South Africa's SABA Calls for Tougher Offshore Gambling Laws

SABA calls for stronger action

The South African Bookmakers Association (SABA) has again called for tougher gambling laws. It says South Africa should focus on stronger enforcement — not only on blocking websites. The call came after recent comments from the Internet Service Providers' Association. The group discussed plans to block illegal offshore gambling websites.

SABA agreed that website blocking needs clear laws. It also said the process must follow the law and include proper checks. Still, the group believes stronger enforcement is more important. SABA also welcomed the National Gambling Board's decision to hire a company that will block illegal gambling websites. It said this is one step in a bigger plan to fight illegal operators.

Illegal operators still find ways in

SABA said South African law already bans illegal online gambling. Even so, it says weak areas in the law make enforcement harder. The group said it spent months meeting regulators, lawmakers, and industry groups. It also looked at gambling laws in other countries.

SABA Chief Executive Officer Sean Coleman welcomed stronger action from the regulator. The work includes new technology, High Court cases, and plans for law changes. Coleman said the timing matters — especially before the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He said illegal operators put players at risk. They also hurt licensed businesses that follow the rules.

The illegal market is still growing

The report said illegal operators now make up about 62% of South Africa's online gambling market. It also estimated that more than R50 billion leaves the country each year through illegal gambling. The study also said about 16 million South Africans used illegal gambling casinos during the past year.

SABA said one action alone will not solve the problem. Instead, several actions should work together.

Six ideas to strengthen enforcement

SABA wants six changes to help stop illegal gambling. The proposals include:

• Update the National Gambling Act.

• Add clear rules for website blocking.

• Stop payments to illegal operators.

• Increase penalties for companies that help illegal operators.

• Tighten advertising rules.

• Create one national enforcement team.

Looking at other countries

SABA said South Africa can learn from other markets. It pointed to Australia, where new gambling laws came into force in 2017 — giving regulators stronger powers against offshore operators. The association said Australia has blocked more than 1,300 illegal gambling and affiliate websites. It also said more than 220 illegal operators have left the market.

SABA also pointed to the United Kingdom. It said financial controls have helped reduce illegal gambling. The association believes website blocking alone will not be enough. It says better payment controls, stronger investigations, tighter advertising rules, and closer work between regulators could make a bigger difference.