NGB’s Marketing Coordinator stresses responsible gambling at Rand Show 2026
According to Sipho Hobongwana, many gambling activities commonly seen in communities, such as informal card games and unlicensed betting setups, fall outside the legal framework.
South Africa.- Sipho Hobongwana, Marketing Communication and Stakeholder Coordinator for South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB), has emphasised the importance of responsible gambling, saying it begins with individuals setting clear financial limits and treating gambling strictly as a form of entertainment rather than a way to make income.
Speaking on the Vooka Breakfast Show at the Rand Show 2026, Hobongwana explained that responsible gambling is rooted in self-control and awareness of personal financial boundaries. According to him, players should only stake what they can comfortably afford to lose. He said: “Responsible gambling first looks like someone who knows that if I’ve got 200 Rand (€10.41), I can use 50 Rand (€2.60) for entertainment.”
Hobongwana described the NGB as a national oversight body responsible for supervising provincial regulators as well as licensed operators across South Africa’s gambling industry. These include casinos, bingo halls and sports betting companies that are legally authorised to operate within specific provincial jurisdictions.
He noted that the NGB’s participation at the Rand Show this year marks its first appearance at the event, with a strong focus on public education. The aim, he said, is to raise awareness about responsible gambling while also helping the public understand the difference between regulated and unregulated gambling activities.
According to Hobongwana, many gambling activities commonly seen in communities, such as informal card games and unlicensed betting setups, fall outside the legal framework. He warned that such operations expose participants to risks, including the absence of dispute resolution mechanisms and the potential for criminal activity or violence, since there is no regulatory oversight.
In contrast, Hobongwana explained that licensed gambling operators are held to strict regulatory standards. This framework allows consumers to report disputes and seek intervention from the appropriate authorities when issues arise, offering a layer of protection that informal operators do not provide.
Hobongwana also expressed concern about the increasing accessibility of gambling through mobile devices and online platforms. While he noted that online sports betting is legally permitted, he cautioned that certain online casino-style games offered through some digital platforms are not authorised under current regulations and are therefore considered illegal.
He said the NGB is closely monitoring the digital space as new platforms continue to emerge, adding that enforcement and compliance remain ongoing challenges for regulators. He added that the Board continues to take action against unlicensed operators while also monitoring advertising practices and operator conduct through its compliance unit.
Hobongwana further encouraged individuals and businesses interested in entering the gambling sector to engage directly with the National Gambling Board for guidance and regulatory clarity. He said the broader goal remains strengthening public awareness and ensuring stricter compliance with gambling laws in order to promote safer and more responsible gambling practices across South Africa.
