The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) has called for faster government action against illegal offshore gambling operators, arguing that stronger enforcement is needed rather than further debate.
The comments follow the National Gambling Board’s (NGB) move to explore technological measures for blocking illegal gambling websites. SABA said these measures require clear legislation, regulatory oversight and constitutional safeguards.
The association said South Africa’s issue is not a lack of laws banning illegal online gambling, but limited enforcement tools. SABA described the current framework as “prohibition without enforcement.”
SABA said it has worked with the NGB, policymakers and other stakeholders on legislative reviews, international comparisons and consumer awareness initiatives to address illegal gambling.
Illegal Market Creates Regulatory Challenges
SABA cited research from Yield Sec, a global online gaming market research firm, which found illegal operators account for approximately 62% of South Africa’s online gambling activity. The report estimated that more than R50 billion in gross gambling revenue leaves the country annually through offshore platforms, while around 16 million South Africans used illegal gambling websites in the past year.
The association said these operators bypass local licensing requirements, avoid tax contributions and provide limited consumer protection.
Sean Coleman, CEO of SABA, said the organisation supports combining technological tools with legal action.
“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.”
SABA also welcomed the NGB’s appointment of a service provider to help block illegal gambling websites.
Proposed Measures Target Enforcement Gaps
SABA has called for amendments to the National Gambling Act to strengthen enforcement powers against offshore operators targeting South African consumers.
The association supports changes to the Electronic Communications Act to create a formal website-blocking process with judicial oversight.
Financial controls remain another focus, with SABA urging cooperation between regulators, banks and payment providers to restrict transactions linked to illegal gambling platforms.
The group also wants consequences for domestic affiliates, marketers and payment facilitators that support unlawful operators. It has called for stronger advertising restrictions targeting promotions through influencers, affiliate networks and digital platforms.
SABA further recommended a dedicated national enforcement capability with digital monitoring, investigative and financial intelligence resources.
International Examples Shape South African Approach
SABA highlighted Australia as an example of stronger enforcement against offshore gambling. Following changes to its Interactive Gambling Act in 2017, Australia expanded the powers of the Australian Communications and Media Authority to act against illegal operators, including through website blocking.
The association said Australia has since blocked more than 1,300 illegal gambling and affiliate websites, while more than 220 operators have withdrawn from the market.
SABA said website blocking alone cannot resolve the issue and supports a wider approach involving financial disruption, advertising controls, consumer education and international cooperation.
The association warned that delays in enforcement allow illegal operators to attract customers, generate untaxed revenue and expose consumers to risks without protections from licensed gambling businesses.
Source:
“Illegal offshore gambling requires legislative action — not debate over whether it can be done”, bookies.co.za, Jul 6, 2026
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