Key Moments:
- SABA has called for comprehensive legislative reforms aimed at more effective enforcement against illegal offshore gambling.
- A November 2024 report commissioned by SABA estimated that approximately 62 percent of South Africa’s online gambling activity comes from illegal operators.
- SABA has outlined six key legislative reforms to improve enforcement and curb the expansion of illegal offshore gambling.
Push for Reform Intensifies
The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) has intensified its advocacy for legislative and regulatory changes to better combat illegal offshore gambling websites. Emphasizing that debates over website blocking should end, the association is pushing for a comprehensive enforcement strategy against unlawful platforms.
This stance comes in response to the recent position by the Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) regarding the National Gambling Board’s (NGB) proposed website blocking plan. While SABA agreed that clear legislation, constitutional safeguards, and strong regulatory supervision must back any technical measures, it stated that enforcement of existing laws and practical action should now be the focus.
SABA praised the NGB’s move to appoint a service provider responsible for blocking illegal gambling websites, describing this as part of the government’s expanded efforts to address unlicensed gambling activity.
Gaps in Enforcement and Market Impact
The association contended that, despite laws prohibiting illegal online gambling, enforcement remains hampered by gaps in the current legal framework. SABA noted that months of engagement with stakeholders, including regulatory gap analysis and public awareness campaigns, have informed its current evidence-based strategy to address the illegal offshore market’s growth.
SABA’s Chief Executive Officer, Sean Coleman, welcomed regulatory initiatives. “We fully support the NGB’s heightened enforcement actions that include a technological component, High Court forfeiture operations, and the coordinated legislative push to eradicate these illicit networks. By declaring war on illegal, unregulated platforms, particularly ahead of or during high-volume sporting periods like the 2026 World Cup, the NGB is taking an essential step toward safeguarding vulnerable citizens and protecting the integrity of the domestic economy,” Coleman said.
Coleman further affirmed SABA’s commitment to collaborating with the NGB, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), and law enforcement agencies to implement technology-driven enforcement, improve banking compliance, and promote unified advertising standards.
Illegal Online Gambling Estimated at 62 Percent
According to a November 2024 data report from Yield Sec, commissioned by SABA, illegal operators account for nearly 62 percent of all South African online gambling. The same research estimates that more than R50 billion in gross gambling revenue is lost to offshore operators each year, with approximately 16 million residents having used illegal gambling platforms in the past twelve months.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Share of Illegal Online Gambling | 62% |
| Estimated Offshore Revenue | R50 billion per year |
| Number of South Africans Using Illegal Platforms | 16 million (past year) |
SABA stressed that these figures highlight the urgent need for coordinated enforcement strategies instead of one-off regulatory responses, emphasizing the negative impact on licensed bookmakers and consumer protections.
Legislative Proposals: Six Targeted Reforms
SABA’s legislative gap analysis resulted in six recommendations aimed at bolstering South Africa’s ability to fight illegal offshore gambling:
- Update the National Gambling Act to clearly define illegal offshore operators targeting South Africans, expand enforcement powers, and clarify cross-border jurisdiction.
- Amend the Electronic Communications Act to create a statutory process for regulators to issue website blocking directives, supported by judicial oversight, transparent procedures, and a public registry of unlawful operators.
- Enhance financial enforcement, leveraging the Financial Intelligence Centre Act and South African Reserve Bank oversight, to prevent payment providers – including banks and cryptocurrency exchanges where appropriate – from processing transactions linked to illegal gambling activities.
- Increase penalties for affiliates, marketing intermediaries, and payment facilitators that knowingly support illegal gambling businesses.
- Tighten controls on advertising by unlicensed operators, addressing affiliate networks, influencer marketing, and digital advertising platforms.
- Create a centralized national enforcement body with expertise in digital monitoring, investigations, and financial intelligence to coordinate actions across regulatory agencies.
Drawing Inspiration from International Models
SABA stated that its approach was shaped by existing international practices. The association referenced Australia’s changes to the Interactive Gambling Act in 2017, which granted authorities new powers to act against illegal offshore gambling and implement website blocking. SABA reported that as a result, Australian authorities have blocked more than 1,300 illegal websites and prompted more than 220 operators to withdraw from the market.
The association also pointed to the United Kingdom’s use of financial controls and regulatory oversight. SABA maintained that South Africa can adapt elements of both models in framing its enforcement strategy, but insisted that website blocking should function as one component within a broader regulatory approach, alongside payment restrictions, advertising limitations, consumer education, intelligence-based investigations, and cooperation with international regulators.
Ongoing Regulatory Engagement
SABA’s latest announcement follows its previous support for regulatory measures rolled out earlier, including the launch of the NGB’s Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal in April. The association welcomed the portal but appealed for better accuracy and timeliness of published licensing information, and more consistent regulatory communication to assist both consumers and licensed operators.
The association reiterated its commitment to collaborate with the NGB, provincial bodies, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, the South African Reserve Bank, financial institutions, ISPA, and other stakeholders in developing an enforcement framework to protect consumers and strengthen the regulated market.
Industry Opportunities Ahead
Highlighting the sector’s growth, the article noted the upcoming SiGMA Africa event scheduled in Cape Town from 15-17 February 2027, where operators, affiliates, suppliers, and regulators will convene to discuss and shape the future of Africa’s gambling market.
- Author
Daniel Williams
