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.
SUBMISSION PROCESS FOR TYPE B APPLICATIONS IN TERMS OF REGULATION 3(2) OF THE NATIONAL LPM REGULATIONS, 2000
The National Gambling Board (NGB) has streamlined the submission process for Type B
applications by Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs) within the Limited Payout Machine
(LPM) sector. In accordance with Regulation 3 of the Limited Payout Machine (LPM)
Regulations, 2000, PLAs are required to submit Type B applications to the NGB for
consideration and recommendation prior to approval and implementation
COLLABORATION OF THE NGB & ECGB IN THE NELSON MANDELA BAY FOR OUTREACHES ON ILLEGAL/ONLINE GAMBLING & RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING
The National Gambling Board (NGB), in partnership with the Eastern Cape Gambling Board
(ECGB), will be conducting a week-long series of community outreach engagements across the
Nelson Mandela Bay region from Monday, 13 October to Friday, 17 October 2025.
SOUTH AFRICA’S GAMBLING REGULATORS INTENSIFY FOCUS ON UNLAWFUL GAMBLING ACTIVITIES
The National Gambling Board (“NGB”), in collaboration with Provincial Licensing Authorities (“PLAs”) and law enforcement agencies, has intensified its efforts to combat the rise of unlawful online gambling activities in South Africa. This follows a growing concern over the proliferation of unlicensed gambling websites and platforms targeting South African consumers, often without regard for local gambling laws or consumer protection.
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Contact Details
Direct switchboard: 010 003-3475 | Email: info@ngb.org.za
All matters relating to fraud and corruption can be reported to fraudalert@ngb.org.za or 0870782897
1085 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028