Mocash

Is betting legal in South Africa? And do you pay tax on winnings?

2026-10-24 00:00 · 2 min read

Short answer: betting on sport and horse racing with a licensed South African bookmaker is legal, online or in a shop. Online casino games are a different story. Here is the plain version, with the caveat that we are not lawyers and the rules are being argued about.

What is legal

  • Sports and horse racing betting with a bookmaker licensed by a provincial gambling board, such as the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board or the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator.
  • The National Lottery and licensed land-based casinos.

What is not

The National Gambling Act prohibits online casino gambling ("interactive games") in South Africa. A 2008 law meant to allow it was never put into force. In 2026 regulators also pushed back on casino-style games run under sports betting licences, and the bookmakers' association disputes that. If a site offers online slots or roulette, be aware that its legal position may be uncertain.

How to check a bookmaker's licence

  • Scroll to the bottom of the bookmaker's website. A licensed bookmaker shows its licence and the provincial board that issued it.
  • If there is no South African licence, do not deposit. An offshore site may not pay you, and you have nowhere to complain.

Our pages on individual bookmakers, such as Easybet and Supabets, say which board licenses them. Always confirm it in the bookmaker's own footer too, because licences can move.

Do you pay tax on betting winnings?

For most people, no. If you bet now and then for fun with a licensed bookmaker, your winnings are generally not taxed. SARS can treat it differently if betting is your business: if you bet in an organised way to make a living, winnings can count as income.

National Treasury has proposed a new 20% tax on online betting. That tax would be paid by the bookmakers on their earnings, not taken off your winnings, and its final design is expected in the February 2027 Budget. If you are unsure about your own position, ask SARS or a tax practitioner.

Bet only what you can lose

Betting is for adults 18 and older. Only bet money you can afford to lose, never money meant for rent, food or transport, and never chase a loss. If betting stops being fun, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation runs a free, confidential helpline: 0800 006 008.

Mocash is independent and is not linked to, or paid by, any betting company named here.