In order to provide more knowledge and protection to players about legal and regulated gambling activity in South Africa, the National Gambling Board (NGB) launched a new online verification portal on Wednesday at all South African gambling operators legally licenced under South African gambling laws.
Part of an ongoing drive to address illegal and unauthorized gambling activity, the NGB’s aim is to provide players with an avenue to validate whether or not an operator is authorised and regulated to operate legally within South Africa.
The verification portal has been developed by the NGB in conjunction with provincial licensing authorities (PLAs) and provides a searchable register of all legally licenced land-based and online gambling operators in South Africa.
Acting CEO of the NGB, Lungile Dukwana, stated:
This platform is a critical step in safeguarding South Africans from the dangers posed by illegal gambling. 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.
According to the NGB, in FY 2024/25, a total of R1.5 trillion (approximately US$89-billion), was wagered by South African players on all types of legal gambling, representing an increase of 31.3% compared to FY 2023/24.
In addition, the rapid growth in cross-border online gambling and offshore betting sites, which target South African players without proper authorisation from South Africa, has made it difficult for South African regulators to keep up with the pace of regulatory change.
Regulatory challenges for South African regulators from illegal and unlicensed offshore and online gambling operators continue to remain a serious impediment to the regulated marketplace. The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) recently reported that 62% of total online gambling activity by South African players occurs on unlicensed gambling sites.
The NGB’s verification portal aims to provide a greater understanding of the legal and regulated gambling industry in South Africa to players, while encouraging players to verify operators and legality prior to making any bets.
