South Africa is home to a thriving poker scene. It has previously hosted major tournaments, including the WPT and WSOP.
This guide discusses the country’s favourite games, plus the legality of online poker sites in South Africa. We’ll also reveal the best places to play online, and how to choose a good site.
Best Online Poker Sites in South Africa
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Claim Welcome Bonus!Is Online Poker Legal in South Africa?
According to the National Gambling Act 2004, it’s illegal to play any “interactive game”. This is defined as “a gambling game … accessed over the internet”.
The law seems pretty clear – online poker is illegal in South Africa. But despite this, many people play at offshore sites without problems.
Offshore Poker Sites
It’s practically unheard of for local authorities to pursue players using offshore poker rooms. The National Gambling Board (NGB) is more interested in shutting down illegal operators than chasing individuals.
Besides, how would they even prove it? Especially if you’re using a VPN to mask your location, and cryptocurrency to fund your account.
All of the online poker sites recommended on this page are based offshore, but accept South African players.
Most Popular Poker Games in South Africa
There are many ways to play poker at online casinos – here are the most popular forms with South African players.
- Texas Hold’em. The world’s most beloved poker variant. Best played as a No Limit game, but Fixed and Pot Limit setups are almost as common.
- Omaha. A cousin of Texas Hold’em. The rules are similar, but you start with four hole cards and two must be used. Variants include 5-Card Omaha and Omaha Hi-Lo.
- Draw Poker. Any form of poker where you trade cards for new ones. Five Card Draw and 2-7 Triple Draw are among the best-known examples.
- Seven Card Stud. A Fixed Limit game with up to seven cards each, none of which are shared. Look out for variants like Razz, a lowball game, and Eight Or Better.
Best Online Poker Sites in South Africa
Claim Welcome Bonus!Claim Welcome Bonus!Claim Welcome Bonus!Claim Welcome Bonus!Claim Welcome Bonus!Claim Welcome Bonus!Claim Welcome Bonus!Claim Welcome Bonus!Claim Welcome Bonus!Cash Games vs Tournaments
Whichever form of poker you’re playing, there are two ways to approach it – cash games and tournaments.
In a cash game, every chip has a real money value. You’re free to buy in and leave whenever you like.
Tournaments, however, are knock-out competitions. Everyone starts with the same number of chips – lose them and you’re out. Whoever is left at the end wins the tournament.
Let’s see how the two compare.
| Tournament Poker | Cash Games | |
| Duration | Depends on structure, but can last several days. | Indefinite, assuming sufficient players remain. Dip in and out as you wish. |
| Buy-In | Everyone pays the same fee to start with an even stack of chips. | Any amount between the minimum and maximum table limits. |
| Blind Structure | Increasing over time, ensuring the game reaches a conclusion. | Blinds and antes remain consistent throughout. |
| Start Time | Fixed times, or when a specified number of players join. | Whenever – as long as two or more players are available. |
| Winnings | Prize pool shared among the highest finishers; 1st place earns the most. | No fixed winnings – prizes are determined by individual performance. |
| Atmosphere | More serious. Players compete for glory and trophies, plus large prizes. | Relaxed, especially at low stakes. Players enter more pots and chat casually. |
How We Choose the Best Poker Sites in SA
There’s a lot to consider when picking an online poker room, but we’ve done the work for you. Here are the most crucial factors that determine a poker site’s worth.
Safety and Security
Whenever real money is on the line, safety is of paramount importance. We make sure the software is secure, with encrypted transactions, certified RNG software and strict protections against cheating.
A major part of this is ensuring the poker room is regulated. Of course, no site can obtain a licence in South Africa, as online poker isn’t legal. However, the oversight of a well-respected international regulator ensures fair play.
Variety of Poker Games
The best online poker sites appeal to as many South Africans as possible. Whether you prefer cash games or tournaments, single or multi-table, there should be plenty of choices.
Texas Hold’em is the most popular game, and should be the main focus. But the more formats offered, the better. It’s always good to see Omaha, Seven Stud and other poker games.
Opponents
There are no online poker games without opponents. We monitor traffic and only recommend sites where you’re likely to get a game. Quiet times are natural, but if the peaks align with South African evenings and weekends, that’s perfect.
It’s not just about volumes – we favour soft poker sites with more casual players. After all, you won’t win as much playing against experienced pros.
Payment Methods
Because online poker isn’t regulated in South Africa, you’re unlikely to find betting sites accepting ZAR. You definitely can’t deposit to offshore poker rooms using local EFT transfers or vouchers.
Still, leading sites feature international payment methods like Visa, Mastercard or Apple Pay, and some even accept cryptocurrencies. We avoid unfair fees and exchange rates, as well as slow international withdrawal times.
Poker Site Design
A user-friendly interface is another crucial feature shared by top online poker sites. The more games, tournaments and cash tables available, the harder it is to display them clearly and logically.
The lobby must provide intuitive filters and search options. In addition, the software should be accessible on multiple devices, including smartphones and tablets, ideally through a dedicated mobile app.
Bonuses and Promotions
A generous welcome offer is appreciated. But the hallmark of a good online poker site is not the size of the bonus – it’s how reasonable the Ts&Cs are. We scour the fine print to ensure fair terms.
Ongoing promotions are even more important. Rakeback, referral bonuses and structured loyalty programs are just a few examples of what we expect. And it goes without saying these promotions should include South African players.
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Online Poker FAQs
No. The National Gambling Act 2004 outlaws any form of “interactive” gaming, including online poker. Many people use offshore sites without an issue, and the authorities rarely chase individual players. However, it is technically unlawful to do so.
It depends. VPN use is often a breach of the Ts&Cs, but some sites allow it. Many international poker rooms just accept South African players – there’s no need for a VPN. Always read the rules before registering.
Online poker isn’t regulated in South Africa, so there aren’t any local sites. However, we’ve listed several trustworthy offshore brands that accept South African players near the top of this page.