The National Gambling Board (NGB) of South Africa has launched an online verification portal aimed at listing all licensed gambling operators within the country. Announced on Wednesday, this move is intended to combat illegal gambling practices by directing consumers towards authorized and regulated operators. The portal, developed with collaboration from provincial licensing authorities, is accessible through the NGB’s website. It includes a searchable database of all legally licensed land-based and online gambling operators in South Africa. The public, law enforcement agencies, tax authorities, and financial institutions will have access to this continually updated resource. Only operators featured on this portal are legally permitted to provide gambling services in South Africa.
Lungile Dukwana, the acting CEO of the NGB, emphasized the role of this platform in safeguarding citizens against the risks of illegal gambling. Dukwana described the portal as a “critical step” in ensuring consumer protection and facilitating a regulated gambling environment. He noted that the register offers a reliable resource for verifying licensed operators, enabling consumers to engage in gambling activities safely. The tool aims to enhance oversight and accountability within the gambling sector.
South Africa is the largest regulated gambling market in Africa, governed by both national and provincial regulatory bodies. The NGB reported that 1.5 trillion South African Rand ($89 billion) was wagered in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, marking a 31.3% increase from the previous year. Despite this growth, the regulatory framework has struggled to keep up with the proliferation of cross-border online gambling and unlicensed offshore betting sites targeting South African consumers. This issue was highlighted by a recent ruling from the Gauteng High Court, which reaffirmed the illegality of online casinos under current national law. The ruling also pointed out inconsistencies in provincial enforcement and a widening gap between existing legislation and the realities of the digital market.
In response to these challenges, South Africa is contemplating a 20% tax on gross gaming revenue. However, this proposal has sparked controversy. A representative from the Free Market Foundation expressed concerns that such a tax might drive consumers towards offshore online casinos that operate outside the regulatory framework and do not contribute gambling taxes.
The prevalence of illegal and offshore gambling continues to pose significant challenges for regulators in South Africa. According to the South African Bookmakers Association, 62% of online gambling within the country originates from unlicensed operators. The NGB’s portal is designed to improve consumer awareness and promote the verification of operators before placing bets. Dukwana clarified that the board does not encourage gambling beyond recreational purposes but promotes informed and responsible participation for those who choose to engage.
By focusing on consumer protection, the NGB highlights the benefits of gambling through licensed operators, which include access to dispute resolution mechanisms and adherence to responsible gambling protocols. This approach also complies with anti-money laundering regulations. The NGB plans to collaborate with financial institutions to utilize the verification list in preventing unlicensed operators from conducting transactions through South African banks and payment providers.
Moving forward, the NGB’s verification portal is expected to play a pivotal role in the enforcement of gambling regulations in South Africa. Authorities anticipate that the portal will be instrumental not only in protecting consumers but also in ensuring compliance within the gambling industry. The board’s future plans include ongoing collaborations with financial institutions and enhancing regulatory measures to further mitigate the risks of unlicensed gambling operations. As the portal becomes fully operational, its impact on the market and consumer behavior will be closely monitored, providing insight into the effectiveness of this new regulatory tool.
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