PAYMENT METHODS AND ONLINE CASINOS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Top Casinos and Best Banking Options for South African Players
Welcome, South African casino lovers! SA may not be one of the top gambling countries in the world, but we know people there love to gamble and be entertained. On this page, we take a detailed look at the current gambling situation in South Africa and share our results when it comes to the best online casinos in the South African market.
We further expand on the subject by adding our suggestions for the top banking methods for online casino players from SA. Let’s fight illegal casinos together and play at respectable websites for the most rewarding of gaming experiences.
South African players are free to explore a number of premium online casinos with the largest game collections and the most trusted software. The best thing about playing games of chance online from South Africa is the fact that one can make deposits in ZAR and play safely anytime, anywhere.
The best SA casinos, as listed here on this very page, will offer you hundreds of super-fun games, a mobile lobby, a wide variety of table games, video poker, keno, bingo, progressives and hit video slots. There are also bonuses to look forward to and a decent selection of efficient, secure banking methods you can rely on. We wouldn’t want you to miss any of these great casino experiences.
If you stick to legitimate websites with proven software and dedicated services, you will find gambling at online casinos to be just as exciting as going on a safari. The South African online gaming landscape is saturated with attractive options, so feel free to dive in.
Best South African Online Casinos
CasinoBankingMethods.com uses a meticulous evaluation process to carefully rank only the best online casinos available for our readers. Here, we offer a casino website guide perfectly customized for South African players, with concrete listings and recommendations based on the services and benefits these sites provide to bettors from SA. As a South African, you can spend hours wading through hundreds of casinos that are irrelevant or mediocre at best. No need for that anymore!
Casino1337
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C Apply- Extensive games collection
- Multiple payment methods
- 24/7 Live Chat
18+ | New Customers Only |
T&C ApplyTop Casino Banking Methods in South Africa
South African online casinos support a variety of banking methods, but that doesn’t mean all of them are equally convenient. We take processing and maintenance fees into consideration, as well as how easy it is for an average player to use a banking system and fully benefit from it. Our idea is to help you opt for a method that suits you best, so have a look at our shortlist of the top banking methods available in South African casinos.
Review & Best Casinos
- Excellent option for South Africa
- Instant bank deposits
- Cost-effective solution
Review & Best Casinos
- Fast casino transactions
- Available around the globe
- 165 supported currencies
Review & Best Casinos
- A leading payment solution
- Maximum security
- Fast & easy casino transactions
Review & Best Casinos
- Fast casino payments
- Available around the globe
- Designed with iGaming focus
Review & Best Casinos
- Available around the globe
- Designed with iGaming focus
- Fast deposits & withdrawals
Review & Best Casinos
- Instant deposits & withdrawals
- Safe and reliable e-Wallet
- Widely accepted at casinos
Review & Best Casinos
- Supports 30+ cryptocurrencies
- No transaction fees
- Enables crypto to fiat conversion
Review & Best Casinos
- Fast casino withdrawals
- Highly secure option
- Cryptocurrencies supported
Review & Best Casinos
- Provides rewards such as cashback
- No annual fees
- Eight types of cards are available
Review & Best Casinos
- Fast and secure transactions
- Free casino deposits & withdrawals
- High maximum cashout limit
Laws and Regulations on Online Gambling in South Africa?
In 1965, all types of gambling were banned under the Gambling Act with the exception of horseracing. The same year, leaders of the Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, and Venda tribes decided to permit casino gambling in their territories. There were quite a lot of illegal gambling operations running in SA for the following 30 years or so, and then in 1994 the newly elected democratic government legalized gambling and established a system to regulate gambling in the country through the National Gambling Act passed two years later.
The supervision of the gambling industry in South Africa is in the hands of the National Gambling Board, also established in 1996. In 2004, the 1996 act was repealed and a new gambling act made the operation of online casino gaming within the country illegal. On the other hand, it’s completely legal to bet on sports and horse racing online in South Africa.
Further changes happened in 2010 – it became officially illegal to play at online casinos operated by offshore companies, casinos that don’t have a South African IP. In other words, South African players can enter some online casinos and are restricted from others. Gambling-related transactions may incur a R10 million fine, 10 years in prison, perhaps a combination of the two. No players have been prosecuted for this at this point, though.
Currently, electronic gambling in South Africa has been outlawed because of the lack of a legitimate legislative model that would regulate it within the country. It seems as if the lawmakers simply found it easier to just ban all activities. It is also important to notice that, within the framework of the present National Gambling Act, each of South Africa’s provinces has the authority to enact its own provincial legislation on gambling. So, we may see some changes across these planes in the future, hopefully.
The best South African online casinos are actually gambling sites that accept South African currency, not websites based in South Africa. Even Springbok Casino is registered in Luxembourg. It is interesting to know that most online gambling in South Africa takes place in internet cafés and so-called “entertainment lounges”, not on personal computers.
Are You Required to Pay Taxes on Winnings?
South Africans don’t have to pay taxes on their winnings, fortunately. However, there are two things you should know:
- Even though you won’t have to pay taxes, you still have to declare your winnings as non-taxable income. We haven’t heard of the SARS going hard on someone for this, but you should still take this seriously. Consult with a South African lawyer or accountant, as they’re legally allowed to offer advice on this matter.
- Professional gamblers, on the other hand, must declare their winnings in full and pay the corresponding taxes. The SARS defines professional gamblers as individuals who don’t have any other recorded streams of income other than their casino escapades.
Can Casinos That Accept South African Players Be Trusted?
Safety is always a priority, in online gambling as it is in life. When choosing trusted internet casinos to play at make sure to check the licenses and the regulatory status of the sites before you deposit. Or, simply let us do it for you! Since most casino sites accepting SA players are located offshore, they will hold licenses issued by respected gambling authorities located in other regions.
Legal Commonwealth licensing jurisdictions include the UK Gambling Commission, the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission and the Isle of Man Casino Control Commission to name a few.
You will likely encounter casino sites that are licensed by the Government of Curacao and the Antigua Directorate of Offshore Gambling, but these haven’t been as reliable over the years as one would like, although they hold a decent reputation in the industry.
The Malta Gaming Authority is the gaming control department of Malta and yet another well-known regulator for many prestigious online casino brands. If you are still not sure whether to trust the site or not, look for a seal from eCOGRA, a British internationally approved testing agency, specialised in the certification of online gaming software. It will come as the final confirmation of the site’s fairness and transparency.
Best Casino Bonuses for South African Players
The number of bonuses that you can claim at online casinos will vary, as well as their frequency, but it is important to stay up to date with the latest offers. Most online casinos give away one or more bonuses to new players and set up multiple promotions at various times during the weeks or months ahead. As a player from South Africa, you will have plenty of attractive offers at your disposal, so we’re offering a helping hand to decide which bonuses work best for you. All of the suggested offers are hosted at top South African online casinos, so don’t worry about a thing, you will love them!
Arlekin
Welcome Package
40x (B+FS Wins)
Ongoing
€20/30 AU$
€10,000
Billy Billion
Welcome Package
40x (D+B+FS Wins)
Ongoing
€20/AU$30
10,000
Casombie
Welcome Package
35x (D+B) 40x (FS Wins)
Ongoing
€20/AU$30
No
Zotabet
Welcome Package
WELCOME
40x (B+FS Wins)
Ongoing
€20/30 AU$
Spinch
Welcome Package
WBSPIN
40x (B+D)
Ongoing
€30/45 AU$
Kryptosino
Welcome Package
Free
Ongoing
€20
Vegaz
Welcome Package
100FIRST
Free
Ongoing
€20
Richard
Welcome Package
40x (B+FS Wins)
Ongoing
€/AU$20
Local Payment Methods to Consider
The most common banking methods are the easiest to go about. They are internationally available and well-known in various regions, so online casino operators will usually offer these before any other system of payment. If they really want to attract players from specific markets, they will integrate more geo-targeted payment options, and in the case of South African players, the most popular means of transferring money online is EasyEFT.
Exclusively available to South Africans, EasyEFT allows players to transfer South African Rands to their favourite online casinos without converting to another currency. The solution works as an instant bank transfer. All users have to do is log into their regular online banking account and transfer the money. Customers of ABSA, Nedbank, Investec FNB, Standard Bank or Capitec can all use EFTs. The same applies to SID Instant EFT, a Secure Instant Deposit that works as an assisted electronic funds transfer. Transactions made through this solution are protected by 256-bit Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology.
Only you are the one to decide which choice is the right one, but having local deposit options in mind can significantly facilitate the deposit process. If anonymity is what you seek, cryptocurrencies may also be a viable choice and for added convenience, we also feel mobile payment solutions are worth mentioning.
Depositing with ZAR Currency
As a player based in South Africa, you are enabled to place bets at foreign online casinos despite the ongoing, somewhat complicated legislative situation. In order to avoid fees for currency exchange and the inconveniences that go along with the whole procedure, the most reasonable solution is opting for a casino that accepts transactions in South African Rand. We’ve even stumbled upon some casino websites that process transfers in ZAR only, which is the perfect setup for South African punters. Another advantage of placing bets in domestic currency is the possibility to easily track how much you are spending.
You can choose to play in another currency, but there aren’t any distinct benefits in doing so. Other than the irritating exchange fees, you also need to be cautious as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has a right to audit your bank accounts after having submitted tax and foreign currency transactions typically seem suspicious. Simply put, playing in ZAR is more sensible, easier and cheaper.
Top Land-Based Casinos in South Africa
South Africa is the biggest rising star in the land-based casino department. More and more people are abandoning Macau and Vegas, in favor of SA’s majestic nature and even more majestic casinos. Whether it’s exciting safaris, dreamy beaches or luxurious amenities, If you haven’t experienced what this future gambling superpower has to offer, might we suggest a couple of choices? These are the top land-based casinos in Africa, listed in no particular order:
Time Square Casino
The jewel of Pretoria, Time Square Casino was built with premium gaming experiences in mind. It features two floors – the ground floor is open to the public, while the upper section belongs to the Sun Privé, a premium area with its own dining menu. Four smaller private rooms are also available. If you’re looking to walk around, most of the attention will be around the 2,000-strong slots area or at the American roulette tables. What about other amenities? Well, Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar spearheads an all-star roster of 11 bar and restaurants, and you can also stay at the neighboring 22-story venue – Maslow Time Square Hotel.
Montecasino
Many consider this to be the entertainment hub of Johannesburg, and we’d have a hard time disagreeing. Whether it’s one of over a dozen big-screen cinemas or the serene Bird Gardens, there are activities for guests from all walks of life. And if you’re picky when it comes to accommodation, there are three Tsogo Sun Holding-owned hotels to choose from. Or maybe you’d like to visit one of the two theaters and have a laugh? But the casino itself is a beauty, too. There are almost 2,000 slots, with 100 of them being progressive jackpots. Craps and baccarat seem to be the most popular games, though.
Suncoast Casino
Durban has its own contender for the best SA land-based casino – and you already know it’s Suncoast. Unlike most venues on this list, which prioritize flexibility, Suncoast Casino is more accustomed to high-rollers. That’s why a majority of slots have a high maximum wager. Salon Prive is like an upscale version of the main gaming area, so it fits into the theme. And if you happen to be hungry, you’ll get the honor of eating at Havana Grill, by far the best casino restaurant in all of SA. The wine selection, in particular, is out of this world. Cafe Vigour and Jeera Restaurant have their own distinct vibes, as well.
GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World
Playing at GrandWest is more than a mere gambling escapade – it’s an experience in of itself! Located in Cape Town, this venue is owned and operated by Sun International. And just like their other SA locations, GrandWest seeks to combine gambling and luxury leisure into one. That’s why the GrandWest Hotel, located right by the casino, has 200+ rooms and state-of-the-art amenities, such as a business center. The casino itself is one of the biggest in South Africa, with 2,500+ slots and 70+ table games. Blackjack, roulette and baccarat are certainly popular, but poker takes all the attention with its daily tournaments in the private room.
Sun City Casino Resort
Another great Sun International venue, Sun City Casino Resort is located in Sun City, in the Northwestern part of South Africa. As of early 2023, there are more than 1,500 slots and over 70 tables with games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. What makes Sun City different from other Sun International venues is its insistence on including niche games. That’s why this is one of the only SA land-based casinos that offer keno and bingo to its guests. The casino is open 24/7, and the Sun City resort is right beside it if you need a place to say. One of the 1,500 luxurious rooms or its various sports activities might be enough to convince you.
Most Famous Gamblers
If there’s something South African gamblers are known for, it’s their exceptional poker skills. Ahmed Karrim is currently the biggest name on the scene. The Cape Town native amassed over $1 million in total career earnings. Unlike most pros, Karrim picks his tournaments carefully and always makes sure he has enough downtime. His competitive history mostly includes appearances in SA and the Philippines, with a yearly visit to Vegas in June.
As great as he is, Karrim shouldn’t relax. Up-and-comers such as Imran Bhojani are slowly making a name for themselves. Bhojani is considered by many to be the next great South African player, mainly due to his spectacular showing at the 2022 WSOP event in Las Vegas. The man made out like a bandit and went home with a cool $262,000!
Fun Facts
A report forecasts South Africa’s Gross Gambling Revenue to expand from €1.8 billion in 2016 to €2.3 billion in 2021.
In South Africa, you can visit three types of land-based casinos: budget, mid-range and luxury. There are over 40 casino establishments in the country, mostly clustered around the major cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, and Durban.
1 in every 10 South Africans is a gambler. Every gambler spends an average of more than R150 every month on gambling. The main reason behind South Africa not being on the top 10 list is the modest salary earned by South Africans. On average, a person earns less than R20,000 a month.
Mark Vos and Raymond Rahme are South Africa’s most famous gamblers. Both of them have become stars in the world of poker having won multiple events at the World Series of Poker. Between the two, they have bagged well over $5,000,000 in the WSOP alone.• Mark Vos and Raymond Rahme are South Africa’s most famous gamblers. Both of them have become stars in the world of poker having won multiple events at the World Series of Poker. Between the two, they have bagged well over $5,000,000 in the WSOP alone.
The National Lottery is by far the most popular type of gambling in South Africa. The little available research shows that an incredible 80% of the population is buying tickets on a weekly basis and almost 100% have participated at one point or another.
FAQ
Is it safe to play at online casinos for South African players?
Top-rated online casinos are very, very safe, because they wouldn’t be ranked as highly if they didn’t meet the highest standards when it comes to security, privacy and SSL encryption. Furthermore, casinos CBM has listed on this page have passed our rigorous evaluation process and are deemed safe for South African players.
Can I bet online using South African Rand (ZAR)?
Not all online casinos offer ZAR as a supported currency, but most of the ones we’ve reviewed do. We believe online casinos should allow you to pay and play in your own currency so that you don’t suffer unnecessary currency conversion costs. By betting in ZAR, you also have greater control over your gambling spending.
What are the deposit methods available at South African casinos?
You’ll find a wide range of banking methods supported at South African online casinos. These casino sites accept all major credit and debit cards, but they also make sure to allow you to make internet bank transfers directly. South African casinos distinguish Easy EFT as the most popular payment option among SA players, but there are also other alternatives allowing instant and discreet funding.
Are there any upcoming gambling regulation changes in South Africa?
The South African government pointed out that it will focus mainly on the safety of the native gamblers as there are a lot of online operators that are not regulated by the respected authorities. The NGB is in charge of the safety and regulation of offshore and land-based casinos, and it’s going to be re-named National Gambling Regulator (NGR).
Who can I contact for help with problem gambling in South Africa?
If you are struggling with gambling addiction or are having early symptoms, don’t worry as you can get help. The biggest organisation you can contact is the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF). There are also very helpful self-exclusion programs that are available to South African gamblers.
What mobile devices are supported by South African casinos online?
All the casino websites recommended by CBM are mobile-compatible. Supported mobile devices include Apple or iOS devices, Android devices and also Windows devices. You can feel free to access them through your regular browser app on your iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy, Nexus or Motorola device, as well as other Android, Windows or Blackberry gadgets.