When the international sanctions were lifted on South Africa after the dark days of Apartheid, few would realise that one of the biggest changes that would strike the country would be the proliferation of gambling.
 

What was once an illicit backstreets affair has now turned into a multi-billion Rand industry with over R13 billion being earned through gambling revenues in 2007.
 

And what’s interesting is that this business is still booming with massive growth patterns continuing as South Africa increasingly becomes a tourist hotspot.
 

Historical gambling
 

Since the 17th century, gambling in South Africa has been heavily restricted. Only bets made on horse racing were seen as acceptable, as this was viewed as a sport rather than a form of gambling.
 

However, due to the relative complexity of the gaming format, it was estimated in 2006 that no more than 11.5% of South Africans partake in this activity.
 

In the 1970s there was the introduction of casinos in certain designated areas that were off-limits to most citizens. And by 1995 it was thought that there were around 2000 illegal casinos operating in the country.
 

Democratic change
 

However, with the end of the Apartheid era, things really began to open up and the ANC swiftly brought in measures to legalise all forms of gambling.
 

The National Gambling Act in 1996 not only introduced a system of licensed casinos, but also gave South Africa its first National Lottery. The lottery has proved to be a massive success with an incredible 96.9% of the nation taking part in 2006.
 

21st century gambling
 

South Africa has also been quick to adapt to the new gambling options offered by new technologies.