National Gambling Board calls on South Africans to report gambling advertisements that break the law

The National Gambling Board (NGB) has issued a clarion call to South Africans, urging them to report any gambling advertisements that violate the law, warning that misleading and illegal promotions are on the rise.

This comes amid growing concern over the country’s gambling levels. According to the NGB, gross gambling revenue has risen from R59 billion to R75 billion, while participation has doubled, with 65.7% of adults now taking part in gambling since 2017. Gambling now contributes 0.83% to South Africa’s GDP.

The NGB said many non-compliant ads are being shared online, particularly by social media influencers, and they often target minors or mislead the public.

"The NGB has observed the increasing prevalence of gambling-related advertising that contravenes the National Gambling Act, 2004 (Act 7 of 2004) and the National Gambling Regulations, 2004.

"The NGB further notes that these contraventions increasingly occur through gambling content shared by influencers or through digital channels without the required regulatory approvals. Any advertisement of a gambling activity or licensed premises at which gambling activities are available must include a statement warning against the dangers of addictive and compulsive gambling".

Acting CEO Lungile Dukwana urged the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious or misleading gambling advertisements

“Gambling advertising or the promotion of any gambling activity in contravention of the National Gambling Act contributes to increased gambling-related harm and exposes consumers to illegal operators who are not subject to regulatory oversight”, Dukwana said.

The NGB highlighted examples of non-compliant advertising, including promotions that:

• Mislead the public or provide false information;
• Promote gambling activities that are unlawful under the National Gambling Act or provincial laws;
• Target or attract minors;
• Advertise gambling as free or at a discounted rate as an inducement, contrary to the National Gambling Act.

How to report illegal or non-compliant advertising

Members of the public can report suspected illegal or non-compliant gambling advertising through the following channels:

• Email: advertisingcompliance@ngb.org.za

When reporting, the public is encouraged to provide:

• A screenshot or copy of the advertisement (if available);

• The platform or location where the advertisement appeared;

• The date and time it was observed;

• Any additional information that may assist in the investigation.

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