NGB Issues Clarification on Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal Amid Industry Criticism
The National Gambling Board (NGB) on 11 May 2026 issued a formal response to address recent industry commentary regarding its newly launched Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal.
The portal, launched in early last month, was designed as a centralized reference point for the public and has faced scrutiny from industry stakeholders like the South African Bookmakers’ Association (SABA) regarding data consistency and the inclusion of online operators.
A major point of contention from critics involved entries on the portal marked as “CLOSED.” Some industry voices suggested these labels implied either regulatory failure or incorrect data. The NGB countered this, explaining that a closed status, particularly in the Limited Payout Machine (LPM) sector, does not necessarily indicate illegal activity.
According to the NGB, an operator might be listed as closed for several operational or administrative reasons, such as temporary renovations or the owner ceasing trade, non-payment of applicable fees or legal disputes between site and route operators, or other operational circumstances reported to the Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs).
The NGB maintained that: ‘’Accordingly, it is incorrect to assume that the mere appearance of the word “CLOSED” indicates regulatory failure or that the premises are unlawfully operating gambling activities. Unless there is evidence that gambling operations continue unlawfully at such premises, the conclusion that the register’s assurances are “false” is speculative and unsupported.’’
The NGB also addressed claims that the portal failed to account for online gambling or was somehow lagging behind proposed legislative changes like the Remote Gambling Bill B11-2024. The Board clarified that its regulatory actions are governed by the National Gambling Act (NGA) of 2004 and current provincial statutes, rather than proposed bills that have not yet been enacted into law.
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Furthermore, the NGB corrected the assertion that the register contains “zero online gambling operators,” noting that it specifically includes licensed bookmakers authorized by provincial authorities to offer online sports betting under the existing legal framework.
While the NGB acknowledged that the portal is a first-of-its-kind initiative in South Africa, it maintained that the registry is a living document. The data is compiled from information provided by the nine PLAs, which are the statutory bodies responsible for licensing and oversight in their respective jurisdictions. The NGB is reportedly engaging continuously with these PLAs to improve data quality, consistency, and reporting processes.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Lungile Dukwana said: “Members of the public are encouraged to continue verifying gambling operators through the platform and to report any suspicious or potentially illegal gambling activities to the NGB or the relevant Provincial Licensing Authority. The platform is not intended to promote gambling, but rather to protect consumers from unlicensed and unlawful gambling operations by improving access to regulatory information.”
The NGB concludes that the portal remains an essential step in strengthening cooperative governance and enhancing public confidence in the regulated gambling industry.
