South Africa’s NGB cracks down on illegal gambling adverts

South Africa’s National Gambling Board (NGB) has issued a formal warning to operators running illegal gambling advertisements, signaling a renewed emphasis on regulatory compliance and consumer protection. The alert, released on 1 December 2025, highlights growing concern over adverts that fall outside the National Gambling Act of 2004, which governs responsible gambling, prohibits misleading promotions, and restricts targeting minors.

The Board emphasized that non-compliant advertising is not an isolated problem and risks undermining efforts to maintain a fair and controlled gambling environment. Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs) have been instructed to perform comprehensive compliance checks across all platforms, including television, social media, radio, print, and outdoor campaigns. Any adverts found to be misleading or unlawful must be removed immediately, whether from unlicensed operators or campaigns involving influencers and brand ambassadors.

Operators must ensure that all advertising carries responsible gambling messages and does not promise guaranteed success or encourage excluded individuals to return to gambling. Outdoor promotions near schools, youth centres, and universities are strictly prohibited. The NGB has reinforced that adherence to these rules is mandatory for all licensees across provinces.

To monitor enforcement, each PLA will submit detailed reports on compliance activities, including removed adverts, identified violations, penalties imposed, and future measures to prevent breaches. The first report is due within 30 days of receiving the reporting template, with updates required quarterly.

This move reflects a broader effort by the NGB and the National Gambling Policy Council to ensure a safe, transparent, and legally compliant gambling industry across South Africa. By tightening enforcement and increasing oversight, regulators aim to safeguard consumers while promoting responsible advertising practices.