South Africa’s National Gambling Board has introduced a public verification platform designed to help consumers identify licensed gambling operators and avoid illegal providers. The portal went live on 8 April and contains a central register of operators legally approved to offer gambling services in the country.
The initiative forms part of a wider enforcement and consumer protection effort as regulators respond to rapid market growth and continued activity from unlicensed online operators. Authorities said the database was created with support from Provincial Licensing Authorities and will remain accessible to the public with ongoing updates.
New Register Aims to Improve Public Protection
According to the National Gambling Board, the platform gives users a single place to confirm whether a gambling business is authorised in South Africa. The register covers both online operators and land-based operators.
Illegal gambling continues to create risks for consumers, including fraud exposure, disputes with no recourse, and potential financial losses. Regulators said the verification system is intended to reduce those risks while directing players toward properly regulated channels.
Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana said: “This platform is a critical step in safeguarding South Africans from the dangers posed by illegal gambling.”
He added: “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 Board also confirmed that the consolidated list will be shared with law enforcement agencies, tax authorities and financial institutions to support enforcement action against illegal activity. Only businesses listed on the portal are legally authorised to provide gambling services in South Africa.
Growing Market Faces Offshore Pressure
South Africa remains the continent’s largest regulated gambling market. Official figures cited in industry reporting show gambling turnover reached ZAR1.5 trillion during the 2024/2025 financial year, representing annual growth of 31.3%.
At the same time, regulators continue to face pressure from offshore gambling sites targeting South African consumers without local approval. Industry estimates referenced in recent coverage suggest that 62% of online gambling activity comes from unlicensed operators.
Those figures have intensified debate around how authorities should respond. The National Gambling Board has indicated that cooperation with banks and payment providers may play an important role in limiting payment flows to unauthorised operators.
Recent legal developments have also sharpened the discussion. A Gauteng High Court ruling reaffirmed that online casinos remain illegal under current national law, while also highlighting uneven enforcement between provinces.
Tax Debate Continues Alongside Enforcement Plans
The government is also considering a proposed 20% tax on gross gaming revenue. That idea has prompted mixed reactions across the sector.
Some market participants have warned that heavier taxation could increase the appeal of offshore platforms that operate outside South Africa’s regulatory system and do not contribute to domestic gambling taxes.
The National Gambling Board has stressed that the new portal is focused on public safety rather than promotion. Dukwana said: “We are not encouraging gambling beyond recreation, but rather promoting informed and responsible participation for those who choose to engage in it.”
He continued: “Our priority is to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure compliance within the gambling industry”.
The Board also noted that licensed operators must meet standards tied to responsible gambling, dispute handling and anti-money laundering controls.
Members of the public have been urged to verify operators before gambling and to report suspicious or illegal activity either to the National Gambling Board or the relevant provincial authority. Officials stated the publication of the list is intended solely to protect the public from illegal sites and unlawful establishments.
Source:
National Gambling Board Launches Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal To Protect The Public And The Economy By Promoting Responsible Gambling With Locally Licensed Gambling Operators And To Eradicate Illegal Gambling [pdf], National Gambling Board, 08 April 2026
