Key Moments:
- The National Gambling Board (NGB) has introduced a digital platform for Type B limited payout machine (LPM) license applications.
- The new system requires provincial licensing authorities to process applications exclusively via a secure SharePoint portal monitored by the NGB.
- The NGB aims for full national rollout of this platform by early 2026, addressing prior approval delays and improving compliance.
Digital Platform Modernizes the Licensing Process
The National Gambling Board (NGB) of South Africa has launched an online system designed to streamline and simplify Type B license applications. This new process replaces previous application methods with a secure SharePoint folder structure, where provincial licensing authorities (PLAs) are responsible for creating individual applicant folders, uploading required documents, and sending confirmation through a specified email address. Applications submitted outside this new platform will no longer be considered, supporting a more transparent and efficient documentation workflow for all parties involved.
Targeting Faster Processing and Enhanced Communication
Type B licenses, which are mandatory for operators managing six to twenty limited payout machines (LPMs) in venues like pubs, taverns, and community halls, are now expected to be processed more quickly through the digital system. The NGB intends to have this platform operating countrywide by early 2026, directly addressing approval times that have previously ranged from five to twelve months depending on the province. With over 15,800 LPMs in use, particularly concentrated in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, the improved process will support timely license renewals and new applications that are crucial for sector compliance and revenue stability.
Rollout Plans and Broader Regulatory Reforms
Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana indicated that the platform would foster improved communication and timely feedback between the provincial licensing authorities and the NGB, stating that it also aligns with government initiatives to ease administrative demands for businesses and aids efforts to combat illicit LPM operations. The NGB will closely monitor adoption of the digital system, solicit feedback from PLAs, and organize training sessions in November to ensure a smooth transition. This launch is positioned as the first major step toward comprehensive digital reform within the NGB’s regulatory framework, with plans for future automation in compliance and monitoring.
| Initiative | Key Features | Implementation Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Licensing Platform | SharePoint-based document management, exclusive digital submission, enhanced communication | Full rollout by early 2026 |
| Training and Monitoring | PLA feedback collection, November training sessions planned | Ongoing |
- Author
Daniel Williams
