The battle against illegal gambling will be the key measure of success for gambling regulators in the years ahead, according to Mpumalanga Economic Regulator (MER) chief executive Vusi Mtsweni.
Speaking about the growing threat posed by unlicensed operators, Mtsweni warned that regulators in South Africa and around the world must adapt quickly to new technologies if they want to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated illegal gambling networks.
He said the expansion of online gambling platforms, digital payment systems and other technological developments has made enforcement more complex than ever before. As a result, regulators are being forced to modernise their approaches and strengthen cooperation with law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders.
Mtsweni argued that the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks will ultimately be judged by how well authorities can protect consumers from unlicensed operators. Illegal gambling businesses often operate outside established rules on player protection, anti-money laundering measures, responsible gambling tools and dispute resolution processes.
The MER has continued to raise awareness of the risks associated with illegal gambling and has encouraged the public to report suspected unlawful activity. The regulator believes public education, alongside stronger enforcement efforts, remains an important part of tackling the issue.
Mtsweni stressed that the challenge is not unique to South Africa. Regulators across multiple jurisdictions are facing similar concerns as illegal operators use technology to reach customers beyond traditional regulatory boundaries. He said authorities must evolve alongside these developments if they are to remain effective.
According to Mtsweni, the outcome of this fight will play a major role in determining the future credibility and success of gambling regulation worldwide, making the crackdown on illegal gambling one of the sector’s most important priorities.