The National Gambling Board (NGB) unveiled a new online verification portal on Wednesday, designed to list all gambling operators licensed within South Africa.
This initiative forms part of a broader effort to curb illegal gambling activities and direct consumers towards authorised and regulated operators.
The portal, accessible via the NGB’s official website, was developed in collaboration with provincial licensing authorities (PLAs). It features a searchable register of all legally licensed land-based and online gambling operators in the country.
The database will be continuously updated and made available to the public, law enforcement agencies, tax authorities and financial institutions.
Only the gambling operators listed on the portal are legally authorised to offer gambling services in South Africa.
A ‘critical step’ for safeguarding in South Africa
Acting CEO of the NGB, Lungile Dukwana, highlighted the importance of the platform in protecting South African citizens from the risks associated with illegal gambling.
“This platform is a critical step in safeguarding South Africans from the dangers posed by illegal gambling,” Dukwana stated.
He emphasised that the register provides a trusted resource for verifying licensed gambling operators. It also allows consumers to engage in gambling activities within a safe, regulated environment.
“It gives the public a trusted resource to verify licensed gambling operators and ensures that those who choose to gamble can do so in a safe, regulated environment and strengthens oversight and accountability within the gambling industry.”
The verification tool also aims to enhance oversight and accountability across the gambling sector.
Taxes and wagering increases
South Africa stands as Africa’s largest regulated gambling market, overseen by both provincial and national regulatory bodies.
The NGB says 1.5 trillion South African Rand ($89 billion) was wagered in the country over the 2024/2025 financial year. This was 31.3% higher than in the prior financial year.
However, the regulatory framework has struggled to keep pace with the rise in cross-border online gambling and offshore betting sites targeting South African players without proper authorisation.
This tension has been underscored by a recent Gauteng High Court ruling. It reaffirmed that online casinos remain illegal under current national law. It also highlighted inconsistencies in provincial enforcement and the growing gap between legislation and digital market realities.
The country is currently considering a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue.
This has been met with controversy, with a spokesperson from the Free Market Foundation (FMF) telling iGB that ‘The likely result is that more users will be driven to offshore online casinos, which operate outside the existing regulatory regime and do not pay gambling taxes.”
A crackdown on the unlicensed
Illegal and offshore gambling continue to pose significant challenges for South African regulators. The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) recently reported that 62% of online gambling in South Africa stems from unlicensed operators.
The NGB’s portal is designed to improve visibility and consumer awareness by encouraging individuals to verify operators before placing bets.
“We are not encouraging gambling beyond recreation, but rather promoting informed and responsible participation for those who choose to engage in it,” Dukwana explained.
The board also emphasised consumer protection. They noted that gambling through licensed operators ensures access to dispute resolution mechanisms. It would ensure adherence to responsible gambling protocols and compliance with anti-money laundering requirements.
The NGB has indicated plans to collaborate with financial institutions to use the verification list to help authorities prevent unlicensed operators from facilitating transactions through South African banks and payment providers.
Kathryn Evans
Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.
