Getting a gambling licence in South Africa means working with two levels of government. The National Gambling Board (NGB) sets the main rules for the country. Each province has a Provincial Licensing Authority (PLA) that gives licences and enforces the rules in that province. You must apply to the PLA in the province where you want to operate.
Below is a clear step-by-step guide.
PHASE 1
Step 1: Learn the rules and who controls what
South Africa’s gambling laws are mainly guided by the National Gambling Act of 2004. Gambling without a licence is illegal. Some types of online gambling are restricted at a national level, and provinces may not all treat online products in the same way. This means what is allowed can depend on the province and how it applies the national law.
Step 2: Choose the right licence type
Decide what kind of gambling business you want to run. Different licences cover different activities, such as:
- Sports betting / online betting
- Casino-style gambling
- Lottery-related activities
The exact activities you can offer may depend on the province.
Step 1: Learn the rules and who controls what
South Africa’s gambling laws are mainly guided by the National Gambling Act of 2004. Gambling without a licence is illegal. Some types of online gambling are restricted at a national level, and provinces may not all treat online products in the same way. This means what is allowed can depend on the province and how it applies the national law.
Step 2: Choose the right licence type
Decide what kind of gambling business you want to run. Different licences cover different activities, such as:
- Sports betting / online betting
- Casino-style gambling
- Lottery-related activities
The exact activities you can offer may depend on the province.
Step 3: Set up a South African business and line up key partners
You usually need to register a South African company. It also helps to work with trusted service providers who can support:
- Betting software and systems
- Customer identity checks (to confirm who players are)
- Money-laundering prevention systems (to stop illegal funds)
- Payment options that work in South Africa
Step 4: Make sure you qualify financially and personally
Before you apply, be ready to show that you are a fit and proper person to run a gambling business. Regulators will usually expect you to:
- Prove you can afford to run the business (financial strength)
- Show a clean legal and business record
- Explain how you will promote responsible gambling and protect players
Phase 2: Apply and go through checks
Step 5: Prepare and submit your full application
You apply to the relevant PLA with a detailed application pack. This often includes:
- A business plan
- Proof of funding and financial records
- Ownership and management details
- A description of the gambling products and platform
- Information about your key suppliers and partners
Step 6: Pay the application fees
You must pay the required fees when submitting your application. Fees differ by province and by licence type, and can be significant.
Step 7: Complete background checks (due diligence)
The PLA will investigate you and other key people in the business (like directors and senior managers). They may check:
- Financial records and funding sources
- Criminal records
- Past business conduct and reputation
They may also work with law enforcement during these checks.
Step 8: Pass the technical checks
Your gambling systems must be tested to make sure they meet provincial rules. This can include checks for:
Testing or certification by an approved testing lab (where required)
Fair games and correct payouts
Strong security and protection of player information
Controls to prevent money laundering
Tools for responsible gambling (limits, self-exclusion, warnings)
Phase 3: Decision and staying compliant
Step 9: Get the final decision and pay the final fees
The review process can take months and sometimes longer, depending on the province and the complexity of the application. If approved:
- The PLA issues the licence after you pay any final fees
- The licence will list exactly what activities you are allowed to offer
Step 10: Follow the rules after you are licensed
Once licensed, you must keep meeting ongoing requirements, such as:
- Paying gambling taxes (often based on gross gaming revenue)
- Paying yearly licence, monitoring, or compliance fees
- Keeping proper financial records and submitting reports/audits
- Ensuring staff have the required gambling employee licences (where required)
Phase 3: Decision and staying compliant
Getting a gambling licence is a detailed process. In simple terms: you must prove you are trustworthy and financially stable, submit a complete plan for your business, and pass strict system and site checks before you are allowed to operate.