South Africa is stepping up efforts to combat illegal offshore gambling operators. Regulators warn that unlicensed platforms continue to dominate the country’s online betting market.
The National Gambling Board (NGB) has launched new enforcement measures aimed at blocking illegal gambling websites. These steps are also disrupting their access to South African consumers.
Crackdown on Illegal Operators
The NGB said it has identified more than 2,000 unlicensed gambling websites targeting South African players. Many of these operators are based in offshore jurisdictions such as Curaçao, Malta, Gibraltar, and the Philippines.
Authorities plan to work with internet service providers and financial institutions to block access to illegal sites and restrict payment processing. Furthermore, the regulator is promoting a verification portal. It allows players to check whether an operator is properly licensed before placing bets.
Regulatory Reform Continues
Licensed bookmakers permit online sports betting, but South African law prohibits online casino games such as slots, roulette, and blackjack.
The government continues to explore broader remote gambling legislation after previous reform proposals failed to advance. At the same time, regulators are reviewing stricter gambling advertising rules as concerns over gambling-related harm continue to grow.
Industry and International Support
The South African Bookmakers’ Association has welcomed stronger enforcement against illegal operators while calling for greater consistency in regulatory oversight.
South African authorities are also drawing on enforcement models used in countries including Australia, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Norway. In those places, website blocking and coordinated action have been used to curb illegal online gambling.
The latest measures reflect the government’s broader strategy to strengthen consumer protection, improve regulatory oversight, and reduce the influence of unlicensed offshore gambling operators.
