SA Gambling Legislation Timeline
From the 1965 gambling ban through Sun City, the Wiehahn Commission, and the National Gambling Act to the 2025 SCA ruling and pending reform bills.
Gambling Act of 1965
Blanket prohibition on all gambling in South Africa under the apartheid government. Gambling driven underground and into the bantustans.
Sun City Casino Opens
Sun International opens Sun City in Bophuthatswana, exploiting the bantustan loophole. Becomes Africa's premier gambling destination.
End of Apartheid
New democratic government inherits a complex gambling landscape with bantustan casinos and widespread illegal gambling.
Wiehahn Commission Report
The Wiehahn Commission on gambling policy recommends regulated legalisation. Forms the basis for post-democracy gambling legislation.
National Gambling Act 33 of 1996
First post-democracy gambling legislation. Establishes the National Gambling Board and creates the framework for provincial regulation.
National Gambling Act 7 of 2004
Current primary legislation. Replaces the 1996 Act. Defines four legal gambling modes (casino, bingo, LPMs, wagering). Prohibits interactive gambling. Establishes the NGB and NGPC.
Amendment Act 10 of 2008
Parliament passes an amendment to create an online gambling licensing framework. The President assents but the Act is never proclaimed into operation. Remains in legal limbo for 16+ years.
Mobile Betting Growth
Mobile betting begins rapid growth as smartphone penetration increases. Hollywoodbets and Sportingbet lead the mobile betting revolution.
Online Betting Dominance
Online sports betting overtakes land-based betting for the first time. Industry begins lobbying for online casino regulation.
Amendment Bill B27 Introduced
The National Gambling Amendment Bill is introduced in Parliament, proposing governance reforms including renaming the NGB to the National Gambling Regulator.
COVID-19 Impact
All land-based gambling facilities closed during lockdown. Online betting surges. Temporary regulations permit virtual board meetings.
Free State & Northern Cape Reform
Free State passes Gambling Amendment Act 3 of 2024. Northern Cape passes combined Gambling and Liquor Act 6 of 2024.
Remote Gambling Bill Introduced
DA Private Member's Bill proposes first online casino licensing framework. Public hearings begin.
Portapa/Supabets SCA Ruling
Supreme Court of Appeal rules Gauteng bookmakers cannot offer fixed-odds bets on casino games. Confirms bookmaker licences limited to sporting events.
20% Online Tax Proposal
National Treasury publishes discussion paper proposing 20% national tax on online gambling GGR. Industry opposes.
Amendment Bill Passes NA
The National Gambling Amendment Bill (B27D) passes the National Assembly, retaining the board structure and adding virtual meeting provisions.
Current Status
Amendment Bill awaiting final procedural steps. Remote Gambling Bill in committee. 20% tax proposal under consultation. FATF greylisting removed October 2025.