South African Bookmakers Push for Illegal Gambling Crackdown
The South African Bookmakers Association demands urgent action to address illegal online gambling, representing approximately 62% of the country’s gambling market. The sector is valued at around $3 billion according to recent data. Over 16 million South Africans use unlicensed and mostly foreign-based gambling websites operating outside local regulations and consumer protection laws.
Technology Solutions Target Access Prevention
SABA collaborates with government departments to create targeted interventions against illegal platforms. The association works with the Department of Social Development and Department of Higher Education to utilize existing beneficiary databases. The goal involves automatically preventing social grant and NSFAS recipients from accessing online gambling sites.
SABA pushes for technology-based enforcement tools including DNS blocking and geo-fencing successfully used in the United Kingdom. These methods restrict access to illegal gambling sites based on user location. The association partnered with the South African Banking Risk Information Centre to explore strategies for blocking transactions between local gamblers and foreign operators.
Regulatory Coordination Faces Challenges
SABA criticized the National Gambling Board for slow response to implementing digital enforcement measures. The association’s chairperson, Coleman, stated failure to coordinate digital enforcement efforts undermines the fight against illegal gambling. Despite offering assistance developing digital enforcement strategies, SABA reports the NGB rejected its proposals.
The association seeks alternative solutions in collaboration with other sectors. Coleman emphasized banks are often used for unlawful transactions, highlighting the need for cooperation among regulators, financial institutions and technology partners. Illegal platforms threaten legitimate businesses while placing vulnerable citizens including grant recipients at financial and social risk.
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