South Africa is preparing stricter gambling legislation and new advertising regulations. Authorities seek to strengthen oversight of the country’s gambling industry and address growing concerns over gambling addiction.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau said the National Gambling Policy Council (NGPC) has met twice since July 2025 to review industry challenges. The council is developing policy measures aimed at improving regulation and reducing gambling-related harm.
New Gambling Bill Under Review
According to Tau, the NGPC has agreed to fast-track the development of new gambling legislation. In addition, it has established a Gambling Technical Committee to review the National Gambling Amendment Bill, 2018.
The proposed reforms are intended to strengthen the country’s regulatory framework and address emerging issues within South Africa’s gambling sector.
Advertising Rules Set to Tighten
The government is also developing stricter gambling advertising regulations alongside the proposed legislation.
Tau said the NGPC has raised concerns about the impact of gambling advertising on gambling participation and addiction. The National Gambling Board is working with provincial authorities to develop uniform advertising standards. These standards are expected to become mandatory licensing conditions for operators.
Illegal Gambling Remains a Major Concern
The regulatory push comes amid growing concerns over illegal online gambling.
According to previous reports, unlicensed offshore operators account for nearly two-thirds of South Africa’s online gambling activity. Illegal gambling is estimated to cost the country’s economy more than R50 billion (US$3.05 billion) annually.
The South African Bookmakers’ Association has warned that illegal offshore gambling has reached crisis levels. They argue that it threatens consumers, licensed operators, and the broader economy.
The planned legislative reforms and advertising restrictions form part of South Africa’s broader effort to strengthen gambling regulation. They are also intended to tackle the growing challenges posed by illegal online gambling.
