NGB calls for collaborative effort to combat illegal online gambling
There has been a surge in illegal online gambling in the country, fuelled by widespread smartphone access and aggressive marketing campaigns by offshore operators.
South Africa.- The National Gambling Board (NGB), in collaboration with Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs) and law enforcement, has stepped up its efforts to crack down on illegal online gambling platforms operating within the jurisdiction.
The latest enforcement actions target unlicensed websites that violate Section 11 of the National Gambling Act of 2004, which bans online or “interactive” gambling until a specific regulatory framework is approved by parliament.
According to the NGB, an interactive game is “a gambling game played or available to be played through the mechanism of an electronic agent accessed over the internet other than a game that can be accessed for play only in licensed premises, and only if the licensee of any such premises is authorised to make such a game available for play.”
While provinces are allowed to regulate various forms of betting, online casinos are not explicitly permitted under the act. However, despite the strict stance, there has been a surge in illegal online gambling in the country, fuelled by widespread smartphone access and aggressive marketing campaigns by offshore operators.
These platforms, often licensed abroad, offer local payment options and multilingual support, exploiting weak enforcement and drawing in players with minimal risk of prosecution.
In July 2025, Minister Parks Tau identified at least 90 such sites operating in South Africa, prompting the NGB to allocate resources for their disruption. The board’s strategy involves collaboration with foreign regulators, law enforcement, financial institutions and internet service providers to block access to illegal platforms and trace illicit financial flows.
However, jurisdictional complexities and monitoring challenges hinder progress. To complement enforcement, the NGB is rolling out public education campaigns about responsible gambling through community sessions, school visits and social media.
In an official release on August 25, 2025, the NGB warns consumers about the risks of unlicensed gambling platforms, including fraud, unfair gaming practices and inadequate avenues for dispute resolution. Economically, their activities undermine the licensed gambling sector, which contributes R30 billion to state revenue each year.
Lungile Dukwana, Acting NGB CEO, said: “Online gambling is unlawful and unacceptable. Through targeted enforcement, inter-agency cooperation and public education, we are protecting South Africans from harm, unfair operators and illicit financial flows.”
To effectively tackle the growing problem, the NGB advocates for a collaborative effort among all key stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to combating and suppressing illegal gambling operations.
The regulator also requires licensed operators to implement protective measures, including self-exclusion programs and responsible gambling guidelines, to promote safe and responsible gaming practices. It also partners with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF) to provide free support services for individuals struggling with problem gambling and their affected family members.
