SABA Pushes for Tougher Measures Against Illegal Gambling Operators in South Africa
Illegal offshore gambling is becoming a major headache for South Africa and industry stakeholders are calling for stronger enforcement and updated legislation to protect consumers and the regulated gambling sector.
The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) says the issue is no longer whether illegal offshore gambling can be addressed, but whether the country is prepared to take the necessary steps to curb its rapid growth. According to the association, offshore operators continue to attract South African players despite operating outside the country’s legal and regulatory framework.
Research commissioned by the association and conducted by online gaming intelligence firm Yield Sec found that illegal operators account for an estimated 62% of the country’s online gambling market, with more than R50 billion in gross gambling revenue flowing offshore each year. The study also estimates that around 16 million South Africans have engaged with illegal gambling platforms over the past year.
Unlike licensed gambling operators, South African laws do not regulate or tax illegal offshore platforms and do not govern consumer protection, responsible gambling, taxation or regulatory oversight. This leaves players with limited options should they encounter disputes over payouts, unfair practices or other issues.
The association has welcomed recent efforts by the National Gambling Board (NGB) to intensify enforcement against illegal gambling operators, including initiatives that explore technological solutions such as blocking access to unlawful gambling websites.
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SABA Chief Executive Officer Sean Coleman said the organisation supports a broader enforcement strategy. “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. In doing so, the NGB is taking an essential step toward safeguarding vulnerable citizens and protecting the integrity of the domestic economy.” he said.
According to the association, international experience shows that meaningful progress is achieved when technology is supported by strong legislation, coordinated enforcement and effective financial controls. Countries such as Australia have strengthened their regulatory frameworks over the years, giving authorities clearer powers to disrupt illegal operators and limit their access to local consumers.
To achieve similar results, SABA has proposed several changes to strengthen South Africa’s response to illegal offshore gambling. The association would like to see the National Gambling Act amended to give authorities more powers to act against offshore operators targeting South African consumers. It also supports changes to the Electronic Communications Act to establish a clear legal process for blocking illegal gambling sites, with judicial oversight and more transparency.
SABA also believes authorities should do more to cut off the financial lifelines of illegal operators by stopping banks, payment service providers and, where appropriate, cryptocurrency exchanges from processing transactions linked to unlawful gambling platforms. In addition, the association is calling for tougher penalties for local affiliates, marketers and payment facilitators that knowingly assist illegal operators, as well as stronger measures to curb digital advertising and influencer promotions that direct consumers to these platforms. Finally, it says South Africa needs a dedicated national enforcement capability with the expertise and resources to identify, investigate and act against illegal offshore gambling more effectively.
