South Africa is intensifying efforts to curb illegal online betting as Africa’s largest regulated gambling market confronts a rapidly expanding digital industry.
The National Gambling Board has invited service providers to help identify and block unlicensed gambling websites, marking one of its strongest actions against offshore betting operators.
Authorities estimate illegal operators control 62% of South Africa’s online betting market, serving around 16 million users and generating more than $3 billion annually.
Regulators say unlicensed platforms deprive the state of tax revenue, weaken licensed businesses and expose consumers to services operating beyond South African law.
Officials warn illegal gambling has flourished through smartphones, digital payments, cryptocurrency transactions and regulatory loopholes that allow offshore operators to evade enforcement.
Authorities plan to block illegal websites, strengthen intelligence sharing and work with law enforcement to prosecute operators violating the National Gambling Act.
Licensed bookmakers must meet strict standards, including age verification, anti-money laundering controls and responsible gambling measures, obligations many illegal operators avoid.
The crackdown comes as South Africa’s gambling sector experiences remarkable growth, with official figures showing wagers reached $91 billion during the year ending March 2025.
The expanding market has prompted the National Treasury to propose a 20% online gambling tax while considering tighter advertising restrictions to reduce gambling-related harm and boost public revenue.
Licensed bookmakers support stronger enforcement but warn higher taxes could drive more customers toward untaxed offshore platforms that offer fewer consumer protections.
Industry representatives instead urge authorities to dismantle illegal networks before introducing additional taxes on regulated operators.
South Africa’s campaign mirrors a wider African push to tighten gambling oversight, though success will depend on sustained cooperation among internet providers, financial institutions and law enforcement to outpace agile offshore operators.