In a historic show of unity, 107 organizations from South Africa’s labour, civic, faith-based, and welfare sectors have signed the Civil Society Declaration on the Harm of Online Gambling, calling for a national ban on all forms of online betting. The organizations convened at the Radisson Blu in Umhlanga. The newly formed Civil Society Coalition Against Online Gambling has launched a 90-day National Action Plan, which will include marches, petitions, and public education campaigns.
Dhilosen Pillay, former chairperson of the Free State Gambling, Liquor and Tourism Board, highlighted the issue of weak regulation. He pointed out that while there is a bookmaker’s license for fixed-odds betting, there is currently no specific license for online gambling. The National Gambling Board, established in 2004, was disbanded in 2014, leaving only an administrator who cannot adequately address all gambling-related factors.
Pillay explained that licensing falls under provincial legislatures. “The national board only issues licenses to casinos; other licenses, such as those for bookmakers, totalizators, limited-payout machines, and bingo are issued by provincial gambling boards.” He emphasized that these provincial boards are created by acts of the legislature rather than national government, leading to inconsistencies in regulation.
In the Free State, online gambling remains unapproved because games similar to those in casinos have not been authorized. Pillay warned that without national enforcement, “online betting will continue to operate in a legal grey area.”
Rakesh Ramanand, a recovering compulsive gambler, shared his personal journey: “Gambling quietly crept into our homes, our phones, and our daily lives,” he said. “Today, I am 21 years, 5 months, and 27 days gambling-free. Although I am clean, I’m just one bet away from relapsing and ruining my life.”
Ramanand called for stricter laws and greater public awareness. He advocated for tougher age verification and a total ban on gambling advertising, similar to tobacco restrictions. He urged, “Billboards must warn about addiction and promote the help that’s available. Have you ever seen a gambling house close down? The odds are not in your favor; they’re in the house’s favor.”
Dr. Muni Kooblal from Child Welfare South Africa announced a national petition and community education campaign aimed at protecting vulnerable children and families from the predatory tactics of online gambling platforms.
The memorandum titled “Protecting Our People: Ending the Silent Epidemic of Online Gambling” calls for: A total ban on online gambling and advertising, a freeze on new gambling licenses, the formation of a National Enforcement Task Force, and amendments to the National Gambling Act to outlaw digital gambling and criminalize unlicensed operators.
