Betway to continue online casino operations despite NGB warning
Betway says the recent Supreme Court of Appeal ruling was a narrow interpretation of the Gauteng Gambling Act and does not amount to a ban on online betting.
South Africa.- Betway South Africa has stated that it will continue to offer online casino games despite a recent directive from the National Gambling Board (NGB) ordering all bookmakers to cease providing slots, roulette and other casino games.
The NGB’s stance on online casino offerings was bolstered by a Supreme Court ruling which overturned the Gauteng Gambling Board’s approval of the betting practice and ruled that offering roulette and other casino games online in South Africa is not legally acceptable.
Following the ruling, the NGB directed all nine provincial gambling regulators to implement the decision across the country. Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana warned that any bookmaker continuing to offer slots, blackjack or roulette online faces a R10m (€500,000) fine, up to ten years in jail for directors and seizure of all payouts from the games.
However, Betway SA says it will continue business as usual, despite the judgement. As of November 4, 2025, the online casino section on the site is still live and accessible. The company’s spokesperson, David Makola, noted: “The recent Supreme Court of Appeal ruling was a narrow interpretation of the Gauteng Gambling Act and does not amount to a ban on online betting. We remain committed to working with regulators and government to ensure a clear, responsible and well-regulated betting environment in South Africa.”
Gambling lawyer Wayne Lurie, representing multiple bookmakers, emphasised the distinction between national and provincial regulatory authority, saying: “The NGB cannot override provincial laws. Since Betway is licensed in provinces with differently worded laws, the games remain available until a provincial regulator intervenes.”
