South African players are being actively targeted by a dangerous online casino scam operating under the names Zakumi Casino, zakumi.bet, and zakumi.shop. Despite using local branding and aggressive promotions, Zakumi is not licensed in South Africa and is designed to trap players through fake winnings and blocked withdrawals. If you have come across Zakumi Casino on Facebook or Instagram, or while searching for online slots, free spins, or quick withdrawals, it is critical to stop immediately. This platform is not a legal casino and deposits made there are not protected under South African gambling law. The aim of the scam is to get users to make a deposit so they can withdraw funds that they have “won” on the Zakumi site. We explain how the scam works and what to do to avoid it below.
The scam site Zakumi
Why Zakumi Casino Is Not Legit
Legitimate online casinos in South Africa must be licensed by a provincial gambling authority such as the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board or the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator. Zakumi Casino holds no South African license and does not appear on any official register of approved operators. Another major red flag is the use of non South African domains. Zakumi operates on .bet and .shop addresses. Licensed local casinos operate on .co.za domains and are subject to South African oversight and compliance rules. Zakumi also falsely displays logos and imagery from well known game providers to appear legitimate. These providers do not partner with unlicensed operators, meaning the games shown are either fake, cloned, or completely rigged.
How the Zakumi Casino Scam Works
Zakumi follows a predictable multi step scam that has already caught many South African players. The process usually starts with a large free bonus that looks extremely attractive. Players are shown rapid wins and balances that grow into tens of thousands of rand. Once the balance reaches a certain level, the site forces the player to attempt a withdrawal.
This is where the scam begins.
Players are told they must pay a VIP unlock fee to withdraw. The first payment is usually around R350. After paying, the withdrawal is still blocked and the player is told they now need VIP2 or VIP3 status, each requiring larger deposits, usually starting at R450 or more.
The demands escalate quickly. Victims are asked to pay additional amounts for so called bank errors, account corrections, or even invented credit score problems. No matter how much is paid, withdrawals never open. Communication then moves off the site to anonymous agents on messaging apps. These agents refuse to give real names and may threaten legal action if complaints are made. Eventually, contact stops entirely.
Common Warning Signs to Watch For
There are several clear indicators that Zakumi is a scam operation:
- Unlicensed operation with no South African gambling approval
- Blocked withdrawals unless extra payments are made
- Escalating VIP fees that were never disclosed upfront
- Anonymous agents using code names instead of real identities
- Requests to communicate via external messaging platforms
- Threats when players complain or ask for proof
- No FICA or identity verification required
No legitimate casino in South Africa operates this way.
What to Do If You Have Already Deposited
If you have deposited money at Zakumi Casino, act quickly. Contact your bank immediately and request a chargeback or fraud investigation. Report the incident to SAPS and notify the National Gambling Board. Do not pay any further fees, no matter what promises are made. Continuing to deposit will only increase your losses.
How to Protect Yourself Going Forward
The safest way to avoid casino scams is to stick to licensed South African operators only. Always check for a valid provincial license, a .co.za domain, and clear withdrawal rules. Legitimate casinos do not charge fees to release winnings and do not move support conversations off their platforms. If an offer sounds too good to be true, especially one promising huge winnings from a small bonus, it usually is.
Only Play with Legit Sites!
Zakumi Casino is not a real online casino. It is a coordinated fraud targeting South African players who are looking for quick wins and easy withdrawals. The losses reported are real, the withdrawals are fake, and the operation is illegal. Do not register, do not deposit, and do not attempt to chase winnings on Zakumi.bet or Zakumi.shop. Play smart, play legal, and always choose licensed South African casinos where your money and your rights are protected. For legit and licensed casino sites that are safe to play on we recommend you have a look at our list of the best online slots sites in South Africa. You can also visit The Gambler for more on the latest betting news, guides and bonuses.
Zakumi Casino Scam FAQs
Is Zakumi Casino legal in South Africa?
No. Zakumi Casino is not licensed by any South African gambling authority. It does not hold a license from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, or any other provincial body. This makes it illegal to operate in South Africa.
Can I withdraw winnings from Zakumi Casino?
No. Withdrawals at Zakumi Casino are intentionally blocked. Players are required to pay escalating “VIP unlock” fees before withdrawals are supposedly processed. These fees never result in a successful payout.
Why does Zakumi Casino ask for VIP payments?
The VIP payments are part of the scam. After showing players fake winnings, Zakumi demands deposits to unlock VIP levels. Each payment leads to a new requirement, such as higher VIP tiers, bank errors, or account issues. This cycle continues until the player stops paying.
Is Zakumi Casino linked to legitimate game providers?
No. Zakumi displays logos and images from well known providers without authorisation. Legitimate providers only work with licensed casinos. Any games shown on Zakumi are either fake, cloned, or manipulated.
Why does Zakumi use .bet and .shop domains?
Legitimate South African online casinos operate on .co.za domains and are subject to local regulation. Zakumi uses .bet and .shop domains to avoid South African oversight and accountability.
What should I do if I already deposited money?
Contact your bank immediately and request a chargeback or fraud investigation. You should also report the incident to SAPS and notify the National Gambling Board. Do not pay any further fees requested by Zakumi.
Can Zakumi Casino take legal action against players?
No. Zakumi is not a licensed operator and has no legal standing in South Africa. Threats of court action are used to intimidate victims and prevent them from speaking out.
Is Zakumi Casino safe to use?
No. Zakumi Casino is unsafe. Player funds are not protected, withdrawals are blocked, and there is no regulatory body overseeing the platform. Using the site puts your money at risk.
How can I tell if an online casino is legitimate in South Africa?
Check for a valid South African gambling license, a .co.za domain, clear withdrawal rules, and proper FICA verification. Legitimate casinos do not charge fees to release winnings.
Where can I play safely instead?
Only use licensed South African casinos regulated by provincial gambling boards. These platforms offer real withdrawals, legal protection, and transparent terms. Always verify a casino before depositing.
Other known scam sites
Over 15 years of experience in the sports and casino betting industry. I cover everything from casino games, crash games, slots and betting tips. Now Author for The Gambler.
