While political party RISE Mzansi views the tax as overdue, they warn it could become a “missed opportunity” without stricter regulations. Makashule Gana, RISE Mzansi National Assembly Whip, argues that the tax must be paired with aggressive action against illegal operators and more equitable revenue sharing. Following the National Treasury’s November 2025 discussion paper, Gana highlighted several key recommendations to ensure the new regime benefits society.
He specifically suggested that revenue must be shared with provinces because they bear the primary social costs of problem gambling. Furthermore, RISE Mzansi recommends adjusting the national tax from 20% to 17% while establishing a provincial tax floor of 8%. This structure would effectively prevent a “race to the bottom” where provinces compete by offering dangerously low rates.
Gana also warned that a tax alone cannot fix the industry’s systemic issues. Currently, bookmakers can “pick and choose” their provincial regulators, which creates uneven oversight across the country. To fix this, RISE Mzansi proposes mandatory national licensing to provide the National Gambling Board with a complete view of all operations.
Additionally, the party calls for strict enforcement measures involving third parties. This includes requiring banks and ISPs to block unlicensed gambling sites. They also believe the government should collaborate with search engines like Google Africa to remove illicit platforms from search results entirely. Gana maintains that the health and financial stability of the people must take priority over the unchecked growth of the gambling industry.
The National Treasury estimates that the 20% tax could generate approximately R10 billion in revenue. RISE Mzansi argues these funds should be strictly ringfenced for specific social pillars rather than disappearing into a general fund.
These resources could provide critical funding for the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation and various rehabilitation programs. Moreover, the money could support educational awareness campaigns and infrastructure projects for vulnerable communities. By dedicating these funds to social good, the government ensures that gambling revenue serves the public interest.
The gambling crisis is increasingly affecting South Africa’s youth and academic institutions. NSFAS and the National Gambling Board recently partnered to address an “alarming rise” in student gambling. Acting NSFAS CEO Waseem Carrim warned that many students are diverting their study allowances toward betting, which puts both their academic futures and financial wellbeing at serious risk.
To combat this trend, the organizations are launching campus workshops and early intervention campaigns. These initiatives focus on promoting responsible financial decision-making and ensuring that public education funds are used for learning rather than wagering.
