NGB issues warning to South Africans about cons impersonating officials
South Africa’s National Gambling Board has issued a public warning after reports emerged of individuals impersonating NGB officials and allegedly extorting gambling operators in parts of the North West and Gauteng provinces.
The regulator said the suspects had been visiting both licensed and illegal gambling venues while falsely claiming to be conducting official inspections on behalf of the NGB. Operators were reportedly pressured into handing over money during the visits.
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The NGB said only officially appointed inspectors are authorised to conduct inspections under South Africa’s National Gambling Act, and those inspections must occur alongside provincial inspectors and, where necessary, the South African Police Service.
Under the Act, falsely claiming to represent a gambling regulator is a criminal offence punishable by fines of up to R10 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
The regulator urged South African gambling operators and members of the public to verify identification from anyone claiming to represent the NGB and warned against making payments or disclosing confidential information to unauthorised individuals.
The NGB said it is working with law enforcement agencies and provincial regulators to investigate the matter and prosecute those involved.
