The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) wants gambling regulation to keep pace with technological developments, as the industry faces emerging risks linked to digital platforms, illegal betting and consumer protection.
Chief Executive Boitumelo Qalinge said regulatory frameworks must adapt as technology changes the gambling landscape. He said the Board aims to support innovation while protecting consumers and preventing underage and illegal gambling. The goal, he said, is to maintain an industry that is “safe, fair, transparent, and accountable”.
Qalinge added that regulators must respond to emerging trends rather than rely on rules that no longer reflect developments in the industry. The Board’s approach combines regulatory oversight with partnerships, public education and enforcement. The regulator has also cautioned consumers about illegal betting scams and fake gambling applications promoted through social media, messaging platforms and links outside recognized app stores.
Consumers are advised to exercise caution when downloading gambling applications through direct links rather than official app stores, as these may expose them to unlicensed operators and fraudulent activities.
The North West Gambling Board licenses gambling operators in the province, conducts compliance inspections and takes enforcement action when breaches are identified. It also works with the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Authority, municipalities and other law-enforcement agencies to combat illegal gambling.
Qalinge said technology could help regulators identify and respond to emerging forms of illegal gambling. At the national level, the National Gambling Board is also exploring technical solutions to address illicit online gambling. In June 2026, the National Gambling Board issued an expression of interest for a system to monitor, track, block and report illegal online gambling. An erratum relating to the process was published in July.
Consumer protection remains central to the North West Gambling Board’s work. Its priorities include promoting responsible gambling, preventing underage participation and protecting vulnerable people.
The Board conducts public awareness campaigns and works with the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF), which provides counseling and treatment services to people affected by problem gambling. Licensed operators in the province can also expect continued compliance inspections, while the regulator plans to sustain public education efforts aimed at helping consumers identify and avoid illegal gambling activities.
The developments come as South Africa’s National Treasury has proposed a 20% tax on online gambling from February 2027. The proposed tax is a separate policy matter from the legal status of different forms of online gambling in the country. Sports betting through licensed bookmakers is permitted in South Africa, while online casino gambling is not licensed under the country’s current regulatory framework.
