South Africa moves on gambling reform

New gambling bill moves forward

South Africa wants to update its gambling laws. Officials say the current rules no longer cover every challenge. Minister of Trade and Industry Parks Tau said the National Gambling Policy Council is moving faster with a new gambling bill. The council has met twice since July 2025 to discuss problems in the industry.

During those meetings, members looked at weak points in the current system. They also discussed better ways for national and provincial regulators to work together. One clear decision followed — the council agreed to speed up work on a new bill. The goal is to fix gaps and improve gambling rules across the country.

The council also formed a Gambling Technical Committee. The group will review the National Gambling Amendment Bill, 2018. It will check if current laws still work well. It may also suggest changes that make the rules easier to follow.

Government plans tougher advertising rules

The government is also working on new gambling advertising rules. Officials believe some adverts may lead more people to gamble. Because of this, the National Gambling Board is working with provincial regulators. Together, they want one set of advertising rules for the whole country.

The new rules could become part of gambling licence conditions. That would help regulators use the same standards everywhere. The plans aim to:

• Use the same advertising rules across South Africa.

• Better protect players.

• Help reduce gambling harm.

• Make enforcement easier.

Illegal gambling remains a big concern

Illegal online gambling is still a major problem. Many offshore casinos accept South African players without local licences. Recent estimates show these operators handle almost two-thirds of online gambling in the country. That worries both regulators and licensed businesses.

The South African Bookmakers' Association says illegal gambling costs the economy more than R50 billion, or about $3.05 billion, each year. Chief Executive Officer Sean Coleman said illegal operators put players, licensed businesses, and the economy at risk. He said many offshore companies work outside South African law. That makes enforcement much harder.

Better oversight is the main goal

The new plans are part of a wider effort to improve gambling rules. Officials want national and provincial laws to work better together. Beyond the new bill, common advertising rules could make enforcement easier. They could also give licensed operators clear expectations.

Subsequently, the Gambling Technical Committee will continue its review while work on the advertising rules goes on. Together, these changes mark another step forward — and they could shape South Africa's gambling industry for years to come.