South Africa updates gambling regulations to protect players and enforce compliance
Under the new framework, individuals may submit a formal notice to the National Gambling Board (NGB) requesting to be listed on the exclusion register.
South Africa.- South Africa has rolled out amendments to the national gambling regulations through Government Gazette No. 54106, published on Tuesday, February 10, with a focus on strengthening responsible gambling measures and enforcement standards.
Issued by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition under Government Notice R. 7113, the amended regulations revise multiple aspects of the National Gambling Act, 2004. Central to the changes is the revamp of the Voluntary Exclusion Programme and the strengthened enforcement of the National Register of Excluded Persons, key tools designed to support individuals who recognise they are at risk of problem gambling.
Under the new framework, individuals may submit a formal notice to the National Gambling Board (NGB) requesting to be listed on the exclusion register. Once registered, their details are shared with all licensed gambling operators and provincial licensing authorities, requiring these entities to restrict the individual’s access to all designated gambling areas nationwide. The exclusion remains in effect for the full duration of the exclusion period, and any continued participation in gambling activities may result in the suspension of winnings.
The updated regulations also introduce stricter compliance obligations for gambling operators and provincial regulators. Operators are now required to implement administrative procedures within five days of receiving exclusion notices and to demonstrate effective control measures for enforcing exclusions at physical venues. In addition, provincial authorities must submit internal control plans for monitoring excluded persons.
These changes come amid ongoing discussions around responsible gambling and regulatory standards in South Africa. Industry experts say the enhanced exclusion programme and tighter register enforcement represent a significant step forward in protecting at-risk individuals and aligning South Africa’s gambling framework with international best practice in responsible gaming.
