South Africa launches central gambling verification portal
South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB) has launched a new online verification portal with an aim to strengthen oversight across the gambling sector.
Launched on Wednesday, 8 April, the platform lists all licensed gambling operators authorised to operate within the country. It forms part of wider efforts to combat illegal gambling and guide consumers towards regulated providers.
Developed in partnership with provincial licensing authorities, the portal offers a searchable database covering both land-based and online operators. The register will remain publicly accessible and continuously updated.
Authorities, including law enforcement agencies, financial institutions, and tax bodies, will also have access to the database. Only operators listed on the portal are legally permitted to offer gambling services in South Africa.
A ‘critical step’ for safeguarding in South Africa
Acting CEO of the NGB, Lungile Dukwana, described the portal as a major step towards consumer protection. “This platform is a critical step in safeguarding South Africans from the dangers posed by illegal gambling,” Dukwana stated.
He explained that the tool provides a reliable way for users to verify legitimate operators before engaging. This supports safer participation and improves trust in the regulated market. “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 platform is also expected to strengthen accountability by improving transparency across licensed operators.
Rising wagers and regulatory pressure
South Africa remains the continent’s largest regulated gambling market, overseen by both provincial and national authorities.
According to the NGB, 1.5 trillion South African Rand ($89 billion) was the gambling turnover during the 2024/2025 financial year. This represents a 31.3 per cent increase compared to the previous year, according to official regulator data.
Despite this growth, regulators face mounting pressure from cross-border online gambling platforms. Many offshore operators continue targeting South African consumers without proper authorisation.
A recent Gauteng High Court ruling reaffirmed that online casinos remain illegal under national legislation. It also exposed inconsistencies in provincial enforcement. These developments highlight the widening gap between existing laws and rapidly evolving digital gambling markets.
Tax debate and industry concerns
The government is currently considering applying a 20 per cent tax on gross gaming revenue. This proposal has sparked heated debates among industry stakeholders, particularly around its potential unintended consequences.
A spokesperson from the Free Market Foundation (FMF) warned that higher taxes could shift users towards unregulated platforms.
“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 gambling remains a considerable concern for regulators and licensed operators alike. The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) estimates that 62 per cent of online gambling activity originates from unlicensed operators. This number underscores the scale of the challenge facing authorities.
The NGB’s portal aims to address this by encouraging consumers 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 regulator also emphasised that licensed operators must provide safeguards, including dispute-resolution mechanisms, responsible gambling measures, and anti-money laundering compliance.
The NGB plans to work closely with financial institutions to restrict payment flows to unlicensed operators. This could further limit the reach of illegal gambling platforms within South Africa.
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