NGB urges South Africans to check gambling sites are legal
South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB) has launched a new online verification portal aimed at combating illegal gambling and strengthening consumer protection across the country.
The platform provides a centralised and regularly updated list of all licensed gambling operators in South Africa, allowing users to verify whether a casino or betting provider is legally authorised to operate. The initiative has been developed in collaboration with Provincial Licensing Authorities to improve transparency and oversight across both online and land-based sectors.
NGB Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana said the priority of his organisation was to protect consumers from the dangers of the offshore gambling industry, which can often leave players without recourse if they have a dispute with an operator.
“This platform is a critical step in safeguarding South Africans from the dangers posed by illegal gambling,” he said.
“It gives the public a trusted resource to verify licensed gambling operators and ensures that those who choose to gamble can do so in a safe, regulated environment and strengthens oversight and accountability within the gambling industry.
“Accordingly, this consolidated and comprehensive list will be made available to law enforcement agencies, tax authorities and financial institutions for enhanced collaborative enforcement interventions.”
The move forms part of broader efforts to address the risks associated with illegal gambling, which include financial losses, fraud exposure and a lack of regulatory recourse for players. By directing consumers towards licensed operators, the NGB is seeking to reinforce responsible gambling practices while protecting the wider economy.
The verified operators list will also be made available to law enforcement agencies, financial institutions and tax authorities to support coordinated enforcement and compliance measures.
“We are not encouraging gambling beyond recreation, but rather promoting informed and responsible participation for those who choose to engage in it,” Dukwana said.
“Our priority is to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure compliance within the gambling industry”.
The regulator has urged consumers to check gambling sites are on the list before engaging with them activities and report any suspected illegal offerings.
The NGB emphasised that only operators listed on the portal are legally permitted to provide gambling services in South Africa, as it looks to strengthen industry integrity and public confidence.
South African betting sites have been placed under increased scrutiny lately as the legalities of their casino game offerings is questioned, following a proliferation of online gambling in the country.
You can view South Africa’s legal gambling sites register here.
