Limited payout machines (LPMs) with low-stakes payouts

Only licensed operators can offer these services. Gambling operators must also follow strict rules to protect players and prevent crime.

Gambling Laws in Gauteng

Each province in South Africa has its own gambling board. In Gauteng, the Gauteng Gambling Board (GGB) handles regulation and licensing. Gauteng is the country’s top gambling province, contributing more than 40% of national gambling income.

The GGB licenses and regulates the following:

Casinos (such as Emperors Palace and Gold Reef City)
Bookmakers and betting shops
Bingo operators
LPM venues

If you want to open a gambling business in Gauteng, you must apply for a license through the GGB. The process includes:

Submitting business plans and financial records
Undergoing background checks
Attending public hearings (in some cases)
Paying application and licensing fees

The GGB ensures that all operators follow strict rules to protect consumers and prevent gambling-related harm. More information is available at the GGB website.

Key Compliance Rules

All licensed gambling operators in South Africa must follow certain rules:

No underage gambling: Only people aged 18 or older may gamble.
Responsible gambling: Operators must allow customers to self-exclude if they have a gambling problem.
Money laundering prevention: Operators must report suspicious transactions in line with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA).
Regular audits: All licensees must submit financial and operational reports.

Breaking these rules can lead to heavy penalties, including license cancellation, fines, and even jail time.

Online Gambling in South Africa

Online gambling is a grey area. The National Gambling Act allows online sports betting through licensed operators, but online casino games like poker, roulette, and slots are still illegal unless the law changes.

The Remote Gambling Bill, which would legalise online casinos, was proposed in 2014 but has not yet been passed. In the meantime, the NGB and provincial boards continue to block access to illegal gambling sites.

In 2022, the NGB froze several bank accounts linked to unlicensed online gambling and worked with banks to block payouts (source).

If you live in Gauteng, avoid using unlicensed international gambling websites. Playing on illegal sites can result in fines or criminal charges.

Responsible Gambling in Gauteng

The Gauteng Gambling Board runs programs to promote responsible gambling. These include:

Public awareness campaigns
Free counselling services for gamblers and families
Community education in high-risk areas

Licensed gambling operators must support the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation. The foundation offers a 24/7 helpline and treatment for gambling addiction. Visit Responsible Gambling SA for support and resources.

Enforcement and Penalties

Gambling laws in South Africa include strong enforcement tools. The GGB and NGB have the power to:

Conduct inspections
Suspend or cancel licenses
Seize illegal gambling machines
Fine or prosecute offenders

In Gauteng, over 500 inspections were carried out between 2022 and 2024. Several unlicensed venues were shut down, and equipment was confiscated (GGB Compliance Report).

Running an unlicensed gambling business is a criminal offence. Even promoting illegal gambling can lead to jail time or fines.