NGB urges stronger safeguards in Africa’s digital gambling market
The NGB has identified illegal online operators, digital advertising and underage gambling among the issues requiring greater regulatory attention across Africa.
South Africa.- South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB) has called for stronger player-protection measures as gambling markets across Africa become increasingly digital, warning that regulators face challenges that extend beyond national borders.
The NGB made the call on September 7 as Africa Safer Gambling Week began, placing particular emphasis on the need for regulatory cooperation as players gain greater access to gambling through online platforms.
According to the NGB, issues such as harmful gambling behaviour, underage gambling, digital advertising and illegal online operators are becoming shared challenges for regulators across African jurisdictions, despite gambling being governed under separate national laws.
Acting NGB chief executive Lungile Dukwana said player protection needs to develop alongside changes in the gambling sector. He noted: “As gambling markets continue to evolve, player protection must evolve with them.”
He added that the Safer Gambling Week initiative provides an opportunity for regulators and industry stakeholders to exchange approaches and strengthen cooperation on responsible gambling.
The NGB also used the campaign to reinforce its position that gambling should remain an entertainment activity rather than a source of income or a way to address financial difficulties. It advised players to set spending and time limits, avoid using money needed for essential household expenses and not chase gambling losses.
The Board also warned minors against using another person’s gambling account, asking adults to place bets on their behalf or misrepresenting their age to gain access to gambling services.
In addition, the regulator urged South African players to verify operators before gambling by using its Verified Gambling Operators portal. For people who find gambling difficult to control, the NGB pointed to self-exclusion as an available tool. Players can request self-exclusion through a licensed operator, a provincial licensing authority or the NGB, and are advised not to circumvent restrictions by creating another account.
The regulator also directed people experiencing gambling-related difficulties to the National Responsible Gambling Programme for free counselling and support.
