The National Gambling Board (NGB) of South Africa has issued a formal media response to clarify the functionality and purpose of its Verified Gambling Operators Web Portal.
The centralized platform was established to assist the public in identifying legitimate, licensed gambling premises and digital operators across the nation’s nine provinces.
A Tool for Consumer Protection
Compiled from data provided by the various Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLAs), the portal serves as a defense against the rise of illegal offshore gambling.
Acting CEO Mr. Lungile Dukwana was emphatic about the platform’s role in public safety:
“Members of the public are encouraged to continue verifying gambling operators through the platform and to report any suspicious or potentially illegal gambling activities to the NGB or the relevant Provincial Licensing Authority. The platform is not intended to promote gambling, but rather to protect consumers from unlicensed and unlawful gambling operations by improving access to regulatory information.”
Clarifying the “CLOSED” Status and Online Inclusion
The NGB addressed specific confusion regarding sites listed as “CLOSED,” particularly within the Limited Payout Machine (LPM) sector. Officials explained that a “CLOSED” status often results from temporary business shutdowns, renovations, or fee disputes, rather than illegal activity. Assumptions that such labels indicate regulatory failure are, according to the Board, entirely unfounded.
Furthermore, the NGB corrected claims that the register excludes online entities. While the South Africa Remote Gambling Bill B11‑2024 remains pending, the current register already includes licensed bookmakers authorized to provide online sports betting under the National Gambling Act of 2004.
The NGB reiterated that regulation is based on existing statutes, not pending legislation. By maintaining this transparent database, the National Gambling Board aims to strengthen the integrity of the South African gambling market and ensure that both the public and the economy are protected from the risks associated with unlawful betting operations.
