South African Bookmakers Association proposes legal reforms to fight illegal gambling
SABA said that the recommendations are intended to address enforcement gaps that have enabled illegal operators to expand despite existing laws prohibiting unlicensed online gambling.
South Africa.- The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) has proposed six regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening South Africa’s response to illegal online gambling, arguing that more robust enforcement measures are necessary to curb offshore operators targeting South African consumers.
The proposals include amendments to the National Gambling Act to clearly define illegal offshore gambling, changes to the Electronic Communications Act to establish a legal framework for blocking unlawful gambling websites, stronger payment controls, stricter penalties for businesses that facilitate illegal operators, tighter restrictions on advertising by unlicensed platforms, and the establishment of a centralised national enforcement capability.
SABA said that the recommendations are intended to address enforcement gaps that have enabled illegal operators to expand despite existing laws prohibiting unlicensed online gambling. The association argued that South Africa’s current framework lacks the practical tools required to enforce the law effectively.
According to a 2024 Yield Sec report commissioned by SABA, illegal operators account for an estimated 62 per cent of all online gambling activity in South Africa, diverting more than R50bn in gross gambling revenue offshore each year. The report also estimated that approximately 16 million South Africans used illegal gambling platforms over the past year.
The association pointed out that illegal operators do not hold South African licences, pay no local taxes and provide limited consumer protection, placing licensed operators at a disadvantage and exposing consumers to greater risk.
SABA also welcomed the National Gambling Board (NGB)’s decision to appoint a service provider to monitor, track and block illegal gambling websites, describing the move as an important step towards improving enforcement.
Chief executive Sean Coleman said the association supports the regulator’s broader strategy, including technological enforcement, High Court forfeiture actions and legislative reforms. However, he opined that website blocking should complement other enforcement tools rather than serve as a standalone solution.
The association cited Australia and the United Kingdom as examples of jurisdictions that have combined website blocking with financial controls and other enforcement measures to reduce illegal gambling activity. It said South Africa should adopt a similar coordinated approach involving regulators, financial institutions, internet service providers and law enforcement agencies.
