South Africa is considering new measures to regulate gambling accessed through mobile phones and other communications networks as concerns grow over the social and economic impact of irresponsible betting.
Communications Minister Solly Malatsi said he would engage the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) on possible interventions to regulate how gambling products are accessed through electronic communications networks.
Malatsi disclosed this while responding to parliamentary questions from Rise Mzansi MP Makashule Gana, who sought clarity on the government’s plans to address gambling conducted through mobile platforms.
The minister said existing gambling activities are governed by the National Gambling Act of 2004 and relevant provincial laws, but noted that the use of mobile networks to purchase gambling vouchers does not automatically bring the underlying gambling service under ICASA’s regulatory authority.
However, he said the government had a responsibility to protect vulnerable South Africans, particularly low-income households, from the consequences of excessive and irresponsible gambling.
Malatsi said he would therefore consult ICASA on measures that could be introduced within its mandate where electronic communications networks are being used to facilitate access to gambling products.
He added that the discussions would examine whether existing consumer-protection measures are sufficient or whether additional safeguards are needed.
The move comes amid renewed efforts by the South African government to address the country’s expanding online gambling industry, despite the National Gambling Board maintaining that most forms of interactive online gambling remain illegal.
In June 2026, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said the National Gambling Policy Council had agreed to fast-track a new bill to address online gambling.
Tau said a Gambling Technical Committee had also been established to review existing gambling laws and ensure greater consistency between national and provincial gambling regulations.
The committee is expected to address gaps in the National Gambling Act and provincial legislation, as well as issues surrounding enforcement and the broader gambling policy framework.
Tau said the review of the National Gambling Act began in October 2025 and would produce a policy document to guide the drafting of the proposed legislation.
The bill is expected to be presented to Cabinet in late 2026.
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Gambling advertising is also being targeted as part of the planned reforms.
Tau said the National Gambling Board had been monitoring gambling advertisements across print, broadcast, outdoor and digital platforms while working with provincial licensing authorities to tackle violations.
Under the proposed measures, gambling advertisements would not be allowed to target or be placed in environments where most of the audience is below 18 years of age.
The government also wants gambling adverts to carry responsible gambling warnings and clearly highlight the risk of addiction.
According to the National Gambling Board, online sports betting through licensed bookmakers is currently the only form of online gambling permitted in South Africa.
The board cites Section 11 of the National Gambling Act, which prohibits interactive gambling unless it is authorised under the law.
Several major betting companies, including Hollywoodbets, Betway, SportingBet, Sunbet and SuperSportBet, have maintained that they do not provide prohibited interactive gambling.
The operators have argued that customers are betting on game outcomes, allowing online casino-style offerings to be presented as betting contingencies.
However, the legality of such offerings remains a contentious issue, with some operators having acknowledged through their advertising that their platforms provide forms of interactive online gambling.
The planned legislative and regulatory changes could therefore have significant implications for how South Africans access gambling products through mobile networks, as well as how betting companies advertise their services.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
