NGB Addresses Concerns Over Operator Portal Listings

South Africa’s National Gambling Board has issued a public response defending its recently launched Verified Gambling Operators web portal after criticism emerged regarding the accuracy of certain listings and the apparent absence of some online gambling operators.

The regulator addressed the concerns in a media statement released on May 11, explaining that the portal was designed to strengthen consumer protection and provide a centralized reference point for licensed gambling businesses operating within South Africa’s legal framework.

The portal, which became available earlier this year, compiles information submitted by the country’s nine Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs). According to the NGB, the initiative forms part of broader efforts to combat illegal gambling activity, including offshore operators targeting South African consumers.

The latest response follows industry commentary questioning entries marked as “CLOSED” on the register and claims that some online operators were not listed on the platform.

NGB Clarifies “CLOSED” Status on Listings

The regulator rejected suggestions that entries labeled “CLOSED” automatically indicate unlawful gambling activity or regulatory failures. According to the NGB, Limited Payout Machine (LPM) sites may receive that designation for several operational or administrative reasons unrelated to illegal conduct.

Authorities stated that closures may result from temporary renovations, paused business operations, non-payment of fees, disputes between route operators and site operators, or other administrative matters reported to provincial authorities.

The NGB stated that assumptions linking those listings to unlawful activity were “speculative and unsupported” unless evidence showed operators continuing to provide gambling services illegally.

The regulator also acknowledged that some listings currently lack additional explanatory notes, which has contributed to confusion among stakeholders reviewing the platform. Media coverage noted that the portal aggregates data from multiple provincial systems, creating practical challenges involving consistency, timeliness, and completeness of information.

Questions Around Online Gambling Entries

The NGB also addressed criticism tied to online gambling operators and references to South Africa’s proposed Remote Gambling Bill B11-2024.

According to the regulator, suggestions that missing operators were linked to the pending legislation were inaccurate because the bill has not been enacted into law. The NGB emphasized that gambling oversight in South Africa continues to rely on the National Gambling Act of 2004 together with provincial legislation currently in force.

Authorities further disputed claims that the register contains no online gambling operators. The regulator stated that the platform already includes licensed bookmakers authorized by provincial regulators to offer online sports betting services within the country’s existing legal framework.

The current debate arrives while South Africa’s online gambling environment remains legally complex. Industry discussions intensified following a recent Gauteng High Court ruling that reaffirmed online casino gambling remains illegal under current national law. The decision also highlighted ongoing inconsistencies between provincial enforcement practices and the growth of digital gambling activity.

Portal Forms Part of Broader Enforcement Effort

The Verified Gambling Operators portal officially launched in April as part of the NGB’s campaign against illegal gambling and offshore operators targeting South African consumers.

At launch, Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana described the initiative as a public protection tool aimed at helping users confirm whether operators are licensed locally. He stated: “This platform is a critical step in safeguarding South Africans from the dangers posed by illegal gambling. It gives the public a trusted resource to verify licensed gambling operators and ensures that those who choose to gamble can do so in a safe, regulated environment and strengthens oversight and accountability within the gambling industry.”

The regulator also stressed that the portal was not created to advertise gambling activity. Instead, officials said the platform exists to help consumers identify regulated operators and avoid illegal gambling sites or establishments.

In its latest statement, the NGB welcomed stakeholder feedback and said it would continue working with provincial licensing authorities to improve reporting processes and strengthen data quality.

Dukwana added that members of the public should continue using the platform to verify operators and report suspicious activity to regulators. The NGB stated that it remains committed to improving transparency, strengthening oversight, and increasing confidence in South Africa’s regulated gambling market.

Source: “NATIONAL GAMBLING BOARD MEDIA RESPONSE TO CLARIFY VERIFIED GAMBLING OPERATORS WEB PORTAL”, [pdf], National Gambling Board, May 11, 2026