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The National Gambling Board has raised alarm over the growing number of gambling adverts that appear to break the country’s laws.
In a Monday (Dec 1) notice, the regulator pointed to promotions that do not align with the National Gambling Act of 2004 and its accompanying regulations. The concern is not only about the adverts themselves but also about the wider impact of operators bypassing the legal framework meant to govern the industry.
At its October meeting, the National Gambling Policy Council directed the Board to work closely with Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLA) to crack down on these practices. The Board said in its latest release that it is again reminding provincial regulators to carry the responsibility of ensuring licensees in their regions follow the rules.
Gambling ads must include responsible gambling message
South Africa’s gambling law makes it clear that advertising in this sector cannot mislead the public, target minors, or operate outside the boundaries of legality.
Section 15 of the National Gambling Act requires that every advert connected to gambling, whether it promotes machines, activities, or premises, must carry responsible gambling message in the format allowed by the law.
The section also bans adverts that try to entice people by offering gambling as “free” or “discounted,” “guarantees success,” or that encourage individuals to remove themselves from the register of excluded persons.
Placement of adverts is restricted as well, with outdoor displays near schools, youth centres, and university campuses prohibited to protect minors. Operators are also mandated to make sure that responsible gambling warnings appear across all advertising formats, including tv, SMS, radio, email, video, print, and billboards.
NGB outlines actions for PLAs to follow
Provincial regulators have been directed to step up enforcement by carrying out full compliance checks on gambling promotions, from billboards to television, radio, and social media, ensuring they meet the standards set out in the NGA.
Where adverts are found to be misleading or in breach of the law, regulators must order their removal without delay. This includes promos from operators who are not licensed in the province, as well as campaigns run by influencers or brand ambassadors.
The Board also stressed that any advertising linked to licensed operators must carry responsible gambling messages and avoid practices that mislead consumers.
PLAs now required to submit reports
The NGB has made it clear that provincial regulators must now provide regular reports on how they are fighting unlawful gambling advertising.
Along with enforcement measures such as fines, license conditions, or even suspensions, the Board itself will continue to monitor adverts across different media and alert provinces when violations are found.
To keep oversight consistent around the country, each PLA will be given a reporting template and expected to submit detailed accounts of their actions. These reports must cover adverts that were removed, including billboard and influencer promotions, the number and type of violations identified, penalties imposed, and steps taken to ensure compliance in the future.
The Board has set strict timelines for these submissions. Provinces are required to send in their first report within 30 days of receiving the template, and then continue filing updates every quarter.
