National Gambling Board warns against misleading gambling advertising

The National Gambling Board (NGB) has raised an alarm over the growing prevalence of gambling-related advertising that contravenes the National Gambling Act, 2004, and its accompanying regulations.

As the regulator mandated to protect members of the public who participate in licensed gambling activities, the NGB says it has observed a surge in misleading and unlawful promotions, particularly across digital platforms and influencer-driven content.

According to the NGB, Section 15 of the National Gambling Act sets out strict prohibitions on gambling advertising. It forbids any form of advertising that misleads the public, promotes unlawful gambling activities, targets minors, or presents gambling as free or discounted in a way that induces participation. Yet, NGB says, these contraventions are increasingly visible in online spaces where content is shared without the required regulatory approvals.

Acting chief executive officer of the NGB, Lungile Dukwana, emphasised the risks posed by such practices. “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,” he says.

The regulator has reminded operators and advertisers that all gambling promotions must carry warnings against the dangers of addictive and compulsive gambling.

"These warnings must also include the name, toll-free number, and slogan of the National Responsible Gambling Programme, and make clear that only persons aged 18 and older may lawfully participate," it says.

The regulations go further, prohibiting advertising that contains lewd or indecent language, portrays excessive play, or suggests that gambling guarantees personal, financial, or social success. Advertisements must not imply that winning is the probable outcome, that gambling can make dreams a reality, or that longer play increases chances of winning. Crucially, no gambling content may depict or appear to depict persons under the age of 18.

Dukwana stressed that public vigilance is essential in curbing harmful advertising. “The National Gambling Board urges the public to support national compliance efforts by identifying and reporting suspicious, harmful, or misleading gambling advertisements and promotions. Public vigilance is essential in assisting gambling regulators to identify and remove non-compliant gambling advertisements and promotions. This will ensure that the principles of fairness, integrity, regulatory certainty, and consumer protection are upheld in the gambling industry,” he said.

Reports of suspected illegal or non-compliant advertising can be submitted directly to the NGB via email at advertisingcompliance@ngb.org.za. Members of the public are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible, including screenshots, the platform or location where the advertisement appeared, and the date and time it was observed. All reports will be assessed by the NGB and, where appropriate, referred to provincial licensing authorities for further action.

The NGB reiterated its commitment to responsible gambling and to ensuring that the industry operates fairly, transparently, and in accordance with national laws. By enforcing strict standards for advertising, the regulator aims to protect minors, promote responsible gambling, and prevent unlawful practices.

For more information on responsible gambling and regulatory requirements, the public can visit the NGB’s official website at www.ngb.org.za.

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