South Africa, 2025. The iGaming sphere resembles a huge submarine that is approaching the shores of the continent. It is finding it increasingly difficult to count its profits in the online gambling market, which is reaching an impressive $431 mln. Very soon, the gambling industry in the region could become a trillion rand business. Do you want to be a part of it? Let's waste no time and get to know with SoftGamings how to successfully aunch an online casino in South Africa and make it attractive to South African players.

South Africa is a country with the richest mineral deposits, cinematic landscapes with the fabulous Limpopo River and the city of Kimberley with its diamond quarry. It seems South Africa has already hit the major jackpot...

But it’s also a good testing ground for new technologies and games, has reliable infrastructure, a booming economy, and developing telecommunications networks. Since 1995, when gambling was legalized here, gambling turnover has soared from R8 billion to R815 bln! A jump of more than 10 000% indicates the incredible potential hidden in this segment. Operators simply must exploit it to the fullest, starting with the launch of online casinos in Africa.

In 2025, the chances of transforming the South African gambling market into a center of gravity for innovation, including VR technology, artificial intelligence and personalized gaming platforms are quite high.

Many people still wonder, “Is online gambling legal in South Africa?”. For almost 30 years they were banned, but today they are closely monitored by the government.

Behind the strict rules and transparency of South African legislation, there are endless opportunities for investors. Today gambling in South Africa is legal if it is authorized under the National Gambling Act 7 of 2004 and the relevant provincial legislation (Eastern Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, etc.).

Advantages of licensing

A major hurdle for operators looking to launch online casinos in South Africa has been the maze of gambling and licensing regulations spread across nine provinces. Despite being overseen by the NGB, each province has its own licensing authority, requiring a clear familiarity with the nuances and requirements of each jurisdiction.

In South Africa, some casinos operate offshore and accept local players based on licenses from other jurisdictions. Although this practice is considered illegal in terms of South African law, actual compliance leaves much to be desired. Cases of prosecution and blocking of such sites are very rare.

Key Features

But if licensees break the law, they face stiff penalties for violations - R10 million and/or 10 years in prison.

As of the end of 2023, the entire gambling industry in South Africa had a betting size in excess of R815.1 bln. Bookmakers and Sportsbooks have made a significant contribution. Since 2996, the South African market has experienced rapid growth. It has become a golden gateway for operators interested in the new arena and the launch of online casinos in South Africa.

Such sums are born from the meeting of innovation and regulation. The main factor behind the rapid growth of online gambling in SA has been the ubiquity of smartphones, the availability of mobile tariffs, interest in cryptocurrencies and digital iGaming platforms. Last year, online casino app purchases totaled over $16 mln and gambling content downloads reached 8.3 million.

Unexpectedly, the popularization of gambling in South Africa was facilitated by the “load shedding” trend. During periodic blackouts and power outages in the region, online casinos became almost the only option for entertainment of the population.

What is favored by the South African online casino audience?

When launching an online casino in South Africa, operators should think about the moment with payment systems. Apart from credit or debit cards for depositing funds into accounts, it is important to choose alternative payment methods:

The variety of payment options makes online casinos accessible to a wider audience across the continent. By allowing customers to see their balances and winnings in South African Rounds (ZAR), operators create a transparent and trustworthy experience that helps users better navigate their financial transactions.

Rapidly, the Republic of South Africa is turning into a hub for crypto online casinos. The authorities perceive cryptocurrency as a financial instrument and insist on its regulation in accordance with the financial legislation. Cryptocurrency in SA is classified as an asset subject to taxation and use for investment purposes, but is not recognized as a legal tender.

Right now, the South African government is beginning to realize the potential of the crypto industry, which creates a favorable environment for legal and secure online casinos powered by blockchain technology.

South African customers are looking for secure, anonymous and efficient digital transaction solutions. This is why crypto assets (Bitcoin, Etherium, Lightcoin, Ripple) are moving into the “must-have” category in any operator's arsenal.

South Africa boasts 12 official languages, reflecting its diverse cultural heritage and ethnic diversity.

While English is widely spoken and serves as the primary means of communication, the integration of other languages into online casino platforms greatly enriches the gaming experience of platform users.

Adding Afrikaans, spoken by 10.3 million South Africans, to the interface will be a particularly beneficial strategy for iGaming operators. This approach will demonstrate respect for the region's cultural sensitivities.

Introducing multilingualism to an online casino site will greatly increase accessibility, attracting a wider audience. SA's linguistic diversity can be a key factor in the success of the business.

Social surveys show that at least 1 in 10 South Africans have experienced gambling for entertainment. Customer engagement rates for iGaming reach an impressive 50% in South Africa. It is not hard to guess that creating an attractive gaming portfolio for online casinos will be a key aspect for operators.

Due to changing regulatory changes and getting casinos in South Africa is becoming a major vertical. Slots, blackjack and poker remain favorites among certain demographics. They favor games:

South African fans are most likely to bet Match Winner, Handicap Betting, totals or total points bets, and event specific Match Prop Bets.

Limited Payout Machines (LPMs) brought in ZAR 4.2 billion in 2024. Bingo, meanwhile, increased revenue to ZAR 1.9 billion.

With such diversity, operators are advised to turn to a game aggregator, which greatly simplifies the process of integrating a huge amount of gaming content from multiple providers at the same time. The API solution saves time and provides an attractive library of games right from the start of an online casino launch.

In 2024, online casino promotion revenue was nearly $4 million, and with the market growing rapidly, this figure will increase in 2025, providing marketers with excellent opportunities.

On the other hand, direct advertising and Google Ads in South Africa are not viable options for marketing as the regional law restricts online gambling advertising. iGaming operators will have to think outside the box to attract local players.

A powerful tool for operators to promote themselves in the South African market will be to enter into successful partnerships. Partnering with reputable companies will allow them to expand their audience without breaking the law.

Don't forget that trust is a key aspect for SA players, and if an operator demonstrates a commitment to user safety, its platform is sure to stand out against stiff competition.

Sports betting is taking over and becoming a financial giant in South Africa. Last year they generated ZAR 35.91 billion, over 60.5%of total revenue in the region! Sports gambling continues to excite the public, which means operators need to catch up with this niche in South Africa.

Today, online betting is only legal in five provinces; Northern Cape, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West. This creates unique opportunities for players in these regions. Don't miss your chance to be part of this growing sector where excitement and profit go hand by hand!

Share of profit of each gambling segment in local currency ZAR

SoftGamings can help by offering a comprehensive package that includes access to 10,000 multi-lingual and mobile games from over 250 leading iGaming providers through a single API integration, providing a complete gaming solution.

High-quality gambling software has a significant impact on casino performance. Partner with a reliable software provider and carefully evaluate pricing, guarantees, game content, certification and technical support. It can be difficult to focus on business goals during the pre-launch phase.

SoftGamings solution brings together 250+ iGaming providers and 10,000+ mobile, multilingual games with gamification features available through a single API integration. We handle updates, game mechanics and regulatory changes, saving you time and resources.

To attract a crowd, focus on a variety of gaming options: seamlessly integrated popular slots, poker, roulette, blackjack, bingo and baccarat. A live casino with real dealers and streaming is a must for an authentic atmosphere. Don't forget to add virtual sports and a sportsbook to experience the excitement of betting! With SoftGamings, you can expand your game library and keep having fun.

The licensing process can take over a month, for a quicker start consider White Label Casino from SoftGamings. Our team assists with AML/CFT compliance, tax counseling, banking solutions and payment processing assistance.

Leading gambling jurisdictions include the UK, Malta, Alderney, Isle of Man, Curacao and Gibraltar. Factors to consider when choosing a jurisdiction include its reputation, license validity and cost

Unlock your online casino's potential with SoftGamings! Our robust payment processing platform features multi-currency support, top-notch anti-fraud measures, and seamless integration with 150+ payment systems for unmatched flexibility and reliability.

By connecting a payment aggregator of SoftGamings, you get:

It's essential to ensure that your casino integrates with major e-payment systems. To establish secure payment methods, partner with multiple transaction providers that prioritize security.

Design matters! An attractive website is essential for attracting and retaining customers while enhancing your brand's value. Aim for distinctive, high-quality design without overwhelming users with excessive graphics. Prioritize seamless integration and intuitive navigation for optimal performance. If you need help creating a standout casino website, SoftGamings provides redesign solutions, customizable templates, and expert support to realize your vision!

Bet Builder's visual enhancement will be needed for usability, easier navigation and bet placement. Key tips for building a casino website:

Marketing is the crucial final step in launching your online casino. To ensure success, develop a robust marketing strategy and an effective affiliate system to boost engagement and traffic. SoftGamings seamlessly integrates with top affiliate management programs like NetRefer, IncomeAccess, EGASS, and Unisender. To attract new players and retain loyal ones, implement loyalty programs, enticing bonus systems, and retention campaigns. Analyze your competitors to learn from their missteps and refine your own approach. While establishing a gambling business may seem daunting, partnering with SoftGamings can simplify the process and expedite the creation of your efficient casino site.

Online casino software tailored for the APAC market must fulfill key criteria:

Introducing a betting platform to online casinos and creating a seamless user interface with a shared wallet for gambling and sports betting significantly increase the competitiveness of the business in APAC. SoftGamings' software ecosystem is designed to quickly enter the Latin American market and is ready to help operators every step of the way.

Costs are incurred during both pre-launch and post-launch phases. Pre-launch expenses typically comprise:

The initial development phase usually demands more financial investment than the ongoing maintenance phase.

In 2025, South Africa is becoming a true center of online gambling, setting trends for the entire continent! The technologically advanced market is actively shaping the future of online casinos, and the South African scene is only strengthening its reputation as a leader by innovating and creating user-friendly platforms.

SoftGamings is your reliable partner at every stage of launching an online casino in South Africa. We know the ins and outs of the legislation and will help you get the necessary licenses and certificates to ensure that your business operates within the law and scaled visibly.

A strong marketing strategy, an established network of partners, placement on reputable platforms, effective PPC campaigns and SEO optimization — with these tools you can wake up a sleeping giant and unleash the full potential of business in South Africa. Get ready for change with SoftGamings — together we will bring your online casino to the forefront!