GAMING FOR AFRICA Gaming for Africa
Casino International’s Africa partner is the excellent Gaming For Africa magazine, bringing you the continent’s latest developments.
National Gambling Board Urges Google to Shut Down Illegal Gambling Websites
The National Gambling Board (NGB) has turned to Google in an effort to clamp down on the growing number of illegal online gambling websites operating in South Africa. Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau told Parliament recently that at least 90 unlicensed gambling websites have been identifi ed by the NGB. All of them are registered and licensed abroad, making enforcement more complex.
In a written reply to parliamentary questions from Rise Mzansi MP Songezo Zibi, Tau confi rmed that the NGB has referred 10 of these sites to Google Africa for removal from search results. However, none of the sites have been taken down to date.
“The National Gambling Board does not engage directly with illegal website operators,” Tau said. “Instead, it works with platform providers to restrict access. The NGB has engaged Google South Africa, but the sites remain active.”
The NGB currently has two staff members dedicated to tackling online gambling violations, with an allocation of R596,000 in the 2025/26 fi nancial year for the identifi cation of illegal sites. This budget includes travel, enforcement forums, and other measures to strengthen oversight. Illegal websites are fl agged through third-party information, confi scated unlawful winnings, and public complaints submitted via the NGB’s fraud hotline or email. Once reported, the NGB verifi es whether the operators hold local licences. Any operator licensed outside South Africa is deemed illegal. Tau also acknowledged ongoing governance
these platforms not only operate unlawfully but also pose serious risks, including fraud, unfair practices, and the absence of consumer protection. “As the gambling regulation fraternity, we remain unwavering in enforcing the law — online gambling is unlawful and unacceptable. Through targeted enforcement, inter-agency cooperation and public education, we are protecting South Africans from illegal gambling harm, unfair operators, and illicit fi nancial fl ows,” he said. The NGB pointed out that under the National Gambling Act (2004), online interactive gaming remains prohibited until Parliament passes legislation to regulate the sector. Any winnings derived from unlawful gambling are subject to forfeiture to the state.
gaps, noting that the NGB has been without a board of directors since 2014. He said the appointment process is underway and would soon be presented to Cabinet.
REGULATORS INTENSIFY CRACKDOWN ON UNLAWFUL GAMBLING
In a related development, the NGB - in collaboration with Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs) and law enforcement agencies - has stepped up its enforcement drive against unlicensed online operators. The regulator says unlawful online gambling is expanding rapidly, fuelled by offshore platforms that target South African consumers without adhering to local laws.
Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana warned that
PUBLIC EDUCATION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION Beyond enforcement, the NGB is rolling out awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of unlicensed gambling and to promote responsible play. These initiatives include community meetings, school visits, media campaigns, and collaborations with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF). Through the SARGF, problem gamblers and their families have access to free counselling and treatment services nationwide.
The regulator is urging the public to report unlicensed internet cafés or illegal gambling activity directly to the NGB or their local PLA offi ces. “Our commitment is clear: ensuring that gambling in South Africa remains safe, fair, and licensed,” Dukwana said.
NWGB Marks Mandela Day with Community Donations
The North West Gambling Board (NWGB), in partnership with the Department of Economic
Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT), celebrated Nelson Mandela Day by donating essential items to community centres in Bodibe, Verdwaal, and Itsoseng. Led by MEC Bitsa Lenkopane, the event provided garden tools, seeds, a water tank, beds, blankets, toiletries, food production and sports equipment to support daily needs, sustainable gardening, and recreational activities. DEDECT also announced the upcoming “Matlakala ke Zaka” waste
28 OCTOBER 2025
management initiative, aimed at reducing illegal dumping and promoting environmental health. NWGB Acting CEO Boitumelo Qalinge stressed that licensed gambling revenues help
fund such community projects, while local leaders praised the initiative’s role in promoting dignity, sustainability, and collaborative development.
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