SA Gambling Financials (2086)

Discover the latest developments in the South African gambling industry, from the effects of Covid-19 to the legality of online gambling operators. (Image courtesy of Nothing Ahead on Pexels)

In FY2021/22, South Africa generated over R34 billion in gross gambling revenue (GGR). The latest data from the National Gambling Board showed that this figure increased by 48% from the previous FY2020/21 GGR of R23.25 billion.

Online sports and casino betting accounted for 99% of revenue during the pandemic. As Covid-19 restrictions eased, the gambling industry recovered and surpassed pre-pandemic levels. Land-based casino revenue has since increased by almost 100%, which naturally it would do because casinos opened for business once again. Now, walk-in venues are back in operation, they make up 40% of South Africa’s overall gambling GGR.

One of the effects of the pandemic has also shifted the gambling market structure, with betting dominating the market while land-based casino GGR has shrunk.

Also, figures suggest that the South African gambling industry has recovered with pre-pandemic figures for the FY2019/20 of R33 billion now surpassed.

How has gambling performed as a whole? Growth between pre- and post-pandemic has been marginal with just a 3% increase in GGR across both online and land-based gambling from FY2019/20 to FY2021/22.

South African Online Gambling Industry – Legality of local operators

The yearly financial figures above relating to online gambling are supposed to relate to sports betting GGR only. Yet, there are plenty of online casino games contributing to that figure.

Right now, only online sports books operate under the control of gambling operators that are South African entities. According to The National Gambling Act of 2004 online gambling companies cannot operate in the country. With that being said, some slight amendments to this ‘Act’ have allowed sports betting operators to offer online betting markets as long as they are licensed under their local province. However, online casino gaming remains illegal.

Yet, if you visit online sports books in SA, there are casino games available from top brands like Pragmatic Play, Evolution, and more. Mostly, these brands are not directly operating in the country and are instead operating through a middle-man vendor, which then supplies online sports books with casino games. And these sports betting sites appear to have no problems offering online casino games.

What is the risk? The risk of playing online casino games at a South African sportsbook is should the government decide to crack down, players and operators could face legal repercussions. A simple change in government is all it takes. The safest online gambling sites are those operating under the Malta Gambling Authority (MGA). Gambling.

How Does the South African Gambling Industry Licensing Work?

To regulate gambling there are 2 types of authorities in place currently, while there are 2 more regulatory bodies that also monitor the industry.

  • National Gambling Board (NGB): The NGB is a statutory body responsible for regulating all gambling activities in South Africa, including the licensing of casinos. The NGB issues licenses for all types of casinos, including land-based casinos, electronic casinos, and online sports betting.
  • Provincial Gambling and Racing Boards: Each of the nine provinces in South Africa has its own Provincial Gambling and Racing Board, which is responsible for regulating gambling activities within the province. The provincial regulatory boards issue licensing for land-based casinos, limited payout machines, and betting shops within their jurisdiction.

Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC): The FIC also plays a role in regulating gambling in South Africa. The authority monitors and reports suspicious financial transactions related to gambling activities. Effectively it acts as an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) mechanism.

Provincial Licensing Authorities in South Africa

  • Eastern Cape Gambling and Betting Board
  • Free State Gambling and Liquor Authority
  • Gauteng Gambling Board
  • KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board
  • Limpopo Gambling Board
  • Mpumalanga Economic Regulator
  • Northern Cape Gambling Board
  • North West Gambling Board
  • Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board

Why are overseas online casinos so popular?

Players are free to sign up for online casinos in South Africa that operate from overseas. The game selections are far superior to gambling websites offered by local operators, and they are not subject to the laws of South Africa.

As mentioned above, the safest and most trustworthy casinos are those that operate under the MGA licensing. The authority has mechanisms in place to protect players from South Africa, and it meticulously checks the platform with regularity as well as requires quarterly payout reports for all games to check for game result integrity.

Another set of online casinos and sports books popular amongst those that gamble online in South Africa are those operating under Curacao iGaming licensing. Although, compared to the MGA regulatory authority, Curacao’s iGaming regs and framework are not as strict as the MGA, it still offers players a degree of protection. Operators must prove their business and that the directors controlling the company are competent both integrally and financially. Also, all software providers must provide RNG and security testing certificates to prove their games produce fair and random results.

Where to find overseas SA casinos online? Check out ZAR casino no deposit free bonus codes here. You will also find casino reviews for each gambling site listed on the page. These reviews have an extensive bonus review section so you can check the T&Cs to make sure you are getting a fair deal.

Overseas ZAR Online Casinos for Players in SA

  • Casino Buck (MGA Licensing)
  • Slotwolf Casino (MGA Licensing)
  • Wild Fortune Casino
  • 888Straz (Curacao Licensing)
  • GGBet Casino (Curacao Licensing)
  • Sol Casino (Curacao Licensing)
  • 7Signs (Curacao Licensing)
  • Playzilla (Curacao Licensing)

Highly Reputable Casinos Available in USD

  • LeoVegas
  • 888 Casino
  • William Hill
  • Platin Casino

Note: All MGA these casinos come with responsible gambling tools.

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