The National Gambling Board (NGB) has backed a recent Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) ruling. This ruling confirms that South African bookmakers cannot offer online roulette or other casino-style games.
Court Clarifies Casino Gambling Rules
The SCA clarified that roulette and similar games count as casino gambling. Such gambling is prohibited for betting operators due to strict regulations. Furthermore, the court stressed that bookmakers cannot present such games as contingency bets. This is because these bets must only involve real-world events that have yet to occur.
“South Africa does not permit interactive gambling, whereas the betting sector may offer fixed-odds betting online,” the NGB stated. “The authority to accept online bets never extended to interactive gambling. It remains unlawful under Section 11 of the National Gambling Act 7 of 2004.”
NGB Calls Out Unfair Practices
Moreover, the NGB criticized bookmakers for offering casino-style games, calling the practice unfair. Licensed casinos face stricter tax obligations and compliance requirements. Allowing bookmakers to provide similar games creates an uneven playing field.
Acting NGB Chief Executive Officer Lungile Dukwana urged Provincial Licensing Authorities to monitor operators carefully. He emphasized that authorities must take swift and decisive action against any non-compliance. This ensures licensees respect both the law and their licensing conditions.
“This ruling strengthens the separation between betting and casino operations,” Dukwana added. “Additionally, it protects fairness across South Africa’s gambling industry and ensures that all operators play by the same rules.”
