Regulatory Authority Addresses Digital Platform Violations
The National Gambling Board (NGB) of South Africa has issued a public warning regarding gambling advertising that contravenes the National Gambling Act, 2004, and its regulations. The regulator reports observing increased violations across digital platforms and influencer-driven content.
The NGB, tasked with protecting participants in licensed gambling activities, identified misleading and unlawful promotions as areas of concern requiring immediate attention.
Section 15 of the National Gambling Act establishes specific prohibitions on gambling advertising, forbidding content that misleads the public, promotes unlawful activities, targets minors, or presents gambling as free or discounted to induce participation. The regulator notes these violations are increasingly visible in online environments where content circulates without required regulatory approvals.
Industry Impact and Consumer Protection
Lungile Dukwana, acting chief executive officer of the NGB, addressed the implications of non-compliant advertising 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.”
The regulator reminded operators and advertisers that all gambling promotions must include warnings about addictive and compulsive gambling. These warnings must display the name, toll-free number, and slogan of the National Responsible Gambling Programme, along with clear age restrictions stating that only persons aged 18 and older may participate.
Advertising Content Requirements
The regulations establish additional content restrictions. Prohibited elements include lewd or indecent language, depictions of excessive play, or suggestions that gambling guarantees personal, financial, or social success. Advertisements cannot imply that winning is probable, that gambling fulfills dreams, or that extended play increases winning chances. No gambling content may depict or appear to depict persons under 18 years of age.
Public Reporting System
Dukwana emphasized the role of public vigilance in regulatory enforcement.
“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.”
The NGB accepts reports of suspected illegal or non-compliant advertising via email at advertisingcompliance@ngb.org.za. The regulator requests detailed information including screenshots, the platform or location of the advertisement, and the date and time of observation. All reports undergo assessment by the NGB and are referred to provincial licensing authorities when appropriate.
The regulator maintains its commitment to responsible gambling and industry compliance with national laws. Through advertising standards enforcement, the NGB aims to protect minors, promote responsible gambling practices, and prevent unlawful operations.
Additional information on responsible gambling and regulatory requirements is available at http://www.ngb.org.za.
Source: National Gambling Board
