South Africa’s gambling sector is calling for tougher measures against illegal operators, with industry representatives warning that discussions alone are no longer enough to tackle the expanding black market.
The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) has urged authorities to adopt a coordinated national strategy aimed at restricting offshore gambling platforms that continue to target local consumers without proper licences.
The call follows growing concern over the scale of illegal gambling in the country. According to figures from the National Gambling Board (NGB), unlicensed platforms generated around R5tn in activity during 2025, while the regulated gambling sector reached approximately R75tn.
SABA CEO Sean Coleman said the organisation has spent months working with regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions, including legal analysis, international comparisons and consumer awareness efforts.
According to Coleman, South Africa’s main problem is not the absence of laws banning illegal gambling, but the lack of effective tools to enforce those rules. He described the current environment as “prohibition without enforcement,” arguing that regulators need stronger powers to disrupt illegal operators.
To address the issue, SABA has proposed a six-point plan focused on modernising enforcement. The recommendations include creating a clearer legal definition of illegal gambling operators, introducing website-blocking measures, cutting payment channels used by unlicensed companies and taking action against businesses that support illegal platforms.
The organisation also wants stricter oversight of influencers and promoters advertising offshore gambling brands, alongside a centralised enforcement model that improves cooperation between different government agencies.
South Africa’s fragmented gambling structure has previously been criticised by the industry, as operators must comply with different provincial rules and licensing requirements. Coleman has argued that this creates unnecessary complexity while illegal platforms operate without similar restrictions.
Major licensed companies have also supported calls for reform. Sportingbet South Africa previously encouraged regulators across all nine provinces to work together on a unified response to offshore operators.
SABA believes stronger enforcement would not only protect consumers by ensuring safer gambling standards, but also help redirect revenue back into the regulated market, benefiting licensed businesses and public finances.