NGB issues warning and says over R3million forfeited to State
South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB) has revealed that more than R3 million linked to unlawful gambling activities has been forfeited to the State over the past year, while warning players they risk losing their winnings if they gamble through illegal operators.
The regulator said approximately R3.075 million was confiscated under High Court orders between April 1, 2025 and April 10, 2026 following investigations conducted under Section 16 of the National Gambling Act.
Of the total amount, around R775,000 was forfeited during the 2025/26 financial year, while a further R2.3 million was forfeited in the opening weeks of the 2026/27 financial year.
The NGB said the funds were identified as proceeds derived from unlawful gambling activities, including illegal online gambling, and were subsequently declared forfeitable by the courts.
Acting NGB chief executive Lungile Dukwana said the seizures demonstrated the regulator’s ongoing commitment to enforcing gambling laws and protecting consumers.
“The forfeiture of proceeds derived from unlawful gambling activities demonstrates the NGB’s continued commitment to enforcing the NGA and supporting lawful and accountable gambling practices in South Africa,” he said.
“These enforcement measures serve to protect the public and reinforce the consequences associated with unlawful gambling activities.
“This outcome further underscores the importance of a coordinated regulatory and judicial approach in protecting the public and maintaining the credibility of South Africa’s gambling industry.
“We remain committed to ensuring that all gambling activities take place within a legal, regulated, and accountable environment.”
The regulator also used the announcement to remind South Africans that gambling on unlicensed online platforms carries significant risks, including the possibility of all winnings being confiscated by the State.
Unlike licensed gambling operators regulated by provincial authorities, illegal operators offer no legal protections or recourse for players.
The NGB urged consumers to verify whether a betting or casino website is licensed before gambling and encouraged the public to report suspected illegal gambling activities to the regulator or the relevant provincial licensing authority.
South Africans can check the status of gambling operators through the NGB’s Verified Gambling Operators portal available on its website, or check out our guide to the top betting sites in South Africa.
