NGB launches web portal for verified gambling operators in South Africa
Only operators listed on the platform are authorised to offer gambling services in South Africa.
South Africa.- The National Gambling Board (NGB) has launched an online portal that allows the public to verify all licensed gambling operators in South Africa, as part of efforts to curb illegal gambling and strengthen regulatory oversight.
The platform provides a centralised and regularly updated list of operators approved by provincial regulators. It enables users to confirm whether a gambling provider, online or land-based, is legally authorised to operate within the country.
The NGB said the portal was developed in collaboration with Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs) to improve transparency and make regulatory information more accessible. The tool is expected to support safer participation in gambling by directing users towards compliant operators that meet legal and operational standards.
Illegal gambling remains a concern for regulators due to risks such as financial losses, fraud and the absence of dispute resolution mechanisms. The board stated that the verification system is intended to reduce these risks and improve public confidence in the regulated sector.
NGB Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana said the initiative will help strengthen coordination with enforcement bodies. He noted that the consolidated list will be shared with law enforcement agencies, tax authorities and financial institutions to support compliance monitoring and enforcement actions.
The NGB clarified that the portal does not promote gambling but is designed to guide individuals who choose to participate towards legal options. It also emphasised that only operators listed on the platform are authorised to offer gambling services in South Africa.
Members of the public are encouraged to check the status of operators before engaging in any gambling activity. The board also urged individuals to report suspected illegal operations through its official communication channels or to the relevant provincial authorities.
The launch comes amid ongoing regulatory pressure to address unlicensed and offshore gambling services, which continue to operate outside the country’s legal framework.
The portal is now accessible via the NGB’s official website, signalling a step forward in efforts to enforce compliance and protect both consumers and the national economy.
