The South African Bookmakers’ Association (SABA) has issued a formal response following the recent launch of the National Gambling Board’s (NGB) verified gambling operators web portal. While SABA welcomes the initiative as a necessary step in the fight against the illegal gambling market, the association has raised critical concerns regarding the portal’s implementation and the consistency of regulatory messaging.

SABA, represented by CEO Sean Coleman, acknowledged the portal as a positive move by the National and Provincial Gambling Boards to protect the public and the local economy from illegal gambling. The initiative aligns with SABA’s own mission to promote “honorable practices” within the racing and wagering industry. Notably, the move complements SABA’s existing efforts, which include a dedicated section on their own website specifically designed to help the public identify and address illegal gambling.

Despite their support, SABA warned that the portal’s effectiveness is entirely dependent on the accuracy and currency of its data. According to SABA’s monitoring, as of 9 April 2026, the portal failed to reflect licenses granted by Provincial Licensing Authorities in March 2026.

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Coleman highlighted that a lack of consistent updates risks disadvantaging newly licensed operators who may appear “unverified” to the public due to outdated information. For the portal to serve as a reliable tool, SABA argues that the database must be updated constantly to reflect the real-time status of the industry.

The primary criticism from SABA concerns a perceived inconsistency in the NGB’s regulatory position. SABA noted that although the NGB has previously deemed contingency betting illegal, the new portal paradoxically designates operators offering these services as “verified gambling operators.”

SABA contends that these inconsistencies create uncertainty and instability within the industry, hence the NGB is being urged to align its communications to ensure that verified status on the portal matches the board’s stated legal interpretations.

“As an agency of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the NGB has a responsibility to provide clarity and stability within the gambling industry. Continued inconsistencies risk creating uncertainty,” said Sean Coleman.