The draft measure would impose a 20 per cent levy<\/strong> on gross gambling revenue (GGR) generated by online betting and interactive gambling operators. The national levy would apply in addition to existing provincial gambling taxes<\/strong>, which vary by jurisdiction and operator category – a layered structure that has become a focal point of industry criticism<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Industry figures say engagement with the National Gambling Board <\/strong>(NGB), the national authority responsible for regulating gambling and advising Treasury on policy, has been insufficient<\/strong> ahead of a policy shift that could materially alter the country\u2019s online betting landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Internationally recognised gambling attorney Garron Whitesman<\/strong>, currently finalising his public submission, said: \u201cI don’t think that there has been appropriate engagement <\/strong>with the industry and industry representative bodies on the matter. I think that the tax and other industry-related matters could most certainly be dealt with far better by national government<\/strong>– both the NGB and National Treasury.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The proposal is set out in the <\/strong>Draft National Online Gambling Tax Discussion Paper<\/strong>, first published on November 25, 2025. The original deadline for public submissions was January 30, 2026 but was later extended<\/strong> to February 27, 2026 following stakeholder requests for additional time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Treasury, the proposed national tax is intended to respond to the rapid growth<\/strong> of online and interactive gambling, introduce a more consistent <\/strong>national taxation framework and address regulatory gaps and associated social risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Critics, including the Free Market Foundation<\/strong>, have warned that increasing the effective tax burden on licensed operators could drive players towards unregulated<\/strong> offshore platforms, potentially undermining compliance<\/strong> and weakening the regulated market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the consultation deadline now imminent<\/strong>, operators, industry bodies and members of the public have a final opportunity to influence a policy<\/strong> that could significantly reshape South Africa\u2019s online gambling framework. Treasury has indicated that submissions received by the closing date will inform the next phase<\/strong> of policy consideration before any formal legislative steps are taken.<\/p>\n\n\nFinal call: gambling tax<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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