South Africa seizes US$188.9k from unlawful gambling operations
The funds were seized under Section 16 of the National Gambling Act, 2004.
South Africa.- The National Gambling Board of South Africa has reported that about R3.075m (US$188.9k) in unlawful gambling winnings were forfeited to the state following High Court orders between April 2025 and April 2026.
In a statement issued in Pretoria on May 27, 2026, the regulator said the funds were seized under Section 16 of the National Gambling Act, 2004, which allows it to investigate illegal gambling activities and apply to the High Court for forfeiture of proceeds linked to unlawful betting.
The total amount covers multiple cases identified over the period, with about R775,000 (US$47.6k) forfeited during the 2025/26 financial year and a further R2.3m (US$141.3k) in the early part of the 2026/27 financial year.
The NGB said the money was traced to illegal gambling operations, including unlicensed online platforms, and was officially declared proceeds of unlawful activity by the High Court before being handed over to the State.
Acting NGB CEO Lungile Dukwana said the enforcement action reflects the regulator’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal gambling and protect consumers.
He added that the collaboration between regulators and the courts remains key to maintaining integrity in the sector and ensuring that unlawful operators face consequences.
The NGB also warned the public to avoid unlicensed gambling platforms, stressing that any winnings from illegal operators can be declared unlawful and forfeited with no legal protection or recovery options.
It urged players to verify licensed operators through its official portal before engaging in gambling activity and to report suspicious or illegal operations to the relevant authorities.
