KwaZulu-Natal holds hearings on gaming and betting tax bill
The proposed legislation could generate up to R100m (US$6m) annually through revised taxes and levies on the province’s licensed gambling industry.
Key takeaways:
- KwaZulu-Natal’s legislature has started public hearings on the Gaming and Betting Tax Bill, 2026, which would change how licensed gambling operators in the province are taxed.
- Finance MEC Francois Rodgers estimated that the proposed levies could raise between R50m (US$3m) and R100m (US$6m) a year.
- Horse racing tax revenue would be reinvested in the equine sector, particularly traditional horse racing, known as Umtelebhelo.
- Hearings continue in Dundee on December 1 and Richards Bay on December 2, and written comments are due by January 15, 2027.
South Africa.- The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature has started public hearings on the proposed Gaming and Betting Tax Bill, 2026, which seeks to introduce changes to the taxation of licensed gambling operators in the province. The hearings are being conducted by the legislature’s finance portfolio committee to gather views from members of the public, betting companies and other industry stakeholders before the Bill moves to the next stage of consideration.
The first hearing took place at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in Pietermaritzburg on November 10, followed by a second session on November 11 at Uvongo Hall in Port Shepstone. The public consultation will continue on December 1 at Moth Hall in Dundee, before moving to Veldenvlei Hall in Richards Bay the following day. Both meetings will begin at 10:00.
The bill was introduced by finance MEC Francois Rodgers in June 2026. It proposes a modernised tax framework to strengthen revenue collection, improve transparency and enhance oversight of the sector.
Rodgers estimated that the proposed levies could generate between R50m (US$3m) and R100m (US$6m) annually. Revenue collected under the framework would be channelled into the Provincial Revenue Fund, while the Gaming and Betting Transformation Fund would support initiatives aimed at expanding participation in the industry.
The Bill also provides for horse racing tax revenue to be reinvested in the equine sector, particularly traditional horse racing, known as Umtelebhelo. The initiative is expected to support the objectives of the KwaZulu-Natal Equine Industry Development Masterplan, which seeks to develop the sector and increase participation in rural communities.
The committee is also inviting written submissions from members of the public and industry stakeholders as part of the consultation process. Comments on the proposed legislation must reach the Finance Portfolio Committee by January 15, 2027.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What is the KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Tax Bill? It is proposed legislation that would introduce a modernised tax framework for licensed gambling operators in the province. Finance MEC Francois Rodgers introduced it in June 2026 to strengthen revenue collection, improve transparency and enhance oversight of the sector.
- Where will the revenue from the bill go? Revenue would be channelled into the Provincial Revenue Fund, while a Gaming and Betting Transformation Fund would support initiatives to expand participation in the industry. Horse racing tax revenue would be reinvested in the equine sector.
- How can the public comment on the bill? Members of the public and industry stakeholders can attend the remaining hearings or send written submissions to the Finance Portfolio Committee by January 15, 2027.
