NATIONAL GAMBLING BOARD CLARIFIES REGULATORY POSITION ON REMOTE GAMBLING SERVERS (RGS)

The National Gambling Board (NGB) has issued a formal notice to all Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs) clarifying the regulatory status of Remote Gambling Servers (RGS) in South Africa. The notice, issued in terms of sections 33 and 34 of the National Gambling Act, 2004 (Act No. 7 of 2004) (the NGA), provides guidance on compliance obligations in respect of remote gambling infrastructure and applicable technical standards.

NGB NOTICE TO PLAS REGARDING THE REGULATORY TREATMENT OF REMOTE GAMBLING SERVERS (RGS) IN SOUTH AFRICA

This notice is issued in terms of section 33 and 34 of the NGA to clarify the regulatory status of Remote Gambling Servers (RGS) in South Africa and to provide guidance to the Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs), regarding compliance with the National Gambling Act, 2004 (Act No. 7 of 2004) (“the Act”) and applicable SANS 1718 Technical Standards

NGB AND NSFAS PARTNER TO SUPPORT STUDENTS’ SUCCESS AT TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AND STRENGTHEN RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING AWARENESS

The National Gambling Board (NGB) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have initiated a strategic partnership aimed at raising awareness at tertiary institutions, protecting students from gambling-related harm, and safeguarding the public funds allocated for education.

GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NOTICE – AMENDMENTS TO THE NATIONAL GAMBLING REGULATIONS, 2004

Government Gazette Notice – Amendments to the National Gambling Regulations, 2004

THE ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF NGB SENDS HIS FESTIVE WELL WISHES TO THE GAMBLING REGULATION INDUSTRY

In his message the Acting CEO of NGB stressed the importance of responsible gambling and ensuring that those who gamble only gamble on the licensed environment for them to be fully protected by the South African laws of the gambling industry

NATIONAL GAMBLING BOARD WARNS SOUTH AFRICANS AGAINST ILLEGAL ONLINE GAMBLING AND URGES RESPONSIBLE PLAY DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

As millions of South Africans prepare for the festive season, the National Gambling Board (“NGB”) is issuing a strong warning regarding the surge in illegal online gambling platforms, while urging consumers to gamble responsibly and seek help early if they experience signs of problem gambling. December is historically a period of increased gambling activity, which places financially vulnerable consumers at heightened risk.

NATIONAL GAMBLING BOARD URGES THE PUBLIC TO REPORT NON-COMPLIANT GAMBLING ADVERTISING

The National Gambling Board (“NGB”), as mandated by the National Gambling Act, 2004 (Act 7 of 2004) (“National Gambling Act”), to ensure that members of the public who participate in any licenced gambling activity are protected, has observed the increasing prevalence of gambling-related advertising that contravenes the National Gambling Act, 2004 (Act 7 of 2004) and the National Gambling Regulations, 2004.

COMPLIANCE WITH GAMBLING ADVERTISING PROVISIONS IN TERMS OF THE NATIONAL GAMBLING ACT, 2004 AND PROVINCIAL LEGISLATION

The National Gambling Board (“NGB”) has noted with concern the increasing prevalence of gambling-related advertising that appears to contravene the provisions of the National Gambling Act, 2004 (Act 7 of 2004) (“NGA”), read in conjunction with the National Gambling Regulations, 2004 (“NGR”). Furthermore, the National Gambling Policy Council (“NGPC”) held in October 2025 tasked the NGB, in collaboration with the Provincial Licensing Authorities (“PLAs”), to implement actions to deal with advertisements and promotions that contravene the NGA.

DO NOT ROLL THE DICE ON FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE CENTRE ACT COMPLIANCE

The variety, frequency and volumes of transactions that take place in gambling institutions make this sector vulnerable to criminals looking for ways to launder and legitimise their ill-gotten gains

NATIONAL GAMBLING BOARD WELCOMES THE SUPREME COURT OF APPEAL RULING ON THE BOOKMAKERS OFFERING ROULETTE GAMES AND CASINO GAMES

The NGB has noted and welcomes the ruling by the SCA regarding roulette games offered by bookmakers in the case of Portapa (Pty) Limited t/a Supabets and Others v Casino Association of South Africa and Another, and The Gauteng Gambling Board v Casino Association of South Africa v Portaba (Pty) Ltd t/a Supabets and Others (182/2024 & 215/2024) [2025] ZASCA 158 (21 October 2025). The SCA held that in terms of the Gauteng Gambling Act 4 of 1995, it is unlawful for bookmakers to offer fixed-odds bets on the outcome of a casino game, including the game of roulette. This SCA judgment has affirmed the deliberate South African gambling policy approach to the regulation of casinos, betting, limited payout machines, and bingo as separate modes of gambling. Licensees are required to operate strictly within the parameters of their licensed gambling mode.