WCGRB’S Position on the SCA Judgement Concerning Contingencies Offered by Bookmakers
The Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board (WCGRB) is aware of the judgment in Portapa (Pty) Limited t/a Supabets and Others v Casino Association of South Africa and Another and The Gauteng Gambling Board v Casino Association of South Africa v Portapa (Pty) Ltd t/a Supabets and Others (182/2024 & 215/2024) [2025] ZASCA 158 (21 October 2025).
The WCGRB issues this statement to clarify its position following recent media reports and commentary.
This case concerns the offering of fixed-odds bets on the outcomes of roulette (casino) games by a bookmaker licensed by the Gauteng Gambling Board. The Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) held that it is unlawful, in terms of the Gauteng Gambling Act 4 of 1995, for bookmakers licensed by the Gauteng Gambling Board to offer fixed-odds bets on the outcome of a casino game, including roulette.
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Importantly, the SCA did not consider the legislative frameworks of any other Provincial Licensing Authorities. We confirm that the WCGRB’s legislation differs from that of the Gauteng Province. Consequently, the SCA judgment should be applied and understood in the context of the case that was before the Court and the legislative framework that governs gambling in the Gauteng Province.
The WCGRB hereby confirms that the judgment has no bearing on the Western Cape Province, on bookmakers licensed by the WCGRB, or on the approved contingencies and betting offerings permitted under the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Act, 1996, read with the National Gambling Act, 2004, which remain lawful and within the WCGRB’s statutory mandate.
