Our esteemed audience is well aware that they can engage in online betting on the platforms we endorse as trustworthy. In addition to casino games, several of these sites offer sports betting sections.
In both scenarios, South African bettors can put their luck to the test and withdraw their winnings to their accounts in South Africa. However, many individuals have doubts regarding the legality of such activities and the functioning of South African laws pertaining to gambling.
The current status of the approved laws.
Since 2018, the landscape of gambling in South Africa has taken a different turn. Fixed-odds sports betting has been authorized and regulated, with the most recent amendment in 2021. On the other hand, online casinos were not encompassed by this law, and all their gaming modalities are still under discussion, albeit with a positive outlook.
So, at this moment, the current status of the bets is as follows:
Modality | Sports Betting | Slot machines and table games | Bingo | Lotteries |
---|---|---|---|---|
Situation | Legalized in 2018 by Law No. 13756/2018 for fixed quotas. Found in many of the recommended casinos here. | Bill 442/1991 is being sent for approval in the Senate. | Bill 442/1991 is moving forward for approval in the Senate. | National lotteries can be played online, while international lotteries are only available on foreign websites. |
Therefore, when it comes to slot machines, bingo, and online animal game, there is still no regulation in place. The Senate received PL 442/1991 on February 25, 2022, after a few days of delay in the voting process at the Chamber of Deputies. The proposed bill, known as the Regulatory Framework for Games, will enable the legalization of the aforementioned activities as well as casinos in general.
Is it possible for me to bet in casinos nowadays?
Despite the fact that the Gaming Regulatory Framework has not yet been approved, the situation remains unchanged for players. South African bettors can register on properly licensed and internationally based operating websites. This applies to all online casinos in South Africa that we recommend here.
What changes with the legalization of casinos?
For players, depending on the rules that are applied, it may be that very little changes. After all, we've already been able to play, deposit, and withdraw through very convenient payment methods, such as in Pix casinos. There is a possibility that there will be increased security specifically for South Africans, if organizations that prioritize safe gambling are also established.
This phenomenon has not been observed in the realm of sports betting, thus it may not necessarily occur for the casino sector. Conversely, if a regulatory body such as the SRIJ (Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos) in Portugal is implemented, significant changes will ensue in the way we engage in online gaming.
In this scenario, South African casinos would need to obtain licenses within the country, and it would not suffice for them to be legalized in other nations. This measure could also potentially restrict access to a range of games, payment methods, and other crucial factors in online gambling.
Despite being an unknown, it is definite that we will no longer be at risk of going against the tide of other nations. In other words, we do not face the possibility of a ban on the games that we currently enjoy playing online.
Keep an eye
With the PL 442/1991 now heading for vote in the Senate, there's no longer a need to keep an eye on multiple bills addressing the issue. Fortunately, the most comprehensive project was the one selected.
According to Congressman Herculano Passos of the South African Democratic Movement Party (MDB-SP), if the Senate were to veto it, the Chamber of Deputies would overturn the veto. However, if the Senate approves it, then it would only require the President of the Republic's approval for it to become law.
Just follow the forthcoming developments of this extensive narrative to unveil the potential alterations that lie ahead for online gamers and the future landscape of in-person gameplay, such as in physical casinos, for instance.