South Africa’s NGB launches bid for specialist service provider to block illegal gambling websites
Regulator invites Expressions of Interest for a specialist monitoring, tracking and website-blocking solution as it strengthens enforcement against illegal online gambling operators.
South Africa.- South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB) has launched a bid to appoint a specialist service provider to help block illegal gambling websites targeting South African consumers, in a move to strengthen enforcement against illegal online gambling. The initiative comes as the regulator warns that illegal gambling is undermining the integrity of the country’s regulated gambling industry.
The initiative, outlined in the NGB’s official Expression of Interest (EOI) procurement document issued on June 30, invites suitably qualified service providers to submit proposals for a monitoring, blocking, reporting and tracking solution capable of identifying illegal online gambling activity and supporting future enforcement action. A virtual briefing session for interested bidders has been scheduled for July 15, while Expressions of Interest are due by August 7.
According to the EOI procurement document, the NGB is seeking a provider capable of identifying illegal gambling websites targeting South Africans, determining their country of origin, licence status and information on their owners, while providing intelligence to the NGB to support further investigations by law enforcement.
Explaining the purpose of the initiative, the procurement document reads: “The NGB wishes to find a service provider who will block these websites and provide data intelligence on these operators for further enforcement actions.”
The procurement is intended to address the growing challenge posed by offshore gambling operators that continue to target South African consumers despite operating beyond the country’s borders. The document added: “South Africa is struggling to enforce against illegal interactive gambling offering gambling activities to South Africans without a licence.”
The document notes that enforcement is complicated by the offshore location of many illegal operators, allowing them to exploit cross-border regulatory loopholes while continuing to offer gambling services to local consumers.
The document says illegal gambling has expanded rapidly across both land-based and online channels. It adds that illegal operators are increasingly exploiting online platforms, digital wallets, cryptocurrency transactions and cross-jurisdictional loopholes to evade detection and regulatory oversight, while licensed gambling operators face unfair competition from unlicensed online betting activities.
Broader enforcement drive continues
Beyond website blocking, the proposed service is intended to strengthen the NGB’s broader enforcement efforts. Information gathered by the successful provider will be shared with law enforcement to support investigations and help ensure illegal online gambling operators are held accountable in court and face penalties as envisaged under the National Gambling Act. The regulator also said the initiative is designed to protect both the South African gambling industry and the general public from exploitation by illicit gambling markets.
The EOI marks the first stage of the procurement process and is intended to prequalify potential bidders for a future Request for Proposals (RFP) or tender. Shortlisted providers will be required to demonstrate how their proposed website-blocking solutions would operate in South Africa, including how blocked websites would be continuously tracked and blocked again if they reappear.
The initiative forms part of a broader enforcement drive by the NGB in 2026. Earlier this year, the regulator launched its Verified Gambling Operators portal. It also warned consumers about illegal online gambling platforms and counterfeit betting apps ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
