South Africa Advances Gambling Reform

South Africa is preparing a new phase of gambling reform after the National Gambling Policy Council (NGPC) agreed to accelerate work on updated legislation while developing tighter advertising rules. The measures form part of the government's wider effort to improve oversight of the gambling sector, address gambling addiction and strengthen enforcement against illegal gambling activity.

Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau confirmed the developments in a parliamentary reply, stating that the NGPC has convened twice since July 2025 to examine challenges facing the industry and identify policy responses. Discussions focused on improving regulation, reviewing existing legislation and limiting factors that contribute to harmful gambling behaviour.

New Bill Aims To Align National And Provincial Laws

According to Tau, one of the council's main decisions was to speed up work on fresh gambling legislation.

The NGPC has also created a Gambling Technical Committee to examine the National Gambling Amendment Bill, 2018. Its task is to determine whether the National Gambling Act and provincial gambling laws provide sufficient regulatory coverage while identifying areas requiring greater consistency.

Tau said the committee will work to ensure that national legislation and provincial frameworks operate cohesively, supporting stronger enforcement and a more harmonised gambling policy across South Africa.

The review is expected to improve cooperation between regulators while providing a clearer legal framework for the country's gambling industry.

Government Prepares Tighter Gambling Advertising Rules

Alongside the proposed legislation, the Department of Trade and Industry is drafting new gambling advertising regulations.

Tau said the NGPC acknowledged that gambling advertising influences people's willingness to gamble and can contribute to addiction. In response, the National Gambling Board is working with provincial gambling authorities to establish uniform advertising standards that will become licensing requirements for operators.

"The department has also noted that advertisement has a major role in enforcing the enticing perceptions on gambling; therefore, Regulations on gambling advertising are being developed parallel to the Bill to strengthen section 15 of the Act and Regulation 3 of the National Gambling Regulations, 2004."

Illegal Operators Remain A Growing Concern

The government's latest policy initiative follows continued warnings about the scale of illegal online gambling in South Africa.

Industry estimates indicate that unlicensed offshore operators now account for almost two-thirds of the country's online gambling activity. The South African Bookmakers' Association (SABA) estimates that illegal online gambling costs the South African economy more than R50 billion each year.

SABA Chief Executive Officer Sean Coleman said illegal operators represent the most pressing issue facing the market.

"While much of the recent public and media debate has focused on the growth of legal online betting, the existential crisis lies in the scale and impact of illegal offshore operators that continue to target South African consumers unchecked," Coleman said.

Industry stakeholders have argued that offshore operators frequently operate beyond South African regulations, making consumer protection and responsible gambling enforcement significantly more difficult.

The Gambling Technical Committee will continue reviewing the 2018 amendment bill while the Department of Trade and Industry develops the accompanying advertising regulations. Together, the initiatives are expected to shape the country's next stage of gambling policy reform.

Source:

“Government ramps up action on gambling with new laws in the pipeline”, iol.co.za, Jul 2, 2026