South Africa’s efforts to update gambling regulation have encountered serious hurdles as the National Gambling Amendment Bill struggles to gain traction. First introduced in 2018, the legislation has lapsed twice and now faces renewed objections from provincial authorities, who argue that it threatens their constitutional powers and creates unnecessary bureaucratic overlap.
The country continues to grapple with the social costs of gambling. Annual wagers exceed R1 trillion, with sports betting alone accounting for R700 billion. Vulnerable communities feel the brunt of these losses, particularly low-income households. John Manyike, Old Mutual’s head of financial education, notes that “36% of gamblers would bet to pay off debts or cover expenses — a figure that rose to 41% among low-income earners.”
The financial impact is compounded by mental health concerns. A University of Cape Town study cited by IOL found that pathological gamblers were five to ten times more likely to have a history of suicide attempts than non-gamblers.
Provincial Concerns Over Central Oversight
The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) has been vocal in its opposition. During a briefing to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance, officials lodged “strong objections” to the Bill, citing clauses that “encroach on provincial competencies, create duplication, and threaten provincial revenue.”
A particular point of contention is the proposed National Central Electronic Monitoring System (NCEMS). Liezel Hartman, Legal Manager at WCGRB, argued that universal application of the NCEMS would “usurp the powers of Provincial Licensing Authorities” and impose unnecessary costs on operators.
The Board also objects to provisions that would create a national inspectorate with expanded authority, seeing this as an intrusion on provincial control. Furthermore, clauses directing forfeited unlawful winnings to a national entity are disputed, with the WCGRB maintaining that such funds should remain with the province under existing legislation.
Policy Reversals and Procedural Concerns
The Bill’s journey has been marked by multiple reversals. Earlier versions proposed transforming the National Gambling Board into a National Gambling Regulator led by a chief executive officer. The current mediated version, Version D, reverts to maintaining the Board structure.
Advocate Mpho Khoele, Legal Advisor for the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, emphasised that this change “fundamentally alters the governance structure and accountability of the national gambling authority, necessitating renewed public participation.”
While Parliament’s Legal Advisor, Advocate Frank Jenkins, confirmed that public participation was not required during mediation, he noted that provinces could still opt to hold consultations. Jenkins also stated, “No further amendments may be introduced at this point,” a restriction that has frustrated committee members who cite a “lack of a clear deadline” and ongoing disputes over duplication and revenue authority.
Looking Ahead Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
Given the conflicting advice and substantial provincial concerns, the Committee deferred decisions on the Bill. Clarification from the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on timelines is expected, and a public participation process may commence in February 2026.
What started in 2015 as an initiative to harmonise and modernise gambling regulation has evolved into a seven-year legislative struggle. Meanwhile, gambling continues to affect low-income households and townships, trapping individuals in cycles of debt and highlighting the social costs that accompany the industry’s economic contributions.
Source:
“South Africa’s Gambling Bill faces a reckoning as provincial powers clash”, iol.co.za. Dec 6, 2025
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