South Africa's SABA calls for tougher offshore gambling laws
The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) has renewed its call for legislative reforms to strengthen action against illegal offshore gambling, arguing that South Africa should move beyond debating whether unlawful gambling websites can be blocked and instead focus on creating an effective enforcement framework.
The association’s statement follows the recent position adopted by the Internet Service Providers’ Association (ISPA) regarding proposals by the National Gambling Board (NGB) to block illegal offshore gambling websites. While SABA agreed that technical measures such as website blocking must be supported by clear legislation, constitutional safeguards and appropriate regulatory oversight, it said the priority should now be implementing practical measures to tackle the growing illegal market.
SABA also welcomed the NGB’s decision to appoint a service provider to block illegal online gambling websites, describing it as part of broader efforts by the regulator to combat unlicensed operators.
Enforcement gaps remain despite existing laws
SABA said existing legislation prohibits illegal online gambling, but gaps in the legal framework continue to hamper enforcement efforts. It said months of engagement with the NGB, policymakers and other stakeholders, including legislative gap analyses, international benchmarking, public awareness initiatives and presentations, had informed an evidence-based strategy to tackle the growing illegal offshore gambling market.
Based on those discussions, the association said stronger enforcement mechanisms are needed to disrupt illegal operators targeting South African consumers. SABA Chief Executive Officer Sean Coleman welcomed the regulator’s intensified enforcement efforts, including technological interventions, High Court forfeiture operations and legislative 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.
He added that SABA remains committed to working alongside the NGB, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) and law enforcement agencies by supporting technology-driven enforcement, strengthening banking compliance and promoting consistent advertising standards within the regulated gambling sector.
Illegal market continues to expand
SABA cited findings from a data-driven report commissioned from online gaming research firm Yield Sec in November 2024, which estimated that illegal operators account for approximately 62 per cent of all online gambling activity in South Africa.
According to the report, more than R50 billion in gross gambling revenue is diverted offshore every year, while an estimated 16 million South Africans have used illegal gambling platforms during the past year.
SABA said illegal offshore operators operate outside South Africa’s licensing requirements, do not contribute to the local fiscus, affect licensed bookmakers that comply with regulatory obligations and provide consumers with limited protection in disputes.
SABA argued that these figures demonstrate the need for a coordinated enforcement strategy rather than relying on isolated regulatory interventions.
Six reforms proposed to strengthen enforcement
As part of its legislative gap analysis, SABA has proposed six reforms designed to strengthen South Africa’s ability to combat illegal offshore gambling.
The association said amendments to the National Gambling Act should explicitly define illegal offshore operators targeting South African consumers while strengthening enforcement powers and clarifying how the legislation applies beyond the country’s borders.
It also proposed changes to the Electronic Communications Act to establish a statutory process allowing authorised regulators to issue website-blocking directives against illegal gambling operators, supported by judicial oversight, transparent procedures and a public register of unlawful operators.
Financial enforcement forms another key element of SABA’s proposals. The association said international experience shows that restricting payment channels is among the most effective methods of disrupting illegal gambling businesses. It called for coordinated use of existing powers under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act and oversight by the South African Reserve Bank to prevent banks, payment providers and, where appropriate, cryptocurrency exchanges from processing transactions linked to known illegal operators.
SABA further proposed stronger penalties for domestic affiliates, marketing intermediaries and payment facilitators that knowingly assist illegal gambling businesses, alongside tighter restrictions on advertising by unlicensed operators across affiliate networks, influencer marketing and digital advertising platforms.
The final recommendation is the creation of a centralised national enforcement capability equipped with digital monitoring expertise, investigative powers and financial intelligence resources. According to the association, a unified enforcement model would improve intelligence sharing and operational coordination across regulatory bodies.
International models shape proposals
SABA said it drew on international enforcement models when developing its proposals, referring to Australia’s regulatory framework as one example. According to the association, Australia amended its Interactive Gambling Act in 2017 to give the Australian Communications and Media Authority statutory powers to act against offshore gambling operators targeting Australian consumers. The reforms also introduced website blocking alongside broader regulatory and enforcement measures.
SABA said Australian authorities have since blocked more than 1,300 illegal gambling and affiliate websites, while more than 220 illegal operators have withdrawn from the Australian market following enforcement action.
The association also referred to the United Kingdom’s use of financial controls and regulatory oversight as part of its approach to tackling illegal gambling. SABA said South Africa has the opportunity to draw on elements of both frameworks when developing its own enforcement model.
SABA said website blocking should form part of a broader enforcement strategy rather than being used as a standalone measure. According to the association, this should include payment disruption, advertising restrictions, consumer education, intelligence-led investigations and international regulatory cooperation.
Ongoing collaboration with regulators
The latest call builds on SABA’s support for other regulatory initiatives introduced this year. In April, the association welcomed the NGB’s launch of the Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal, which was created to help consumers identify licensed gambling operators and reduce exposure to illegal platforms.
At the time, SABA welcomed the launch of the portal while calling for improvements to the accuracy and timeliness of the licensing information published on the platform. The association also raised concerns about inconsistencies in regulatory communication, saying clearer guidance would help consumers and licensed operators.
SABA said it remains committed to working with the NGB, provincial regulators, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, the South African Reserve Bank, financial institutions, ISPA and other stakeholders to develop a practical and legally robust enforcement framework aimed at protecting consumers and strengthening South Africa’s regulated gambling market.
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