SABA sounds alarm on illegal online betting in South Africa
Illegal or offshore operators purportedly divert more than R50bn (€2.6bn) in gross gambling revenue offshore each year.
South Africa.- The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) has issued a warning to the public concerning illegal gambling, saying that it has reached crisis levels. According to a report commissioned by the association, unlicensed offshore operators now handle 62 per cent of all online gambling activity in the country. Licensed local operators account for the remaining 38 per cent.
The Yield Sec South Africa 2023/24 Report, prepared for SABA, identified 2,084 unlicensed websites that target South African users. It estimates that about 16 million people, or 27 per cent of the population, used these platforms in the past year.
The study found that illegal betting platforms often base themselves in jurisdictions like Curaçao, Malta, Gibraltar and the Philippines. They use aggressive marketing, including influencers, and local payment methods such as bank transfers and EFTs to reach users, despite prohibitions under the National Gambling Act.
These operators purportedly divert more than R50bn (€2.6bn) in gross gambling revenue offshore each year. Sean Coleman, SABA’s Chief Executive Officer, said this money leaves the economy without contributing to taxes, jobs or community programmes supported by licensed operators.
He stated: “These illegal operators pay no local taxes, contribute nothing to responsible gambling programmes, have no enforceable self-exclusion mechanisms, and pose serious risks to vulnerable players. Every rand spent on these offshore sites is money that leaves the South African economy, undermining jobs, tax revenues and community investment supported by the legal betting industry.”
In his speech at the Responsible Gambling Summit held at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park on November 13, 2025, Coleman noted that the offshore sites expose players to an increased risk of gambling disorders, financial loss and unverified safety concerns. Winnings from illegal gambling can also be forfeited to the state under Section 16 of the Act.
SABA has signed a memorandum of understanding with the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (SABRIC) to work with banks on blocking related transactions. The association calls for coordinated action, including site blocking and public awareness efforts.
